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Rosie's POV 

Tonight was different, and the air was stifling as I ran out.

My birthday party, which was meant to be my first grand celebration, had turned into something else in one night.

A nightmare. A fucking nightmare... I've seen female wolves being rejected by their mate, but to think I'll be a victim?

I ran.

Ashton and Xylus ran after me, calling. I knew they were worried but I couldn't stop. Not after the embarrassment, as if my heart was ripped out of my chest.

I reached my room and took a deep breath before slamming the door shut behind me. I gasped for air as I sat down on the floor.

Was this happening?

Did this happen?

This isn't real.

But the pain clawing at my chest told me otherwise.

He rejected me.

The words echoed over and over again.

Dominic.

My mate.

The one the Moon Goddess had chosen for me.

And he had rejected me like it meant nothing.

I wrapped my arms around myself. I didn't want to remember. My wolf, lyra, was weak, confused, and hurt as much as I was.

My birthday wasn't meant to go like this, not like I'd ever imagine a scenario like this.

It was a day I was supposed to feel whole. The day I had gained my wolf, Lyra. The day I'm supposed to find my knight in shining armour and begin our love story? 

But look at me; alone, unwanted.

I pictured this day my whole life. Finding my mate, getting to understand the kind of love that was destined by the Moon Goddess herself.

I thought Dominic would feel it, too.

I had sensed it in him. His eyes, his hesitation, the way his body reacted to mine, his wolf, Ryk, had surfaced the exact moment we locked eyes.

Mate.

But then he did the unthinkable.

He rejected me.

And not in the way I had always feared, harsh, cruel. No. He had done it subtly.

A calm voice. A reasonable excuse.

"I Dominic Lockwood of Red Moon Pack rejects you, Rosie Draven, as my fated mate." He said subtly.

The whole room had gone silent.

I was in disbelief. I had nothing to say because no words came out.

It's not like I expected him to have chosen me over Cassandra, though.

He had broken me gently.

And somehow, that made it worse.

Then why?

Why had he kissed me? Why had he made me believe there was something?

The pain. The rejection. After all the shared moments?

Dominic? Why?

I could feel the tears rolling down my face. The rejection burned, not just emotionally but physically. 

I closed my eyes, trying to blur out the memory, but it was useless. His voice, his expression, the way his mother had stared at him in disbelief, it was all stuck to my mind.

A sharp knock on the door made me jerk.

"Rosie," Ashton's voice was gentle but insistent. "Please open the door."

I didn't move. I stayed silent, trying to bite my lips to keep me from sobbing.

"Rosie, open up," he pleaded. "I know you're in there."

Ashton had been there when it all happened. In fact, everybody was there. They witnessed it all. But I was certain he had paid attention to the rejection.

And yet, he had also proposed to me.

Another knock. Softer this time.

"Please," he whispered.

I hesitated before pulling myself up and unlocking the door.

Ashton stood still. His look was of concern.

Before I could say anything, he pulled me into a hug.

I didn't try to struggle, I melted into his warmth.

For a moment, I didn't feel completely alone.

Ashton was my best friend. I loved him so much.

His arms tightened around me. He didn't speak. He just held me as if he knew I was going to start crying into his chest.

He finally pulled back and placed his hands gently on my shoulders.

"I wish I could take the pain away, I know hurts." He said softly. 

A bitter laugh escaped me. "You can't."

His jaw clenched. "But I can help."

I frowned, confused.

He exhaled slowly. "Rosie... I meant what I said earlier. I want you to be my chosen mate."

I stared at him, my heart stuttering in my chest.

"Ashton..."

"I know we're not fated." He continued, "But I really do care about you. And I'd rather spend my life with you than anyone else."

Tears gathered up in my eyes again, but this time, they weren't just from sadness.

Ashton was offering me something Dominic never would.

A choice.

A chance to be wanted.

But was it enough?

I took a deep breath and tried to form words, but my mind was spinning. 

Ashton reached for my hands, holding them gently. "You don't have to decide now," he said. "Just know that I'm here. Always."

I nodded, though I wasn't sure what I was agreeing to.

I knew the truth deep down. 

I wanted to say yes.

I wanted to forget about Dominic and the bond and the pain still tearing me apart.

But fate was cruel.

No matter how much I tried to ignore it, I could still feel the mate bond tugging at me.

Weakening, but not yet gone.

Ashton let out a sigh. "Do you want me to stay with you for a while?"

I hesitated. "No. I just... need some time alone."

He looked reluctant. "Okay. But i'll be right here if you need anything."

He left, shutting the door softly behind him.

I took a deep breath, turning toward the mirror on the wall.

I starred at my reflection, and I looked lost.

I gripped my fists.

I had two choices.

I could wallow in this pain, let it consume me until there was nothing left of the girl I used to be.

Or I could move forward.

Fate wasn't always fair. Maybe the Moon Goddess made a mistake.

I

didn't have to accept this.

I wiped my tears away and stood taller.

If Dominic didn't choose me, that was fine.

I would find my own path.

Even if I had to carve it out myself.