Aerowny's POV

Gasps filled the air as those two words slipped past Luciano Wyatt Robinson's plump, red lips. Mate. It's hard to wrap my mind around it. Luciano, the notorious playboy, is my mate? My brother's best friend? The Alpha of the neighboring pack?

Oh, dear Lord. I'll only be fifteen tomorrow, and look at him! Luciano, or Luke, as he's known, is twenty years old. There's a five-year age difference between us.

His scrutinizing gaze travels from the top of my head down to my toes. Others around us wait, curious to see how this will unfold. Wilson, Valerie, and Ervin wear confused expressions. They know my age.

"My mate is a kid?!" He exclaims, disbelief coloring his voice. "And she can't even shift."

Embarrassment washes over me, causing my head to lower.

"She's a disgrace," I hear his Beta, Iris, sneer. "I can't have a mate like you. I deserve someone better. It seems the Moon Goddess truly hates me, pairing me with this pathetic excuse for a human." His nose scrunches up as he emphasizes the word 'human.'

"Heck, I don't even want a mate. Why now?" Luciano locks eyes with me.

The crowd around us has grown, eagerly hollering, clapping, and whistling. They seem to revel in this spectacle.

But it's not their reaction that wounds me the most. Each word Luciano utters feels like silver-tipped arrows piercing my chest. The pain is agonizing. "Even if it weren't me, whoever he is, he wouldn't accept you. Who would want a pathetic, weak human as a mate?"

"I might be your mate, but soon, I'll be your 'ex' mate, darling," he adds, a smugness lacing his words. "So say goodbye to the word 'mate.'"

"I, Luciano Wyatt Robinson, Alpha of the Red Wood Pack, hereby reject you, Aerowyn Aurélie Beau, as my mate and my Luna," he declared, a smirk adorning his face.

As his words hung in the air, a searing fire seemed to engulf my entire being. The pain intensified, and I couldn't bear it any longer. Collapsing to the ground, I clutched my chest, a strangled scream escaping my lips.

"That's a good one, bro," Wilson's voice reached my ears. "Yeah, Luke," Valerie chimed in. "You did better than I did this morning," added Ervin.

Battling against the heaviness that weighed down my eyelids, I finally managed to open them. However, I felt nothing. Emptiness consumed me, leaving me numb. Mustering what little strength I had left, I rose from the ground and made my way into the school hall.

All eyes were on me, accompanied by smug smiles, teasing smirks, and amused grins. From time to time, I caught snippets of hurtful comments.

"Hey, how does it feel to be rejected?"

"No one loves you. Everyone hates you."

"Your parents, siblings, and even your mate."

"Maybe her wolf feels the same way."

"It's embarrassed by her, disgusted even."

"That's probably why her wolf refuses to show itself."

"Poor wolf, it doesn't deserve this pathetic mutt."

Feeling utterly humiliated, I kept my head down and made my way to my locker. Retrieving my bag, I started walking with my gaze fixed on the ground, my mind elsewhere. Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice the figure standing in front of me, and we collided.

However, I managed to regain my balance just in time, taking a couple of steps back. As I looked up, the scent of wood, cinnamon, and a hint of spice filled my nostrils.

There he stood. "Now you're going to bump into me?" he sneered.

Ignoring his comment, I tried to sidestep and continue on my way. However, he swiftly grabbed my wrist, pulling me back to where I had been just seconds ago. A tingling sensation coursed through my wrist, and I quickly pulled my hand away, taken aback by the sudden shock.

"You bumped into me. Now kneel before me and beg for my forgiveness," he demanded, a smug expression etched across his face.

Refusing to comply, I stood my ground, my face devoid of emotion. "What are you waiting for?" he snapped.

"Bitch, kneel before me!" he growled.

I spoke softly, my voice devoid of any submission. "No."

His tone turned dangerously low. "What did you say?"

"I said no," I repeated, my defiance evident.

"Kneel. Down. Now!" he growled, his patience wearing thin.

"No. I won't," I declared firmly.

"Valerie! Wilson! Ervin!" he snarled, calling out to my siblings. Confusion washed over me. What was happening?

To my surprise, my siblings emerged from the crowd, accompanied by my ex-best friend, Heather. Valerie and Heather approached me, gripping my shoulders.

"W-What are y-you doing?" I stammered, fear creeping into my voice.

"We're making you kneel," Heather nonchalantly shrugged, her demeanor disturbingly indifferent. "No, y-you won't," I protested.

"But we will, baby sister," Valerie chimed in, her voice dripping sickly sweet.

They began to push me forcefully, but I fought to maintain my stance. Despite my efforts, they soon overwhelmed me, launching a barrage of blows. Exhausted, I collapsed onto the ground. Heather pressed my head down, forcing me to kneel as warm tears streamed down my face.

