Chapter 2

Elara POV

On the day of the pairing ceremony, I’ve used strong purification salt to scrub away the scent of Mason's wolf and the temporary mark he left on me.

After that night, Mason first texted me, asking me to explain things, but after two calls, he never reached out again.

The nightly "goodnight" messages that last for six years come to an abrupt halt that night.

Six years, and all he can give me are two phone calls.

Maybe this is for the best.

Mindy comes over every day to comfort me, telling me that everything will pass and that someone better is waiting for me.

"The mating ceremony isn't as scary as you think," she pushes me into the walk-in closet.

"The elders can pair you with someone amazing. The Alpha will be there, and maybe…"

"Joking! Those twins already have their chosen mate, Alice. I want a partner with whom we love each other."

"You see it, don't you? Alice betrays them. Honestly, Alice hooks up with your boyfriend, and now you should snatch her mate! Then those two idiots will have to call you Luna!"

"Alphas are way out of my league, don't tease me. Just finding me a normal mate would be enough!" I shrug, no longer believing in any fairy tales.

I pick a long, black silk off-shoulder dress that shows off my cleavage. Mindy styles my long, auburn hair into a wave of curls down my back, and I finish my outfit with heels and golden jewellery.

I look at myself in the mirror and congratulate myself for looking calm and collected. There are no signs of tears or the excruciating pain that pulses through me. Nobody looks at me and sees the pathetic girl with a broken heart.

"Oh, Goddess," Mindy gushes as she looks at me. "You're gorgeous."

"So are you," I say, and mean it. Her pink dress not only complements her skin; it also reflects her compassionate and bubbly personality. Her blue eyes sparkle, and not a hair is out of place in her pixie-style haircut.

Together, we walk to the car for the short drive to the courtyard where the ceremony will be hosted.

It's truly ironic. I always look forward to this day, imagining that Mason and I will make eternal vows to each other. Yet now, it has become the worst day of my life.

I once approach the ceremony with confidence and dreams, but now, all I feel is anxiety and uncertainty.

The closer we get to the courtyard, the more nervous I get. We are going to be paraded in pretty dresses for men to drool over until we are handed out like candy.

And it could be anyone — from a neighbouring pack or guys I go to school with who have also just turned eighteen to old men who can only get it up with the help of a little blue pill.

No one knows how the elders decide who is mated with whom. You just show up, smile and suck it up when your name is called.

The only way out is death. But not for the men. Oh, no, the lucky bastards simply return to the next ceremony and receive a new mate. After all, the purpose is to rebuild the clans after the Great War. So, basically, we she-wolves become nothing but incubators.

"Last Fall's mating ceremony results in the birth of seven pups," Mindy whispers excitedly as we enter the courtyard. "And last Spring's mating ceremony has three pregnancies so far."

"That's nice," I reply absentmindedly as we join the other she-wolves at the stage. Babies are the last thing on my mind. All I feel is dread and an aching pain where my heart used to be.

That's when I notice the Alpha twins have arrived. They share the same striking blue eyes and the most alluring bodies, chosen as the sexiest in all of Constantine.

Kane's hair is wilder, black curls gleaming under the light. Axel's demeanor is more reserved, his brown hair neatly styled. Their overwhelming Alpha presence has the entire courtyard holding its breath.

Mindy nudges my shoulder, her eyes flicking to their tight, controlled crotches. "Huge, huh?"

Better than Mason. I think to myself silently.

Just then, someone bumps into me from behind.

I turn around to see Alice, dressed in a revealing low-cut top, strutting arrogantly past me.

"Little mutt," I hear her mutter under her breath. "Tonight, I'll let you bitch know who the best mate really is."

My fists clench, and I want to shout at her, but just then, the head elder, Anton, takes his place on the stage.

The crowd erupts into a murmur of excitement. That woman—who has been with my ex—walks proudly to join the twins.

Elder Anton lectures on honour, hope, and reproduction, but I am too caught up in my misery to care.

"Elara Montgomery!"

My name echoes over the courtyard, and all the she-wolves look at me.

"Pay attention," Mindy whispers urgently. "He called your name, get on stage."

Oh, shit. Why do I have to be first?

I take a deep breath and walk onto the stage with wobbly legs.

I don't want to do this. I don't want to do this.

The mantra repeats and pulses through me as I stand next to elder Anton.

"Elara Montgomery," his raspy voice reaches my ears. This is it, my moment of damnation. "It is my pleasure to announce that you have been mated to the Alpha Twins, Kane and Axel."

Wait, what?

I was angry and humiliated when Alice told me she and I would be competing tonight, but I never anticipated this.

I came here to get a mate, and now I have two?!

This is ludicrous. Besides, everyone knows they are both completely head over heels for Alice. Apparently, everyone but the elders who are in charge of the matches.

"You're joking, right?" I whisper, leaning closer to elder Anton.

"I'm not known for my sense of humour," he hisses, grabbing my forearm roughly, and I grind my teeth to hide my disgust when his bony fingertips dig into my flesh.

"Go," he growls, shoving me forward.

My first instinct is to argue, but I bite it back when I remember where I am. Everyone is watching. Defying an elder is not only a death wish; it would also bring shame to my family, and I have a little sister to think about. My actions could easily result in her getting a crappy match when it is her turn.

I swallow my pride and turn to face Alphas Kane and Axel, who are sitting on the other side of the stage.

I do my best to keep my head high as I take slow, steady steps toward them. They stare at me with a mixture of pain and anger on their faces, their mouths contorted in snarls. Their wolves shine behind their eyes, glaring at me.

Kane's hand grips the armrest tightly, a flash of gold flickering in his eyes, as if he could snap the wood in half. They look terrifying, and all I want is to run as far away as possible.

I make it across the stage and stand in front of them, bowing my head slightly as I wait for them to speak, to tell me what to do. Because… they own me now.

Alphas Kane and Axel do not take their eyes off me. And I wish I could tell what they are thinking.

Sure, I know they are not happy about this. They want Alice—damn Alice. But am I really that repulsive?

Their negative energy radiates off them toward the crowd, and I can feel more and more people looking at me with disdain and disappointment.

Wow, they surely know how to make a girl feel special and wanted.

"Elder Anton," Alpha Kane stands up, and I bet he is the tallest person I have ever seen. His wolf begins to emerge, anger rolling off him in waves. "Clearly, you've made a mistake."

"I assure you, we have not, Alpha Kane." Anton lifts his chin, his pointy nose tilted like a pig sniffing for food.

Alpha Kane glares at Elder Anton with disgust, and I gasp in shock when he pushes me aside and walks toward Anton. Kane towers over Anton, and he takes a cautious step backwards.

"Sir… Alpha…the choice has been decided," Anton clears his throat. "Once it has been written, it cannot be undone."

"Anything can be undone," Kane growls, clenching his fists.

Wait… undone? What does that mean? Will I be tossed back into the pool of she-wolves and be assigned to a new mate?

This sucks. I cross my arms and bite my quivering bottom lip to stop the tears.

Abandoned twice in a week.

I have never felt so unloved and undesired as at this moment.