Luna's Rejection, Alpha's Regret

Stormhowl Pack - Elara and Alpha Cyrus' Wedding day.

Weddings were supposed to be one of the happiest days in the life of any girl but here I was, standing at the wedding stage of Stormhowl pack, my heart pounding with anticipation and growing unease with no sign of my mate and husband-to-be - Alpha Cyrus.

The old joining priest cleared his throat noisily as he shifted from one foot to another. Although he wasn’t saying anything, I had a feeling that he was not happy about the delay and so was I.

The elaborate wedding decoration adorning the pack grounds seemed to mock me as minutes ticked by, turning into an hour of agonizing wait. It was clear – I had been stood up by my mate on my wedding day.

The whispers of the gathered pack members grew louder, their concerned glances, piercing through me like daggers. I clutched my bouquet tighter, the delicate flowers crushing beneath my trembling fingers. How could Cyrus do this to me? We had grown up together, our bond strengthening over the years until we became mates after shifting.

As the princess of Winterfang pack, I had always known my duty. When me and Cyrus, the Alpha Prince of Stormhowl Pack, discovered our mate bond, it seemed like destiny. We were the perfect match in everyone’s eyes – a union that would strengthen both packs and bring prosperity to our people.

My mind raced, recalling the countless moments and memories I had shared with Cyrus. He had always treated me with kindness and respect. His touch had always been gentle, his words gentler and we were so in love with each other.

But in the recent months, I noticed that something had changed. Since the arrival of Nadia, daughter of the late Beta Marco, a shadow had been cast over our relationship.

First, it started with Cyrus always finding fault in everything I do and subtly comparing me with Nadia at the slightest whim. Whenever I complained about him spending too much time with her instead of me, Cyrus would tell me that I was jealous and could not keep him cooped up because we were mates.

At first, I had seen reasons with him and had dismissed my concerns as mere jealousy. Surely, Cyrus wouldn’t be swayed by another woman. Not only had we been together for years, but we were practically soulmates, so there was no way another woman would deceive him, especially on the eve of our wedding.

But as I stood here, alone and humiliated, doubt began to creep into my heart.

Telling myself to be calm, I turned to the joining priest and murmured.

“I’m sorry for the delay. I’m sure something must have come up. Let me reach out to him".

He nodded but didn’t look pleased. I closed my eyes and attempted to mind-link him once more.

“Cyrus, where are you? Are you alright dear? Everyone is waiting. I am waiting,” my mental voice was filled with desperation, but only silence greeted me.

I tried again and again, each attempt more frantic than the last, but to no avail.

The murmurs of the crowd grew louder and I could feel the weight of their stares. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I realized the extent of my humiliation. I was a princess, soon to be Luna, and yet here I stood, abandoned at the altar like a common wolf.

Unable to bear their pitying looks any longer, I stepped down from the stage. Hurling the traditional Stormhowl wedding dress in both hands and began to march towards the pack house. I needed answers and I knew just who to ask.

Kane, Cyrus’s head warrior and closest confidant, stood near the entrance of the pack house. His usually hardened expression faltered as he saw me approach. I couldn’t blame him, my eyes were blazing with a mixture of hurt and fury.

“Kane,” I started, my voice low and dangerous. “Tell me why I am dressed in this wedding dress that weighs like a thousand pounds, have been standing in front of the wedding crowd for hours and yet my mate and my husband-to-be had disappeared into thin air. And may the goddess help you, if you dare try to lie to me,” I growled.

He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. “Luna Elara, I…”

“I am not your Luna yet,” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. “And I may never be if you don’t tell me what’s going on. Where is Cyrus?”

Kane hesitated; I know most warriors were loyal to their Alphas but I didn’t care. I continued glaring at him until finally he spoke.

“There was an incident at the training grounds. Miss Nadia was injured and Alpha Cyrus is… taking care of her".

I stood there frozen with shock as I processed Kane’s words. Cyrus had abandoned our wedding, our future, to tend to Nadia? In a pack that had more than a hundred healers running around? The thought of it alone sent a wave of nausea through me.

“How convenient,” I spat, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “And I suppose this injury was so severe that he couldn’t spare a moment to inform his bride?

Kane remained silent, his gaze pointed to the ground. I didn’t need him to confirm what I already knew in my heart. I’d always known and trusted my instincts and my instincts never lied to me regarding Nadia.

Cyrus had made his choice and it wasn’t me.

With a deep, ragged breath, I straightened my spine, calling upon every ounce of royal training I had received. I would not let them see me break.

“Very well,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. “You can inform Alpha Cyrus that this wedding is canceled".

Ignoring Kane’s protests, I turned on my heel and strode back towards the wedding stage fighting the tears at the corners of my eyes that threatened to fall. As I ascended the steps, a hush fell over the gathering.

“Members of Stormhowl Pack and honoured guests from Winterfang,” I announced, trying not to cry. “I thank you all for your presence and support but I regret to inform you that there will be no wedding today. Alpha Cyrus has chosen to attend to other matters he deems more important than our union. I apologize and I pray you’ll enjoy the feast that has been prepared. Thank you".