Chapter One: The Night I Was Rejected

Lena’s POV

“Hold still,” Ava said, her fingers moving quickly at the back of my dress. “If you keep shifting, I’ll ruin it.”

“I’m trying,” I whispered.

“You’re not trying hard enough.”

I let out a small breath and forced myself to stay still. The dress felt light against my skin. Soft cream fabric that flowed down to my ankles, simple but carefully made. Ava had sewn it herself, staying up late just to finish it in time. A thin silver line curved around my waist, and the sleeves rested gently on my shoulders. It wasn’t something a Luna would usually wear, but it was the best we could do.

I looked at my reflection again. For once, I didn’t look like someone who should stand at the back.

“You look fine,” Ava said, stepping beside me. “Better than fine.”

I didn’t answer immediately. “Do I look like someone an Alpha would choose?” I finally asked.

She frowned slightly. “He already chose you.”

I held her gaze in the mirror. “Then why does it feel like he’s waiting for something else?”

Ava didn’t reply this time.

Before the silence could stretch, the door opened. An omega stepped in, head lowered. “They’re waiting,” she said. That was all. No smile. No excitement. Just waiting.

Ava squeezed my hand once. “Go. Don’t overthink it.”

I nodded, even though my chest felt tight. I followed the omega down the hallway, each step slower than the last. The closer we got, the quieter everything felt, like the air itself was holding its breath.

The mating hall doors were open. When I stepped inside, all eyes turned to me. Pack members stood on both sides, leaving a clear path in the middle. Their gazes followed me, some curious, some judging, some simply watching.

At the far end, Ryan sat on the raised platform. My steps slowed. He looked.... different tonight. He wasn’t dressed casually like before. He wore a fitted black shirt with the sleeves rolled just enough to show his forearms, and dark trousers that made him look even taller where he sat. His posture was relaxed but controlled, one arm resting on the arm of the chair, fingers tapping lightly as if he had been waiting.

When his eyes met mine, he smiled. A real smile. Warm. Relief washed over me so suddenly that I almost forgot how nervous I was.

He stood as I got closer. “There you are,” he said, his voice calm, steady.

My chest loosened a little. “I thought I was late,” I replied.

“You’re right on time.”

For a moment, everything felt normal again. This was how it was supposed to be. I stepped closer, stopping just in front of him.

The elder cleared his throat from the side. “We will begin.”

I nodded slightly, trying to steady myself. Ryan’s gaze stayed on me, unreadable now but not cold.

“Lena,” the elder said, “step forward.”

I did. “Tonight is the night you confirm the bond,” he continued. “Call your wolf.”

My fingers tightened slightly at my sides. Call my wolf? I had tried before. It never worked. But tonight.... it had to.

I closed my eyes and focused, just like I had been taught. I reached inward, searching for that part of me everyone said was there.

“Come out....” I whispered under my breath.

Nothing came out. I tried again, pushing harder this time. “Please....”

Still nothing. The silence in the room grew heavier that i could feel it. I could feel them watching.

“Take your time,” the elder said, but even his voice sounded unsure now.

I swallowed and tried again, forcing myself to stay calm. But the more I tried, the more empty it felt. There was nothing there. No response. No presence. Just silence.

I slowly opened my eyes. The room looked different now. The warmth I felt earlier was gone.

I glanced at Ryan. He wasn’t smiling anymore.That made my chest tightened.

“I.... I just need a moment,” I said quickly. “It’s there, I know it is, I just—”

“You’ve had moments,” Ryan said. His voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through everything.

I froze.

“I’ve seen you try before,” he continued, stepping closer. “Nothing changes.”

“I’m getting better,” I said, my voice barely steady. “I just need more time…”

“How much time?” he asked.

I didn’t answer because i didn’t know the answer.

A quiet murmur spread through the crowd. I could hear it now. They weren’t hiding it anymore.

“She can’t even shift....” “Is she really his mate?” “This is embarrassing....”

My hands trembled. “I told you,” I said, looking back at him, “I’m trying. I haven’t stopped trying.”

Ryan let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair. “I know,” he said. For a second, hope flickered again. But then he shook his head.

“I waited for you,” he said. The room fell silent listening attentively to him. “I gave you time,” he continued, his voice steady, controlled. “I thought maybe you just needed a push. Maybe you would grow into it.”

My throat felt dry. “I am growing,” I said softly.

He didn’t react. “I waited for you to become something strong....” he said slowly. Each word felt heavier than the last. “....but you failed to.”

It felt like the air left my lungs. “I didn’t fail,” I said quickly. “I just haven’t reached it yet. I can still…”

“This isn’t about ‘yet’ anymore,” he cut in. His voice didn’t rise, but it didn’t need to. It was final.

I shook my head slightly. “Ryan, please.”

“I need a Luna,” he said. “Not someone who might become one.”

The words hit deeper than anything else. “I can be that,” I whispered.

He looked at me for a long moment. And then

“Tonight....” he began.