The Rejected Luna Returns

What would you do if the people who were supposed to protect you, the ones who swore loyalty, unity, and strength, looked at you like you were something rotten?

That's what my life has been for the past five years.

They call me a murderer. Not out loud. Not always. But I see it in their eyes, in the way they flinch when I enter a room, in the way their whispers spike when I pass by. Sometimes, they don't bother to hide it. Sometimes I hear the words as clear as day.

"She's cursed."

"She brought death to this pack."

"Stay away from her."

There was a time when their hatred came with bruises. A shove in the hallway. A blow to the ribs during training. My books tossed into the mud. Cold water poured over my head. The kind of cruelty that made you wish you could disappear.

It only stopped when Alpha Gray found out. He made it clear that if anyone laid a hand on me again, they'd deal with him. No one's dared touch me since.

But just because they stopped hitting me doesn't mean the pain ended.

Now, their silence hurts more than the punches ever did. They act like I'm a ghost haunting the packhouse. A reminder of something they all wish they could forget.

I'm seventeen. Turning eighteen in three days.

That age is supposed to mean something. It's when a wolf comes of age. It's when the mate bond can awaken. It's when we're finally supposed to feel whole.

But me?

I feel anything but whole.

I haven't shifted. Not once. Not even a glimpse of my wolf. No fur. No howling instinct. No rage beneath my skin. Just emptiness. I've been waiting for six years. And I'm still waiting. My wolf was supposed to come out when I was twelve, but it didn't.

My mother used to say I was special. "Your wolf will come when she's ready," she told me once, brushing my hair while we sat by the fire. "Wolves like you take time."

I believed her back then.

But she's gone now.

And I'm starting to wonder if she was wrong. Perhaps the moon goddess has forgotten about me.

I live in the farthest room in the east wing of the pack house. It's small, cold, and smells faintly of mold no matter how many times I scrub the corners. The mattress is thin. The sheets are older than me. And the single window barely lets in the moonlight.

Not that I deserve more. I guess I should still be thankful that I have a place that I can call mine.

I'm not stupid. I know what they think. I've heard the stories, how I was the only one who survived the rogue attack that killed my parents. How I didn't have a scratch on me. How the Beta found me hiding in the closet while my parents' blood soaked the floor, but what probably made them turn against me was the death of our Luna. How could I have known? How could they blame a child for something so unfortunate?

They say I led the rogues here. That I'm cursed. That I was born wrong. And that's what they believed ever since.

No one says it outright, not anymore. Not since Alpha Gray made it clear I'm not to be harmed. But the pack never needed words to tear me down.

Even Ryker stopped defending me.

Ryker used to be my best friend.

He used to walk me to class and tell jokes when I was too tired to smile. He used to call me "Little Storm" because of my eyes, just like my mom's. We'd sneak cookies from the kitchens and race each other through the woods until our legs gave out.

I used to think he'd never leave me.

Now? He won't even look at me.

It's like I don't exist.

Sometimes I think that hurts worse than all the whispers and bruises combined.

He's the Alpha's son after all. Strong, tall, golden-eyed, and the future of this pack.

He doesn't belong in my world anymore. He stopped belonging in it the moment the world turned against me.

I lower myself onto the mattress and wince as pain shoots through my side. I shouldn't have gone into the training room alone yesterday. I knew they'd be there.

I knew what would happen. But I needed the space. The silence. A place where I didn't have to pretend I wasn't breaking.

Of course, they found me. Of course, someone shoved me hard enough to send me flying into the wall.

I didn't even scream. I just got up and walked away. I always walk away.

Because if I don't, I'll fight back, and I can't risk what will happen if I do.

I grab the bandages I stole from the supply closet earlier and rewrap my ribs with slow, practiced fingers. I've gotten good at this. No one helps me anymore, so I had to learn. The healer refuses to see me. Said I'm a waste of resources. Said I should be grateful I'm even still breathing.

Maybe they're right.

Maybe I should've died with my parents.

But I didn't. And now I'm here, curled up on this thin excuse for a bed, staring at the crack in the ceiling, waiting for something, anything, to change.

Eighteen. Three days.

The age when mates find each other. When everything's supposed to fall into place.

But how could the Moon Goddess pair someone with me?

How could anyone be destined for someone broken?

I turn toward the window, letting the pale moonlight wash over my face. I want to believe that something good is coming. I want to believe that I won't always feel this empty.

But I've learned that wishes are just lies we tell ourselves to make the darkness feel less endless.

