The Mafia Lycan's Rejected Mate

The Blackwood Pack had never looked more beautiful. Silver ribbons fluttered from ancient oak trees. Hundreds of crystal lanterns hung from sturdy branches, bathing the village in a soft glow that rivaled the full moon overhead. Laughter drifted through the air as wolves prepared for the annual Moon Blessing Festival, the most sacred night of the year. It was the night fate revealed true mates. For most wolves, it was a celebration. For Selena Ashwood... ...it was the beginning of the end. "You've been staring at that dress for ten minutes." A warm voice pulled Selena from her thoughts. She turned to find Martha, the elderly seamstress who had helped raise half the pups in Blackwood Pack. Despite the wrinkles lining her face, her amber eyes still sparkled with kindness. "It's beautiful," Martha said, smoothing the sleeve of Selena's ivory dress. "You look just like your mother did." The mention of her mother softened Selena's smile. "I hope that's a good thing." "It is." Martha cupped her cheek gently. "Your mother always said true beauty isn't found in a Luna's crown. It's found in the heart that carries it." Selena lowered her gaze. "I don't know if I'll ever wear one." Martha frowned. "You still doubt yourself?" Selena let out a quiet laugh. "Have you met the elders?" That earned a chuckle. The elders had never hidden their opinions. Selena wasn't weak. She trained harder than most warriors, treated every pack member with respect, and spent her mornings tending to injured wolves before beginning her own duties. But she wasn't born into power. She wasn't the daughter of an Alpha. She wasn't loud. She didn't command attention when she entered a room. To many elders, kindness looked too much like weakness. "Let them gossip," Martha said firmly. "A Luna isn't chosen by old wolves." "No." Selena looked toward the moon climbing higher above the trees. "She's chosen by the Moon Goddess." Her wolf stirred quietly inside her, filling her with warmth. Tonight. Everything would change tonight. A sharp knock echoed against the cottage door. Before Selena could answer, it swung open. Isabella Blackwood stepped inside without waiting for permission. She looked stunning in a crimson gown embroidered with silver thread. Her long black hair fell over one shoulder, and confidence radiated from every graceful step she took. She smiled. It never reached her eyes. "There you are, cousin." Selena returned the smile politely. "Is something wrong?" "I came to wish you luck." Her voice was sweet enough to fool anyone. "I hear Alpha Adrian will be making an important announcement tonight." Martha quietly busied herself folding fabric, though Selena noticed the older woman watching Isabella from the corner of her eye. "I've heard the same," Selena replied. Isabella slowly circled her. "You really believe you'll become Luna, don't you?" Selena hesitated. "I don't know what fate has planned." "Oh..." Isabella laughed softly. "I think I do." Before Selena could ask what she meant, Isabella leaned closer. "Just remember..." Her perfume carried the scent of night jasmine. "Not every dream survives the moon." She turned and walked out as elegantly as she had entered. The cottage fell silent. "What was that about?" Selena asked. Martha's expression hardened. "I don't trust that girl." Selena sighed. "She's family." "Sometimes," Martha murmured, "family leaves the deepest scars." --- The ceremonial grounds were overflowing by sunset. Warriors stood in polished armor. Children chased one another between lantern-lit paths. Music echoed across the clearing while elders took their places around the sacred Moon Stone. Selena searched the crowd until familiar golden eyes met hers. Adrian. Her heart skipped. He stood beside the elders wearing ceremonial black robes trimmed in silver. Tall and broad-shouldered, he carried the quiet confidence expected of Blackwood's future Alpha. When their eyes met... He didn't smile. A strange unease settled over her. For weeks, Adrian had become distant. Their conversations had grown shorter. Whenever she asked if something was wrong, he always answered the same way. "I'm handling pack matters." She wanted to believe him. Tonight, she would finally have her answer. The drums stopped. Silence swept across the gathering. Elder Rowan stepped forward. "Wolves of Blackwood!" His weathered voice echoed through the clearing. "Tonight we celebrate the Moon Goddess and welcome the future Luna of our pack." Applause erupted. Selena's pulse quickened. Her wolf stirred again. Closer... Closer... The bond tugged at her soul. Then it happened. The world seemed to disappear. A golden thread wrapped around her heart. Warm. Ancient. Unbreakable. Her breath caught. Mate... The whisper echoed through every part of her being. Her eyes locked with Adrian's. He felt it too. She saw it. For the briefest moment... Pain flashed across his face. Not joy. Pain. Before Selena could understand why... Adrian stepped onto the Moon Stone. His voice rang across the silent crowd. "Tonight..." He paused. "I will choose the woman who will stand beside me as Luna." Selena smiled despite the strange knot tightening inside her stomach. She trusted fate. She trusted him. She had no idea... ...that before the moon reached its highest point, both would betray her.