Rejected Under The Moonlight

Ava stood in front of her window looking at how the streets were completely transformed, it was vibrant and everyone was filled with joy, the long-awaited day which every wolf looked forward to had finally arrived. Preparations for the big event had already begun. She could hear the gossip and giggle about who would be the lucky girl the Alpha was going to pick. All the girls in the pack were doing their very best to stand out when the time came, but some more than others.

And speaking of others, there goes Madison, passing by with her group of minions. Rumor had it that she had booked almost every beauty house in the pack just so she could stand out. But as the saying goes, no amount of makeup can ever cover up a dark soul.

Ava hated almost every single member of her pack because of the way they treated her, there was nothing to look forward to, nobody would choose her, and they all looked down on her and bullied her because she was weak and easy to prey on.

She had always wondered what life would have been without her best friend, Alora.

They had been friends for as long as she could remember. Since childhood, Alora had always tried her best to protect Ava whenever she was around, no one dared to bully her. Alora was very beautiful, brave, and very kind to her. She didn't listen to the rumors accusing Ava of being a jinx and that was why she had always admired Alora.

Tri!! Tri!! Tri!!

The alarm clock rang as Ava snapped out of thoughts. She had been looking outside for so long that she almost forgot how significant the day was for her. It was her father's death anniversary she hurried to the bathroom to take a shower.

She had long silver smooth hair which she always styled in a ponytail; she had an oval face, soft jaws, groomed eyebrows, and brown eyes that shone in the natural light of the sun. She was born with a crescent birthmark on her forehead which was one of the reasons she was bullied. After showering she came out of the bathroom with a pink towel wrapped around her chest, she picked a simple outfit, one in which she was comfortable and fit her slender body perfectly. As she took her purse from the table, her gaze fell on the scar on her right arm which she had no memory of how she got but had been there since she was a child. She shoved the thought aside as she headed out of her house.

As she walked past the street, she could hear others whisper and curse, she was already used to it. She ignored them and headed straight to Flora Flowers where she bought a bouquet of Lilies for her dad. As Ava head towards the graveyard, she could hear more whispers

"Hey! Freak an unfamiliar voice yelled she knew he was talking to her but she ignored him.

"That's right keep walking demon!" he added spitting on the floor. Tears threatened to fall from Ava's eyes "It's fine Ava, it's nothing you're used to this already" Ava tried to console herself as she continued to walk.

After a couple of minutes, she arrived at the cemetery. She looked to make sure that she was all alone. She had already taken enough curses and insults just for one day and she wasn't sure if she could take anymore.

After confirming that there was no one else around she felt more relaxed as she found a good spot to sit in between the grave of her parents.

As she stared at the worn-out grave of her parents, she tried to fight back the tears that had already welled up her eyes, she remembered the promise she made to them the last time she came. She had promised to never shed a tear no matter what but here she was again, crying uncontrollably like a little child, but she couldn't help it, her parents were dead and there was

Nothing she could do about it, she was all alone, and it was her against the world.

Taking a deep breath she dried her tears with the back of her hands. She had finally summoned enough courage to speak to her parents. She placed the fresh lilies which she had bought earlier on their grave.

"Mom, Dad, it's me, Ava. I know that it's been a while since I last came here to pay my respects but please, don't be mad at me. It's just been tough for me. Nothing much has changed though, everything is still the same, they all still hate and bully me as usual but its fine, because I've already gotten used to it. I don't let their insults get to me any longer just like you would have wanted". She adjusted her sitting position to get a clearer view of the graves.

"Dad, another year has passed since you've left me all alone in this miserable world. Maybe what they all say about me is true, just maybe if I didn't come into this world you and Mom would still be alive today".

As soon as she made the last statement, heavy winds began to blow causing the trees to rustle, causing a disturbance to the serenity of the cemetery. Ava always took this as a sign that her parents were trying to communicate with her.

Judging from how hard the wind blew across her face, it wasn't hard to tell that her parents disagreed with what she had just said or maybe she was just over thinking things but whatever it was, it made her feel calm and set her mind at ease. It took a few more minutes before the wind finally settled down.