The surrounding crowd erupted in hollers and cheers.

"Good doggie," Luciano taunted, his grin widening. Summoning my strength, I pushed my sister and Heather away before fleeing the hall, tears streaming down my face. Their laughter echoed in my ears.

"Coward!" they taunted.

"Go rogue, bitch!" Heather's voice rang out.

"Do us all a favor and die!" my supposed mate yelled.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, all the way to the safety of the garage.

Later that day, I found myself tasked with cleaning the guest rooms. As I went about my duties, finishing one room and moving on to the next, I had no idea of the shocking sight that awaited me.

Upon opening the door, my eyes widened in disbelief, and a sharp pain pierced through my chest. I gasped, my breath catching in my throat. Their gaze landed on me, and while he appeared startled, she wore a smug expression.

Overwhelmed by the sight before me, I quickly shut the door, unable to find the right words to express my emotions. Pain coursed through my entire being, and I clutched my chest with one hand while hugging the broom close to me with the other.

Seeking solace, I rushed to another guest room, finding refuge within its confines as tears streamed down my face. The weight of the moment made it difficult to breathe; my lungs burned, and my body ached. The scene played over and over in my mind, tormenting me with each repetition.

My mate. And my...ex-best friend.

Luciano and Heather.

They were...engaged in actions I couldn't bear to comprehend.

But despite the overwhelming pain, I fought against it. Rising to my feet, I mustered the strength to continue cleaning, moving from one room to another in a robotic fashion.

As I entered the final room, occupied with tidying the cupboards, I heard the door open and close. Startled, I turned around, only to come face to face with him. Images of the previous encounter flooded my mind, but I forced them away, trying to remain composed.

"Aerowyn," I heard him say, his voice caressing my name. It sounded almost pleasant, coming from his mouth. "Aerowyn," he repeated. I turned to face him, my confusion evident. "Yes, Alpha Robinson?" I inquired, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "Can I help you?" I added, unsure of his intentions.

"Yes, you can," he responded, his words carrying a different tone. I was taken aback. Didn't he despise me?

It was in that moment that I caught a glimpse of the expression on his face—lust.

I gasped, instinctively taking a step back, fear coursing through my veins. He growled softly, his predatory aura intensifying. Desperate to escape, I turned to run, but he was in front of me in an instant, his werewolf speed unparalleled.

Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, I found myself forcefully pressed against the wall, his strong presence pinning me in place. His gaze burned with desire as he looked at me.

"Luciano, stop," I pleaded weakly, my voice barely audible. He growled in response. "You don't want this. You're not in the right state of mind," I struggled to reason with him. "You don't know what I want," he growled back, dismissive of my concerns.

"Please, stop," I cried out, my voice filled with desperation. "Don't tell me what to do!" He snarled, tightening his grip on my wrists, causing me pain. "Please, sto-" I was abruptly cut off as he crushed his lips against mine.

At first, shock consumed me, rendering me motionless. But as he pressed his lips more firmly against mine, I found myself responding, my eyes closing as I moved my lips in sync with him.

Fireworks exploded within me as he gently bit my lower lip, his tongue slipping into my mouth. Our tongues danced together, our lips moving in perfect harmony. A low moan escaped me, prompting his approving growl.

His hands roamed over my body, and then, with a suddenness that left me breathless, his hands slipped beneath my t-shirt, igniting a kaleidoscope of sensations.

In that moment, everything faded away, and I was lost in a blissful haze of passion.

Until...

Until I heard it, a sound that shattered the hazy fog surrounding me like a thunderstorm. The distinct sound of his zipper being undone. In that instant, reality crashed back upon me, and I refused to let this nightmare become my reality.

With a surge of strength, I pushed him away, gasping in disbelief. "Luciano," I uttered, my voice filled with both shock and determination. No, this couldn't happen. I wouldn't allow it.

But Luciano, fueled by his desires, gripped my waist and forcefully threw me onto the bed. Fear coursed through me, and tears streamed down my cheeks like an unending waterfall. I fought to rise, but he swiftly moved, pinning me down with one hand while I struggled beneath his grip. I cried out, pleading for him to stop.

Ignoring my pleas, he forced his lips upon mine once more. This time, it was anything but soft or gentle. It was rough, painful, and filled with a cruel intensity. He bit my lower lip harshly, causing me to hiss in pain as the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. It was my own blood, a bitter reminder of the violation I was enduring.

Meanwhile, his other hand moved to my jeans, unzipping them as I thrashed beneath him. I screamed for help, a desperate plea that I knew would go unanswered. I was trapped, my voice unheard, my suffering invisible.