And I've been lying to myself for far too long.

My trance was cut off when I heard loud banging noises on my door. I struggled to get up but quickly got up to my feet knowing what will happen if I don't answer in less than fifteen seconds.

I opened the door, and once I opened it, his glaring eyes quickly greeted me, coupled with his jaw that was clenched so tightly like he any second now he will drag me out of my room.

"Ryker," I whispered his name.

His expression changed a little but it quickly also returned to normal and he looks more angrier now. He grabbed my wrist tightly tossing me out.

I felt an electricity run through my body when I felt his skin touch mine. I don't really know why it happens, but it usually does when I come close to him, or those rare occasions where I would accidentally bump shoulders with him.

"We're not letting you live here for free. Stop being lazy and work your ass off!"

He snarled at me and walked away.

Sure enough. They really won't let me rest. Not one bit.

"I-I'm going to the kitchen now..." I whispered, looking down as I held my aching face.

"Then hurry up!" He slammed the door behind him.

I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, changed clothes, and walked quietly to the kitchen.

"Good morning, Cassy," I greeted softly, eyes lowered.

Cassy was one of the only kind souls in this pack. A couple of inches taller than me, with long brown hair and a beautiful smile.

"Good morning, Sophia," she said cheerfully, cracking an egg into a bowl. She turned to me, her eyes narrowing when she saw my face. "Who did it this time?"

She stepped forward to touch my bruised cheek, but I stepped away.

"It doesn't matter," I said quietly, grabbing plates and utensils. "We can't do anything about it."

"Yes, you can. Tell the Alpha-or your uncles."

"You already know why I can't," I sighed, setting the table. "Need help?"

"Nope. I'm almost done. Just sit and relax."

Cassie is the only person I can confide in. She's three years older than me and already found her mate-Mark, one of the pack's top fighters. He's one of the few who treats me with respect. If he sees anyone bullying me, he stops them. He and

Cassie are trying for a baby now. They told me they want a house full of little ones.

"Your birthday's in three days! What's the plan? Is your aunt and uncle coming home?" she asked, excited.

I sighed. "I don't think they can come,"

"Hey... what's wrong?" Cassy asked, frowning.

"They can't come home for my birthday. I guess I'll just sleep through it. Only you and the Alpha remember it anyway."

"Oh honey..." She rubbed my shoulder. "I'll cook your favorite food that day. I promise."

"Really? Thank you, Cassie." I smiled for the first time that morning.

Just then, Mark walked in.

"Hi, babe. Evening, Sophia," he said, kissing Cassy's cheek and nodding at me.

Others started filing into the dining room, and I quickly began serving them.

Some tried to trip me. Others called me names. But I kept my head down.

Gabriel, one of my friends in the past caught my eye from across the room. He gave me a small, secret nod.

Suddenly, the dining room fell silent.

Ryker and the Alpha walked in.

"Good morning, everyone. You may begin." The Alpha gestured with his hand and sat down while everyone followed suit.

Ryker's eyes caught mine. There was something with the way he was looking at me that made my stomach feel tingly. Even when he sat down he didn't break eye contact. Only when his father turned to talk to him did he turned away his gaze.

Sigh. I hope he's not pissed at me or anything. I really can't take another round of beating.

I really hate school. I know I should study hard but studying real isn't for me. I'm good at cooking though. Why can't I just do that instead of studying science and math?

I'm only here because of my uncles and our Alpha. They think going to school will help improve my social skills. Yeah, right. If they only knew what's really happening in my life right now.

My uncle Sebastian would go on a rampage if he knew how they're treating me. He already threatened the pack to report them to the High Council if the bullying doesn't stop. Uncle Sebastian is fiercely protective, and his mate, Auntie Reyna wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who would hurt me.

Sadly, they don't know how they treat me behind closed doors and when they're away for work. When my uncles are present they would always make me live in their house and everyone wouldn't dare hurt or maltreat me. But the second they're gone, the others would always kick me and throw me to my old rugged room saying that I belonged there.

I can't tell the Alpha because I'm sure it will get worse for me. So I can only endure. Or else, my uncles might get in trouble if they get involved. Especially since my perpetrators are high ranking in this pack.

As I walk toward the entrance, I spot Ryker, Gabriel, Connor, Liam, and our pack's number one slut, Jessica, with her army of followers. Ryker sees me and Connor whispers something to him. Ryker laughs loudly, then looks at me and sneers making me freeze on the spot.

