chapter two

Astria's POV

Today is my birthday.

I should be excited and I am but I’m also scared. Something in my gut tells me today won’t be normal.

“Did you hear?” Maria, one of the pack gossip girls, whispered to her friend.

“Hear what?” Anne asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

Maria looked around, making sure no one was listening.

“The Alpha King killed twenty guards yesterday.” She whispered like it was a prayer.

I froze where I stood. Everyone knows better than to talk about the Alpha King.

“Oh my goddess! What made him that angry?” Anne gasped.

The Alpha King. The most feared wolf in all the lands. Even other alphas tremble at his name. They say he has demon blood. Some believe he killed his own parents at sixteen and took the throne. Others say he’s immortal.

But whatever the truth is he rules over all the packs, including ours. And no one dares to cross him.

“Astria! Stop wasting time! Go serve breakfast!” Jane snapped at me.

I sighed. All I wanted was to quietly go to the daycare and enjoy my birthday leave. But first, breakfast duty.

I rushed to the dining room with the food, praying I wouldn't run into anyone.

I was setting the plates when I smelled it the most delicious scent I’ve ever breathed in. My heart skipped.

Mate.

I looked up, eyes wide with hope. My heart pounding like crazy.

Then I saw him.

Jason.

The Alpha’s son. The same boy who’s loved my sister for years. The one who looks at me like I’m nothing.

He was staring at me with shock. Then his expression twisted.

Disgust. Hatred.

My heart shattered.

This can’t be happening.

My mate,my one true mate is Jason.

I could feel the stares. Everyone in the pack had gathered around. They knew. They all knew what was about to happen.

I didn’t have to turn to know my sister was there too. Watching. Smiling, probably.

I braced myself.

“I, Alpha Jason Shawn, reject Omega Astria Amari as my mate.”

His voice was cold. Sharp. Like he couldn’t wait to get the words out.

My knees gave out.

Tears ran down my face, but I lifted my head.

“I, Astria Amari, accept Alpha Jason Shawn’s rejection.”

The words burned my throat, but I had to say them. I had to let him go. He was never going to love me anyway.

I looked at my parents. They didn’t even flinch. My sister was smiling like she’d won.

Everyone else just stared like I was some sad movie playing out in front of them.

I took a deep breath and walked up to the Alpha.

“I’m free to leave this pack now, right?” I asked, smiling through my tears.

He nodded, placing a hand on my shoulder.

“You’re free.”

Finally,

I ran to my room. Threw on the birthday dress Jane gave me. Packed a few clothes in a small bag.

I stood in the middle of the room, taking one last look. This tiny, broken place had been my home. My hiding place. My peace.

I was about to step out when Jane walked in.

She smiled and grabbed my cheeks.

“Go, girl,” she said proudly. “You deserve so much more than this.”

I hugged her tight.

“Thanks for being the mom I never had,” I whispered.

Then I left.

And I didn’t look back.

Zeyric's POV

The ballroom smelled like power and lies.

Everyone in this room wore fake smiles. Their clothes sparkled. Their hearts didn’t.

I walked through the crowd. People bowed. Whispers followed.

But I didn’t care. I needed to get out of here.

I walked to the darkest place in this mansion, my room. I opened the doors to my balcony and stared at the moon.

It’s almost time.

“Zeyric.”

I felt the presence behind me. It was Braxen, my right-hand man. My best friend.

I didn’t respond. Just kept looking at the moon.

He stood beside me.

“It’s almost that time again,” he said quietly.

“I had the dream again,” I said, my voice low.

He turned to me. “The girl?”

I nodded.

Every time the full moon draws near, I dream of her. I never see her face. But I always remember her snow-white hair. Her pink eyes.

She haunts me.

“Maybe this time you’ll meet her,” Braxen said.

“I hope so,” I whispered.

I would give up everything to find her. The girl from my dreams. The one who feels like home.

“Do you think she’s your soul bond?” Braxen asked.

I turned sharply. My eyes glowed red.

“Forgive me, my king,” he bowed quickly.

He should know better than to say that out loud.

“Go. I’ll join the party later.”

He left without another word.

I've always been jealous of Braxen. He has the one thing I want the most a soul bond, a beautiful and strong one at that with three kids even though he grew right in my face .

Everyone thinks I’m cursed. That the Moon Goddess denied me a mate because I killed my parents.

Maybe they’re right.

But I’ve been searching for my mate, my soul bond for over 200 years. And I’m not giving up.

I took a sip of blood wine holding my breath slightly trying to savor the taste.

It wouldn’t quench the hunger inside me. The demon in me Lokar needed more.

I’d probably have to call for Rhiara tonight. Again.

I should probably get rid of her. She clearly wants more than just being a bed warmer for Lokar.

Her eyes on the position of my mate the Luna queen.

She was clingy now, even though our contract said no feelings. But Lokar didn’t care. He just wanted blood and pleasure.

‘oh please. I'm starving, zeyric,’ Lokar said in my head.

“You could try having patience,” I muttered.

‘Not my fault you're too picky.’

My eyes glowed red again. Lokar was trying to take over.

‘pussy,’ my wolf, Maelen, growled at Lokar.

‘I just want our mate already,’ Maelen whined.

They both wanted her. So did I.

“I feel like we’ll meet her this full moon,” I whispered.

My instincts had never failed me.

‘Alpha, the pack seer is asking to see you”.Braxen’s voice came through the mind-link.

‘I wonder what he wants,’ Lokar said.

‘Maybe it's about our mate,’ Maelen added, full of hope.

I had the same feeling.

‘ I'm coming,” I said, walking back inside.

Maybe just maybe this is the moment I’ve been waiting for.