Scentless: Alpha's Rejected Mate

The moon was too bright that night. Aria Vale stood by the small window of her bedroom, staring up at it as it hung in the dark sky like a glowing silver coin. The light spilled across the quiet street outside and slipped through the thin curtains, painting her room in pale white. She couldn’t sleep. Again. It had been happening a lot lately. She kept turning in the bed, she felt restless Every time the moon was full, something inside her refused to rest. Her heart beat faster, her skin prickled, and a restless energy filled her body as if she needed to run somewhere—though she had no idea where. She always have this feeling like she is carrying the burden of the whole world on her head. Aria sighed and crossed her arms. “Why does this keep happening?” she muttered. The neighborhood was silent except for the faint rustling of trees swaying in the cool night breeze. Somewhere far away, a dog barked. Then another. And another. Aria frowned. The barking grew louder as if the dogs were reacting to something they couldn’t see. Or smell. She pushed the thought away and stepped back from the window. “Get a grip, Aria,” she whispered. There was nothing strange about the moon. Nothing strange about the night. And there was definitely nothing strange about her. At least… that’s what she kept telling herself. Aria lived in a small house on the edge of town with her aunt Lydia. It wasn’t much—just two bedrooms, a narrow hallway, and a tiny living room that always smelled faintly of coffee and old books. But it had been home for the last eight years. Ever since her parents disappeared. No one ever talked about that night anymore. Not the police. Not the neighbors. And definitely not Aunt Lydia. Whenever Aria asked questions, her aunt’s face would tighten and she would quickly change the subject. So eventually Aria stopped asking. Still, the feeling of something missing never went away. She always felt like she didn’t quite belong anywhere. Not at school. Not in town. Not even in her own life. Aria grabbed the book lying on her desk and tried to focus on reading, but the words blurred together. Her attention drifted back to the window. The moon seemed even brighter now. Almost… closer. A strange warmth spread through her chest. Then— A long, distant howl echoed through the night. Aria froze. The sound sent a chill racing down her spine. It wasn’t like the barking from earlier. This was different. Deeper. Wild. Primal. Her heart began to race. “Probably just a wolf,” she murmured, though wolves weren’t exactly common around town. Another howl followed. Closer this time. For a strange moment, Aria felt something stir inside her chest—something ancient and unfamiliar. Something that made her want to listen. To answer. She shook her head quickly. “This is ridiculous.” Turning away from the window, she sat down on the edge of her bed. That’s when she heard it. Knock. Aria lifted her head. Another knock echoed through the house. Knock. Knock. Her brow furrowed. Who would be visiting at this hour? She opened her bedroom door and stepped into the hallway. “Aunt Lydia?” she called. Her aunt appeared from the kitchen moments later, wiping her hands on a towel. “Did you hear that?” Aria asked. “Hear what?” Before Aria could answer— Knock. Knock. Knock. This time it was louder. They both stared toward the front door. Her aunt’s expression darkened with confusion. “Are you expecting someone?” Lydia asked. “No.” The knocking stopped. Silence filled the house. Aria slowly walked toward the door. “Aria, wait,” her aunt said suddenly. Something about the tone of her voice made Aria pause. “Be careful.” Aria frowned but nodded and continued forward. The wooden floor creaked beneath her steps as she reached the door. She wrapped her fingers around the doorknob and hesitated. A strange chill ran through her body. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. Cold night air rushed inside. But the porch was empty. No visitor. No car. No footsteps leading away. Just darkness and the pale glow of the moon. “That’s weird,” Aria said softly. She was about to close the door when something caught her eye. An envelope lay on the wooden porch floor. Aria bent down and picked it up. It was thick and smooth, sealed with dark red wax. Her name was written across the front. ARIA VALE The letters shimmered faintly in silver ink. Her stomach tightened. “Aunt Lydia,” she called. Her aunt approached cautiously. “What is it?” Aria held up the envelope. “It was outside.” Lydia’s eyes immediately locked onto the wax seal. Her face went pale. “Where did you get that?” “I told you—it was on the porch.” Her aunt stared at the seal like it had come back from the dead. “That’s impossible.” “What is?” Lydia didn’t answer. Instead, she slowly took the envelope from Aria’s hands. The wax seal showed a strange symbol. A crescent moon. Aria’s curiosity grew. “Can I open it?” “No.” Her aunt’s response came too quickly. Aria blinked. “Why not?” “Because some things are better left alone.” “That makes no sense,” Aria replied. Without waiting for permission, she gently broke the wax seal. Her aunt gasped. The letter inside unfolded with a quiet rustle. Aria read the first line. Her heart skipped. Dear Aria Vale, You have been formally invited to attend Blood Moon Academy. Aria blinked. “What?” Her aunt snatched the letter and read it quickly. The fear in her eyes deepened with every line. “No… no… this can't be happening.” Aria grabbed the letter back. “What is Blood Moon Academy?” Her aunt shook her head slowly. “You must ignore that letter.” “What?” “Burn it.” Aria stared at her. “You’re serious?” “Yes.” “Why?” For a moment, Lydia said nothing. Then she whispered quietly, “Because that place… is not meant for you.” Aria looked back at the letter. Her pulse quickened. At the bottom of the page were the final instructions. Classes begin in three days. Transportation will arrive tomorrow night. Aria felt a strange pull in her chest. Like something invisible had just wrapped around her heart. The moonlight spilled across the paper, making the crescent seal glow faintly. And suddenly… The distant howl echoed again. This time louder. Closer. Aria slowly looked up at the sky. A strange thought slipped into her mind. What if this letter wasn’t a mistake? What if it was meant for her? Her aunt’s voice trembled. “If they found you…” Aria turned toward her. “What do you mean?” Lydia’s eyes filled with fear. “That academy…” “…is for werewolves.” Silence filled the room. Aria looked down at the letter again. Her heart pounded in her chest. A school she had never heard of. A mysterious invitation. And a feeling she couldn’t explain. Like something far away was calling her. Waiting for her. Aria’s fingers tightened around the paper. One question echoed through her mind. Why would a school for werewolves want someone like her?