Chapter 1 The refusal

Melissa POV CHAPTER 1: THE REFUSAL As I stood at the edge of the meadow, there was a flurry of apprehensive murmurs mixed with excitement. Everyone in the Moonvalley Pack looked forward to the yearly mating ceremony, but I found it to be an anxious occasion. I looked around the crowd, hoping to see someone I knew or feel some comfort, but my heart was thumping in my chest. I clasped my hands together and muttered to myself, "I can't believe this day is finally here." My buddy Lily nudged me and said, "Melissa, don't look so nervous.

You'll be fine." Who knows? Perhaps you'll be matched with an incredible person. I attempted a smile, but deep down, I was knotted up with apprehension. Every wolf fantasized about being selected as a mate, but what would happen if my partner rejected me? What if I was turned down by them? I was afraid of the thought. I glanced around, taking in the other aspirants, and then my gaze fell upon Storm Pack Alpha Dennis Bruce. With only his presence, he commanded attention as he stood tall. With a sense of superiority, he surveyed the throng with his icy blue eyes. His dark hair played in the wind, giving him an even more menacing appearance. I swallowed. "Do you suppose he'll make love to someone today? Lily, noticing my attention, whispered. "I... I'm not sure," I stumbled. It didn't seem feasible to be paired with someone like Dennis. He was strong, and powerful, and exuded an aura that attracted others to him. But me, I was just Melissa Roger, a shy, quiet wolf who didn't often draw attention to herself. "All right! The matches are about to be announced! The gathering went hushed as the elder's voice roared. As the elder started listing the pairs, my heart raced. The fortunate wolves felt a rush of anticipation and optimism with every name shouted out. The elder yelled out, "Dennis Bruce," and everyone turned to look at him. Dennis was still, expressionless. "Plus... Melissa Roger." I blinked, startled. My mind kept repeating the phrase. Dennis was assigned to me? The Storm Pack's Alpha? Everything appeared to stop for a second. I felt the mating bond solidify, causing my breath to become stuck in my throat. I was drawn to him like I was being pulled by an unseen thread. My heart pounded with anticipation and anxiety simultaneously. With hope shining in my eyes, I glanced up at him. Dennis turned to face me, and we made eye contact. But what I got was a chilly shudder down my spine, not the warmth or connection I had anticipated. His eyes were distant, icy, and nearly irrational. I cautiously moved forward, waiting for him to say something, but the words that came out of his mouth broke my heart. Dennis continued, his voice cold and flat, "I reject you." How come? "With a sinking heart, I whispered. He said, "You heard me," louder so that everyone could hear. "I, Dennis Bruce, Storm Pack Alpha, decline to be my partner Melissa Roger." I felt hundreds of eyes on me, burning with astonishment and sympathy as the audience gasped. My entire body froze. My heart broke into a million pieces, and the world around me became hazy and unclear. "B-but why? I stumbled, speaking in a scarcely audible whisper. Dennis smirked. "Observe yourself. Weak, miserable, and not worthy to be my partner. Someone worthy of Luna, someone stronger, is what I deserve. Not you. His remarks cut like a blade through me. Tears were starting to form in my eyes, but I was determined not to let them fall. Not in this place. Not in front of all the people. I turned and ran without saying anything more. I had to flee, even though I had no idea where I was heading. I ran into the forest, tears clouding my vision, and the sounds of the muttering crowd faded behind me. Deep in the woods was where I finally found myself, but I had no idea how far I had run. I was surrounded by the comforting smell of earth and pine, but it didn't bring much solace. I broke down on the woodland floor, sobbing into my hands as my legs gave out. "How is this possible to happen? With a pounding heart from embarrassment and rejection, I muttered to myself. "Why me?" Dennis had discarded the bond without giving it much thought, even though it had seemed so strong and genuine. I had the impression that the rejection was weighing heavily on my chest and that I was having trouble breathing. A snarl sounded across the trees, startling me out of my reverie. My heart was racing when I looked up, but this time it was because of fear. A lone wolf emerged from the darkness; its eyes gleaming menacingly. It was bigger than I was, and it had a sneer on its face. My whole body went paralyzed. I lacked the strength to repel it. With its razor-sharp claws aimed at my neck, the rogue sprang for me. With almost no time to respond, I raised my arms in self-defense. I was forced to the ground by its weight, and I could feel its sharp claws tearing through my flesh. I let out a scream, attempting to ignore it, but it was too powerful. I knew I wasn't going to have much time left when I felt its hot breath on my neck. I was ready to give in when I saw a flash of fur and it tackled the rogue off me. My vision blurred as I struggled to comprehend what was occurring and gulped for air. The new wolf, bigger and more powerful than the old one, gave the rogue a fight I had never seen before. The rogue was vanquished and sent to the ground in a matter of moments. I blinked to attempt to get my vision back. The big wolf transformed back into a man, showing a man with intense green eyes and dark hair. "Who are you? I croaked, the pain weakening my voice. Beside me, the man knelt, his face expressionless. "My name is Damon," he uttered. "You're lucky that I arrived in time." The pain from my wounds shot through me, making me wince. Damon scowled as his gaze shifted to the wounds. His voice was firm but not cruel as he stated, "You shouldn't have been out here alone." My voice was unsteady as I murmured, "I... didn't expect this." "I was merely-" Rejected? With a little softening of his eyes, Damon concluded. "I am aware. I was told. My pupils expanded. "How do you...?" Damon stood up and extended his hand to me, saying, "I know more than you think, Melissa." "Your rejection isn't solely a result of your weakness. Greater factors are at work. I scowled as I attempted to interpret what he had said. "What are you trying to say?" Damon looked around, his face tight. "Be careful; I don't have time to explain anything right now. There are entities in the Storm Pack and Moonvalley that desire for you to fail. A shiver went down my spine. However, why me?" When Damon's gaze locked with mine, I briefly sensed something: worry? Sadness? "You'll learn the truth in due time. But remain hidden for the time being. Things are going to get risky soon. I was left alone and perplexed when Damon changed back into his wolf form and vanished into the forest before I had a chance to ask any more questions. My arm started to hurt badly as I tried to make sense of it all. I gasped as I peered down. The rogue's wound was glowing, very faintly but visible. I was filled with fear and perplexity as I peered at it in shock. What was it that I was experiencing? The faint glow pulsed again, leaving me wondering if this was just the beginning of something far bigger than I could imagine.