Not my mating ceremony

Ava Rossi - POV

My heart was pounding like a drum against my chest, while a smile stretched across my face like a warm sunbeam. I marveled at the vibrant bouquet of wildflowers I had carefully plucked for Jacob. Today marked our third anniversary, and Jacob had promised that he would finally introduce me as his Luna. The thought sent shivers of excitement down my spine.

Even though Jacob had said he would pick me up later, the clock seemed to move too slowly, and my eagerness got the best of me. I decided to surprise him with an unannounced visit when I felt the excitement bubble within my chest as I made my way to the border of the Red Moon Pack.

As I approached, I spotted a few pack warriors standing guard. “Ava, what brings you here today?” Mike asked, his brow furrowing in curiosity.

“I came to see Jacob,” I replied, my voice steady despite the butterflies swirling in my stomach. Mike's gaze fell on the bouquet, and I could sense the unspoken questions lingering in the air. No one in the Red Moon Pack knew about my relationship with Jacob; it was a well-guarded secret. Initially, it had hurt to hide, but I had accepted his reasoning. I was going to be his mate and the future Luna of the Red Moon Pack, and it was vital that I was introduced to everyone in a formal setting.

“Everyone is in the backyard,” Mike informed me, his tone neutral, yet I could sense a hint of concern. Mike was always eager to see me but today something felt off about him.

“Thank you, Mike.” I told him when he gave me a curt nod as I continued walking inside.

Rogues like me had always been treated with suspicion and hostility by pack wolves. However, a few years ago, the werewolf council had passed a law granting rogues equal rights. Not every rogue sought to destroy a pack, and since then, we had been allowed to attend schools at nearby packs. Even though we were still viewed as outsiders I think it is much better than living in fear of being killed on sight.

As I walked through the forest, the scent of wet earth lifted my spirits making the smile on my face widen. Soon the trees began to thin out and I entered the pack. As I continued walking in the gravel path I saw the pack house come into view and this made me walk a little faster eager to see Jacob. The thought that in a few months I would finally call this place home and have a family of my own made my heart skip a beat.

When I neared the front door, I noticed it was lavishly decorated with fresh flowers and teal-blue and orange lace. A sense of confusion washed over me.

What was going on here?

Stepping inside, I was struck by the sight of the staircase, similarly adorned, but the mansion was eerily quiet. A sense of unease settled within my stomach as I walked down a hallway to my right, leading me toward the backyard.

As I approached the French doors, soft music and gentle chatter drifted through the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. My palms began to sweat, and my heart raced in response to the growing tension. I paused in front of the closed doors, peering through the glass. A pastel pink carpet spread out in the center, leading to a stunning dome-like structure painted in white and blue, adorned with fresh flowers. Gold-colored chairs lined either side, and all the pack members were present, their faces illuminated with smiles and joy.

At the front stood Jacob, wearing a navy blue suit that hugged his muscular frame. His light brown hair was slicked back, and a single white rose adorned his breast pocket, a striking contrast against the deep blue fabric. I felt a surge of emotion as I took in the sight of him, radiating confidence and happiness. But a nagging doubt crept into my mind.

What was happening here?

As I slowly pushed the French doors open, the crowd turned to look at me in unison. My breath caught in my throat, and I tightened my grip on the bouquet, the flowers now feeling heavy in my hands. Jacob’s blue eyes locked onto mine, a mixture of surprise and something else swirling in their depths. Was he about to propose?

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and a forced smile appeared on my lips, though my heart sank. Jacob had promised me a surprise for our anniversary, but I never imagined he would choose to propose in front of his entire pack. My mind raced with possibilities.

Before I could say a word, a firm hand gripped my upper arm, pulling me aside. I turned to see a warrior standing beside me, his expression stern. “Please step aside,” he instructed, his tone gruff.

“I am Ava. I am Jacob’s—” I began, but the warrior interrupted, roughly pulling me to the side. The music shifted to something more romantic, and the guests rose from their seats, smiles blooming on their faces as they looked toward the French doors.

I turned as Ruby, Gamma Gallo’s daughter, walked down the aisle beside her father. She wore an ombré green dress with a veil cascading over her face, her eyes fixed on Jacob, who was beaming with joy.

In that moment, my heart shattered into a million pieces. As Ruby reached the altar, Jacob took her hand and helped her up, his expression one of pure bliss. The guests settled into their seats, and another man in a white suit began to speak, his voice echoing through the garden.

I should have fled, but my legs felt like the were made out of lead as I stood frozen, witnessing the mating ceremony unfold before me. “You may kiss the bride now, Alpha,” the man announced. Jacob wrapped his arms around Ruby’s waist and kissed her without hesitation or guilt that made my heart ache.

Every “I love you” we had exchanged felt like a cruel joke. Were they all lies?

Tears pooled in the corners of my eyes, and I bit my lip, desperate to stifle my cries. My mother’s words rang in my ears, loud and clear: “Never trust a pack wolf. They will betray you one day.”

I didn’t know how long I stood there, paralyzed by shock, as the crowd began to disperse. Soon, I saw Jacob walking toward me, his expression shifting to irritation. “What are you doing here, Ava?” he snapped, anger flashing in his eyes.

A sarcastic smile crept onto my lips, masking the hurt that threatened to spill over. “Surprise,” I replied, my voice steady despite the ranging emotions inside me.