"W-what?!" I stuttered, my voice quivering with tears, trying hard not to cry. It was a challenge, especially with every eye in the expansive, exquisitely designed ballroom witnessing my humiliation and pain. Today was the Bloom ceremony, the day when young, single werewolves gather to have fun, interact with new people, and, most importantly, discover the Moon Goddess's choice for them. I had eagerly anticipated this ceremony, and Mother had ensured I had a stunning dress for the occasion. I harbored hopes of attending this annual event held in the Alpha's manor.
With a sense of anticipation bubbling within me, I had no inkling of what those expectations might entail. The Moon Goddess, in her inexplicable wisdom, rendered me utterly speechless by bestowing not one, but two mates upon me. However, the joy that initially flooded my being dissipated in a mere heartbeat, revealing that my mates harbored no desire for me.
"Are you deaf?!" sneered one of them, the Alpha of the White River pack, known far and wide for his arrogance and ruthlessness. His best friend and Beta, my second mate, stood staunchly by his side.
“We reject you!” The heated expression etched on Beta Raudan's face threatened to engulf me. A profound silence descended upon the ball, a palpable hush that enveloped everyone present as they observed and absorbed the unfolding drama. My knees, unsteady beneath the weight of the moment, fought against the impulse to crumple to the floor, while every ounce of my willpower battled to suppress the welling tears.
“Who wants a scaly mate with strange eyes and hair?” spat Alpha Colyn in visceral disgust, his words a venomous echo across the hall. The enormity of the situation crashed down upon me like a tidal wave. No, this couldn't be my reality. I was acutely aware of my differences – the peculiarities of my hair, eyes, and the scales at the nape of my neck. Yet, I hadn't chosen this; I merely yearned for acceptance and the simple embrace of love.
"B-but… I-I'm not a bad p-person," I stammered, my voice quivering, and the first tear escaped, making its silent journey down my cheek. Despite my trepidation, I took unsure steps forward, determined to defend myself.
"One more step, and I'll have you live the rest of your days in the dungeon, weird eyes," Alpha Colyn growled, his threatening tone sending shivers down my spine. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, and I hesitated, caught between fear and defiance.
Laughter, subtle and cruel, surrounded me. It wasn't a loud, raucous laughter, but I heard it nonetheless. They were relishing the humiliation I was being subjected to, and it only intensified my inner turmoil.
"Guards!" the Beta called, his voice carrying authority. "Take this scaly girl out of here."
More laughter erupted, a chorus of mockery that seemed to follow me as two guards swiftly seized me. Their rough handling propelled me out of the ballroom and unceremoniously pushed me beyond the threshold of the Alpha's manor. A sharp stone on the ground scraped against my left elbow, drawing a bit of blood. It stung, but the physical pain was a mere echo compared to the profound hurt in my heart.
Sobs, unrestrained and echoing in the air, broke free as I ran. I didn't stop, even when my solitary cottage, standing apart from others in the pack as they insisted, came into view. The sprint continued, fueled by a desperate need to escape the torment.
"Mother," I cried as I burst into the cottage.
"What's wrong, Desina?" My mother, seated in the living room with a patchwork in hand, quickly set aside her work and rushed to embrace me. The comfort of her arms was a solace amid the storm of emotions raging within me.
"I-I-I…" I choked on my sobs, finding it impossible to form coherent words as the pain and rejection engulfed me.
“I’m sorry, Desina. Hush now, my child,” she whispered, cradling me in her arms and guiding me to a sofa. We sat together, my head resting on her shoulders, inhaling the comforting maternal scent that surrounded her. Gradually, I began to calm.
“Will you tell me what’s wrong now? What happened at the ceremony?” she inquired gently, once my sobs had quieted down.
I sniffled and raised my head to meet her eyes. “They insulted me. Humiliated me,” I admitted, fighting back the fresh tears that threatened to spill. It was difficult not to cry again after the events of tonight.
She sighed. “You should not pay mind to them.” Her fingers tenderly brushed my long, translucent blue hair away from my face. “You are beautiful in your own way, and when your mate sees you, he won’t be able to resist you.” Her encouraging smile aimed to lift my spirits.
If only that were true, if only mother's words held the magic to make my mates unable to resist me. "I have seen them," I reluctantly confessed. I didn't want to discuss them, but mother needed to know.
She frowned. "Seen who?"
"My mates," I replied hesitantly. Opening up about them was not something I desired, but my mother needed to understand the depth of the situation.
“Mates? The Moon Goddess blessed you with two mates?” Her eyes sparkled with surprise and delight.
“More like cursed, mother.”
“What do you mean?” Her frown deepened as confusion clouded her expression.
I swiped at the tears that had betrayed me and fallen. “The Alpha and his Beta… oh, mother.” I placed my head on her laps, seeking comfort.
“I’m confused, Desina. Talk to me. Who are these mates? And what does the Alpha and his Beta have to do with anything?” Her patient patting on my back conveyed her confusion.
Lifting my head, I met her eyes. “Alpha Colyn and Beta Raudan are my mates.”
Her mouth dropped open in surprise. “Are you serious?”
I nodded. “I was shocked, but then I got happy. But it didn’t last because they rejected me.” Swallowing back tears, I felt weak and exhausted from crying.
Her face morphed into one of pity as she held me close. “I’m sorry, Desina.” Cupping my face, she used her thumb to wipe away my tears. “Let’s not think about anything now. Go freshen up and come down, okay?”
I nodded and was about to stand when a rough knock echoed on the door. Mother and I exchanged surprised glances. No one ever visited us—no one. Who could be at the door?
Mother stood and opened it. Two men stood there.
“The Alpha wants us to bring your daughter.”
Scared, I went to my mother and held onto her. Before she could respond, the men brushed past her and grabbed me. Clinging to my mother’s cloth, I cried, “Mother, please don’t let them take me. The Alpha wants to hurt me.”
Mother tried, but she couldn't withstand the strength of the two men. They pulled me away, leaving my pleas echoing in the air.