It was common knowledge for wolves that a male wolf could only meet his destined partner after his mate turned seventeen, and vice versa. It was what also happened to Gunner, my brother, who had to wait for four months after his seventeenth birthday, since he was a few months older than Jade.
Adler turned seventeen almost a year ago. Though he was a bit disappointed, Adler believed the Moon Goddess saved the best for the last. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to be the case.
“What…” Adler’s eyes were still wide. “Why can I still feel your aura? Why can I still smell you?”
That, I didn’t know.
This was the first time I rejected a mate. Nor did I know someone who had done this before. Wolves in general normally just accept their mate as it was the Moon Goddess’ blessing. And not once in my life have I heard about a story that rejected his or her destined partner. Adler was the first. We were the first that I know of. Thus, I didn’t really knew much about rejecting a mate.
“Perhaps it doesn’t take effect right away…” I was just as confused.
I could still smell Adler. So much that I could only smell nothing but him. I bet I could stand next to a fire and still smell nothing but his fragrance. It was that strong.
“Are you fucking with me right now?” He growled in anger. “You didn’t wholeheartedly reject me, didn’t you?”
A pang was sent straight on my chest.
“You heard me reject you, Adler. What else do you want me to do? Besides, I didn’t even want you to be my mate!” Out of annoyance, I ran my mouth forgetting about his drawbacks.
“What?” Rage filled his eyes, but even then, his wolf stopped him.
Wait…
Adler had a wolf. I didn’t have any. Which meant while we were connected, he wouldn’t be able to harm me in any way…. whilst I could say and do anything to him because there’d be no wolf inside me who could control me.
“My father told me rejection works if both party wants it…” He stepped forward, his eyes vivid. “Tell me the truth, did you not want to reject me?”
“Do you think you’re so likeable I wouldn’t?” I spat back. “You’re not even all that.”
“What did you say?” He scowled as he went forward. The veins in his neck were starting to go visible.
I sensed fear. I’ve seen that look on his face repeatedly. And all that happened right after were all frightening. I couldn’t help but flinch even with the little hope that he might not be able to hurt me since we were connected now.
But what would happened if the rejection worked? That would mean the leash I have on him wouldn’t stay that long.
I swallowed hard. “I rejected you, Adler. So if the rejection didn’t work, that’d be because we didn’t do it right.”
His jaw clenched. “Damn it…”
Adler stopped a few meters from me. With that close distance, I couldn’t look else where. The connection was too strong too handle, and I could see how he was dwelling against that by looking at his expression. He was denying me, and it was all over his face.
Once again, I felt a pinch in my chest. But like him, I could never accept it, too.
“What do we do now?” I pulled enough courage to ask.
“What do you think?” He threw me dagger look. “We’ll wait and see what happens. But I am warning you. Don’t you ever try to tell anyone about this. You understand?”
I didn’t know if I’d be surprised he managed to say that with his wolf holding him back, or be frustrated and hurt. Though wolfless, our connection was enough to make me feel hurt with his denial.
We both hated each other. I could expect nothing less given our standing, and gap. If I could choose to have him or not have anyone at all, I’ll pick the latter. He would too.
But why do I feel bitter?
I knew Adler would have done and said something worse, had it not been for his wolf. Perhaps frustrated and powerless against himself, Adler stepped backward and walked away. The smell lessen as he did.
I still couldn’t believe it. I stood where I was until I lost him. Dumbfounded. I looked down on my physique, afterwards, and ridiculed the effort of dolling up just to find out the wolf I wanted to look pretty for was that arrogant and jerk Adler.
I breathed hard, before I turned around and walk.
“Adler Salvatore…” I muttered under my breath.
Why him?
And why me? Out of all the female wolves in the pack, why did the Moon Goddess’, chose me for Adler, who was the future Alpha of this pack? Though I hate to admit, but he was right. I was weak. I was wolfless. Luna was not the position cut out for me and I knew that more than anybody else.
Adler was an ass for saying it straight to my face, but his remark wasn’t all wrong. How could I ever protect this pack, when I wasn’t even able to protect my mother? And most of all, how could someone like me, who couldn’t shift, be a Luna?
