REJECTED BY MY MATE, CLAIMED BY HIS SWORN ENEMY

I couldn’t stop smiling. Today was the day I had waited for, dreamed of, and counted down for years—our anniversary. Seven years by Kaelen’s side, and finally, I would be claimed as his Luna. Together, we would rule the pack, just like I had always imagined. I twirled in my room as Samira fussed over the final touches. Do you think he will like this? I asked Samira, holding up a silver sash. “Of course!”. You want to make him happy, right? Then you have to give him something he’ll love.” I laughed softly and twirled again. “What do you think is the best gift someone can give to make their mate truly happy?” Samira tilted her head, thinking. “Wear his favorite color! That always works. Then you can give him something else, something personal. That way, he’ll remember today forever.” Her advice made me smile. I nodded, “Perfect. That’s exactly what I’ll do.” I felt a rush of excitement and nervous energy. Today isn’t just another day—it was the day I would finally be recognized, officially, as Kaelen’s Luna. I had been by his side for a long time, loyal and devoted, always believing our bond was unbreakable. For years, I had followed him, supported him, loved him without hesitation, and now, it would all finally pay off. Samira bounced closer, her eyes sparkling. “Are you nervous?” “A little,” I admitted. “I want everything to be perfect. It has to be.” “It will,” she said, puffing out her chest in confidence. “Kaelen is going to love everything you’ve done. I can feel it.” I smiled at her enthusiasm. “I hope you’re right. I've planned every detail, Samira. Every single one and I can't bear to watch it ruined". She tilted her head, her playful smile appearing. “Tell me, have you thought about what you’ll say to him?” I froze for a moment, my heart racing. “Say?” “Yeah,” she said. “Words are important. Gifts are one thing, but what you say—what comes from your heart—will matter more than anything else today.” I bit my lip, thinking. “I want to tell him everything. How much he means to me, how I’ve waited for this day, how I’m ready to be by his side forever.” Samira’s grin widened. “Good. You have to make him feel it. Show him he’s worth your time and everything.” I nodded, my chest tightening with anticipation. “I’ll do that. I have to.” For a moment, I let my mind drift back over the past years we had spent together. I remembered the first time I realized he wasn’t like other Alphas. He didn’t just command respect—he earned it. He listens, even if not interested, and he cares, even in small, fleeting ways. And I had been there through everything. Every battle and every difficult decision. I had never once faltered in my loyalty. I had never doubted that one day, he would see me not just as his mate in title, but officially and publicly as his beloved Luna. Samira poked me in the side. “Hey, earth to Aria! You’re going to melt into a puddle of nerves if you don’t focus.” I laughed, shaking my head. “I’m fine. Just… thinking, that’s all.” She smirked. “Thinking is good, but don’t overthink. Kaelen isn’t going to bite—at least not literally.” I rolled my eyes at her joke, but the smile she gave me made me feel lighter. Maybe she is right. Maybe today would be perfect. And yet… a thought crept in, nagging at the edges of my mind. For the past few months, Kaelen’s attitude had changed. Slightly, at first, but now I couldn’t ignore it. He was distant, cold at times. Each time I tried to talk to him about it, he found a way to divert the conversation. He would laugh, brush me off, or suddenly speak about something else entirely. I had tried to ignore it, told myself I was imagining things, but now the feeling gnawed at me. I could see it in his eyes when he looked at me. Not the warm, steady gaze I had grown to depend on. Not the gaze of the man I thought I knew. There was hesitation, distance, something unspoken that made my chest ache. I shook my head, trying to dismiss the worry. Today isn’t about that, today is about us, my moment. Samira noticed my expression. “You look… worried,” she said softly. “I’m not,” I said quickly. “Just… thinking.” She didn’t look convinced. “Aria, if something’s wrong, you should tell him. Don’t wait. You’re going to get swallowed in thoughts if you don’t speak your mind.” I nodded, grateful for her advice, but a part of me hesitated. Was it right to confront him now, on what was supposed to be a joyful day? Or should I wait until after the ceremony, when the crowd wouldn't be around, when it was just the two of us? The thought made my stomach tighten. Yes. That was it. I would wait until after the ceremony, and I would speak to him then, directly, without distraction or interruption. I deserved honesty. I deserved to know the truth. I smoothed the sash over my shoulder, trying to focus on the anticipation rather than the worry. My heart was racing, and every nerve in my body was alive with both excitement and fear. Samira stepped back and surveyed me, her eyes bright. “You’re going to be stunning. He won’t even notice anything else in the hall except you.” I smiled, feeling a spark of confidence. “Thank you, Samira. That means a lot.” We shared a quiet moment, and I let myself breathe, letting the excitement and nervous energy mingle. This is my day. Years of devotion, love, and loyalty would culminate here. Nothing would ruin this—nothing could ever. And yet, despite the warmth in my chest, the thought lingered, sharp and insistent: Kaelen had changed. Something had shifted between us, and I would not ignore it. After the ceremony, I would confront him, no matter what.