Exactly at midnight, her scent hit me like a wave. I knew immediately it was my mate. I scanned the hall for the source of the smell until I saw her standing next to my sister. Why, goddess, why does it have to be her? Together, she and Camilla are like my annoying twin sisters... no, this has to be a mistake. When she turned and caught me glaring at her, her smile faltered as she realized I was her mate. My wolf urged me forward, and before I knew it, my legs carried me toward her. I found myself staring down into her beautiful, emotionless eyes. I guess I wasn't the only one disappointed by this mate bond.
Her scent was intoxicating; it was as if she had suddenly transformed into this stunning woman right before my eyes. Her dark blue orbs glared back at me, and my wolf jumped in my head, eager to mark her. I pushed my wolf down and whispered, low enough for no one to hear, "I, Alpha Clark of Blood Moon Pack, reject you, Addison Golson, as my mate and luna." My heart broke at my own words. Before I could apologize, she responded loudly enough for everyone to hear: "I accept your rejection, Alpha Clark of Blood Moon Pack." She held her head high and walked away.
I felt the mate bond snap in my chest, and I stumbled. My father's hand shot out to steady me. I looked up to find disappointment etched on his face, his nostrils flaring as he mind-linked me, "Office. Now." He turned and walked out of the hall, his heavy footsteps echoing as he ascended the staircase. I felt the eyes of the crowd on me, shock and disappointment evident. They all loved Adi, but as their alpha, they wouldn't voice their disappointment.
I entered the office to find my dad pacing in front of my desk. "Why? Do you have any idea what the hell you just did?" he screamed. "Dad, she's like a little sister to me... it's just not right," I tried to defend myself. "Don't lie to my face. You don't want a mate because that would end your whoring around. You think I don't notice those floozies sneaking out at night from your room?" I stayed silent as he continued pacing.
My mom walked in and slapped me across the face. "How dare you spit on the goddess's gift to you? Who do you think you are to reject a perfect mate like that?" she screamed through her tears. "I forgave you for all the stupid things you've done, but not this. I will never forgive you for hurting my sweet Adi. You don't deserve her!"
She cried out, "I hope the goddess gives her a second mate so you can watch from the sidelines as he embraces that beautiful soul." My dad pulled her into a hug, trying to calm her down. "I'm sorry, Mom," I whispered, looking down at my shoes. Did I make a mistake? Should I take it back? But she had already accepted it. I was so confused.
Suddenly, I felt my mom's arms around me, pulling me into her chest. "Please, go talk to Adi. If only you knew how special she is, you would never have rejected her," she urged. Then she pushed me back and cupped my face with her hands. "Look at me, Clark. I want you to give that girl a chance. Take a few days to really get to know her, see her for who she really is... then," she sighed, "make your decision. Don't rush into anything. Can you do that for me?" I nodded.
"But, Mom... she already accepted my rejection," I whispered. "Adi only did that out of pain and anger. I could tell. I know she would rather die than bring shame to her family. That girl would literally sacrifice herself for the people she loves. Maybe she'll change her mind once she sees the good in you... somewhere in there." She poked my chest, and I chuckled in response.
My office door burst open as Camilla walked in, now in sweats. I guessed she had already shifted and changed. She glared at me; if looks could kill, I'd be ten feet under. She shifted her gaze to my parents, who nodded at her. Then she looked back at me and shook her head. There it was again—disappointment. "Fucking disappointment," she muttered before walking out and slamming the door behind her.
Hours later, I paced in my room in front of my bed. Goddess, what have I done? I couldn't stop thinking about her. How did she transform from the snotty little girl always glued to my sister into a stunning being? And those eyes... it was like looking into the freaking Milky Way, pulling my soul in. How had I never noticed them before? This mate bond was messing with my head. She was messing with my head.
Oh goddess, her scent... it smelled like everything beautiful in this world. When did that happen? I slumped onto my bed, daydreaming about that gorgeous face. My wolf howled in my head, longing to see her again, to touch her, to feel her in my arms. My heart ached for her.
I quickly stripped, opened my window, shifted, and jumped out of my room. I made my way toward Adi's house; maybe just a glance at her from her window would soothe my aching heart. I walked around her house, trying to catch her scent, but the lights in her room were off. Maybe she had gone to bed. I whined softly. My wolf growled at me, urging me to go to her.
"Stop it, Kai... that's called stalking, which is illegal." I heard movement behind her house and quickly made my way around. Her scent grew stronger, and as I turned the corner, I saw a large wolf, the same size as Kai, with all-black fur, but there was a glimmer of blue in its coat reflecting the moonlight. It was her... Adi's scent emanated from that wolf. Kai howled in my head, "Mate."
I froze, mesmerized by her wolf. Kai wanted to move forward to meet her, but I pulled him back. I didn't want to confuse her, especially after what had happened earlier.
