The Unwanted: Fate’s redemption

Chapter 1

“What do you mean he isn't your mate!” Elara’s mother Cecelia screeched as she hurriedly followed Tiana down the hallway. She had only returned from her run when she told her mother of the news. Steam may as well of be fuming from her ears as she stalked her daughter around the halls.

“Just as I said” Elara replied almost dismissively frankly she didn't want to have this conversation but it would have only been a matter of time before her mother found out anyway.

“Well, we will just have to figure something out” Her mother's devious mind was already at work attempting to concoct a plan.

“There is nothing we can do, mother. We aren't mates” Elara spoke but it was a struggle to say them aloud. It pained her to think of it and filled her insecurities, insecurities she shouldn't have according to her mother as they were for the weak and not for the Stone woman who was above that never the less Elara couldn't help her feelings bubbling from within.

“I wasn't your father's mate” Cecelia scoffed. Elara knew it all too well her mother wasn't her father's mate, the man was seventeen years older than her mother when they met, an older Beta whose mate had died six years previously leaving him alone with an eight-year-old son, Ashton, Elara’s half brother. He wanted a partner and mother for his son and Cecelia wanted a rich, powerful man to take care of her it worked out for them both. Unfortunately, he died when Elara was six. “There are always ways around it trust me, my child” following Elara into her bedroom where the teenager sat down on her cushioned seat in front of her vanity “Talon Reign’s comes from one of the most powerful packs in the East and is future Alpha, we will not miss out on this opportunity, Elara” Cecelia approached her daughter hastily grasping her narrow chin between her sharp nailed fingers forcing the young woman to face her. They were very similar in features Cecelia may be older now but is still a stunning beauty with steel grey eyes, and dark waves of hair, her features all soft and elegant, Elara was basically the same her eye shape a little sharper however, her skin a little tanner. Cecelia always looked at Elara and thought she couldn't have made her look any more perfect than if she had created her from clay.

“Mother...” Elara had to reframe herself from sighing hopelessly “If he finds his fated mate--”

“He will be so madly in love with you and cast her away. You were born to rule, my girl and you will just let it sit with me” Elara only nodded there was no point arguing with her mother she wouldn't relent anyway. Ripping her fingers from the hold she had on Elara’s chin her eyes examined the young woman's face “Make sure you're perfect today so that boy has no doubts” Cecelia practically ordered as she left the bedroom. Elara didn't like being alone in her room she often left the door open when she was in there just so it wasn't so lonely. Once her half-brother Ashton took over as Beta he got a house built for Cecelia and Elara to live in at the end of the property after all to the pack being the second wife and daughter to the late Beta didn't mean much once Ashton had taken over. So the large house was usually quiet and empty so instead of letting the silence get to her Elara quickly turned on the music on her phone drowning out the loneliness of the room as she began getting ready for the day.

As per usual she followed her mother's orders made-up to perfection, flawless makeup, hair in perfect raven waves, and a dress that clung to her body like a second skin. Any normal mother probably would have frowned upon it but to Cecelia, she was a perfect spider web that she had created. When Elara came downstairs meeting her mother in the kitchen dressed to the nines Cecelia beamed “That's what I wanted to see” She nodded approvingly of her daughter's attire.

“Not too much?” Elara couldn't help but smile at her mother's obvious approval.

“That boy is yours, my child. If it's not going to be fated then we will just have to make it so” Cecelia basically ordered though Elara gave a nod in response before reaching for a pastry on the table only to have her hand slapped away “Leave it. Don't want to be bloated when you meet this boy of yours” Elara eyed the pastries for a moment before simply nodding again her mother always pointed her in the right direction after all.

:::

When she entered school it was as she always did. Like she owned the place sashaying along the hallways to meet with her gossiping friends. They were wolves yes but also teenagers and with that came times of nasty teenage attitudes and Elara was often referred to as the biggest b***h of the school, she didn't mind the title however it gave her power and with Talon by her side, Elara was mostly indestructible. In the school halls, the hesitation she held at home was gone, her game face was in its place as she strutted the hall with a smirk on her perfectly painted red lips “El!” Ramona one of her closest friends called out. Elara had a large group of friends but mostly spent time with two Ramona and Mia, they were both from high ranking warriors Elara wasn't stupid however they only hung out with her for two reasons they were scared of her and they assumed she would be their future Luna, a title Elara was hoping to cling onto.

“Morning girls!” Elara beamed at the pair of young women. Both were pretty and blonde very stereotypical looking really at least Elara thought.

“You look gorgeous Talon is going to die when he sees you” Mia giggled. She was the quietest of the group and the most immature only just commenting on something to giggle at.

“That's what I'm hoping for” Elara gave a confident smile as she shot the girl a wink.

“Speaking of” Ramona nudged her head towards the oncoming group of rowdy boys and Elara held her grin as the boys passed by Talon shooting her a look before mouthing ‘talk later’ and then continuing with his friends. Internally she faltered but outside she held composure with rolling her eyes.

“Boys” Elara played it off as nothing.

“So oblivious” Mia giggled while Ramona nodded in agreement.

“Let's get to class” Elara attempted to change the subject luckily the girls were happy to follow.