"Bound to the Ruthless Alpha"

The moon hung heavy in the sky, full and glowing, casting a silver light over the forest that bordered the Moonstone Pack. I had waited for this night my entire life. The night I would find my mate. The night the Moon Goddess would finally choose someone to love me — someone who saw beyond my rank as an omega. My heart thudded as I stood among the others at the packhouse clearing. The air buzzed with anticipation. I could hear murmurs and laughter, the pack celebrating the full moon ritual. Everyone seemed happy — except me. I was trembling. "Don’t be so nervous, Lila," whispered Emily, my only friend. "You’re going to find him tonight. I can feel it." I tried to smile. “And what if the Moon Goddess skips me?” “She wouldn’t dare,” Emily winked. But deep down, fear chewed at my chest. I was the lowest-ranked wolf in the pack, treated like a servant. Most omegas never got fated mates — or if they did, they were ignored, rejected. I didn’t want that. I wanted to be chosen. I wanted love. I wanted freedom. Then… it hit me. A scent. Sharp, masculine, powerful — pine trees mixed with something darker. My wolf stirred. Mate. My breath caught. I turned around slowly and my gaze collided with his. Damien Blackthorn. The future Alpha of the Moonstone Pack. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair tousled like he walked through fire and survived it. His icy blue eyes stared at me like I was filth. A cruel smirk curled on his lips. “No,” he growled. My wolf whimpered inside me. I took a shaky step forward. “You feel it… don’t you?” He scoffed, loud enough for everyone to hear. “You? My mate? That’s a joke.” Laughter rippled through the crowd. Heat flooded my cheeks, shame crashing over me like a wave. “You’re an omega, Lila,” Damien said coldly. “Weak. Worthless. I reject you.” My world stopped. I stood frozen, the pain slicing through my chest so sharply I could barely breathe. My wolf howled inside me, curling into herself as rejection echoed in our bond like shattered glass. “I, Damien Blackthorn, reject you as my mate.” He turned and walked away, just like that. The crowd broke into whispers. Some gasped. Others laughed. I couldn’t move. My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the grass, gasping for air. Emily rushed to my side. “Lila! Say something—reject him back!” But I couldn't. My heart was shattered, my bond still trying to cling to something that no longer wanted me. I barely remembered how I got to the forest. My feet moved on their own, carrying me far from the lights, the music, the betrayal. I ran until my lungs burned and my vision blurred. Then I crossed the border. --- A loud snarl made me freeze. My head snapped up — golden eyes stared at me from the shadows. A black wolf. Huge. Muscles rippled beneath its fur. It stepped forward slowly, growling low in its throat. “I—I didn’t mean to trespass,” I stammered. But it was too late. I was in Nightfang Pack territory. Enemy land. The wolf shifted in a blink. Now, standing before me, was a man. Tall, shirtless, covered in scars and strength. Black hair hung just past his jaw. His golden eyes glowed in the dark. He stared at me like I was prey… or something worse. My knees trembled. I should run. But something held me still. His voice was deep, deadly. “Who are you?” “My name is Lila… I didn’t mean to cross. I just—” “You’re bleeding,” he said, stepping closer. I looked down. I hadn’t even noticed the cuts on my arms, or how much I was shaking. His eyes narrowed. “You were rejected.” It wasn’t a question. Tears filled my eyes. “Yes.” He stared at me, silent, unreadable. Then his hand reached out and gently touched my chin. My wolf jolted. Mate. I gasped. His eyes widened — then darkened with something wild. “No,” I whispered. “Yes,” he growled, almost to himself. “You’re mine.” I backed away. “I can’t… I just lost one mate. I can’t go through this again.” “I don’t care what he did,” he said. “You’re not going back there. Ever.” “I—what?” He stepped forward again. “You’ve been claimed by the Nightfang Alpha now.” My heart pounded. “You’re Alpha Kieran,” I breathed. “The ruthless one.” A flicker of amusement crossed his face. “Is that what they call me?” “You’re dangerous.” “Good,” he said. “Because no one’s going to hurt you again. Especially not some coward alpha pup who throws away a gift like you.” My breath caught. I didn’t know if I should be afraid or relieved. My soul trembled between the two. “I don’t even know you,” I whispered. “You’ll learn,” he said, voice low. “But know this, Lila Rivers… I don’t reject what’s mine.