"Hey, freak! Excited to suck someone off in the janitor's closet or the restroom?" The crowd bursts into laughter and cheers.

Connor adds, "Better lock your pants, people-you never know when that freak might attack." More laughter follows. Most of the students glare at me with disgust, but some look on with sympathy. Gabriel gives me a tight-lipped smile and glares at the bullies.

He's probably the only one who treats me nicely in the pack, along with some of the helpers there who are also omegas like me.

I wonder why they think I'm a slut. Wouldn't that also indirectly hurt Jessica since between the two of us. She's more fit to be described by that word?

"Hey, freak, aren't you going to say something? Looking for your next victim?" Connor taunts again, sneering.

I ignore them, head down, fixing my hood as I walk to my locker. I sigh, grab my books and notes for this period, and pack my bag. Just as I close my locker, someone jumps on my back, startling me. I groan, already knowing what was coming.

"Move aside! The freak is here-she might contaminate you!" someone yells as I walk down the hall.

"Can you stop being a jerk?" A stranger stepped in, making me look up. This was the first time in a long time that someone stood up for me. He was probably a newcomer since I practically know every person in this school.

When I saw the guy was about to walk to the person who just insulted me, I intervened, "Stop, it's not worth it," I pull him back. He huffs but calmed down.

"Next time I hear that again, you're dead," he warns the poor guy and turned to me.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

I sigh. "Yes, and thank you for helping me. You shouldn't have done that. You'll get in trouble."

"Why are people here such jerks?" He groans, disappointed.

"I'm Allan by the way." He offered his hand, smiling charmingly at me.

"Sophia," I introduced and shook his hand. We compared our schedules and it turns out we have the same classes.

When we reached our room, he swings open the classroom door with a loud bang, startling everyone.

"Oops," he smiles sweetly, ignoring the annoyed looks. We take our seats in the far corner.

"You know, I think you should learn some basic self defense. People nowadays are rotten to the core. It's better to be prepared." He suggested. Then I showed him my arms that are as thin as a twig and he chuckled and looked up to think of something else.

"How about you get yourself a boyfriend who's strong and tough? That way, you won't be so easily targeted." He said, and I grimaced at him.

I think No way I'm doing that. I'm waiting for my mate-the one the goddess chose for me to love. I know the chances are slim since eI don't have my wolf, but I'm still hoping, praying that there really is someone out there for me.

After some time, the teacher walks in, and our boring school day begins.

After three dull subjects, lunch break bell rings. Allan stretches and pokes my shoulder then rubbed his stomach telling me that he was hungry as hell. We head to the noisy cafeteria where my tormentors wait. The room falls silent when we enter, then they resume their chatter. I know they have plans to humiliate me. But probably because of Allan that they start to think otherwise.

As we pass Ryker's table, cold juice suddenly gets poured over my head. And I can't help but clench my fist. This always happens. When are they actually gonna stop?

"Sophia, are you okay?" Allan asks. And I looked at Ryker who was looking at me with an amused and unsympathetic look. Is he really satisfied seeing me getting treated this way?

I nod at Allan, brushing it off, and head for the restroom while Allan stayed behind, and I heard his loud voice as he argued at Ryker's friends.

As I step into the restroom to clean myself, I can't help but look in the mirror. Seeing my reflection, all damp and dirty. I couldn't control the tears anymore.

Just when I thought that was already the tip of the iceberg today. Connor and his friends suddenly showed up inside the restroom and closed the door locking it.

My heart pounded so loudly that I can't even breathe.

"Hello, freak. Did you enjoy our little treat?" Connor sneers.

I try to back away but they grab me tight and pushed me to the door making me wince when my side hit the door knob.

"Wh-what are you going to do?" I stammer, shaking with fear.

"Nothing much, just some fun. Ryker didn't like the way you looked at him earlier." Ryker? Did he put them up to this?

"He told us to put you in your place." They surrounded me and without thinking twice they slapped and kicked me relentlessly. I double over, hitting my head on the wall. Tears pooling in my eyes.

"Please stop," I whimper, clutching my aching stomach, but they don't listen.

I try to hold back the tears, but they fall anyway.

Finally, seeing me bleeding and crying, they stopped. One by one, they walked away, laughing, leaving me alone in the dark.

I could only stare at the ground, unmoving. When will this stop? Mom...dad, why didn't you just take me with you?

After a few minutes of laying in the ground, I suddenly heard the door creak slightly and hasty footsteps nearing me.

"Sophia! What happened? Who did this to you?!" I fluttered my eyes open to see who was calling my name, then I saw Gabriel, his face twisted in worry as he stared at me.

