THE MATE SHE REJECTED

Tonight was a night to remember in the kingdom of Silver Moon pack. The full moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the town. The air was alive with the howling of wolves, their haunting cries echoing through the streets. It was a special celebration, one where the pack members would shift into their wolf forms and roam the town, letting their wild side shine.

Lysander sighed sadly, his eyes fixed on the ceiling of his small bedroom. He lay on his bed, feeling bored and alone. He couldn't dare to go out and join the celebration. As an omega, the lowest rank in the pack, he wasn't welcome among the others. They would mock him, tease him, and maybe even hurt him.

"Lysander," he heard, and a small smile played on his lips as he saw his father approaching. His father's footsteps were light, but Lysander's ears picked up the sound easily.

"Welcome back," Lysander said gently, sitting up on his bed. His father smiled wearily, his eyes tired from a long day of work.

"Why aren't you outside?" his father asked, sitting beside him on the bed.

"It's a full moon night. Everyone's out celebrating." He added.

Lysander shrugged. "I am not going. What will I be doing there, Father? You can go and have fun. I'll be okay alone here." He said.

His father sighed, his eyes filled with concern. "You're missing out on the pack's traditions, Lysander. It's a time for us to connect with our wolves and with each other. Your brothers are having fun already" He said.

Lysander looked away, feeling a pang of sadness. He knew his father was right, but he couldn't bring himself to join the others. Not when he was so different from them.

"I won't be going too," his father finally said, standing up.

"I have to be at the palace very early tomorrow morning anyway. I'll be in my room if you need anything." He added. He is actually a cleaner at the palace.

Lysander nodded, watching as his father left. He lay back down on the bed, feeling the weight of his loneliness. The howling of wolves outside seemed to grow louder, a reminder of everything he was missing out on.

As he closed his eyes, memories flooded his mind. He had always loved a private life, content to spend his days alone, reading and exploring the woods. Two years ago, he was virtually invisible, and he liked it that way. But everything changed on his eighteenth birthday, when he was supposed to shift into his wolf form for the very first time.

It didn't happen.

Rumors spread quickly through the pack, and soon everyone knew that Lysander was different. He was weak, unable to shift, and that made him a target for bullying. The other pack members would tease him, call him names, and sometimes even hurt him. Lysander couldn't defend himself, couldn't fight back. He was just too weak.

He didn't know much about his wolf, hadn't even sensed its presence. It was as if he was just a human, without any connection to the supernatural world around him.

Lysander's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his father's footsteps outside his room. He heard the creak of the door, and then his father's soft voice. "Lysander, are you okay? Do you need anything?"

Lysander opened his eyes, feeling a surge of gratitude towards his father. "I'm fine, Father. Just trying to sleep."

His father nodded, his face lit by the moonlight streaming through the window. "Okay, son. Get some rest. We'll talk in the morning."

Lysander watched as his father left, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. He closed his eyes again, letting the sound of the wolves howling outside lull him into a restless sleep.

As he drifted off, Lysander's mind wandered to the future. What would happen to him? Would he ever find his place in the pack? Or would he always be an outcast, a weak omega who couldn't even shift into his wolf form?

The questions swirled in his mind, but Lysander couldn't find any answers. All he could do was wait and see what the future held.

........

Astra walked through the large temple, her two best friends behind her. The people they passed bowed and waved, and Astra kept a bright smile on her face. She looked stunning, and her friends couldn't help but notice.

As they arrived at the altar, Astra bent down to place the contents of her hand on the sculpture of the Moon Goddess. Her friends followed suit, and they all closed their eyes in reverence. After a moment of silence, they stood up and started leaving the temple.

"What did you wish for?" one of her friends asked as they walked out.

"I know," the other friend chimed in, and Astra faced her with a smile. "What is it?"

"Your eighteenth birthday is in two days, which means you'll be having your first transformation and getting your mate soon," her friend said.

"I know you wish Kieran will be your mate." She added.

Astra's smile grew wider. "Why did you think I'd wish for that?" She asked.

