Rejected No More—The Lycan Choice

Kiran POV "Scarlet, wake up!" With a sudden intake of air, I sat up and my eyelids flickered, then flew open. Sylvia, my sister, was grinning broadly as she stood at the edge of my bed. "Red, happy birthday!" I massaged my eyes and moaned. "What time is it? And why must you shout all the time?" "The time is 6:30." With a smile, she answered. "Today, you are going to meet your soul partner. I am eager to see him." As if it had burned me, I leaped off my bed and took a gulp. I was startled back to reality by her comments. My eighteenth birthday was today, and I was going to locate my soul mate. "Leave my room," I said, nudging Sylvia towards the door. "I must put on some clothes." I let out a deep breath as she left the room. I shuddered at the notion of finding my mate, experiencing the mate bond and his desire for me. Though I was not sure how to feel, I knew that today was the most significant day of my life and that I had to look well. I frowned at my dishevelled red hair as I examined my reflection in the mirror. I questioned whether my partner could reject me based just on my appearance. My mother was terrified of my red hair when I was born and avoided looking at me for hours. Growing up, I had to deal with a lot of bullying due of my uncommon hair colour for an omega like me. I experienced my wolf's trepidation, scared that my mate might not approve of us. My partner was already sensing me, and it felt like they were quite near. His smell permeated my entire room, like a comforting perfume I had been longing for. The urge to locate and seize my mate seems to have diverted my wolf. Whoever he was. Despite my extreme nervousness, I could not help but get enthusiastic. I had been dreaming of this day for years. Six months earlier, my sister and I had begun a countdown, and every month that passed, excitement bubbled up in my tummy. It was my day to feel wanted, to feel that I was desired by someone, as someone who was seldom recognised in the group. Anyone at all. I quickly took a bath and lathered myself in my preferred body wash. I worked harder at my hair in the hopes that it would look less dishevelled. I could not decide whether to wear the outfit my mother bought me for my birthday or stick with my go-to hoodie and trousers. The dress was too short, so in the end, I opted for a tank top and white trousers. I was pleased with how I looked for the first time after styling my hair into a wavy wave. My mother greeted me as I trotted down the stairs to the dining room, "Hello baby." "Darling, happy birthday. Do you look forward to today with excitement? I settled onto a chair. "I have a lot of anxiety, therefore I am not sure." I am thrilled and I want to puke." She handed me a dish of waffles, yoghurt, and strawberries and said, "I know." "I recall feeling quite nervous on that particular day as well. I promise, everything will work out beautifully." "What if I do not appeal to him?" "That is ridiculous!" Just as she entered the dining room, my sister added her two cents. How could anyone not adore you? I have never seen a prettier girl than you." Indeed, it is accurate. If he does not fall madly in love with you, it will be unfortunate." Mom continued. I could not resist cracking a small smile. I shoved some yoghurt and waffles down my throat, picked up some strawberries, and left for university. I told my mother before I left that I would give her a call if something went wrong. I pondered who my potential mate might be the entire fifteen minutes I took to walk to campus. Is that Daniel from my painting class? No. His aroma was similar to that of cheesecake and aloe vera, not at all like my partner's lingering scent in my nose. Was that the Humanitarian Club's Jacob? He had once grinned at me during lunch, but I had no idea what scent he carried. By the time I arrived at college, my heart was thumping my chest and I was perspiring heavily. My wolf woke up the instant I set foot on campus. She was struggling to be free, to take charge, to save our partner. I strode down the corridor towards my locker, taking large strides. Now that the smell was more intense, my friend smelled fantastic. I shook with desire and excitement, knowing he was approaching. I followed the aroma, allowing my nose to have my whole attention. The faint sound of the bell for my first class was all I could hear, and all I could concentrate on was my mate's aroma. I followed my nose to the front of the boy's dressing area. Abruptly, I discovered him. I knew as soon as I laid eyes on Josh Garner that he was my match. He had just emerged from the changing room, carrying a rucksack over his shoulder. He appeared majestic, as though he had been cast from a different mould. Like every other lady in our group and at school, his appearance electrified me. Josh was well-liked in school and the incoming Alpha of the Breakstone Pack. My inner wolf gave a joyful howl and prodded me to claim him right away. However, my only thought was that Josh Garner had a girlfriend—not just any lady, but the most stunning she-wolf in our pack. At the changing room door, I froze and just stared at him. He turned to face me then, and our gazes locked. I smiled nervously, caught off guard, and waved at him, but instantly regretted my choice as he approached me.