He knelt down beside me, but just as he was about to help me I swatted his hand away. "Gabi, you shouldn't be here." I called him by the silly nickname I gave him, forcing out a smile. "You'll only get in trouble if you get yourself involved with me." I said.

"I don't care if I get in trouble. Are the other members giving you a hard time? Is someone hurting you?! I should tell this to the Alpha." He said. My heart jumped at that and I quickly caught his wrist, shaking my head.

"Please don't. I'm really okay. This is nothing."

"How exactly is this okay?" He hissed.

"I've been dealing with this kind of treatment almost all my life. No one dared to help. So please, spare me the trouble and just stay away from me." I said, smiling dryly at him, forcing myself to stand up.

"Thank you for your concern. But if Ryker hears that you're helping me. You'll only gonna get dragged down with me." I said. Walking away, clutching my stomach as I head to the infirmary.

I know his intentions are good. But I'm not that naive to not realize he can really help me.

No one can help me. I can only endure all of this alone. I have to be strong.

I woke up feeling a little bit better. And...well...it's finally my birthday. Not that I feel anything about it anyway.

I glance at the clock on the bedside table-it was still 5:17 a.m.

I sigh, sitting up, and begin my morning routine like I always do. When I finish, I quietly step out of my room and head to the kitchen to help Cassie since she's always wakes up early from everyone else. There was even a time that I thought I woke up earlier than her, it was probably around 3:am that time, and I was excited to tell it on her face, but the moment I stepped in the kitchen she was already sipping her coffee. So my plan backfired.

I slowly walked to the kitchen expecting her, but to my surprise, it was empty.

The room is still dark and oddly quiet. I frown and walk deeper inside, reaching for the switch on the wall. That's when I hear a faint sound from the corner of the kitchen.

"Hello?" I call out softly, but there was no answer.

I take another cautious step, then suddenly, the lights flicker on and a loud chorus of "Happy Birthday!" bursts through the silence.

I yelp in surprise, stumbling back a little. My eyes were adjusting to the light, and I see three people in front of me. Cassie, her mate Mark, and...Gabriel? They're all laughing, clearly amused by how startled I look.

"Happy Birthday again!" Cassie says warmly, walking toward me with a bright smile.

Chase and Mark hand me their presents, which instantly made me grin. Cassie gives me a new set of clothes, and I hug her tightly. While Chase and Mark gave me shoes and new clothes.

She cooks my favorite food and even bakes a small cake. We celebrate quietly in the kitchen so we don't wake the rest of the pack. It's a small celebration, but it means the world to me. I thank them all, truly grateful for the moment. I didn't expect that Gab would also celebrate with us. It's been years since we last celebrated together.

Later that morning, I sit in front of my laptop, chatting with my Uncle over webcam. We've been talking for two hours now.

He's been asking if I made friends lately, and I said I met one guy on the first day and he sighs on the other end, troubled, but I guess knowing how I'm like, he's thankful that I was able to make one friend.

What he doesn't know is that things haven't really changed. The bullying never stopped. But I can't bring myself to tell him. If anyone in the pack finds out I spoke up, the cruelty will only double. They'll make sure of it. Uncle Seb and Auntie Reyna are rarely here-they have important work-and I don't want to be a burden. I can survive this.

If I still find my mate here. I'm leaving this pack. I'll explore the world, find my place, maybe even find someone who truly sees me. But I won't tell my uncle and aunt that-not yet.

"Sophia," Uncle Seb says softly, his brow furrowed with worry, "are you eating properly? You've lost weight, and you look pale."

"I'm okay, Uncle. Just tired from school and... everything else."

He doesn't look convinced. "I'm really worried about you. We leave you alone so often. We barely have time together. If we could come home right now, we would."

"I'm fine here, really," I say with a soft smile. "You both have responsibilities, Uncle. I understand."

He stares at me through the screen for a long moment, then finally sighs.

"Sophia, if you ever need anything-anything at all-you tell me, okay? Don't be scared."

I nod.

"How was your birthday?" he asks, trying to lighten the mood.

I hesitate. "You know I don't really like celebrating my birthday..." I begin, my voice low. "Especially not without Mom and Dad. I didn't even tell anyone here, I only celebrated it with Cassie, Mark and, umm...Gab."

Uncle Seb's face crumples.

Tears escape before he can hide them, and he quickly turns away. Aunt Reyna appears on the screen, walking over to comfort him.

