Chapter 1

ASTRID'S POV

“There's no need for this much” Amelia rolled her eyes discreetly at me as she helped tie my hair up in a bun.

Looking at myself in the broken vanity mirror, I couldn't help but fidget with my hands in my lap. “You don't get it” I whispered.

I didn't expect her to. I was getting mated to the Alpha today after all and she didn't know that ㅡ No one knew thatㅡ but today, he was going to take me as his Luna and my life would change.

From the omega that everyone walked on to the Luna whom everyone respected. The very thought made my sense tingle with excitement.

Amelia muttered something incomprehensible, her hands working fast to fasten the lace at the back of my dress. “You're just going to embarrass yourself, Astrid. No one wants to see you in a dress at the mating ceremony. Alpha Ren certainly wouldn't appreciate someone… like you to go this far”

Someone like meㅡ someone as useless as I was deemed to beㅡ that was the right way to put it and honestly? I couldn't bring myself to care again.

Born and raised in silver hollow pack, I had grown used to the constant taunts from people around me. I was weak, quiet and I didn't have a mate on my 18th birthday. Surely, there could be nothing with me… I told myself that a million times but each time, I ended up crying myself to sleep because I didn't believe it. Until he came along… Alpha Ren ㅡ my mate.

A sharp tug on the corset made me wince and I look back at Amelia who doesn't bat an eye at my obvious discomfort. She taps my back and her blue eyes remain fixed on me. “You're all done. Now, can I go? I need to get ready for the ball too” She rolled her eyes at me.

My lips parted to thank her for her help but she was already striding out of the room, a huff escaping her lips before she walked out.

“um… thank you..?” I muttered awkwardly to myself before turning to look at myself in the mirror.

I looked good. Ren would like it.

He had to.

*******************************

The hall was bustling with activities and the air was heavy with the feeling of happiness. The pack was in high spirits, people clustered together to exchange pleasantries while maids frolicked about, eager to serve the guests.

I moved out of the way in time to avoid being hit by two children running about in a bid to grab some food. A small smile graced my lips as I stared at them from where I stood. I was once like them…

Skaking my head, I decided to mingle with the other guests before Alpha Ren came out for the official announcement.

The people gave me weird looks as I approached them, quickly shuffling away or suddenly remembering that they hadn't done a thing or two in a place that was far from my current location. Despite the endless rejections, I kept a smile on my face, refusing to let my insecurities show.

“This is…amazing” I heard a familiar voice behind me exclaim and I turned on my heels to see Amelia already dressed up in a blue silk gown that complimented her eyes while her blonde hair had been left in curls. She was stunning without even trying and I found myself touching my only piece of jewelry in the form of a locket around my neck.

“You look great” The words tumbled out of my mouth and she smiled a bit at me.

The gathering at the front began to disperse and I straightened up instantly, my heart pounding. He would be here soon.

Amelia leaned in closer. “Guess what I heard?”

Ah, the local gossip.

“What's it?” I asked halfheartedly so as not to seem rude.

She smiled brightly this timeㅡ whatever she had to say must be important because she had never smiled this genuinely at me and I had known her for four years.

“We're having guests due to arrive tomorrow morning from the Lycan pack. I hope the eldest son is the one to come but I wouldn't mind the other brothers” Her cheeks flushed crimson red and I immediately caught up on it.

Oh.

With a forced smile, I nodded at her. “I know. The attacks around are getting out of hand so… it was needed anyways bㅡ” That was as far as I got before the booming sound of Alpha Ren's voice reached me.

“Good evening, everyone” He said and the hall fell silent with a hush, no one daring to speak at his entrance.

My eyes brightened and I found myself taking a step forward to look at him better. He looked the same as he did when I saw him yesterday but there was something in his eyes ㅡ Pain? Regret? Hesitation?ㅡ Whatever it was, it flooded the mate bond, confusing me with the overwhelming mix of emotions.

“Finally” I heard a commoner mutter to my side.

Ren hesitated for a bit before smiling but I knew that smile was as fake as hell. Something was wrong and the growing sense of dread within me did nothing to make me feel at ease.

“We are gathered here tonight because we are ready to receive the biggest guests we could ask for… from the royal house of the lycans. Several moons ago, the wolves and the Lycans formed an alliance and now, we are strengthening it by coming together again…” He paused with the gentle claps from the audience and I found myself clapping also.

His father, Alpha Williams stood behind him, poised as elegantly as ever with his dark eyes seeming to rest on me for a second as he swept over the crowd in one glance.

“We are also here for the choosing ceremony. A year ago, I found my mate and she's in our midst today. Astrid Miller” Ren announced, a blank look on his face and not in any way mirroring the excitement on mine.

People around gasped as I took a step forward, eager to meet with Ren up there but his next words seemed to rip my soul from me. “But I can not get married to a weakling… she's the weakest link in the pack and it speaks bad of the pack which is why I will be getting married to Aria from Bloodmoon pack in a few weeks” He announced, his voice devoid of any emotions.

It felt like the air had been knocked out of my windpipes and I stumbled slightly, my eyes wide and my heart pounding in my ribcage, the world outside seeming to fade into nothingness.

Nothing could have prepared me for his next words as his eyes found mineㅡcruel, unforgivingㅡ nothing like the man I knew.

“Astrid Miller… I, Ren Haiden rejects you as my mate and you are to leave the pack…effective”