"Well mom, dad I have something important to tell you". She paused, feeling a bit shy about what she was going to say. Her eyes twinkled and the corner of her mouth lifted, showing how excited about how about the news.

"A few months ago, I told you about Damian, the Alpha of our pack, well today, he is finally going to choose a mate who is going to be the new Luna of Moonwood pack. I know that there is nothing for someone like me to look forward to but honestly, I can't help but feel something special for him, it's like any time I see him, and I feel this special bond between us just like we were made for each other, my inner wolf always acts up whenever I see him". She had already started daydreaming about Damian again.

She paused again, returning to reality, as her smile gradually faded and darkness clouded her features, "Who am I kidding" she realized that she was only lying to herself. The one she had admired for almost half her life, he had never cast his gaze upon her. He had always treated her coldly and never showed any kind of emotion towards her.

Ava spent a few more hours in the cemetery before heading back home.

Later that evening

Ava sat ideally in her room doing nothing in particular. The pack was almost empty as everyone was already gathered for long long-awaited moon mating ceremony which was taking place at Moon Square. A sudden knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

Who could that be? She thought to herself as she made her way to the door, she opened it revealing a really beautiful Alora, her gorgeous dress and exotic makeup, showed that she was all ready for the event.

"Wow Alora, you look so beautiful". Ava complimented.

Yeah, I already know that, but why aren't you ready yet". She asked making her way into Ava's house and headed straight to the closet.

Ava didn't have an answer, she wasn't even sure about the reason she decided to not attend the event.

"Let me guess, it's because you're scared right, you don't want others to talk bad about you. But you don't have to worry cause am here for you". Alora assured her making her feel more at ease.

"So now let's get you ready "cause we have a party to wreck" Alora teased making Ava smile, for the first time since that day.

"There you go". Alora said, after applying the last touch of makeup on Ava's face you look stunning" Alora commended Ava after taking a close look at her.

Ava was stunned when she finally looked at the mirror, she couldn't believe that it was her very own reflection she was looking at. She had always known that Alora was very good at fashion but this was just unbelievable.

"Thank you so much Alora, you've helped me out. I don't know what I'd ever do without you by my side

"How many times do I have to remind you that you don't have to thank me for every single thing I do for you, we're friends and we always have to look after each other, besides I've always loved fashion and I'm kinda thinking of taking it as a profession". Alora added.

"If one day I become a famous designer, I will choose you to be my model". Alora teased and they both laughed. The sound of a loud bell signified the beginning of the mate selection and the end of their daydreaming.

They made their way out of the house and headed straight to Moon Square. They had wasted a lot of time on make-up and petty conversation that they had lost track of time. It was almost midnight, the streets were bubbling, filled with lots of decorations and performances. The moon was unusually bright that evening, it was shining more than it did before, everyone was celebrating and the air was magical.

"I feel like there is something strange going on this evening, just look at how the moon is shining brightly, this has never happened before, do you think it's a sign that something bad is going to happen? Ava asked, unable to shake off the uneasiness she had been feeling since they left the house.

"Oh come on Ava, do you have to be such a pessimist". Alora asked. "Look, the whole pack is celebrating and the atmosphere is just extraordinary, I think that the moon's presence is an auspicious sign that tonight will be one of the most unforgettable days of our lives, so just chill and enjoy the night cause you never know, you might never get this chance again".

Aloha's optimism always had a way of rubbing off positively on Ava's mood, but this time it didn't work, no matter how hard she tried to shake off the negative feelings, it always came back to disrupt her happy thoughts.

Ava's deep thought was interrupted when Alora took her hands and before she knew it, they were dancing under the moonlight. A few minutes later, they were both laughing and trying to catch their breath.

"Do you feel better now" Alora asked as they continued their journey to Moon Square.

"If I say no, are you gonna make me dance again".

"Probably" Ava teased and they both laughed

They continued talking and walking until they finally arrived at Moon Square.

