Chapter 1: The Forgotten Ritual
It was a night I had dreamed of for years–the night of the full moon when my mating ritual would finally happen. I stood in my shimmering dress, the moonlight reflecting off the fabric, waiting for Scott Stone, the man I thought would be my forever. But he never came. As the hours passed and the moon rose higher in the sky, I realized the ceremony wouldn’t happen. I waited, eyes gleaming with hope and hurt, but in the end, I was left alone.
By the time the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, I had become the subject of whispers and ridicule among the pack. My mother’s heart was already fragile and didn’t survive the shame. She passed away that very night, her life ending as mine shattered. Before the day ended, Scott’s first love, Winona Lei, posted a picture. “You‘ re always there for me, the caption stated. The photo showed their closeness together.
I stared at the screen, shaking with rage. I sent Scott the screenshot. “Is this why you missed our mating ritual?” I asked, but he didn’t reply until after my mother’s ashes had been laid to rest. His response was cold. “We can get married any day, but she can’t live without me.
I didn’t text back. Instead, I sent him my final message through our mind link: Let’s take a break. Then, I blocked him, cutting the last connection between us.
For seven years, I had tried to make him happy, molding myself into the person he wanted. When he said he liked short hair, I cut mine. When he made comments about my weight, I starved myself to fit his idea of perfection. I even faced my painful transformations alone, ferrified of appearing weak in front of him. But no matter how much I gave, Winona was always in the picture, and Scott always returned to her. “You‘ re strong, Ariana. You don‘ t need me like she does,” he would say, using my strength as his excuse to leave.
After blocking Scott, I found myself at my mother s grave. I traced her name on the cold stone, the reality of her absence sinking in. My mother had been a constant in my life, especially after my father passed. She had wanted to see me married to Scott, but that dream died with her.
As I stood there, Scott appeared, with Winona at his side. She clutched an urn to her chest. “This place is near my den. IfI’bury my baby here, it’s like he never left,” she whispered, speaking of her pet dog.
I was ready to leave, to avoid any confrontation, but Scott blocked my path. “Are you following me?” he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
“No,” I replied, my voice tired. “I’m just leaving.”
Winona s voice broke the tense silence. “My puppy died, and Scott stayed with me for the funeral. Don’t misunderstand,” she said, her words sharp despite her sweet tone.
“Good for you,
I muttered, refusing to let her get under my skin.
“Ariana, Scott scolded. “Can‘ t you be sympathetic? Winona is in pain.“.
I stared at him, unable to believe what I was hearing. I had given him everything, yet here he was, defending her. “I don‘ t need this,” I said, turning to leave. Scott followed. “Are you still upset about the mating ritual?”
he had caused.
“It’s over, Scott,” I said flatly.
He asked, his voice oblivious to the hurt
“She needed me. You‘ re strong. You can handle yourself,” he insisted. “Let’s reschedule it. There’s always a mating season anyway.
“There’s no chance, I said, my voice breaking.
In desperation, he grabbed my arm. “I messed up. But your mother would want us together. Let’s set a new date.
I shook my head. “I won‘ t marry you.”
As I walked away, I heard him on the phone, arranging for a grand wedding. But it was too late. I was done waiting for a love that would never be mine.
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