CHAPTER 2

Nina’s POV

The Moonstone Welcome Party shimmered with elegance the following evening.

I stepped into the university ballroom, lavishly decorated with crystal chandeliers and soft candlelight. Soft music playing faintly in the background. Whispers and murmurs amongst the wolves —who stood in their finest attire. Clinking of glasses.

I wore a flowing silver gown embroidered with delicate petals, silver heels glinting beneath the hem. I had never felt more beautiful—or powerful.

“Well…” Kate—my best friend and roommate said, taking my hand in hers. “Let's dive into the party.“ She smiled, and then winked at me.

I managed a small smile at her as we both walked further into the room. We settled at a table, my eyes glancing around, hoping to catch the sight of Aiden, but he is nowhere to be found.

Unease curled in my chest, but I quickly shoved it away. Maybe he is still getting ready?

I reached for my phone in my clutch and typed a message to him. 

“Where are you, Aiden? The party has already started.”

The message ticked that it has been delivered, and read but there was no response.

Kate seems to notice my unease. “Are you okay?“ Kate asked, her voice laced with concern. “You look worried.“

I forced a smile at her. “I'm fine.“ 

I had to lie, since she doesn't even know about Aiden and I yet.

Then I drop the phone, willing to let myself calm down. He was one of the organisers of the party after all and his family owns the university, maybe he's still busy with setting everything up.

Minutes passed, and the party was in full swing. The students were already on the dance floor, swaying to the music with their date but still Aiden is not here yet.

“Where the hell are you?” I whispered, dialling his number.

No response.

This night was supposed to be perfect for Aiden and I. I have looked forward to this day for the past one year but now he is nowhere to be found.

All of a sudden, the music died down. A moderator stepped onto the platform with a microphone in his hands.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Moonstone Welcome Party. Now, everyone please have your seat.”

The students obeyed, taking their seats.

He continued. “Now… let's welcome the prince and princess of Velmora Lycan University,” he said, his voice booming through the room. “Aiden Brooks and Maya Walker.”

A round of applause echoed through the room as heads turned backwards.

My heart thundered louder than a war drum.

Aiden Brooks?

Maya Walker?

How is that possible?

I turned my head towards the door and there they were.

Aiden walked in a sharp Italian suit, his hands wrapped around Maya's who was dressed in an emerald dress—smiling like she had finally won a long existing battle.

I adjusted my glasses and stared at them closely and they were indeed real.

“No… no,” I said, shaking my head frantically as if that would somehow deny the reality happening before me. “This can't be.”

My body was trembling and tears were blurring my vision.

Maya snapped her eyes towards me and smirked triumphantly like she was enjoying every bit of my devastation.

Aiden's eyes too landed on me briefly as they now stood together on the platform.

No… I can't keep quiet anymore. Is this like some kind of joke? Yeah…. That must be it. 

But with Maya? He always talks about how much he hated her and would never be with her even if she was the last she-wolf on earth.

I sprang up to my feet. “What the hell is happening, Aiden?” I asked, my voice surprisingly firm despite the storm brewing inside me. “Why the hell are you with Maya? I’m supposed to be the one by your side, right?”

Into the microphone, Aiden scoffed like I was a joke he didn't quite get. “By my side?” He repeated as if what I had just said was nothing but an abomination. “Hell no, Nina. You're not meant to be by my side.”

Gasps, whispers and murmurs rose.

I narrowed my eyes, confused. “We are mates, remember.”

“Mate?” He laughed cruelly. “Why would I want a weak, spoiled little princess?”

Laughter erupted, the sharp mocking sounds were like daggers, stabbing my heart.

His words were unbelievable. Weak, spoiled princess? That's not true.

Fine, my wolf is weak and even barely there, but that has never been an issue between us. Anytime I complained in the past, he would say 'You don't need a wolf to be strong. What matters is the heart.' 

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. 

He continued. “I need a strong woman like Maya by my side.” He pulled her closer to his chest, and pressed a passionate kiss to her lips.

The tears finally streamed down my cheeks, my chest tightening. 

I thought we were in love, right?

He was my childhood best friend. This was the same boy I had loved since I was nine.

Our families were close because mother used to visit the Velmora Lycan Pack as an entourage of the Alpha of the Duskwatch pack.

“But…”

Aiden wasn't done yet. He stepped forward, his smirk deepening. "Though, I'll admit, you do have one talent, Nina. You're good for one thing—fucking."

The laughter grew louder, crueler, echoing off the walls and drilling into my skull. I couldn't breathe. My chest tightened. My eyes burning with unshed tears. My legs wobbled, but I forced myself to remain standing, even as my whole world crumbled before me.

“I, Aiden Brooks of the Velmora Lycan Pack, reject you, Nina Hayes, as my mate.“

Kate held me gently. “How could you do this—”

I held her, shaking my head for her not to defend me. 

Asshole! I didn't know how I was able to do it, but my voice was firm. “I, Nina Hayes, accept your rejection.”

The rejection pain shot through my heart and the bond broke. My body shook violently but I didn't stumble. No. Not here. Not where they could see.

With my weak legs, and taking a handful of my dress, I ran out of the ballroom. Away from the humiliation, away from the mockery, away from him—the man who had just ripped out my heart and trampled it under his feet.

“Nina…” I heard Kate's voice behind me.

But I didn't wait.

I stepped into the garden, the cool night biting against my exposed skin. 

As I reached the college grounds, a sob tore from my throat, my knees gave out beneath me. I collapsed onto the damp grass, burying my face in my hands, my entire body wracked with uncontrollable sobs.

How could he do this to me?

I have loved him, given him my heart, body and dignity. How could he betray me without a second thought?

My whole body throbbed in pain, especially my head, and my vision went blurry. Just before the darkness took over, I thought I heard footsteps… and a scent that didn’t belong to Aiden.