I killed my time on my way back thinking about that. I was a ball of curiosity. And absentmindedly, my feet brought me to the place I always go to whenever I was filled with thoughts.
Whenever I wanted to have a talk with my late mother.
“You think the rejection would work?” I asked as if someone was really there to answer me.
My eyes meandered at the pond. I looked down on my hand, and bit my lower lip. I was still baffled. But I was more calm now.
“Though I’d have an advantage if it wouldn’t. Both of us would eventually suffer for putting up with a loveless bond,” I added.
Of course. Wolves didn’t automatically feel love for their destined mate. But the connection, or bond, was the bridge. It’d make you feel something for your meant other half, whether or not you want it.
But I doubt the same thing would happen to me and Adler. Not that I romanticized having a thing with him. But our relationship was different. Not to mention our differences that I knew would greatly affect our mate tie
Adler was born to lead. He was born to be the Alpha of the Crest Moon pack. Though a certified asshole, he was undeniably on the pedestal.
While I was only born to be alone, and hated.
“Too much for a seventeeth birthday, I guess.” I heaved a deep breath.
‘Shrug it off. There’s still one more.’
I froze on my spot.
“What…” I stepped back, fazed. “D.. did I heard it wrong?” ‘You tell me.’ My eyes widened even more. Was it my wolf? Holy— I have a wolf! It just spoke to me and I was sure it wasn’t one of my intrusive thought! Its voice was different, and I could feel its existence inside me. It was there! “W-wha… How are you here? Why… Where have you been?” I had a lot of questions that I couldn’t think properly. “W-what is your name?” ‘Alice.’ “Alice…” I mentioned her name, still flabbergasted. “When did you came from?” I was still gasping, shock at the very good news. “I-I was waiting for you.” ‘I know.’ “Were you hiding?” I couldn’t help but look at the parts of my body as I spoke. I was both fascinated and astonished. It was my first time having a conversation with my wolf, after thinking my whole life I didn’t have any! “Oh my god. Alice…” ‘Enough with the questions. I have a news for you’ I tilted my head. “News? What news? Is it good? Bad?” ‘The rejection might have worked.’ I brea
A smile curved in my lips. Though I definitely had no idea why Alice sensed another presence of what seemed to be my new mate, when we still didn’t know if the rejection worked, I felt thrilled. I wanted to indulge myself in it. The excitement and all these weird series of unexpectedness had to lead me to something. I had been living my life in hues of black and white. Now that Alice came, and there was a huge possibility that I’d soon meet love, I feel enthusiastic. I felt like this day would significantly brought a big change to my life. Which I would love to venture. ‘You should accept, Avalynn.’ Alice said. “Tomorrow, then?” I brought my eyes to what I was doing to continue, but I was pre-occupied. I was fired up! ‘How does your radar works, Alice? Can you see what he looks like?” I asked, excited. The Moon Goddess first linked me to Adler, which was, as much as I hate to admit it, strong and good looking. I was hoping the new one would be more… handsome. ‘What am I, a crys
My head turned to each direction. I understood what Alice said, but I couldn’t exactly pinpoint what he was. If he wasn’t a werewolf, then what? The smell was something I was a little familiar with, but I couldn’t remember how and why. Have we met before? His smell was extremely pleasant, and I understood that it was because he was my new mate. But the sensation of his presence was both familiar and strange to me. Where is he? His smell is strong but I still can’t tell where exactly he is! ‘Turn to your back. He’s near but still out of your reach.’ I heard Alice said. I turned to my back as Alice instructed. I stepped forward, and attentively scanned the area. It was already dark, and it was full of trees so I couldn’t tell. I couldn’t see even his shadow. It thrilled and scared me… if that was even possible. The thought that he didn’t smell like a wolf was scary to me— but knowing that he was my mate thrilled me. I wanted to meet him. That was the exact reason I allowed Jade to dr
