The Rejected Luna's Revenge

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Anastasia POV

“What makes you feel any reasonable man would willingly mark this fat, irritating pig as his mate?” my stepfather's so-called fiancée snarled. “I guess even the Moon Goddess can’t perform such a miracle,” she added.

“That’s the best I can do for her now. If she doesn’t get a willing mate, then she’ll be leaving my house first thing tomorrow morning.” he said decisively.

Sending me out of the house was awful. I had nowhere to go.

"Father, please," I cried out in desperation.

She furrowed her brows.

"Father?" She turned to him. "She called you father? You're hiding something from me?"

"I can explain," he said, trying to touch her, but she quickly slapped his hand away.

"You can explain what, exactly?" she snapped, disappointment etched on her face.

"But, babe, it's not as if it's my fault," he started. "Who do you think would willingly address someone as big as a Titanic ship as his stepdaughter?" He gestured at me as though I were something disgusting.

My hands went numb. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't believe my stepfather had called me a Titanic ship.

"I was just too ashamed to admit that." He continued.

She smiled, seemingly satisfied with his response. "Oh, come on, my baby boy. It isn't your fault. There's no sane person who'd accept this Titanic ship as a stepdaughter." She playfully rubbed his beard.

He gave her a kiss, then turned to me. "Don't forget, by 8 p.m.," he said and was about to leave with her when he faced me again.

He squatted down to meet my gaze and said, "Most importantly, what happened last night should better remain a secret. The moment I hear about it from anyone, you'll be as good as dead." His voice was barely above a whisper.

He got up and straightened his tie. "I'm headed to the palace. I have an important meeting with the Alpha," he added before walking away.

I watched him leave, my mind spinning with memories of what had happened two years ago at the mating ceremony. Prince Octave had instructed the guards to throw me out, stressing that my presence alone irritated him. He'd made it crystal clear that if he ever saw me there again, he'd make sure I didn't leave in one piece.

That threat had made me promise myself never to attend the mating ceremony.

But here I am, being forced to attend it.

What's going to happen if he comes there and sees me?

I felt very exhausted while applying lip gloss to my lips. I'd been working all day, and just when I was supposed to lie down and get some rest, I was here preparing for a ceremony I knew very well I wouldn't be lucky enough to find my mate. And even if I did, my stepfather's fiancée was right; he wouldn't even accept me. With my size, he'd probably see me as a curse.

Nevertheless, I'd go just to fulfill all righteousness. I just prayed my stepfather would change his mind about his decision and allow me to stay, or else... I couldn't really tell what my life would look like if I were thrown away.

I took out the only handbag I had left from the wardrobe. It was already worn out since I'd been using it for over two years. The colour didn't even match my dress or shoes. Dammit, everything about my attire was just a chaotic mix of colours, but what could I do? I didn't have a good dress or shoes. I was just managing what I had.

Immediately after I was done, I headed out of the house. A few minutes later, I was inside the hall where the mating ceremony was taking place. I stood in a hidden corner, my eyes desperately searching for Prince Octave, the son of our Alpha, but I couldn't find him. With that, I took a deep breath of relief.

Just as I was beginning to feel slightly relaxed, I was shocked to see Prince Octave walk in with his entourage.

My heart pounded violently.

My enemy was here.

I turned my face toward the wall so he wouldn't see me. I waited until I was sure he wasn't looking in my direction before turning back. However, I decided not to move from my spot, just in case he mistakenly saw me.

Soon, the mating ceremony was already in full motion.

The hall was filled with wolves from neighboring packs their voices blending into excited whispers as everyone waited for the final blessing of the moon Goddess.

I wasn't excited about anything since I couldn't stop thinking about what awaits me at home.

I remained in my hidden corner, praying that Prince Octave wouldn't notice.

Just as I took a deep breath, hoping to calm my racing nerve, the entire hall suddenly fell silent.

I frowned.

Something had changed.

The candles suddenly went off even though there was no wind.

Every corner of the hall became dark making me sore afraid but then, the candle lights came back on, on their own but this time, it wasn't as bright as before.

Without warning, silver light poured in through the enormous windows, casting the whole hall in an eerie glow. The moonlight wasn't still...it was moving.

Everyone gasped, my eyes widened as I wondered what would happen next.

It kept moving around the hall untill it suddenly stopped directly at me.

I froze.

Then, without warning, a sharp burning sensation erupted around my wrist.

"Ouch!" I screamed, closing my eyes then I grabbed my arm.

Opening my eyes, I was shocked to see a glowing silver mark slowly appeared on my skin.

The hall erupted in gasps.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Could it be a mating mark?"

"It can't be. It shouldn't be she!"

My heart hammered against my ribs. I looked across the hall.

Prince Octave was standing coldly among his entourage, staring at his own wrist. A matching mark was appearing on his skin.

My blood ran cold.

This couldn't be happening.

The whispers grew louder.

"They're mates!"

"The Moon Goddess has chosen them!"

"Prince Octave has finally found his mate!"

I could barely breathe.

This was so unbelievable.

I can't imagine someone as merciless as Prince Octave becoming my mate.

I slowly raised my eyes toward him. Our gaze locked.

His expression hardened.

"This won't happen!" He exclaimed, his eyes burning with fury. "I'm not accepting this bullshit! I reject this b***h from being my mate!"

A collective gasp swept through the crowd.

My heart shattered into pieces. A blast tore through me from inside. It was our bond. And his rejection just destroyed it. My destined mate had rejected me without thinking.

Pain and shame flooded me. I bolted from the mating ceremony hall before anyone could see me break.

I didn’t want any more insults. I couldn’t even stand the sight of the eyes watching me. I ran with all my might until I arrived at my stepfather's mansion. When I got there, I rushed inside, still panting, and stopped short when I saw my bags on the floor of the living room.

I looked up and saw him walking down the stairs.

"I knew you wouldn't find a mate for yourself, and that was why I packed your things. So you won't spend a minute in this house after you return." He said coldly. "Leave!"

"No, no, please don't do this to me." I pleaded, frustrated and desperate.

"I don't want to repeat myself," he said with a hard glare.

"I guess I came right in time." A deep male voice sounded right behind me.

I spun around quickly and was shocked to see a man standing by the doorway, about six feet tall, broad-shouldered with a neatly trimmed beard, in a black suit, both hands in his pant pockets, exuding power and wealth.

Who the hell is he, and why has he come?