Four

Days later, Alpha Zaid stood in the dimly lit office of the Moonbeam Pack’s Alpha house, his patience wearing thin. He had been trying to close a deal with Alpha Saif for days, but the negotiations were proving to be far more challenging than he had anticipated. The deal was meant to benefit both packs—a trade agreement that would secure resources for Zaid's territory and allow Moonbeam Pack exclusive access to certain hunting grounds. But Saif’s greed had made him unwilling to agree, arguing that the deal didn’t offer him enough in return.

Zaid clenched his jaw as he stared at the documents laid out on the table. Alpha Saif’s reluctance was infuriating; the man wanted more, always more, and it was beginning to wear on Zaid’s last nerve. His patience, already thin to begin with, was now hanging by a thread. He wasn't used to waiting, wasn't used to being stalled by someone else's selfishness. And yet here he was, still stuck in the Moonbeam Pack’s territory, far longer than he had intended.

The Red Moon festival had arrived, a reminder that time was slipping away. He imagined his mother cursing him for being here instead of back at his own pack to find his "mate." She always nagged about it, telling him he was too old to still be alone. Zaid had dismissed her worries—he had bigger priorities than finding a mate. Still, the thought tugged at him now, an annoying buzz in the back of his mind as he considered the passing of yet another Red Moon.

The entire pack had been buzzing with excitement, the festivities evident in the laughter and music that filled the air. Zaid kept his distance, avoiding the wandering eyes and whispered speculations of the pack members. He had heard the chatter—some of the females were convinced he would be their mate. Zaid found it laughable, their hopes foolish. He had no interest in being the object of their fantasies.

He stayed secluded, focusing instead on strategies and plans with Khal, his Beta. Together, they reviewed maps and discussed potential moves, anything to keep his mind occupied. But as night fell and the hour of the Red Moon approached, the tension in his body became unbearable.

Zaid needed an outlet. He needed to move, to release the energy building inside him. He glanced out the window, seeing the first hints of moonlight peeking through the treetops. Thirty minutes until the Red Moon was fully visible. He couldn't sit in this room a moment longer.

“I’m going for a run,” he told Khal abruptly, pushing away from the table.

Khal looked up, one brow raised. “Now?”

Zaid nodded, already heading for the door. “I need to clear my head.”

Khal watched him for a moment, then nodded. “Be careful. The pack’s already in full swing for the festival.”

“I’ll stay away from them,” Zaid assured him, his voice carrying a hint of irritation. The last thing he wanted was to be caught up in the pack's revelry.

~~~~

Nervous yet excited energy coursed through Yasmin's veins. It was only a few minutes until the Red Moon would rise, and the anticipation made her heart race. She had donned the prettiest dress she owned—an old but tidy white gown she'd had for years. It wasn't much, but tonight, it felt special. She brushed her long brunette hair and braided it neatly down her back before slipping on her worn sandals. She gave herself one last glance in the cracked mirror, a small smile tugging at her lips. Tonight, she allowed herself the smallest bit of hope.

With a deep breath, she left the omega quarters—the cramped area of the packhouse where the serfs lived—and made her way toward the pack square. The entire Moonbeam Pack was gathered, and the air was thick with anticipation. Lanterns hung from posts and tree branches, their glow casting a golden light across the square. The laughter of pack members filled the air, and excitement buzzed like electricity. The Red Moon festival was always a moment of hope, and the night carried the promise of new beginnings.

Yasmin kept to the edges of the crowd, staying in the shadows where she wouldn't be noticed. She was used to hiding, blending in, and tonight was no different. She watched as the pack members mingled, their faces lit with joy and hope. Couples held hands, their eyes locked in longing, and others laughed, their faces flushed with excitement. Despite her efforts to stay hidden, Yasmin couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration for everyone, but for her, it was a chance to be more than just the runt of the pack.

The murmurs of the crowd grew silent as the moon began its ascent. The moment the Red Moon was fully visible, Yasmin felt it—the charged electricity that seemed to ripple through the square. A collective gasp echoed from the crowd as the energy of the moon worked its magic. She heard howls of excitement, saw people turning to one another, their eyes wide with realization. Mates were finding each other, bonds were snapping into place, and the joy in the air was palpable.

Yasmin’s heart raced as her eyes swept over the crowd, searching. She bit her lip, feeling her palms grow clammy. Then she saw him. Ian stood across the square, surrounded by a few she-wolves and some of his friends. His broad shoulders and warm eyes had always been a source of comfort for her, and her heart swelled at the sight of him. He was laughing, his smile lighting up his face, and for a moment, she hesitated. But then she gathered her courage, her feet carrying her forward, her pulse quickening with every step.

She reached him, her fingers trembling as she gently placed her hand on his arm. "Ian," she whispered.

He turned to look at her, his eyes meeting hers. In that moment, the world seemed to stop. Yasmin felt the mate bond sizzle into place—it was like an invisible thread connecting them, a warmth spreading through her that made her feel like she was finally home. She couldn’t help the smile that broke across her face, her eyes shining with hope.

But Ian's eyes widened, his smile fading. He stepped back, the movement like a punch to her chest. Yasmin’s smile faltered, confusion clouding her expression. Around them, people began to whisper, curious glances turning into judgmental stares. She saw the way the other she-wolves looked at her—disdain, disbelief, even anger.

"Ian?" Yasmin whispered, her voice barely audible over the murmurs of the crowd.

He looked around nervously, his eyes darting from the crowd to her face, then back again. He shook his head, a flicker of something in his eyes—was it regret? Fear? She couldn't tell.

"Yasmin," he began, his voice strained. "This... this can't be right."

Yasmin's heart dropped, a sick feeling settling in her stomach. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice cracking. "We're mates, Ian. I felt it, didn't you?"

He swallowed, his jaw clenching. "I did," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "But... I can't. You’re... you're just an omega. A runt." He glanced at the she-wolves around him, their eyes watching him intently. "You understand, right? I can't be mated to you."

The words hit her like a physical blow, and she felt her knees go weak. The whispers around them grew louder, some of the onlookers snickering, others gasping in shock.

"Please, Ian," Yasmin pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. "Don't do this."

Ian looked away, his expression pained. "I, Ian of the Moonbeam Pack, reject you, Yasmin, as my mate," he said, his voice louder this time, the finality of his words echoing in her ears.

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