FATED TWICE

BLOODY KEEPERS PACK: The Mating Ceremony** Scarlett Flynn's POV Feeling a small spark of hope, I slip into my favorite red dress and gaze at myself in the golden-framed mirror. "Maybe tonight will finally go right for me." I offer a weak smile while stepping out of my room, silently praying that the Moon Goddess will change my fate this time, and bless me with my mate. Upon reaching the castle hall of the Bloody Keepers Pack, I pause, inhale deeply, and eventually step inside. Adorned with crimson silk drapes and glowing candlelight, the hall feels different tonight. With its soothing atmosphere and jubilant crowd, it promises to be an evening unlike any other. I sit quietly, fingers intertwined, my eyes darting across the room, taking in the pack members and other adults who, like me, hope to find their mate. Mr. Ares's booming voice snaps me back to reality. "Welcome, my beloved members of the Bloody Keepers Pack. Tonight's mating ceremony promises to be a memorable one. Without further delay, I ask the eligible participants to step to the left side of the hall. Ladies, form one line, and men, the other. We can now proceed." Shutting my eyes, I whisper to myself, "Dear Moon Goddess, leaving here once more without a mate would break me completely." Gathering my courage, I move to the designated line. The woman in front of me walks away slowly, exuding nothing but unhappiness, with her eyes glued to the ground; after several men pass her by. I swallow hard, clench my fists, and brace myself for the best while expecting the worst. Suddenly, my eyes fly open in shock as the word "Mate" echoes in my ears. I look up and freeze—standing beside me is my mate. Alpha Quinn, the short-haired, tanned-skinned leader of our pack. Staring at him, gratitude fills me. The Moon Goddess has answered my silent prayers. The murmuring crowd grows louder, but it all ceases when Alpha Quinn raises his hand. Thereafter, with his hands clasped behind him, he scrutinizes me from head to toe before locking eyes with mine. "What could a lowly Omega possibly be doing at Alpha Quinn's mating ceremony?" He speaks with displease evident in his voice and face. I tighten my hands together, struggling to hold back my emotions, and to shove my negative thoughts away. A guard approaches him and whispers something into his ear. As this unfolds, I turn and spot my father and brother in the crowd. I smile faintly, relieved to see their faces, whilst inwardly consoling myself. But then, Alpha Quinn's voice erupts, harsh and unyielding. "I don't care what you think you heard; or what I may have heard. One thing is certain—I can never be mated to someone like you!" I feel my heart shatter into pieces. Just when I think I might finally be whole, the ground is pulled from beneath me. Finding my voice, I reply weakly, "I never chose to be mated to you. Don't make it sound like it's my fault." His expression darkens, and the mood in the hall turns heavy. "Scarlett Flynn," he declares, his voice cold and unforgiving, "I, Alpha Quinn Ares, reject you as my mate and future Luna!" Tears threaten to spill as I fight to stay strong, despite the hurtful words. "I, Scarlett Flynn, accept your rejection gladly," I fire back, my voice trembling. Forcing a smile, I wipe my tears, trying to hold my composure. His icy glare pierces through me. "I never want to see you again," he barks. "Leave, and never return!" Dropping to my knees, I glare at him with anger and heartbreak. Slowly, I rise to my feet, glance at my father and brother one last time, and allow the guards to escort me out of the palace. At the pack's gate, the guards push me past the threshold and lock it behind me, with unpredictable expressions on their faces. "Go far away," they warn in unison. "It's the only way to save yourself." I wipe my tears as I walk into the woods, aimless and alone. With darkness surrounding me, I wish I had gone home mate-less rather than endure the public humiliation of rejection. Suddenly, my senses heighten, forcing me to stop. I glance over my shoulder, but the forest is empty. I keep walking, but an odd scent lingers in the air. Again, I stop and turn back. This time, four strange-looking wolves emerge from the shadows. One confidently steps forward, pushing his long hair back. "Come with us now, while we're still being nice." My heart pounds as I instinctively step backward. The others chime in, their voices ominous. "There's no need to run. It's just us and you out here." Frustrated, I shout, "I don't care if it's me against all of you or the whole world—I'll never give in!" The long-haired one smirks. "Feisty, aren't you? I hear the anger and bitterness in your voice. With us, you'll find only joy. That's a promise." I scoff, trying to appear fearless. "If you had so much joy to offer, you wouldn't be skulking around the woods, looking for someone to prey on." Their smiles disappear, and their eyes darken as they begin to transform. The long-haired one becomes a massive black wolf, while the others shift into wolves with black-streaked coats of grey, brown, and white. Goosebumps prickle my skin as I watch them advance, their eyes filled with fury. Before they can pounce, another figure steps out from behind them—the guard who whispered to Alpha Quinn. Broken and hopeless, I whisper to myself, "So he’s been sent to kill me after all." Tears stream down my face as I stumble backward, reaching the edge of the ground. Just before I can realize what’s going on, I fall off the cliff. As I plummet, a voice I have never heard before echoes in my ears: "Scarlett, stay alive, will you?!"