The Rejected Luna

_Avery's POV_ I took a deep breath and glanced around the small living room, filled with the people I cared about the most. Tonight was my eighteenth birthday and my parents had arranged a small celebration just for me. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as everyone cheered and clapped while I blew out the candles on my cake. My mom wrapped her arms around me in a hug. “Eighteen already,” she said with a smile. “I can’t believe how fast you’re growing up.” My dad chuckled, his eyes softening as he looked at me. “It feels like just yesterday you were running around the yard in those tiny pajamas.” I laughed, embarrassed but happy. “Come on, Dad. You are going to make me blush.” He ruffled my hair. “That’s my job. Besides, tonight is special. Have you thought about your wish yet?” I nodded, then paused, looking down shyly. “I… I wished that the Moon Goddess would give me a good mate. Someone who will love and protect me.” My mom’s eyes sparkled as she teased, “Oh, dreaming of your mate already?” I blushed, but before I could respond, my dad put his arm around my shoulders. “Any mate would be lucky to have you,” he said softly. “Just remember, Avery, you deserve someone who will treat you right.” “Thanks, Dad,” I said, touched by his words. I knew he and Mom only wanted the best for me. Just then, Alpha Elias and Luna Maria entered the room, bringing their calm, powerful presence with them. They were like second parents to me and I felt my heart swell with warmth as they approached. “Avery!” Luna Maria said with a bright smile, pulling me into a gentle hug. “Eighteen already! You’re becoming such a fine young woman.” Alpha Elias nodded, smiling warmly. “Happy birthday, Avery. Your parents must be so proud of you.” “Thank you, Alpha,” I said shyly. “And thank you for coming. It means a lot to me.” Luna Maria held my hand gently, looking at me with kindness. “Tonight is special for you. The day you meet your wolf is always unforgettable.” She gave me a reassuring look. “It might feel a little strange, but remember, you’re strong.” “Yes,” Alpha Elias added, “and your wolf will bring out the best in you, Avery. Listen to it, and trust yourself.” I nodded. I was grateful for their encouragement. “I’m excited, but I’m also nervous,” I admitted. Alpha Elias gave me a knowing smile. “That’s natural. But don’t worry; you have the support of your family and your pack. We are all here for you.” Luna Maria gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Your mate, when you meet him, will be the luckiest wolf to have you by his side.” My heart fluttered at her words. “Thank you, Luna Maria. I hope so,” I said, my cheeks warming with a soft blush. Just then, my best friend Kate bounced over, practically glowing with excitement. “Happy birthday, Avery! Open it!” She handed me a small gift, her eyes shining with eagerness. I smiled and unwrapped it carefully. Inside was a delicate bracelet with a little wolf charm on it. My heart melted. “Thank you, Kate! It’s beautiful.” She grinned. “I knew you would love it! My birthday is next month, and I am already nervous. I mean… our wolves come out when we turn eighteen, and I don’t know what to expect.” I squeezed her hand. “The first shift is scary, but you will be fine. I will be right there with you. And tonight, I will finally meet my wolf too. I can’t wait to shift and run freely.” We both laughed, caught up in the excitement of the night. Just then, I noticed him—Kaden, the Alpha’s son, dancing with Anna, his girlfriend. My heart sank a little. Kaden was tall, strong, and handsome, with an easy confidence that made him seem like he belonged to another world. They were the perfect couple—both from Alpha bloodlines, both strong, powerful… both out of my league. But then, Kaden looked over at me. Our eyes met for just a second, and my cheeks burned as he and Anna made their way toward me. Kaden reached out a hand to shake mine, and I could feel my hand tremble as I took it. He grinned, his blue eyes bright with amusement. “Happy birthday, Avery,” he said, handing me a large box. “Th-thank you, Kaden,” I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady. Anna handed me a smaller bag with a polite smile, wishing me a happy birthday as well. As they walked away, I turned to Kate with a sigh. “Anna is so lucky. Kaden is… well, he’s amazing. He’s handsome, strong, and he’s going to be Alpha soon. Men like him are way out of my league.” Kate laughed and nudged me. “Oh, please. Don’t sell yourself short. You’ll have a strong, handsome mate too, maybe even better than Kaden!” I just laughed, knowing that was impossible. Kaden was everything I had ever wanted, but he had already chosen Anna as his Luna. I was just a Gamma’s daughter. I would never be worthy of someone like him. “I am thirsty,” Kate said suddenly. “Can you grab us some juice?” “Sure,” I said, making my way to the table with drinks. As I poured two glasses, a peculiar smell hit me. It was warm, rich, and somehow… comforting. Like pine trees in the winter, mixed with a hint of smoke. I couldn’t describe it, but the scent pulled me in. I looked around, and that’s when I saw him—Kaden. He was standing just a few steps away, staring at me with wide, shocked eyes. It was like he was frozen, as if he had seen a ghost. I gave him a shy smile, ready to ask if he was alright. But then I heard it—a voice in my mind. “Mate.” My heart skipped a beat. I looked around wildly, hoping someone else would be there, anyone who could be my mate. But the voice in my mind came again, stronger this time. "Avery, Kaden is your mate." I froze. No, this couldn’t be right. Kaden couldn’t be my mate. I was just… me. He was the future Alpha, the one meant for someone as perfect as Anna. I was just a Gamma’s daughter. Kaden’s face changed, and his jaw tightened. He clenched his fists, his eyes darkening with anger or frustration—I couldn’t tell. But he didn’t look happy. He looked furious.