"Because he's your boyfriend, you both are in love, and he's the Beta's son," her friend replied.

"He's strong and powerful, and the right person to become the future Alpha." The other friend added.

Astra nodded, her smile still radiant. "That's exactly what I wish for, and I'll be glad if that works out." She said.

As they walked, they started hearing murmurs from the crowd.

"Look, your man is here," one of her friends said, and Astra turned to see Kieran entering the temple. He was handsome, with a smile on his face, and he greeted everyone respectfully.

"Your parents like him so much" Her friend saos while watching as the Alpha and Luna were hugging him.

"Yeah" Astra smile.

"All you have to wait for is when he will become your mate" the other friend said.

Astra's friends watched as Kieran approached them with a smile.

"You should have fun with your man," they said, before leaving the two alone.

Kieran went to meet Astra and grabbed her hand, taking her to a private place. He immediately kissed her, and Astra responded eagerly. Soon, he broke the kiss and hugged her tightly.

"I've been thinking about your birthday," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want to make it special for you."

Astra smiled, feeling happy and loved. "I'm a little worried, what if you aren't my mate?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kieran looked into her eyes, his gaze intense. "We'll face that together," he said. "I love you, and I want to be with you, no matter what."

Astra's heart swelled with emotion, and she hugged him tightly. "I love you too, very much," she said, feeling grateful for his love and support.

TWO DAYS LATER

Lysander walked toward the school, his eyes scanning the crowded hallways with a mix of caution and fear. He wore a hoodie to cover his face, trying to blend in with the other students. His steps were quick and nervous, his heart racing with every step. He knew he was taking a risk by coming to this school, but he had no other choice.

As he turned a corner, he was suddenly surrounded by a group of boys. They were tall and muscular, their faces twisted with cruel smiles.

"Think we won't recognize you, loser?" one of them sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

Lysander tried to step back, but they closed in around him.

"Can you please just let me go?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. But they didn't listen.

The boys charged at him, their fists flying. Lysander tried to defend himself, but he was no match for their strength. He stumbled backward, his vision blurring as their blows landed on his face and body. He managed to push one of them away and took off running, his legs pumping as he sprinted down the corridor.

The boys quickly shifted into their wolf forms, their howls echoing through the hallways as they pursued him. Lysander ran as fast as he could, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The students around him parted, watching with a mixture of fear and indifference. No one dared to intervene, knowing that these boys were the sons of the palace ministers and Kieran, the beta's son, was their leader.

Lysander's heart sank as he realized he was being hunted. He spotted a door and quickly slipped inside, closing it behind him. He leaned against the door, panting heavily, and listened as the boys sped past, their howls fading into the distance.

As he caught his breath, he noticed that he wasn't alone in the room. A girl was dancing in front of a large mirror, her movements graceful and fluid. She was lost in her own world, oblivious to his presence. Lysander tried to sneak back out, not wanting to disturb her, but her melodious voice stopped him.

"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice gentle but curious.

Lysander turned to face her, and his breath caught in his throat. She was even more beautiful up close, her features delicate and refined. He felt a flutter in his chest, and his words hung in his throat.

"I was lost," he stammered. "I...I didn't mean to intrude."

The girl's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing. "You could get punished if you're seen here," she said. "You should get out."

Lysander nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Sure, thanks," he said, turning to leave.

But the girl's voice called out to him again. "Hey."

He turned back, and she approached him with a handkerchief. She gently cleaned the bruises on his face, her touch soft and soothing. Lysander felt a shiver run down his spine as he stared at her, mesmerized.

"You shouldn't let anyone bully you," she said, her voice calm and reassuring.

Lysander felt a lump form in his throat as he gazed at her. He was tempted to touch her cheeks, to feel the softness of her skin. But he restrained himself, muttering a quick "thanks" before turning to leave.

As he stepped out of the room, he saw Kieran approaching, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the door Lysander had just exited. Lysander quickly hid at a corner, watching as Kieran entered the same room he had just left.

