Rejected By the Alpha

Chapter 1: The Unseen Bond The moon was low in the sky, casting an unnatural glow over the woods that surrounds the Crescent Howl pack. Aria stood at the edge of the forest, her heart racing with the cool breeze that is messing up her dark hair. Tonight, everything would change-she could feel it in her bones. There had been rumors for weeks now, the whispered idea of something happening within the packs. Alliances forming, others breaking. But none of that mattered to her. She was only a wolf from one of the low-ranking packs, usually unseen by all, a shadow among giants. At least, that was what she had always told herself. As she neared the holy ground where the pack would meet for the full moon ceremony, this gnawing feeling began to grow in the pit of her stomach. She wasn't supposed to be nervous, as she had been to these many times before. But there was something about this one that felt different. Something hovered in the air beyond the anticipation of the pack, their transformation into the moonlight. The moment Aria stepped into the clearing, the buzz died down. Hundreds of eyes turned towards her, their eyes widening into shock and unbelief. Her breath caught as she felt the ripple of confusion go through the crowd. She looked at those around her with bewildered eyes. Why was everyone staring at her? From amongst the multitude, Alpha Kieran's cold eyes seemed to pierce through her very being. He stood tall and proud, an imposing muscular frame that oozed power and authority. The very air seemed to bend under his dominance. Stories about him were always present, telling of a merciless ruler who cared for nothing but power and control. Aria had never known him personally, nor had she ever wished to. But now, as she stood under his gaze, she realized one thing in terror: this was no chance happening. "Step forward," Kieran's voice ordered, running a chill down her spine. Her legs were lead as she waded through the sea of people, her eyes never leaving his. He was everything she had heard about and more-handsome in a way that seemed dangerous, with sharp features that gave away nothing but arrogance. The pack leader had her life in his hands, and Aria knew whatever happened next would define her life forever. "Aria of the Silver Fang pack," Kieran said, his voice loud enough for all to hear. "You are my fated mate." A gasp filtered among the pack as a whole. Aria's heart stopped. No… This could not be happening. How could the Moon Goddess have chosen her, a humble wolf hailing from a lower-ranking pack, to be mated to him? Impossible. Her heartbeat quickened, and her hands started to shake. For the briefest moment, her heart dared hope. Could it be true? She could be the mate of the Alpha? But that broke with his next words. "I reject you." The world seemed to tip on its axis. Aria's chest constricted, her vision blurring as the pack blew up in whispers. She felt their eyes on her, some pitiful, others jeering. Kieran's face never wavered as he went on, "You are weak, below me, and unfit for my bond." His voice was flat, empty of feeling, like ice. "I need a Luna who can stand beside me, not pull me down. Aria froze, her mind reeling. This couldn't be happening. She felt herself drowning-the weight of his words pulling her under-rejected in front of everyone. Something in her snapped, and the rejection burned through her soul. The world around her faded and dimmed, replaced with the raging pain tearing through her veins. She hunched backward, her chest clutched as if the earth beneath her feet heaved. Yet, it wasn't just pain she was feeling-it was power. A raw, untamed power surged through her like wildfire. Kieran's eyes slitted, the storm breaking across his face as the air around Aria began to vibrate with power. The pack retreated, their instincts catching the alteration in her aura. With that, wordless, Aria turned and ran into the darkness, out of the only life she had ever known. She didn't look back. She couldn't. What Kieran had done was unpardonable. He had disavowed her. He had shamed her. But in that, he had also unleashed something within her, which would forever change the course their world was to take.