Reincarnated mate
1152 Words
The Rite of the New Moon usually took place in the Ember Forest. It was a vast, ancient forest forever shrouded in mist, where towering trees once hid the secrets of the ancient Wolfpack.
The largest moonlit clearing was where the wedding was going to take place.
Thousands of wolves were in attendance, including those who would be officially mated before the Moon Goddess.
Micah clenched and unclenched her fists in fright as she stepped down from the car, her bridesmaid holding the overflow of her gown.
A thousand pairs of eyes were going to look at her, berate her, judge her.
Mock her.
“You’re just another one of the many women the Alpha will marry,” the Alpha's favorite wife had scorned her that morning, as Micah admired her gown in the mirror. “So don't think you're special. We all got the same treatment.”
“I don't even want to be special. I just want to be happy,” Micah had replied, an edge of annoyance in her voice. “Today is my wedding day, for goodness’ sake!”
Lady Selene, the Alpha's favorite wife, had been on her neck since the first day she stepped into the mansion.
She cackled delightfully. “Well, I’ll let you live in your delusions. But this day marks the last time you speak to me in that tone.” She advanced menacingly toward her.
“You might have gotten a wedding, but you were sold to be here. You'll be nothing but my slave. You know Sarah, the one who washes my feet? She got a wedding too. That’ll be you soon—working for me, washing my feet.”
Her words were like a knife to the gut, and tears sprang into Micah’s eyes. Lady Selene saw it, and a wicked smile danced on her lips.
“Good. That’s exactly how you should feel.” She tapped Micah’s face twice. “The Alpha doesn't care about you, and he never will.”
She gave a malevolent chuckle. “I mean, look around you. Where is the man you’re getting married to?”
The Beta had walked in then. “Lady Selene, that’s enough. Lady Micah, it is time to go.”
Selene scoffed when he called her "Lady Micah."
Micah turned to him, her made-up face blotched with tears. “Where is the Alpha? I haven’t seen him since I came here.”
“He’s a busy king, Micah—”
“Will he even attend the wedding?” Selene taunted.
Lachlan ignored her.
“A night ago, he met his reincarnated mate. He’s been searching the nearest packs, looking for her.”
“What do you mean?” Selene blurted out, shock written all over her face.
Micah’s heart fell. She had a small inkling of hope that maybe the Alpha would be her second-chance mate.
Then maybe—just maybe—he would love her. Want her.
She’d never been wanted.
Never been loved.
Never belonged.
Now here she was. In a joke of a wedding to a man who would never care for her.
She held tighter onto the Beta as he led her toward the throng of people.
A figure popped in front of her. It was Carter.
“Keep going,” she told the Beta.
“Micah, wait. Please, listen to me. They put me under a spell.”
She stopped walking.
“It was in the drinks. She said it was a mating gift. Lilah manipulated me.”
“It changes nothing,” she said coldly.
His silver eyes pierced through her. “I still love you.”
“You rejected me, Carter. There's no going back from that.”
She was suddenly in front of the people. She could see her father. Her mother. Her sister, triumphantly holding onto Carter.
Some of the mating rites were yet to be completed.
As an elder pronounced Carter and Lena mated, she felt a pang in her chest.
Apparently, she hadn't moved on. Then as quickly as it had started, the chatter subsided.
Conversations ceased.
Breathing slowed.
The air thickened with anticipation.
The silence was heavy with reverence.
His aura—it felt familiar.
CASPIAN
“She’s here,” Caesar whispered as Alpha Caspian stepped down from the car.
The sweet smell hit his nostrils—a mix of cedar and citrus. Twelve long, suffering hours looking for her, and she was here, right under his nose.
He walked gallantly into the hall.
Every head was bowed, including hers. A pin-drop silence filled the air.
The sweet smell seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere.
His bride was up ahead, a translucent veil covering her face. He took powerful strides toward her.
“Mine,” Caesar claimed.
…It gets worse. I'm getting married to a man I hate. A wicked, evil man…
“Her wolf hasn't claimed you yet, has it, Caesar?”
“The mate bond hasn't been sealed.”
He raised her veil. And as their eyes met, electricity skittered down his spine.
MICAH
He stood in front of her, his face cold and unreadable, and Micah fought the urge to run. As his gaze lingered on her face, she felt something strange shift within her.
Then, in a low, barely audible breath, he murmured, “Seraphina.”
Before she could ask or react, he placed his lips on hers.
Something snapped inside her at that moment. And suddenly—she was somewhere else.
War cries filled the air. The scent of death hung all over the battlefield. A woman soaked in blood was cradled in Alpha Caspian's arms, his tears falling on her face.
Her face.
Micah gasped, stumbling back into reality and consequently pushing the Alpha away.
His eyes darkened. The crowd erupted in murmurs.
Micah’s breathing was ragged.
What did she just see?
Who was that woman?
Why did she have her face?
CASPIAN
His entire body tensed, resentment and frustration pumping through his veins.
“Why doesn’t she recognize me, Caesar, why does she look at me like I am a stranger?”
“It’s a long process Alpha, you should have known it wouldn't be easy.”
MICAH
He glanced at her once, his blue eyes revealing nothing, and Micah wilted under his glare.
She had pushed him away. A sold bride like her had pushed the Alpha away. It came with dire consequences.
Then, without another word, he turned his back on her and walked away from the altar without looking back.
That was when the whispers and laughter started.
“She’s just a pawn to him.”
“She doesn’t deserve him.”
“The Alpha won’t even look at her.”
As he reached the exit, he paused. Everyone went silent again.
Without turning around, he uttered a single command meant only for her.
“Do not look for me.”
And then, he was gone.
- Writer