In that moment, instinct took over, and I resorted to the only option that seemed viable. I mustered all my strength and delivered a swift kick to a vulnerable area. As he rolled off me, clutching his injured groin, I seized the opportunity to escape. With trembling legs, I stood up and ran toward the door.

Opening it in a frenzied panic, I sprinted out of the pack house, my heart pounding in my chest. Seeking refuge, I locked myself inside the safety of my garage, collapsing to the ground as tears continued to flow uncontrollably.

Why? Why was my life plagued by such torment? What had I done to deserve this? Why did the moon seem to punish me at every turn?

Hours passed, and I found myself perched upon the roof of the pack house, where I had sought solace since 10:45 pm. Gazing up at the full moon, its radiant glow enveloping the night sky, I couldn't help but feel a peculiar connection. It seemed to beckon me, calling out to a part of me that yearned for understanding and solace in this chaotic world.

I glanced at my wristwatch. It read 11:59 pm. Just one more minute remained.

What if it didn't happen? The mere thought tugged at my heart, causing it to ache. It had been five years since that fateful day, the day I sat here, watching the moon on every birthday, waiting for the shift that never came. Today was no exception, my fifteenth birthday, and my only wish was to experience the transformation.

But deep down, I knew no one would celebrate this day with me. There would be no more surprise parties like the ones from five years ago. Everything had changed. Everything.

As the Alpha's daughter, I was considered a disgrace to the pack, a constant reminder of their perceived weakness. However, I refused to let that define me any longer. Not anymore. At least, I hoped.

Glancing at the time again, I saw there were only ten seconds left. Anxiety swelled within me, and I closed my eyes, nerves tingling throughout my body. Fear and anticipation intermingled, intertwining my emotions.

Slowly, I counted the seconds.

Nine...eight...seven...six...five...

My heart quickened its pace.

Four...three...two...

My breath grew shallow.

...one.

I waited, expecting my bones to break, my body to undergo the transformation I had longed for. But...nothing happened. No bone-breaking agony, no transformation. It was then, in that moment, that I realized there was no hope. I truly was a disgrace. The pack would never stop hating me.

Fueled by a newfound determination, I opened my eyes, narrowing them with resolve. This was for me and me alone. I would liberate myself. No one would have control over me. I refused to be a pawn in anyone's game.

With unwavering determination, I leaped off the roof, landing firmly on the ground. Making my way to the garage, I packed my clothes, took the box my grandmother had given me and put on both necklaces. The onyx one was shorter than the moonstone pendant.

Tearing a page from my notebook, I grabbed a pen and wrote just one word on the paper: 'goodbye.' There was nothing more to say, no words that could capture the weight of my decision. I doubted the pack would mourn my departure.

My parents and siblings would likely throw a celebration, marking today as their "Independence Day: the Disgrace has finally left."

With the duffle bag slung over my shoulder, I stood tall, ready to embark on this new chapter of my life. I exited the garage and ran towards the woods, propelled by fierce determination.

I sprinted until I reached the pack border, where warriors and guards dutifully stood watch. Without hesitation, I dashed towards the other side, where there were no sentinels or protectors. How did I know? I have known each other since I was a child, a mere three years old.

Finally, I arrived at the clearing.

I glanced back at what used to be my home, the White Ray Pack. Sadly, it was no longer my home. In truth, it hadn't been since my tenth birthday, the day everything changed. This was where my parents resided, where my siblings lived, and where my mate trained to become a better Alpha. This place holds the memories of my childhood.

Yet, it was here, at this very spot, where I would bury my past. This was where I would leave behind the pathetic excuse of a life I had endured. I turned towards the border, knowing that once I crossed it, I would shed that old identity. I would become someone else, someone stronger. The fact that I lacked a wolf no longer mattered. I held onto hope, believing in myself and my ability to carve out a new path. If I had made it this far, then surely I could continue.

With each step I took closer to the border, I inched towards freedom. It was one step towards a new life, a step that would bury the girl I had been. It was a step away from my parents, my siblings, and my mate.

But then there was my grandmother. Should I really leave her behind? She was the only person who had truly cared about me, who had shown me love.

"You can. You have to," a voice echoed, though I couldn't identify its source. I looked around, finding no one in sight. "You have to, Aerowyn. This is for the better. This is for your future," the voice repeated. Who was speaking to me?

My future? Did I truly have one? Yes, I did. I had to believe that. I would build my own future, one that belonged to me alone. With renewed determination, I faced the border once more, sighing deeply. This was the right decision.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, allowing the moment to wash over me. Without opening my eyes, I summoned the courage to take that significant step forward. It was the step that would forever change my life, altering my path in ways I couldn't yet fathom.