Lysander's heart sank as he wondered what Kieran wanted with the girl. He waited until Kieran disappeared into the room before emerging from his hiding spot. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had stumbled into something much bigger than himself.

As he walked away, he couldn't stop thinking about the girl. Who was she? Why was Kieran visiting her? And what was the connection between them? Lysander's mind was filled with questions, but he had no answers.

He entered his classroom, his eyes scanning the room for an empty seat. He spotted one and quickly took it, trying to blend in with the other students. But his mind kept wandering back to the girl, her beautiful face etched in his memory like a gentle breeze on a summer day.

The rest of the day passed in a blur as Lysander's thoughts remained with the mysterious girl. He wondered if he would ever see her again, if he would ever get the chance to talk to her, to learn more about her.

THE PALACE

Alpha Wynter leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he listened to the ministers' concerns. The Beta, standing beside him, watched the discussion with a keen eye.

"I don't think we should allow the omegas at the school anymore," Minister Thorold said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Our pups are complaining about being taught alongside them."

Alpha Wynter raised an eyebrow. "And what, exactly, is the problem with the omegas being educated alongside the other pups?" He asked.

Minister Thorold hesitated before responding, "Well, they're just so... inferior. It's beneath us to be teaching them the same things." He said.

The Alpha's expression turned stern. "As long as I am the alpha, the omegas will be treated equally to others, no matter what you say. They have just as much right to an education as any other member of the pack." He said.

Minister Ragnar spoke up, his voice laced with condescension. "But, Alpha, they're already growing too powerful. You're being too lenient with them. What if they become a threat to our dominance?" He asked.

Alpha Wynter's gaze narrowed. "I will not tolerate any discussion of persecution or marginalization of our omega members. They are part of this pack, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity." He said.

"But....."

The Beta cleared his throat, intervening before the ministers could respond. "I think we've discussed this topic sufficiently, and his majesty has said his word, Alpha. Perhaps we could move on to other matters?" He asked with a bow.

The Alpha nodded, and the meeting continued, with the ministers reluctantly dropping the subject. Once the discussion was concluded, Alpha Wynter dismissed the council.

As the ministers filed out, the Beta fell into step beside them.

"Let's discuss the plan," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial.

The ministers gathered around him, their faces eager as they find a secretive place to stand. "So, how is the plan going?" Minister Thorold asked.

The Beta smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "My son has finally caught the princess's attention. Soon, they'll be married, and-"

"But what if they're not mates?" Minister Ragnar interrupted. "The Alpha may not allow them to marry."

The Beta chuckled. "Trust me, the Alpha always follows my word because he trusts me the most. He'll allow the marriage, and after that... well, let's just say that my son will be taking over as the new Alpha because we will be getting rid of the Alpha and his family." He said.

The ministers exchanged sly glances, their faces twisted in cruel smiles. "And when that happens, we'll finally be able to achieve our aim: a pack without the useless omegas," Minister Thorold said, his voice dripping with malice.

The group erupted into laughter, their voices echoing off the walls.

Lysander's father, Blackwood, stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock. He had returned to the store room to retrieve a cleaning bucket he had forgotten earlier. Now, he wished he hadn't overheard the conversation.

The Beta's words hung in the air, taunting him: "a pack without the useless omegas." Blackwood felt a cold dread creeping up his spine. He knew he had to get out of there.

He slowly backed away, trying not to make a sound. But as he turned to leave, his foot creaked on the floorboards. The Beta's head snapped towards him, his eyes narrowing.

"Ah, Blackwood," the Beta said, his voice dripping with false warmth. "What brings you here?"

Blackwood bowed low, trying to hide his trembling hands. "I-I was just returning the cleaning equipment, sir. I didn't mean to intrude."

The Beta's gaze lingered on him, suspicion etched on his face. "Very well. You may leave." He said.

Blackwood beat a hasty retreat, his heart pounding in his chest.

The Beta watched Blackwood leave, his eyes narrowing.

"Do you think he heard what we said?" Minister Thorold asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The Beta's smile was cold and calculating. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." He said.

