Rejected at My Own Mating CeremonyChapter 1
Lucian Thornfell’s neighbor, Rosalie Winfield, fainted in the middle of our betrothal feast.
Before I could even rise from my seat as the future Luna, Lucian—the pack’s Alpha—was already moving. One moment he had been beside me beneath the silver moon lanterns, and the next he was kneeling at Rosalie’s side, lifting her into his arms as though I were no longer there.
Without a word to me.
Without regard for the elders.
Without care for the humiliation.
He carried her straight to the healer’s den.
And I was left behind.
The drums fell silent. The pack members froze. Elders whispered behind raised goblets of wine, and the long banquet tables remained untouched—food prepared for a celebration that ended before it truly began.
So I did what I had done too many times before.
I smiled.
I soothed the offended elders, dismissed the omegas, and oversaw the clearing of the feast hall myself. I stood beneath the moon lanterns until the last pack member left, until the last overturned goblet was cleared away, until nothing remained of the evening but the cold ache lodged in my chest.
By the time everything was settled, the night had grown deep and bitter. Frost clung to the stone courtyard, and the moon hung pale above the pack territory.
That was when Rosalie’s voice slipped into the pack mindlink.
Weak. Breathless. Fragile.
Yet unmistakably clear.
No matter what happens, in Lucian’s heart, I will always come first.
For a moment, I said nothing. Then I lowered my eyes and let out a quiet laugh.
My reply slipped back just as softly.
Then I wish the two of you happiness together.
After that, I sealed my mindlink to her.
I thought that would be the end of it.
I was wrong.
Past midnight, the communication stone on my bedside table flared repeatedly, pulsing with Lucian’s summons until pale light filled the room. I had no desire to answer, but he was persistent.
At last, I picked it up.
The moment the connection opened, his anger struck like claws.
“Selene Everhart, what are you trying to do now? Why did you shut Rosalie out? She fainted again because of it. You know how weak she is. How many times have I told you not to upset her? She cannot bear it.”
I did not answer at once.
Instead, I folded the last of my clothes and placed them into the traveling chest at the foot of my bed. Then I carried the stone with me onto the balcony.