Chapter Two

Leila's pov

The day I met my mate should have been the happiest day of my life. It should've been the day that everything would change. It was everything I had hoped for. It was my fault for dreaming.

I had woken up with excitement. No, I couldn't sleep because my heart raced in my chest.

I stared at my reflection in the cracked mirror on the wall, smiling that today would be the last day I would ever feel so alone.

“Today is the day.” I whispered to the girl in the mirror. “No more pain, Leila. No more loneliness, Leila. He will love you. He will cherish you.”

The Moon Goddess wouldn't be so cruel as to give me a mate who would hate me.

“Leila, you're overthinking. Your mate will love you.” I repeated it like a personal mantra as I brushed my hair.

When I was done, I smoothened out my only decent dress.

It was time for the ceremony.

The mating ceremony was supposed to be magical. At least that's the lie I told myself.

I stood at the edge of the large ballroom, hiding my trembling hands in a tight clasp.

Everyone was impeccably dressed, their suits and gowns gleaming in diamonds, reminding of my place – beneath them.

Each time I heard their laughter, I panicked.

Sweat broke out from my temples and I panicked again. I didn't belong here. Everyone made it clear.

“What is she doing here?” A lady beside me whispered.

I glanced over my shoulder, catching the cold glances of some of the pack members.

“What's the point? She will never find a mate.” Another lady said with a spine-chilling laugh.

I wanted to say something to defend myself, but the words were stuck in my throat. What was the use? They would laugh at me anyways?

I turned my gaze forward, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Quietly, I moved quietly to the refreshment table, hoping no one I knew would see me.

The champagne flutes gleamed in the golden chandelier light and for a moment, I imagined myself holding one. If I did, maybe I would fit in.

As I reached for the champagne flute, one of the ushers pulled it back. “Don't touch that! It's not meant for you.”

My cheeks burnt red with embarrassment and I pulled my hand back. “I'm sorry.”

The whispers started again, louder this time. “She actually thought she could take one? How pathetic.”

“Let her be. A rogue like her has never had champagne before.”

“What if she tries to poison it?”

My chest tightened. I clearly didn't belong there.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned towards the exit. I should've never come here. I was foolish too.

As I took a step towards the door, a voice stopped me.

“Here.”

I froze, staring at the glass of wine extended towards me.

For a moment, I didn't move. I couldn't move. I was too stunned to respond. Slowly, I looked up, and my breath caught in my throat.

It was him. Alpha Devon.

Devon was tall and well-built, with a strong and commanding presence. He had jet-black hair that fell in dishevelled waves, complementing his piercing ice-blue eyes.

He was undeniably attractive.

And he was my mate.

The bond hit me like a flame igniting in the pit of my stomach. He was my mate.

“Don't leave because of them.” He told me in a soft, smooth voice.

I took the champagne flute from him with shaky hands. “T - Thank you.”

I thought I saw something warm flicker in his eyes but all of a sudden, it was gone.

“Don't misunderstand, Leila. This changes nothing.”

My heart sank. He couldn't be my mate if he was this cold.

Alpha Devon was everything I was not : strong, confident, powerful. The  pack respected and adored him. How could someone like him… be my mate?

He turned on his heels and began to walk away.

With each distance, the bond felt stronger.

I had always wanted my mate to be the one to save me. What if he could? If he could, then I would be screwed if I let him out of my sight.

“Alpha Devon…” My feet moved on their own.

His icy blue eyes met me and I froze midway. “What is it?”

I swallowed hard. “I…”

Now, the music stopped playing and everyone began to stare. It felt like the entire world froze in anticipation of what was going on.

“What is she doing?” Someone whispered.

“She’s about to be humiliated and healed. That's for sure.” Another snickered.

Humiliate myself?

No. I was going to prove them wrong.

My hands trembled and I fisted them at my side. “A- Alpha Devon… I…”

I stopped to scan the crowd, letting them see how sorry they'll be when this is all over. My eyes met Valeria and her eyes went round.

Then I turned to Devon and continued. “Alpha Devon, I am your … mate.”

“Excuse me?” He furrowed his brows.

Laughter tore through the crowd but I was not giving up. “Y - you're my mate.”

“You?” He said with disgust.

“Well, yes…”

“Do you really believe that the Moon Goddess will pair me with the likes of you?”

“W - what?” I was confused. “You're my mate.”

“You're mistaken.”

“No. It's you. I'm sure of it.”

Devon's grip on the champagne flute tightened so hard I feared it would shatter.

He started towards me, forcing me to step back. “Who am I?”

“You're Alpha Devon.” I replied as though on autopilot.

“And who are you?” He asked.

I pursed my lips. I couldn't say anything. I was too ashamed too.

“Answer me!” Devon barked, startling me.

“I…” I met his spine-chilling gaze and my heart leapt to my throat.

“Talk!”

“I'm Leila Hayes, the outcast of the pack.”

“There goes your answer.”

When he turned to leave, I caught the sleeve of his shirt. “But you're my mate.”

He pushed my hand away. “You're nothing but a mistake, Leila. You're a pathetic rogue spawn. You really think someone like me will make you my mate?”

Each word they left his lips felt like a stab to my chest. I had barely recovered from that injury when another cruel voice joined in.

“You got me scared there for a second, Leila.” Valerie said with a grin, stepping forward. “You thought Devon would accept someone like you? You're a freak, Leila. Learn to know your place. Devon belongs to me!”

Then she slid her arm through his. I expected him to pull away but he didn't. Instead, he smirked. It all made sense now.

“Why?” I could just stare at the sight before me.

Why is this happening to me?

“Leila Hayes…” Devon said coldly, his deep voice softening the whispers of the crowd. “You're not worthy of being my mate.”

“No, please.” I shook my hope. All the hopes I had carried, all my dreams would crumble.

Devon flashed me a cold grin. “I, Devon Silvermoon, reject you as my fated mate.”

“No!” I screamed as I felt the bond sever.

My world shattered at that moment. Everything I had hoped to achieve, my dreams… They were all gone. Forever.