As the ministers dispersed, the Beta's mind was already racing with plans to eliminate any potential threats to their scheme. He knew that Blackwood had overheard something, but he wasn't sure how much. Either way, it didn't matter. The Beta had a plan in place to deal with any potential witnesses.

Little did he know, Lysander's life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change the course of his destiny forever.

......

Lysander lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as Sage entered the room.

"Hey, what's up?" Sage asked, his voice casual. He is Lysander older brother.

Lysander shrugged, not looking up. "Nothing."

Sage's eyes scanned the room before landing on Lysander's face. His expression turned stern as he took in the bruises.

"How long is this going to continue?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Lysander finally looked up, a hint of bitterness in his eyes. "Forever, probably."

Sage scoffed, walking over to Lysander's bed. "You have to hang out with them if you want them to leave you alone. Look at me, I hang out with them, and they respect me." He said.

Lysander raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic smile on his face. "More like their slave, they send you around." He said.

Sage's expression tightened, but he didn't deny it. "At least it's better than being beaten. Get up and dress; we're going to the Alpha's princess party. You should try to talk to people and make friends there." He said.

Lysander groaned, rolling over onto his stomach. "Do you think anyone will want to be friends with me?" He asked.

Sage's expression softened slightly. "Yeah, there are people who will. So, let's go." He said.

Before Lysander could protest further, Sage dragged him up from the bed. Lysander stumbled, his legs protesting after sitting for so long. Sage pushed him toward the bathroom.

"Make yourself look good; I'll be waiting outside," Sage said.

Lysander leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The bruises on his face stood out starkly, a reminder of his place in the pack's hierarchy. He didn't want to go to the party, didn't want to face the condescending smiles and snickers. But Sage was already gone, waiting outside for him to get ready.

With a sigh, Lysander began to clean up, trying to make himself presentable. As he dressed, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. What if Sage was wrong? What if no one wanted to be friends with him?

Lysander pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on getting through the night. He would go to the party, try to make a good impression, and maybe, just maybe, things would start to change. But as he looked at himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but wonder if he was fooling himself.

.....

Lysander's eyes widened as he entered the huge mansion, overwhelmed by the number of wolves present. The air was filled with laughter and music, and the smell of drinks and food wafted through the air.

"There are my guys," Sage said, grinning. "Have fun on your own and make some friends." With that, he went to join a group of boys, leaving Lysander to fend for himself.

Lysander scoffed, feeling a bit annoyed. He made his way to a corner of the room, where he sat down and grabbed a drink from the table. As he sipped it gently, he took in the scene before him.

Suddenly, a loud howling erupted, followed by applause. Lysander's eyes followed the commotion to the front of the room, where the alpha princess had appeared. Kieran, the beta's son, was standing beside her, holding her hand. Lysander's eyes widened as he recognized the girl from the previous day. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered, and he couldn't believe she was the alpha princess.

As he watched, the princess cut a huge cake, and the crowd cheered. Then, she fell to the ground, her bones crunching as she underwent her first transformation. Lysander gasped in shock as she emerged as a beautiful white wolf. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and the princess, now in wolf form, loped away.

Lysander smiled gently, feeling a sense of wonder. He looked around, but the princess was nowhere to be seen. He decided to have a little fun at the party, but as he stood up, he saw the group of boys who always bullied him. He quickly made a move to exit the party, but a sweet, enchanting smell caught his nose.

His eyes widened as he followed the smell, his heart racing with excitement. The smell grew stronger, and he found himself tracing it to a corridor. He kept going until a door suddenly opened, and Astra came out.

Astra had been waiting for Kieran in the room, but as she perceived the same smell, she froze. She saw Lysander standing in front of her, and their eyes met in a moment of pure shock.

"Mate," Lysander's wolf voice echoed in his head, the word sending a shiver down his spine. This was the first time his wolf had ever spoken to him, and Lysander felt a mix of emotions: excitement, fear, and confusion.

