“Aurora, you’re back.”
My mom wraps me in a warm hug as soon as I step through the door.
“Welcome home. I can’t believe you’ve been gone for so long. I missed you so much,” she murmurs, holding me close.
Four years. That’s how long I’ve been away, exploring the world. It was something I needed to do before I found my mate.
“Hey, Mom. It’s good to be back.” I hug her back. “I missed you too. Where’s Dad?” I ask when she finally lets me go.
“He’s at the pack house with Alpha Dwayne. They’re getting ready for the mating ceremonies. Jacob found his mate.” She returns to her cooking.
I can’t help but smile. “That’s great. When he takes over as Alpha, Jacob will already have his mate by his side.”
My mom stirs something on the stove, then looks at me. “So, darling, how was your trip? Did you find your mate?”
I had told my parents that I wanted to find my mate when I decided to travel the world. It was the only way my dad would have let me go.
“So, did you find him?” my mom asks again, hope clear in her voice.
“Sadly, no,” I reply, watching her cook.
She nods.
“That’s okay, don’t worry. Your time will come. You know, your father, Alpha Dwayne, and Jacob are going to the Alpha meeting. If you ask him, I’m sure he won’t mind taking you along.
“You’re the Beta’s daughter, after all. Maybe you’ll find your mate there.”
“Mom, I don’t think I’m lucky enough to end up with an Alpha!”
I’ve only been back for a few minutes, and she’s already pushing me to find my mate.
It’s not her fault. Her father, my grandpa, was very strict about this kind of thing. He raised her to be a good and obedient mate. Thankfully, she met my dad, who showed her there’s more to life.
I move closer to my mom. “I’m going to the pack house to say hi to Dad.”
“He doesn’t like to be disturbed when he’s there.” She kisses my cheek. “But since he hasn’t seen you in so long, I don’t think he’ll mind.”
“Well, look who’s back!” A voice calls out as I approach the pack house.
I turn to see who it is. “Jona, is that you?” Jona is Alpha Dwayne’s second son.
Jona grins at me. “The one and only.” He looks me up and down. “When did you get back?”
“Just a little while ago. I came to see my dad. See you later?” I wave at him as I walk away.
Before I enter the Alpha’s office, I knock on the door.
“Come in!” Alpha Dwayne’s voice invites me in.
“Aurora, you’re back! I’m glad to see you,” my dad greets me, standing up from his chair to give me a quick hug.
“Hi, Dad. It’s good to be back.”
“Welcome back, Aurora.” Alpha Dwayne looks up from his papers to greet me.
“Thank you, Alpha. I appreciate you letting me go for so long. I learned a lot on my travels, but unfortunately, I didn’t find what I was looking for.”
Before I left, Alpha Dwayne had signed a travel authorization so other packs wouldn’t mistake me for a rogue.
“Your mother told me. Alpha Dwayne has agreed to let you join us at the Alpha meeting. Maybe you’ll have better luck there.”
The thing is, if my mate is an Alpha, I’ll have to leave my parents and my pack to become the Luna of his pack.
As I reach the bottom of the stairs, a scent catches my attention. I sniff the air, trying to locate its source.
Before I can take another step, I sense someone approaching from behind. I spin around, his scent already wrapping around my senses.
He moves closer, his hands finding my upper arms, pulling me into his body. He dips his head, inhaling the scent of my hair. His eyes meet mine, filled with a sense of peace. I mirror his gaze.
But then, his expression shifts dramatically. He releases my arms as if they’ve scorched him.
“I, Jacob Lenox…”
“…future Alpha of…”
“…the Moon River Pack…”
“…reject you, Aurora Danvers…”
“…as my mate and the future Luna of this pack.”
I’m frozen. Paralyzed by his rejection.
The only sound I can hear is Adalind’s whimper. His rejection has shattered her, shattered us both.
All Adalind ever wanted was to be loved by her mate.
I feel Jacob’s gaze on me one last time before he walks away. He doesn’t seem bothered by the pain he’s just inflicted on us.
I’d heard stories from other packs about mates rejecting their life partners. But I never thought it could happen to us.
I stumble backward until my back hits the wall. I slide down until I’m sitting on the floor.
When I finally regain my senses, I realize Jacob is already gone.
I feel Adalind rise to her feet, lending me the strength I need to escape. We don’t waste any time, running as one into the safety of the woods.
Once we’re far enough away, I let Adalind take control. I retreat into her mind as she takes over our body. She howls, again and again, a mournful cry echoing our shared heartbreak.
