chapter 2

The Scent leads me to the football field, specifically to the front of someone i recognize.

Is David Kessler my Mate?

No way, no how, no how...

His beautiful blue eyes widen as he looks at me. Though his eyes soften slightly, his surprise remains visible. His wandering gaze as it traverses my form conveys confusion to me.

My wolf howls, urging me to pounce on him, but unlike her, I recognize that now is not the time.

He gives an odd smile and shakes his head.

"The moon goddess must be playing a joke," he finally says, chuckling slightly. "Huh?" I foolishly inquire.

Of course, I get what he's saying.

"What's your name?" He asks,

Rachel Adams," I say

For a brief moment, he furrows his brow and thinks. "Adams? "Once again,

"I need someone who is strong and has a lot of connections," he says. "Someone like Laura," I say quietly, but he hears me. "Exactly. Laura and I are also in a relationship. "I have no idea what sick joke the goddess is playing by choosing you as my mate, but I'm not going to let it happen," he declares angrily.

His words pierced my heart like a dagger. I had no idea meeting my mate would result in this outcome.

Vivian whimpers in pain.

My heart starts racing. I already know what he's going to say next. My breathing becomes slower, and my head begins to ache. I'm not sure how to express my feelings, but I know my heart is breaking.

"I, David, the future alpha of the Crescent Moon pack, reject you, Rachel Adams, as my mate and the future Luna of my pack," he says coldly before retreating to walk away.

I clutch my chest and fall to the ground slowly. Why does my heart ache so much? I had to wait eighteen years to meet my soulmate. I wouldn't mind if my mate was anyone, even a servant, as long as he loved me. However, this...

I have never known such agony. He tore out my heart and ruthlessly trampled on it until it was completely destroyed.

Vivian lets out one last whimper before falling silent. Mary rushing to my side is the last thing I hear before I pass out.

My eyes slowly open. Slowly, I survey my surroundings. I'm in my bedroom right now.

"How are you doing?" Mary is curious.

I nod and try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my left chest, forcing me to recline.

"What exactly happened?" Mary inquires, holding my hand. Mrs. Williams walks into the room as Mary asks the question. A tear falls down my cheek.

"My friend turned me down. "I can't believe David rejected me."

I can't help but cry. Speaking the words aloud brings home the harsh reality of it all. I hoped it wasn't the case. But, unfortunately, this is my reality.

Mary and Mrs. Williams' expressions show a wide range of emotions. Shock, rage, pity, and sorrow...

Mrs. Williams takes a step forward and embraces me. The sharp pain in my chest is still there, but it's getting worse. This time it's in my heart as well.

"It hurts so bad. "Please help me," I beg, clutching Mrs. Williams close.

Her eyes well up with tears, as do Mary's.

"I'm truly sorry, honey. "There's nothing I can do," she says, sobbing.

My tears finally stop after what feels like hours. My body is motionless on my bed. I don't have the energy to say anything or do anything.

Mrs. Williams left to prepare dinner for the other children and attend to some other matters after Mary had to leave for her home.

I haven't moved since then. My pillow is soaked in tears. Worst of all, I can't sense Vivian. She has been deafeningly quiet since that moment in the parking lot. I can't tell if she's in pain or suffering. Her silence is all I can hear, and it is agonizing. I curl into a ball and clasp my chest.

Another tear falls from my eye. I believe I still have tears in me. I slowly get out of bed and look out the window. The distance between my window and the ground isn't great, but if I jump, I might sustain injuries that overshadow the ache in my heart.

The door swings open just as I'm about to perch on the window ledge. Jane walks in with her eyes averted, avoiding eye contact with mine. I don't blame her; if I were in her shoes, I'd be unsure how to approach me.

I take a step back from the window and attempt to smile at her. It is too difficult. Rather, a tear falls down my cheek. Jane rushes up to me and wraps her arm around my waist.

"I apologize, Rachel. I was informed of what had occurred. He's a fool to reject you. You are the best sister on the planet. He has no idea what he has lost," each word has a profound effect on me. I can't believe I was so close to committing suicide.

"Thank you, Jane," I say as I let go of Jane's embrace and wipe away my tears. I'll get through it.

I must.

"By the way, Mrs. Williams instructed me to contact you." "Some people have come to see you," Jane adds.

"Who exactly are they?" In a broken voice, I rasp. "I don't know, but they were sent by david dad.