Chapter 1 - The Mating Moon

Leah’s POV

Today was my birthday, but hey, who’s counting? Oh, right—me. Because for the past seventeen years, I’ve been the family’s go-to servant, and guess what? This year is no different. Leah, wolfless and worthless, still here, serving.

I waved the spatula, stirring the stew with a sigh. Outside, the waxing moon hung low in the sky, a pale ghost of itself against the brilliant blue of the summer afternoon. Soon, it would reach its fullness.

“Leah!” My father’s voice snapped from just outside the kitchen. “Do you think your birthday gives you the right to laze around? Your guests are waiting, and you’re here daydreaming like some useless dog. Move it!”

I clenched my jaw so hard it ached, forcing myself to turn away from the window. “Coming right up!”

The moment I stepped into the crowded living room, “Well, well, there’s our birthday girl! Are your parents still keeping you locked in the kitchen, huh? Even today?” A family member asked. I smiled demurely but didn’t respond, focusing on setting the dishes on the table.

My mother cut in, her tone sugary but with an edge. “Oh, don’t say it like we’re locking her up. This is just what she’s meant to do. What else can a wolfless oddity like her contribute? She should be grateful we haven’t thrown her out of the pack. Right, sweetheart?”

Her words landed like a punch, but I kept my face blank, my hands steady as I arranged the plates.

The door swung open, and the room’s energy shifted instantly. I felt it before I even turned to look.

“What’s this? The food isn’t ready yet? Seriously, Leah, are we supposed to cook for you on your birthday? Useless, as always.” Amelia said arrogantly with a hint of malice as she strode in like she owned the place.

My older sister Amelia was the darling of the pack. Everyone adored her. I had grown up in her shadow—the weird, ugly little sister.

With her long auburn hair cascading in perfect waves down her back and piercing blue eyes that shimmered like the clearest winter sky, she was a sight to behold.

She had inherited everything from our mother—the beauty, the charm, the strength—while I had been left with a patchwork of oddities: mismatched eyes, awkward limbs, and a presence that never quite fit.  

“Come in, hun.” She cast a lingering look behind her as her boyfriend Aiden entered the room.

Aiden was the head Alpha’s son, destined to take over his father’s role soon.

He was the dream of every she-wolf in our pack. Tall, with broad shoulders and that unruly dark hair that always seemed to fall perfectly into place, he was the kind of guy who made hearts race without even trying.

The way his eyes locked onto Amelia—like she was the center of his universe—was enough to make my stomach churn. But I shoved the feeling down, like I always did.

He glanced at her dress, his brow furrowing slightly. “Baby, your dress is wrinkled,” he said, reaching out and gently smoothed the fabric. “Can’t have anything less than perfect for you, can we?”

Amelia smirked, tilting her head as she watched him. “Wrinkles don’t stand a chance against me.”

Amelia’s hand met my shoulder in what could have been a playful shove—but she knew exactly what she was doing. My balance wavered, and the knife slipped from my grip. It landed on the wooden table with a sharp pang.

“Leah!” my father barked. “You ruined our table! You’ve always been so damned clumsy.”

My cheeks burned. “I’m sorry.”

Aiden barely glanced at me before Amelia tugged him forward. “Come, my love, sit. You really shouldn’t have come for that abomination’s birthday.” She sneered, then guided him down next to her. 

Her touch was lingering, possessive. As if she could sense the way my stomach twisted at the sight of them together.

“Get back to the kitchen, Leah. Before you destroy the whole feast.” My mother’s snarl cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality.

“Yes, Mother.”

I took my plate and retreated without argument. There was no use in fighting back. She always won.

But all was not lost. Tonight was the night I had been waiting for. 

The pack’s mating ball. 

The night I would finally meet my destined mate.

After what felt like an eternity scrubbing dishes, I rushed upstairs to prepare. My reflection in the mirror stared back at me, uncertain.

My one blood-red eye stood out as usual, a stark contrast to the hazel one beside it. I had been born this way—marked by my heterochromia. 

It was the very thing that made me an outcast. Not just in my family, but in the entire pack.

“Abomination.” Amelia’s earlier words echoed in my mind, sharp and unforgiving.

Would I ever find a mate who would accept me as I was?

The silk lavender gown I had painstakingly saved for hugged my form just enough to be elegant. Though I still felt too plain, too skinny, too short compared to Amelia. 

I ran my hands over the smooth fabric. Would my mate look at me the way Aiden looked at her?

Would he truly see me?

“Pull yourself together,” I muttered to myself as I straightened up. I wouldn’t let my nerves get the best of me—not tonight.

I made my way to Aiden’s family estate, just a few blocks away. The grand house loomed in the distance. Its lights glowed like a beacon, calling me toward the unknown.

The ball was a dazzling affair. The Alphas sat at the grand banquet table, observing like royalty as guests slowly filled the hall.

All unmated wolves were here. Searching for our fated bonds, for that unmistakable pull.

I scanned the room, my heart hammering. Somewhere in this room was the one destined for me.

A scent curled around me. Cedarwood and… something untamed.

Aiden. 

For a moment, neither of us spoke. I felt something stir deep inside me, something primal. 

“Where’s Amelia?” he asked, stepping closer.

“She, uh—” My voice caught in my throat. I could feel the heat radiating from him.

“That smell… Where is it coming from?” he murmured. His brows furrowed, as if he couldn’t quite understand what was happening.

Then it hit me. A flood of heat and recognition surged through me.

Aiden’s expression changed. His eyes widened slightly. He felt it too. 

The bond. The undeniable pull of fate.

He was my mate.