Astra's eyes were wide with shock, her face pale. She stared at Lysander, her mind reeling with the implications of what she was feeling. She had been expecting to find her mate, but she had never expected it to be this boy, this omega who was so far beneath her in social standing.

The two of them stood there, frozen in time, their eyes locked on each other. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, and the undeniable connection between them.

"Mate..."

The word echoed in the corridor, low and rough like it was being dragged from his soul. Lysander stiffened as the voice came again, almost in a whisper, yet it held enough weight to root him to the spot. His eyes locked on hers-Astra, glowing faintly in the soft torchlight of the hallway.

He didn't even understand why he was stepping toward her, like something ancient inside him had been awakened and now controlled his body. Each step he took felt foreign yet necessary, like the pull of gravity-but this time it was emotional, spiritual.

Astra's eyes widened. She sensed it too. Panic flickered across her face, and suddenly the quiet was shattered by approaching footsteps. Instinct took over.

"Come with me," she hissed and dashed forward. Before Lysander could react, Astra grabbed his arm and shoved him backward. He stumbled through a doorway, falling to the ground. She came crashing down on top of him, her hands bracing on his chest.

The air between them stilled.

Her breath ghosted across his face. Neither of them moved. Neither of them spoke. They just felt.

Lysander's hands hovered in the air, unsure of where to go. Her heartbeat thundered against his ribs through the contact of their bodies. He could feel something ancient and sacred stir within him, humming between their bodies like an unspoken vow.

Then-

"Astra, are you in there?"

Kieran's voice cut through the moment like a blade.

Astra gasped, her eyes going wide with shock. She scrambled to her feet and rushed to the door, nearly tripping over herself as she slammed it shut behind her before Kieran could see inside.

She stepped into the hallway, pressing her back against it like a barrier. Her face was flushed, her breath uneven.

Kieran stood in front of her, his brows furrowed in suspicion. "What's going on? You look flustered."

Astra forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's nothing. I'm okay."

"You told me to meet you in that room. Aren't we supposed to... y'know, have our first night together again?" His voice dipped with a gentle kind of expectation.

Astra faltered. "I don't think I'm ready."

Kieran's expression fell. His easygoing smile faded, replaced by a quiet hurt. He studied her, looking for answers in her guarded eyes.

"Are you... angry with me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He hesitated, then shook his head with a faint, strained smile. "No. Of course not. I'm ready to wait. As long as you need."

A wave of relief passed through her. "Thank you. I'm just... tired. I want to go home."

He frowned slightly. "Astra, this is your party. You can't just leave. People will notice."

She reached for his hand, her grip light but insistent. "Please? You can cover for me, right? Just for tonight. They won't even know I'm gone."

Kieran sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Alright. I'll keep them distracted. Go get some rest."

A smile touched her lips, grateful and soft. She leaned forward and pecked him on the cheek. "Thank you, Kieran."

He watched her go, his eyes trailing after her as she disappeared down the corridor. A moment passed. Then another.

A hand slid over his shoulder, and he turned with a startled smile.

"Why are you out here alone?" A sultry voice teased. A young woman leaned against the wall, dressed in a way that left little to the imagination. Her lips curled in a knowing smirk. "Thought you'd be busy with the Alpha Princess by now."

Kieran exhaled, his smile darkening. "Thought so too. But she's... strange. Distant. I'm getting tired of it."

The girl stepped closer, her fingers trailing along his arm. "Well, I'm available. And I won't act strange, mate."

Kieran looked at her, a flicker of something cold in his eyes. He leaned in, kissed her with the frustration of a man whose pride had been bruised, then grabbed her hand.

"Let's get out of here," he said, dragging her away without a second glance.

Back inside the room, Lysander was still on the floor, staring at the ceiling. The air still hummed with the lingering electricity of what had just happened.

"Astra..." he whispered to no one.

Something had shifted. And there was no going back.

---

Lysander couldn't stop smiling as he walked home, the night breeze brushing gently against his skin. His heart was light, soaring higher than it ever had. He had never truly believed he'd find his mate, never even dared to hope. Yet here he was, walking with a giddy warmth blooming in his chest and a strange energy pulsing in his veins.

