The Rejected Luan's Chosen Path

Angelina The night was supposed to be magical. The grand hall of the pack house was draped in silver and midnight blue, the colors shimmering under the soft glow of the chandeliers. Laughter and music echoed off the walls, blending with the intoxicating scent of freshly baked bread, roasted meat, and the earthy musk of wolves in their finest attire. It was Alpha Lukas’s birthday, and everyone had gathered to celebrate the future leader of the pack—everyone, including me. I stood near the edge of the room, gripping the stem of my untouched glass of sparkling cider. My heart pounded beneath my ribs as I scanned the crowd. I’d spent hours getting ready, wearing the pale blue dress my grandmother had left me—the one she’d always said brought out my eyes. My dark ebony hair cascaded down my back in soft curls, and I had even dared a bit of makeup, hoping that tonight… tonight would be the night. The night I found my mate. The night, I felt the connection that would pulse beneath my skin like fire and fate intertwined. Lola nudged me lightly, her big brown eyes shining with encouragement. She looked beautiful, as always, in her soft lavender dress, her light brown hair twisted into a simple braid. There was something ethereal about her, something delicate and kind yet strong in ways no one ever gave her credit for. “Are you nervous?” she asked, her voice soft as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. I let out a breathless laugh. “More like terrified.” Lola grinned, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t be. Whoever he is, he’ll be lucky to have you.” “I hope so,” I murmured, my eyes sweeping over the room again. And then it happened. A sudden, electric pull gripped my heart, tightening my chest until I could barely breathe. My breath hitched, and the world seemed to still be around me. My gaze shot across the ballroom, and there he was—Alpha Lukas. His tall, commanding frame moved through the crowd with ease, his dark hair tousled perfectly, his cold blue eyes scanning the room. The moment our gazes locked, the mate bond flared to life inside me, raw and undeniable, a force more powerful than anything I had ever felt. It’s him, Nyra whispered in my mind, her voice filled with awe. Our mate. We found him. But then he did something I wasn’t prepared for. Lukas leaned down and kissed Marissa Vaughn. The beautiful, sleek-haired daughter of Alpha Vaughn. Her arms draped around his neck, her laughter ringing out like chimes in the wind—effortless, golden, belonging. Belonging to him. The world tilted beneath my feet. My chest constricted, my fingers tightening around my glass as my vision blurred. No, Nyra whimpered, her voice trembling. He’s ours. He’s supposed to be ours. I felt Lola’s hand clasp mine, grounding me before I shattered completely. “Angelina,” she breathed, her own eyes wide with horror. “No… no, it can’t be—” I barely heard her. Because at that moment, Lukas pulled back from Marissa’s lips, his icy blue eyes flickering—right to me. Recognition flared in his gaze. And something else. Something cold. I knew he felt it, too. Nyra’s voice trembled. Why is he with her? Why is he— I had no answer. Only the sharp sting of betrayal cut deeper than any blade. Lukas murmured something to Marissa before turning away and walking toward me with slow, purposeful steps. My heart pounded, hope and dread warring inside me. Maybe there’s an explanation, Nyra whispered, grasping for something, anything to hold onto. Maybe this is just a misunderstanding— He stopped in front of me, towering, unreadable. “Come with me,” he muttered under his breath. Lola squeezed my hand tighter. “Do you want me to—” “I’ll be fine,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if that was a lie. Without another word, Lukas turned and strode down a corridor. I hesitated, my feet rooted to the spot, but then Nyra pushed, Go. So, I followed. We ended up in his office, the familiar scent of cedar and leather filling the space. But it felt different now—colder, harsher. Lukas closed the door behind me. I turned to him, my pulse wild. “Lukas, you’re my mate. I know you felt it. The bond—” He took a step closer, and for the first time, I noticed the indifference in his gaze. “I, Alpha Lukas Stral of the Half Moon Pack, reject you, Angelina DeLeon, as my mate and Luna.” The words struck like a physical blow, knocking the breath from my lungs. NO! Nyra’s anguished cry tore through my mind, her pain a raw, piercing wail that mirrored the agony ripping through my chest. He can’t! He’s ours! I stood frozen, struggling to breathe, my entire world shattering. “You… you can’t mean that,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the roaring in my head. “We’re true mates.” Lukas scoffed, running a hand through his dark hair. “Marissa is going to be my Luna. An alliance with her strengthens the pack.” His gaze darkened. “And don’t you dare tell anyone I rejected you. If you do, I will end you.” My stomach twisted. “You… you’re ashamed of me,” I realized. His lips curled into something cruel. “You’ll never be Luna, Angelina. You’re weak.” Something inside me snapped. I knew then that I would never beg this man to accept me. My pride is worth more than a forced mating that the goddess deemed should happen between me and this man. I lifted my chin, even as my soul cracked in two. “I, Angelina DeLeon, accept your rejection.” The bond shattered. Nyra howled in agony, a sound of grief that would haunt me forever. I turned before he could see the tears in my eyes and walked out. Lola was waiting for me in the corridor. The moment she saw my face, her expression crumbled. “Oh, Angelina.” I shook my head. “Don’t—” But she didn’t listen. She pulled me into her arms, hugging me fiercely like she could hold me together even as I fractured. “You’re coming home with me,” she whispered. “We’re having a sleepover, just like we always do.” I let out a broken laugh. “Lola, you’re leaving in two days.” She pulled back, her eyes glassy. “And? You think I’m letting my best friend be alone after this?” Tears burned my throat, but I swallowed them down. “You don’t have to—” “Yes, I do,” she said fiercely. “Because that’s what we do, Angie. When the pack ignored us, we had each other. When they called us nobodies, we built our own world. And I don’t care where I go, I will always be your best friend. Just so you know, I think Lukas is an i***t. You are so much more than Marissa will ever be, and he never deserved you.” Her voice cracked, and I realized she was crying too. I exhaled shakily, gripping her hands. “I’m going to miss you.” She nodded, wiping her tears. “Maybe you can come with me.” I shook my head. “I can’t do that, Lola. You have a new life to begin. And you know Byron’s pack doesn’t accept new members unless they are mates. You already had enough trouble being accepted into his pack. I can’t make this harder for you.” She held me close. “I know. I wish there were something I could do. I feel so useless to you right now.” “I’ll be fine,” I answered. “You know I will figure something out. I’m not going to let Lukas’ rejection beat me. He’s not worth it.” She nodded. “That’s right. You’re stronger than that, Angelina. I’m going to miss you so much. But we’ll write, we’ll visit, and I swear, one day, you’ll find someone who deserves you.” I wanted to believe her. “I’ll miss you too, but I want you to enjoy your new life. I’ll be fine. I promise.” Lola gave me a doubting look but didn’t argue. She knows I would dig my heels.