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Chapter 1

Chapter 1

REENA

I smiled nervously to myself, feeling a sense of pride and shyness as today was the day my boyfriend and mate, Silverton Lewis, would be appointed as the Alpha of the Moonlight pack, the second-strongest pack in New York. And I, Reena Edward, would be his Luna.

But am I truly ready for this? I thought, a flicker of uncertainty surfacing. I had dreamed of this moment for so long, yet now it felt more like a weight than a crown.

As the only daughter of my father, the Beta of the Moonlight pack, I was deeply favored by him. He always saw me as a replica of my mother, who had passed away during my birth. All his love and devotion were transferred to me, making me the center of his universe. I longed to make him proud today.

Silverton and I first met when I was seventeen, and it was love at first sight at our college. We started dating, and when we came of age, we discovered we were fated mates. What a fairy tale, I mused, but as I looked at Silverton, a lingering doubt made me wonder if my happily ever after was as solid as I thought.

"Girlfriend, you look stunning!" Emily, my best friend since high school, giggled while watching silently as the makeup artist, Rachel, adorned me with makeup. "I promise the soon-to-be Alpha won't take his eyes off you."

Rachel nodded in agreement, her skilled hands highlighting my features. "You're absolutely breathtaking, Reena."

I blushed, feeling like a princess. My long, curly brown hair cascaded down my back, and my emerald green dress hugged my curves perfectly. Yet, as I looked into the mirror, the reflection staring back was a mask of confidence hiding my true feelings.

"Thanks, guys," I said, smiling, but inside I felt a storm brewing. What if he doesn’t want me? What if he sees me as a burden instead of a partner?

"Time to get going," Emily said, handing me a delicate silver necklace with a tiny moon pendant. "We wouldn't want to be late on a day like this."

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Tonight would be unforgettable—or utterly devastating.

As we arrived at the parking lot, my father was already waiting by the car, his warm smile and twinkling green eyes making my heart swell with love. "You look stunning tonight, dear," he said, his voice filled with pride.

I blushed and smiled back, feeling like a princess in a fairytale. "Thanks, Dad."

He got into the front seat beside the driver while Emily and I settled into the backseat. The car pulled up to the grand entrance of the luxurious five-star hotel, the venue for Silverton's coronation as the new Alpha of the Moonlight pack. The parking lot was packed with cars, and reporters swarmed around us, cameras flashing and microphones at the ready.

"Ms. Reena, how do you feel about today? You and your childhood sweetheart are finally tying the knot!" one of the reporters called out, as they surged forward.

My cheeks flushed, but my father and Emily quickly whisked me away, shielding me from the chaos. As we entered the extravagant ballroom, my eyes landed on Silverton, resplendent in his tailored tuxedo. His chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and sculpted jawline made him look like a god. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his broad shoulders commanded the attention of the entire room.

I felt my heart skip a beat as our eyes met, and he flashed me a dazzling smile that made my wolf, Maya, stir within me. He’s everything I ever wanted, I thought, though a shadow of doubt lingered in my mind.

The ceremony began, and the elder, a wise and aged werewolf with a long white beard, raised his hands to the moon. "By the light of the full moon, we gather to witness the crowning of our new Alpha. May the moon goddess smile upon us."

Silverton stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with determination. He placed his hand on the sacred stone, a glowing artifact passed down through generations of Alphas.

"I, Silverton Lewis, swear to protect and lead this pack with honor and strength," he vowed, his voice echoing through the night. "I will defend our territory, our traditions, and our way of life. I will be just and fair, but also fierce and unyielding when threatened. I pledge my life to this pack, and may the moon goddess hold me accountable."

As he spoke, the air seemed to vibrate with power, sending a shiver down my spine. But at what cost?

The elder nodded, his eyes shining with approval. "The blood rite," he announced, producing a small dagger.

Silverton extended his hand, and the elder pricked his finger, drawing a single drop of blood. The pack fell silent, watching as the droplet fell onto the sacred stone, symbolizing Silverton's bond with the pack.

Then, the elder raised his arms, and the pack erupted into a chorus of howls, a primal and haunting melody. I joined in, my voice blending with the others, but the sound felt hollow in my chest, as if the joy was slipping away.

The elder's voice boomed through the clearing once more. "And now, the final ritual. Our new Alpha shall claim his Luna, his mate, and partner in leadership."

My heart raced as all eyes turned to me. What if he doesn’t want me? I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me, my palms growing sweaty. Where was Emily? I needed her reassuring smile right now.

My father, sensing my tension, wrapped his warm hand around mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You're ready for this, kiddo," he whispered, but the fear gnawed at me. What if he doesn’t love me?

I took a deep breath and stood up straight, smoothing my dress. Silverton's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

The elder continued, "By the ancient laws of our pack, the Alpha shall claim his mate, binding them together for eternity."

Silverton stepped forward, his voice ringing out across the clearing. "Reena Edward, please come forth."

I walked towards him, my legs trembling slightly. The pack parted, creating a path for me. As I reached Silverton's side, he turned to face me.

But instead of the expected smile, his expression was cold and detached. "Reena Edward," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I, Alpha Silverton Lewis of Moonlight Pack, reject you as my mate and Luna. You are not the one I desire."

The words hit me like a slap in the face, and my heart plummeted into an abyss. I felt my eyes widen in shock, my mind reeling with disbelief.

Gasps echoed through the clearing, and the pack's murmurs grew louder, an uproar of shock and confusion.

How can he do this? My thoughts raced, panic clawing at my insides.

I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat, an unbearable pain ripping through my chest. Silverton's gaze didn't waver, his eyes remaining icy and unyielding.

And then, he turned away, leaving me standing alone, my heart shattered into a million pieces, and my wolf whimpered in pain.

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