He didn't know how long he'd been walking, nor did he care. His entire body still tingled from the moment with Astra, when she touched him, when they locked eyes, when their souls seemed to recognize one another. It was something sacred, something that rewrote the very meaning of connection.

"Hey, feeling excited?"

Lysander froze mid-step, eyes wide as the voice echoed in his head. It wasn't his own.

"Who are you?" he asked, his thoughts sharp, cautious.

"I am Magnus... your wolf. Your mate in spirit. The other half of your soul."

Lysander nearly stumbled on the sidewalk. His breath caught as the realization settled in. His wolf. He had finally awakened. After all this time.

Before he could respond, the front door of the house swung open.

"Lysander!" Sage's voice was thick with worry.

"I was worried sick! I didn't even Know when you left the party." He added.

Sage's eyes narrowed when he noticed the dazed, happy smile playing on Lysander's face.

"What's going on with you?" he asked, stepping closer. "Did you finally make a friend or something?"

Lysander chuckled softly, still reeling. "It's not that. I heard... I heard my wolf. His voice. He said his name is Magnus."

Sage's eyes widened, and he took a step back, nearly gasping. "Wait, what?"

Before Lysander could repeat himself, the patter of small feet filled the hallway.

"What's going on?" their younger brother, Zane, asked as he darted into the room. He was barely Ten.

Sage turned to him, still stunned. "His wolf spoke to him. Lysander's wolf has awakened."

Zane's face lit up like the sun, and he rushed forward, throwing his arms around Lysander with a happy laugh.

"That's amazing! Soon you'll have your first transformation!"

Lysander returned the hug, warmth blooming in his chest from the familiar love of his brothers. "Yeah," he said, still dazed. "It feels... surreal."

Zane stepped back, bouncing with excitement. "Did it hurt? Was it loud? What does he sound like?"

"Deep. Calm," Lysander replied, closing his eyes for a moment. "Like someone I've always known, just... never heard before."

Sage rubbed the back of his neck, watching him closely. "This is a big deal, you know. It means your instincts are going to start sharpening, your emotions might feel more intense. You'll feel your wolf pushing forward."

"I know," Lysander murmured.

Zane tilted his head. "You're acting all weird. Happy, but also like you're hiding something."

Lysander hesitated.

"Also..." he began, then trailed off.

Sage folded his arms. "Also what? Spit it out."

Lysander glanced between the two of them, then shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing, I just... I'll tell you guys later, okay?"

Zane groaned. "Ugh, come on!"

"I'm serious," Lysander said, giving them both a playful shove toward the door. "I'm tired. I just want to lie down."

Sage smirked knowingly. "Fine. But don't think you're getting out of telling us eventually. Especially if it involves a girl."

Lysander rolled his eyes as the door clicked shut behind them. Finally alone, he let out a deep breath and fell onto his bed, arms spread wide.

His mind raced, yet his body was still. His smile returned as he closed his eyes, letting the quiet wash over him.

"Still here?" the voice asked in his mind again, this time softer.

"Yeah... Magnus, right?"

"Yes. I've been waiting a long time to meet you, Lysander."

"Why now?"

"Because your mate awakened something in you. It called me forward. Your soul recognized hers, and I followed."

Lysander's chest rose and fell slowly. "She's beautiful. Strong. I've never felt anything like that."

"You were made for each other. Even if the world tries to keep you apart, the bond is there. Stronger than blood. Stronger than fate."

A warmth spread through Lysander's limbs as he listened to Magnus's words. For the first time in his life, he didn't feel like something was missing.

"You'll guide me through the transformation?" Lysander asked.

"Always. You're not alone anymore."

Lysander smiled again, sleep pulling at the corners of his mind. The connection, the voice of Magnus, the memory of Astra, it all wove together into a cocoon of warmth.

And as the stars blinked above the roof of his home, Lysander drifted into sleep, still whispering to the other half of his soul.