The Alpha's Unwanted Mate

The full moon hung high above Moonlit Pack, casting silver light on the gathering crowd. Tonight was the mate selection ceremony. Every unmated wolf of age stood in the center, waiting for the Moon Goddess to reveal their fated mate. Aria Moore’s heart pounded as she stepped forward. An omega, born weak and unwanted. Her hands trembled. She prayed silently. Please let it be someone kind. Anyone but— Her prayer died when Damien Blackwood walked out. Alpha King. Cold. Ruthless. The most feared wolf in the pack. His golden eyes scanned the crowd, then locked on her. The bond snapped into place. A silver thread of light connected their chests. Gasps echoed. Fated mates. Impossible. Damien’s face twisted in disgust. He dropped to one knee before the entire pack. Not to claim her. To reject her. “I, Damien Blackwood, Alpha King of Moonlit Pack, reject you, Aria Moore, as my mate and Luna,” his voice cut through the silence like a blade. Pain exploded in Aria’s chest. The bond shattered. She fell to her knees, tears burning her eyes as the crowd whispered and pointed. Unwanted. Again. Damien turned away without another word, his cloak swirling behind him. But as he walked, his fists clenched. A dark curse burned under his skin. And deep inside, regret he would never show. Aria lay on the cold ground, broken. She didn’t know it yet… but rejection was just the beginning of her curse.