The atmosphere in Moon Pack was breathtaking. The decorations outside was nothing compared to the one inside the main square. All the wolves were gathered everyone dressed with elegance. The celebration had already started, loud music filled the air, drinks were served and the dance floor was filled with entertainers but the Alpha was nowhere in sight.

Ava and Alora found a good spot to sit and Alora ordered a drink for both of them.

"This is crazy right". Alora spoke at the top of her.

"What?" Ava replied trying to understand what Alora had just said. The loud music was interfering with their hearing.

"The party, I said it's crazy, they went all out for the preparations" Alora said, speaking louder.

"Yeah, you're right about that. The future Luna is going to be lucky," Ava commented.

A group of girls passed by, they said hello to Alora but ignored Ava as if she was invisible. It's better than being insulted all over again she consoled herself. Alora excused herself from the table and followed her friends leaving Ava all alone.

Ava didn't feel comfortable sitting alone without Alora, she was already getting bored. The selection was about to begin and Alora was nowhere in sight.

"Whatsup freak" A familiar voice called from behind. Ava turned to see Madison and her group of minions standing behind her.

"Please, I don't want any trouble". Ava pleaded. Madison moved closer and dragged Ava by the hair.

"You don't want any trouble? Then why did you show up here in the first place, you've got some nerves coming here, acting all high and mighty. It seems you have forgotten your place in this pack so why don't I give you a little reminder? Madison pushed Ava to the floor at that time, the other pack members had already taken notice of what was happening but all they could do was laugh at her.

Ava was down on the cold floor, crying her eyes out as the others made mockery of her, she wondered what sort of joy they derived from making her life miserable.

A loud growl was heard from a distance announcing the arrival of the Alpha. The members of the Moon pack all took their positions to greet the Alpha.

Ava pulled herself together and tried to stand up, she was about to fall again when a hand caught her.

"What the heck happened to you while I was gone?" Alora asked, supporting Ava to stand on her feet.

"It's nothing, I accidentally slipped and fell that's all". Ava lied trying to cover up the bullying.

"Accident? Take a good look at yourself, you can barely stand on your own and you tell me it's an accident" Alora scolded. "Tell me, who did this to you am going to make sure they don't get away with it". Alora threatened.

"You don't have to worry so much about me, I already told you I'm fine and if anyone dares to bully me, I'll tell you right away, I promise". Ava said giving a reassuring smile.

All the girls between the age of 18-20 were instructed to stand in a queue, Ava and Alora joined the other girls and stood in the line, Ava was nervous her palms were sweaty and her heart was beating fast, Damon was the first to pick since he was the Alpha. He walked past a lot of girls and he was getting closer to where Ava was standing, Ava couldn't help but admire him, he was very handsome and she had always had a crush on him since she was young. Though they'd never spoken to each other, it felt like he hated her for some reasons unknown to her.

Ava's wolf was both excited and nervous, but who wouldn't be after seeing your crush your long-time crush up close everything about him was just mind-blowing, perfect.

Damon moved past the line of girls with caution and full focus, trying not to miss anything important. Damon stopped in front of Alora, after observing her for a while; he gave a half smile and shook his head in approval as he continued moving along the line.

As Damon moved closer to where Ava was standing, she began to feel uncomfortable. She didn't understand why but something felt off, all her excitement turned to anxiety either way, she didn't want to wait any longer, all she wanted at that moment was to go back home.

As she turned to leave, she came face to face with Damon, she had been so engrossed in her thoughts that she bumped into him.

"Am sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you please forgive me." Ava pleaded, bowing her head.

Damon didn't say anything but stared at Ava his expression was a mix of confusion, surprise, and disgust. Ava's wolf was going insane it was screaming Mate! Inside her head, she was surprised, Damon was her freaking mate. Damon's wolf was not left out as he tried to keep his wolf calm, how could this be possible? Was the Moon goddess playing a trick on him? Why her of all people? He hated her with every fiber in his being and now she's his mate?

