A MOTHER's BLESSING

Zephyrine’s pov.

I stood in front of the mirror tugging on my dress, for the hundredth time. The mating ceremony was about to start, yet I hadn't been able to shake off those talks that bothered me since the incident yesterday with those bullies.

But then I remembered what Astrid said: "I am your real mother, do not listen to what the bullies are saying. You are rare and special. They are all alike, and you are unique, that's why they are jealous."

I breathed deep, and by the time she was done talking, it slowly set in. Maybe she was right; maybe I am special, and maybe I really do deserve to find a mate who would love me for me.

Determined, I headed to the pack's hospital to meet Astrid for her checkup. She sat on the exam table, a little pale but otherwise alright.

"Hey, sweetie," she said, flashing a bright smile. "You are beautiful. I am so proud of you."

I blushed and clung to her tightly. "Thanks, Mom. I'm trying to be brave."

Astrid wrapped her arms around me in a hug, holding me close. "You are brave, Zephyrine. You are one of the strongest persons I know, and please, don't forget you're special-you have something special inside of you, something that will be adored by someone out there just for being yourself.

We sat there in silence for a moment, holding each other, and a wave of peace washed over me. This was it; this was what I needed to be reminded of-that I was loved, I was valued, no matter what.

Finally, Astrid drew back. "Okay, kiddo, I think it's time for you to be going. The ceremony is going to start soon, and you don't want to be late."

‬

Thanks, Mom," I said, hugging her one last time. "I'll be back soon, and I'll tell you all about it."

Astrid smiled and kissed my forehead. "I'll be here, waiting to hear all about it. Go get 'em, kiddo! And bring home a dashing wolf as mate!”

I felt a well of excitement and nervousness build in my stomach as I walked toward the ceremonial grounds. Before I could take another step, I was suddenly grabbed from behind and dragged into an alleyway.

I struggled to free myself, but Akira and her gang had me pinned down. Akira's jeering face was only a few inches from mine, with her eyes all bright and malevolent.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here," Akira snarled. "Little omega thinks she's worthy enough to go to the Mating Ceremony. How. quaint."

Thane and the other wolf, a scrawny male named Fenrir , snickered in a consenting manner. "Yeah, Zephyrine, you're just a joke," Thane said. "No one wants a weak, pathetic omega like you."

I tried to stand straight, even though three of them pinned me. "I'm not weak," I said, attempting not to let my voice tremble. "And neither am I pathetic. And I am very much as worthy to be at that mating ceremony as the rest.

Akira laughed; cold, mirthless. "Oh, really? Then why do you have that ugly scar on your face?" She pointed to the scar that on my left arm , shaped in the form of a trapped wolf inside a cage. "It is the mark of what you are, Zephyrine-a caged wolf, a weak and trapped wolf.

The anger and humiliation rose in my chest, but I kept my stand. "It is just a scar and does not define me," I finally replied, trying to keep my voice straight. "It certainly does not make me worthless either."

Akira spat another sneer, "Love? Hah! You'll never find love, Zephyrine. You're only a reject-a wolf that nobody wants. That scar is simply a good reminder of it."

They leaned in closer, cruel smirks on their face. I could feel the hotness of their breath upon my skin, and I knew I had to get out of there before things got worse.

I broke free from their hold, running the best my legs could carry me. I did not look back, just on, knowing Akira and others must be far from my reach. Her words hurt my feelings, still ringing within my head.

I arrived at the mating ceremony, my heart still pounding from what happened with Akira and her gang, trying to keep cool so that mean words wouldn't ruin such an important moment of my life.

It was then that the highlight of the meeting occurred: the aged, wise, and kind seer, Elwes, stood forward to address his fellow pack members regarding an explanation of the ancient moon sign pairing, wherein each wolf was said to have a perfect match through the stars and moon alignment.

With each name called, the wolf would step forward and meet their mate for the first time. It was such a stunningly romantic tradition that I couldn't help but feel just a little nervous and excited as I waited for my turn.

Finally, Elwes called my name. "Zephyrine Blackwood,daughter of Astrid, please step forward."

I took a great deep breath and, without faltering, walked right to the front of this assembly. My heart started beating in my chest. Elwes flashed a warm smile at me: "Zephyrine, you have been paired with a mate-a male wolf by the name of Cormac Finnley Nightshade.

I looked around, wondering where this Cormac was, and that's when I saw him. He was standing off to the side, his eyes fixed intently on me. He had short, spiky black hair and bright, blue eyes that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. He stood at about 5'10" with a lean and athletic build, and he looked.amazing.

"My-my mate?" I mumbled, my face pale in shock.

Suddenly, gasps rung out, and a whisper of murmurs rustled across the crowd.

Suddenly, I wasn't okay; I wished the earth would open its jaws and swallow me in.

Just then, someone threw a flower at his chest.

"RIP! To the one mated to the cursed omega!