The night of Rejection

Chapter one

I woke up before dawn, my eyes widely opened and my heart fluttering painful in my chest.i hadn't slept a wink all night , How could I?

I hadn't slept at all, not after the way Damon had touched me last night .

my breath caught just remembering it.

it wasn't suppose to happen, he had only offered to walk me back to my chambers after the council dinner. but halfway through the path, he stopped eyes dark like he was fighting something inside him .

"Iris ", he had murmured " his voice rougher than usual. you should sleep early . tomorrow is important ".

but when I turned to leave, his hands curled around my waist warm, firm, pulling me a little too close .

I could still feel it now.

his fingers sliding slowly down my arm

his breath brushing the side of my neck, the way his lips hovered there, almost touching, almost claiming, before he jarked back like the contact burned him.

a moment unfinished, a desire unspoken.

enough to keep my while body awake until morning.

Today was suppose to be my day, "my big day" i made sure i check outside my window every minute, hoping for a faint glow . I jumbed out of my bed just to see the horizon a pale stretch of light was spilling across the sky , " the sun was rising."

A breathless smile warmed my face .

It's finally here, my wedding day ......my future with Damon .

Damon the love of my life , the man i had adored with every part of my soul. I've spent years believing and hoping that this day will come ,and here it is .

As the morning settled fully the pack was alive with movement, excitement buzzzed in the air worriors carried decorations, the maids carried flowers and distant drums echoed the start of celebration. But baneath the cheerful noises wispered followed

"She's cursed ''

"Unfit to rule"

I lifted my chin each time, not letting their words pierce me. "Damon loves me", and that is enough.

" My lady you're going to be the most beautiful bride the pack has ever seen."

I forced a smile, like I was going through the motion, I hadn't slept all night. My mind racing with the thought of Damon....... And the emotions he stirred within me.

I was about sliding into my wedding dress when the door opened.

" Iris"

"Ophelia"

My friend, my confident, she knows my every doubt and fear.

"What took you so long?"

I had somethings to prepare for.

" Iris, you look royalty Alpha Damon won't notice anything but perfection today."

my smile widened, Oh! please Ophelia, perfection you say? This corset is choking me , I could hardly breath.

Ophelia smile seemed genuine, but I noticed a hint of tension in her eyes, which she brushed off as nerves.

"Ophelia," what's wrong I asked concerned .

Ophelia forced a smile." oh, nothing , Iris I'm just being a little emotional , that's all. By the way you look stunning.

I Brushed that away, today is my day no space for worries. Ophilia has been my childhood friend, and it meant the world to me that she's standing by my side on this special day.

Ophelia continued to fuss with the dress, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off , but I couldn't quite point my finger at it .

"Almost done, my lady" one of the maid said pinning a delicate brooch to my dress .

My eyes widened in shock, as I looked at my reflection in the mirror , the dress was indeed a stunning creation with deligate embroidery that sparkled in the light, I look beautiful .

" Here," Ophelia handed me a ring, it's a symbol of unity to bound your union with Alpha Damon." Remember obedience brings strength and power.

"You're forgetting something Opheilia," I replied gently"love builds and restore. "

"My lady, it's time", one of the maids said. I nodded, my heart pounding in my cheat.

***

Damon stood in his chambers, tense, staring at the ceremonial cloak his hands were there tight at his sides . his breath uneven something inside him felt off

he didn't hear the door open untill Ophelia soft voice slipped in.

"Damon"

He stiffened.

"Ophelia ", he said carefully. " this isn't a good time ."

she stepped closer anyway brushing the edge of his cloak.

you look troubled, she said tilting her head.

" Wedding nerves?"

"I'm fine ", he said but his voice sounded anything but......

Ophelia smiled slow, knowingly .

"You should be , Iris ..she isn't ready to stand by you ".

He turned sharply , eyes flashing with anger .

" Watch your words Ophelia ".

But she didn't step back .

"Iris is weak Damon, she's feeble and fragile she wouldn't last a day in the cutthroat word of politics, But I...... I'm different I'm strong, ambitious and I know how to get things done .

He turned to look away but her eyes pinned him.

" Think about it Damon, Iris didn't lift a finger to help her clan, she just watced her parents die and she ran away, but I... stood and fought for my pack . I did whatever is needful to protect them, to ensure their survival. That's the kind of strength you need in a partner, not some little timid mouse like iris."

Damon swallowed, doubt he had try to ignore pressed at him.

" this is not your place," he said .

Ophelia moved closer, circling him like a shadow.

"you're strong Damon, you need a Luna who is strong too. someone who can stand with you, not hide behind you."

he breathed in sharply .

"Ophelia, Iris is ......"

"...weak , she finished softly. and you know it"

her words hit him were he didn't want to feel.

you deserve someone who understands power , someone who can help you rule not slow you down.

her hands brushed his arm , light but daring.

Damon chest tightened, confusing and anger mixed inside him.

"why today?" he asked, voice low .

"Because no one will say it," she wispered ". because I care about you more than she ever could."

Her finger lingered on his arm.

Damon grapped her wrist .......not gently .

"Enough" , he said voice rough.

Ophelia smiled knowing, she has touched the part of him that could be swayed.

"My father agrees, she wispered " the elders agrees Iris is not good for you "

Damon gaze lingered over Ophelia, a hint of uneasiness in his eyes, He seemed to be searching for something , but Ophilia words has planted a seed of doubt in his mind.

Think about it Alpha Damon....She said leaning closer " together we can bring sustainability,we will be unstoppable. we can bring prosperity and strength to our packs, and our lagacy will be remembered for future to come .

Damon closed his eyes trying to find control.

when he opened then uncertainty clouded his gaze.

" Ophelia I need to think."

Ophelia smile grew in triumph, she knew she had him, and all she needed to do was to seal the deal.

"that's all I ask, Alpha."

***

The ceremony was beautiful , everyone gathered to celebrate.

The elder of the pack Aldric, arrived with ancient words, remember a true Luna binds not only her mate, but her pack, "Iris nodded, accepting responsibility."

Then she saw him ---" Alpha Damon ," she felt it before she saw him, a spark in chest, a warmeth spreading through her veins.

Dashing in black and silver , eyes locked on her like she was a prize.

but something was off.

He didn't smile.

his gaze was cold.

Distant.

Like he didn't recognize me at all.

"Iris, daughter of Kael " the elder intoned, do you take Alpha Damon ........

" I do "

Alpha Damon leaned forward sluggishly, like he was having a war within him.

Alpha Damon " the elder intoned, do you take Iris as your mate and wife ......... Alpha Damon left the question hanging in the air.

Silence.

A long crushing silence.

The crowd exhaled.

Damon turned to the crowd , his voice booming "I reject this Union , the moon gooddess doesn't sanction a broken Luna."