"Hey, don't cry," I whisper. "I'm okay. Really."

"I'm sorry," Uncle Seb says, wiping his face. "I wish I could turn back time and be there with you. I should've come home..."

"But you will, right?" I say, forcing a hopeful smile. "When your work's done, you'll come back. And we'll celebrate together."

"Yes," Aunt Reyna adds, wrapping an arm around Uncle. "Next weekend. We're coming home. One whole month. We'll go somewhere nice for your birthday."

My heart lifts. "Really? I'll wait for you guys then."

Uncle Seb perks up slightly. "We actually bought you a gift. It'll be delivered tomorrow."

"You didn't have to," I groan. "You guys always get me expensive stuff I don't even use."

Like the necklace last year. Still in the box. Then came the iPad, camera, and latest laptop. I told them to stop, but they never listened.

"This time, it's not expensive. Promise," Uncle Sebastian insists.

I narrow my eyes. "You're lying. I know that smile."

He laughs, caught. "Okay, okay. It's less expensive. But I swear you'll like it."

We shift topics. "Ryker's birthday is in two days," Uncle Seb says. "He's turning eighteen. He'll be Alpha soon. I heard Alpha Robert's inviting other packs-so Ryker can meet his mate."

I didn't know that.

Suddenly, someone knocks on my door.

"I have to go," I say quickly, my heart skipping. "Someone's here. I'll see you guys next weekend. Love you both!"

"Love you, Sophia. Take care."

I end the call, my hands trembling slightly. I take a deep breath and open the door.

Alpha Grey was stands there, smiling gently. I instantly relax when I saw it was him.

"Hello, Sophia," he says. "Come with me, we need to talk in my office."

I freeze for a second. Did I do something wrong?

"Are you okay?" he asks, turning back when I didn't follow him.

"Y-yes, sir," I stammer, then trail after him.

Inside his office, he gestures for me to sit. I was turning my brain upside down to think of possible mistakes I have committed. But I couldn't think of any.

"W-what can I do for you, Alpha Robert?"

"Relax, Sophia," he says kindly. "You didn't do anything wrong. I just wanted to ask, are you still having problems? Is anyone bullying you?"

Every couple of weeks, he checks on me. He's one of the few who knows what I went through.

"I'm fine, Alpha," I lie. "Nothing bad happened recently."

He nods slowly, not pushing it. But I can tell he wasn't entirely convinced. "If anything does happen, tell me. Or tell Ryker."

Never. I'd rather die than go to Ryker. Instead of helping me, he'll probably end up causing me more pain.

"It's your birthday, right?" he continues, smiling now. "Happy Birthday. I got you something."

He walks over to a cabinet and pulls out a small box.

"My gift. Your uncles told me you'd like it. And... this is something I wish I'd given you a long time ago."

"Thank you, Alpha," I say sincerely. "Your greetings are already more than enough though, you don't have to give me presents."

"Nonsense. Open it."

I carefully unwrap the gift. I always save the wrappers, ribbons, and cards. Weird habit, maybe, but they mean something to me. I always store them in a box and tuck them underneath my bead.

When I lift the lid of the box, my breath catches.

It's a framed photo, of...of my family.

My father and mother were in their wolf form. I was resting my head on my mother's stomach, laughing while trying to listen on something. My father was nudging my head with his nose.

Tears sting my eyes, each passing second as I looked at the photo.

I remember this day. I was six. It was the day they told me I was going to be a big sister. One of the happiest moments of my life.

But that happiness... didn't last.

Not only did the rogues took my parents and other members in our pack. They also took my little brother away from me. They said they were gonna name him Timothy, and I was laughing at the thought of calling my little brother Timmy. But...that hope crashed. I wasn't able to do anything.

"T-thank you, Alpha." I choked on my tears.

"Don't cry, dear. I'm sure, your parents would love to see you smile instead on your birthday. Their little princess." He muttered, gazing softly at me.

I nodded my head and wiped the tears away. Smiling gratefully at him. Even though others said that I was the cause of our Luna's death, he never once showed me hate.

We were soon interrupted when a knock came to the door and Ryker barged in without a care.

The moment his eyes landed on me, his expression quickly turned black. I immediately lowered my head and excused myself and got out.

I went directly to my room, and jumped to my bed, burying my head under my pillows as I reminisced the past.

I miss them so much. Mom, dad. I'm eighteen now. Don't worry, I promise to live my life from now on. Once I find my mate, I will explore the world and be your eyes on earth while you watch in heaven.