Rejected by My Mate, Claimed by the Lycan King

The full moon hung high above the Silver Moon Pack, casting the village in a silver glow. Tonight was meant to be the most significant night of Ava Carter’s life. She had waited eighteen years for this moment. Tonight, she would discover her fated mate. The pack square was alive with music, laughter, and dancing. Young wolves her age stood with nervous anticipation, hoping the Moon Goddess had chosen their destined partners. Ava remained quietly near the edge of the crowd, smoothing the simple blue dress her aunt had sewn for her. Unlike the other girls, she wore no fine jewelry. She was an orphan, raised by relatives who reminded her daily that she was a burden. “You’ll probably end up mateless,” one girl whispered as Ava passed. Another laughed. “Who would want a weak omega?” Ava lowered her gaze and continued walking. She had learned long ago that responding to insults only made matters worse. Then it happened. A warm, intoxicating scent drifted through the air—cedarwood mixed with rain. Her wolf stirred for the first time. Mate... Ava’s heart raced. She turned toward the center of the gathering just as Alpha Victor’s son stepped onto the platform. Damian Blackwood. Tall, broad-shouldered, and undeniably handsome, Damian was the future Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack. Every unmated woman admired him. His eyes met Ava’s. For one heartbeat, the entire world fell silent. She felt the bond snap into place. Her mate. Tears filled her eyes as hope surged within her. The Moon Goddess had chosen the strongest Alpha in the region for her. Damian’s expression shifted from surprise to anger. “No,” he muttered. The crowd watched in confusion as he walked toward Ava. She offered him a nervous smile. “Damian...” His cold voice cut through the night. “I, Damian Blackwood, reject you as my mate.” The words struck her like a blade through the heart. Gasps rippled through the crowd. “No...” Ava whispered, her knees trembling. “You are weak,” Damian continued. “A future Luna must be powerful. I refuse to be bound to an omega who would bring shame to this pack.” Laughter erupted from several pack members. Ava felt hundreds of eyes fixed on her. Her chest burned as the mate bond cracked beneath the force of his rejection. Before she could respond, a deep, unfamiliar howl echoed from beyond the forest. Every wolf froze. Even the elders looked alarmed. One of the guards ran into the square, panting. “Alpha!” he shouted. “A stranger has crossed the northern border.” “What stranger?” Alpha Victor demanded. The guard swallowed hard. “He bears the royal crest...” Silence fell over the pack. “The Lycan King is here.” Damian’s confident expression vanished. Ava wiped away her tears and looked toward the dark forest, unaware that this single night was about to change her destiny forever.cover