"Follow me" He said roughly dragging Ava from the line to the front of the platform. Confusion swept past the face of the crowd. They all had different questions in their mind but had to wait for the Alpha to clear the air. Confusion was also written all over Ava's face, why was he dragging her onto the stage? Was he going to claim her in front of everyone? Several thoughts were going through Ava's mind with the feeling of uneasiness creeping in. Damon gave a loud growl to get the attention of the crowd.

"I welcome you all to the official mate selection ceremony of Moonwood pack, As you all know this ceremony doesn't come by often, as tradition dictates, our mates are chosen by the Moon goddess and no one can go against it. The mate who has been sent to me is none other than Ava Sterling". He announced.

The crowd went wild, disbelief written on the faces of many on how Ava, the weakest and most hated werewolf in Moonwood pack could become the Luna. Disbelief and confusion were written all over Ava's face. She didn't know what she was supposed to feel about the news but one important lesson she had learned from life is to never be hasty to make decisions or jump to conclusions so, she waited to hear what else Damon had to say.

"I, Damon Harrighton reject the will of the moon goddess and reject you, Ava Sterling as my mate and Luna of Moonwood Pack" Tears wailed up Ava's eye did he just bring up here to shamefully reject her, she was used to being treated badly but this was different she just got rejected by her mate, she knew he didn't like her particularly but what did she do to him to make him treat her such manner.

"Why?" Ava asked with her head bowed, lower lips trembled and her voice was barely audible tears were already falling down her cheek "Is it because am an Omega? Is it because am not powerful like everyone else, tell me Why!?" she yelled this time her voice echoed stopping the crowd from murmuring. All eyes were now on Ava and Damon everyone wanted to know where this was going.

"Don't you ever get tired of pretending to be weak? When exactly do you plan on apologizing for the life you took?" Damon shouted at the top of his voice, and rage pulsed through his veins.

"I don't understand what you are talking about". She replied, still unsure where this conversation was heading.

Flashback

"Dad, Dad please wake up! Please Dad stay with me" young Damon cried holding onto his father's almost lifeless body. Little Ava stared blankly at the almost lifeless body with blood stains on her dress and a bleeding wound on her right arm unable to comprehend what was happening.

"You! You did this" Damon growled pushing Ava to the ground and tried to strangle her, there was no form of struggle or resistance from her; it was as if she was in a deep trance. Damon continues to put pressure on his hands all he wanted to do was kill Ava.

"Damon" A weak and faint voice called, he turned to see his father gesturing him to stop. He rushed over to where his father was.

"Son", He managed to say "Promise me that no matter what you're not going to blame or harm her because of me, it's not her fault he said coughing out blood

"But dad...." He cried trying to protest.

"Promise me" He added using his last breath to say.

"I.... I promise" More tears streamed from his eyes to his cheeks as his father gave up the ghost.

End of flashback

"My father died because of you, you killed him" Damon said

"Me? What are you talking about? I did no such thing" Ava added in disbelief. Why was he accusing her of killing his father, she has never seen and doesn't have any memory of the previous Alpha so why would she kill him

"Stop pretending Ava! What will you say about the scare on your right arm huh!? Damon yelled grabbing her right arm roughly she was scared and confused she looked over to the crowd tears dripping endlessly from her eyes nobody was saying anything, they all just stood there watching with utter disgust, nobody would speak up or defend her after all they hated her, she looked over at Alora but she had a blank expression.

"I don't know what you're talking about" Ava managed to say

"Still, feigning ignorance? He asked scoffing "You're only alive because I made a promise to my dad not to kill you" he added shoving her aggressively making her land on her butt. Ava wined in pain because she fell on the hard floor, her right arm was in pain because of the way Damon held her there was nothing she could say at this point nobody would believe her.

"I will never accept you nor will I ever forgive you" Damon said leaving her on the platform and heading back down to the queue he went straight to Alora and held her hand, he walked her to the platform confusion written in the face of everyone no one knew what their Alpha was up to.

"I, Damon Harrighton take Alora Mcgrave as my mate" he announced.