“Is there something wrong?” Conrad asked. Each passing second, Adler’s scent was growing stronger. I couldn’t pinpoint which direction he was, but I could tell he was heading here. At full speed, at that. I didn’t know if he knew I was here, but if I could smell him, that’d mean he could smell me, too. Why could I still sense him? I have rejected him. It was supposed to work. Rejection would work if both parties wanted it. We did want it to happen. We didn’t like each other, so what went wrong? “Avalynn?” Conrad mentioned my name with concern, it was only then I got into my senses. Turning my head back at him, I forced a smile. “I… I’m sorry. I just remembered something.” Adler and Conrad shouldn’t meet each other. Not here. Adler shouldn’t know Conrad existed. The Alpha’s son shouldn’t know I have two mates, and that the other one was a Lycan. It would definitely cause a problem and that’d be the least thing that I’d want. I just met Alice. I haven’t redeemed myself. I haven’t
My brows formed a knot as I looked at Jade. She sounded a little frustrated. But since it was also what I was supposed to do before she called for me, I nodded my head and closed my eyes. Communicating with my wolf, Alice, I turned. My nails first grew longer, and then my fingers bigger. My size started to double, and I could feel it. I opened my eyes to look at myself amidst my turning. I was getting bigger. My skin were stretching, and although I was expecting it to hurt, it didn’t. It felt like I was naturally transforming, and it was foreign to me. In a fraction of seconds, I was standing in four legs. In front of me was the Alpha, who was in the same height as me. Now, we could see eye-to-eye. “White fur…” I heard Jade said. “You’re indeed a daughter of Analisse.” My mom was one of the strongest wolves in her prime. She was one of Adler’s father’s trusted wolves. Her fur was white, with a green eyes. Only mine was blue because I got it from my father. She was known as the whit
ADLER’S POV I rested the back of my head on the head rest of the chair. Clad in only a black robe, I swirled the wine in the glass. My hair was still dripping wet. After I’d gone home and return to my human form, I took a bath to clean myself. I was reeking. Almost as if I smell like her. Avalynn Hewlett, that bitch… Who did she meet in the Border? I was with Rake and Owen when I sensed her. But Asmodeous was too aggressive. He shifted without my command and went straight to her like a fucking dog. My jaw clenched. ‘You can do better than that, Asmodeous.’ ‘She is OUR mate, Adler.’ Asmdoeous retorted. ‘Whether you like it or not, Avalynn is our destined mate!’ ‘Not if the rejection will work.’ My face darkened. ‘Aren’t you wondering why the rejection didn’t work the first time?’ Asmodeous asked. ‘Knock it off.’ ‘You knew why, Adler. You knew damn well why it did not work.’ My jaw clamped hard. No matter what the reason is, I want it to work this time. I cannot fail my fathe
AVALYNN’S POV “Analisse?!” I froze on my spot. It was my mother’s name they called just now. But the fact that I realized why they mistook me for her gave me a comforting type of sadness. It made me want to cry in joy. Because at least… I have something that would remind them of my late mother. I guess my mother was the only one in this pack whose fur was white, given that my mother was the first they thought of the second they saw my appearance. Wolves who were joining the pack run walked close to me. Behind them was our pack leader, Abadon Salvatore. He had the same eye color as Adler. Same fur. Except he was bigger, and more intimidating. There were almost fourteen of them here. All were elders. “Jade…” Jade’s father spoke in our mind-link, his eyes reflecting confusion. “Is this…” “Avalynn, father.” Jade replied in a respectful manner, lowering down her head. “Avalynn Hewlett, Mrs. Analisse Hewlett’s daughter.” “It can’t be!” I heard the other say. “Analisse’s daughter is w
Jade was the one who chose the dress. The heels. The accessories. I gave her the power to do so as I trusted her fashion sense, and taste. But looking at myself now— I think Jade went a little overboard. I was hoping it was just me, though. The dress and heels matched. They looked pleasing together, but I didn’t think this sexy glamorous look was what I wanted to look like facing the Alpha. I mean, I thought we agreed I’d look formal and respectable. But instead, I looked like I was going to a… semi-formal party. Jade did my hair and make-up into a clean look. My hair was tied in a bun. I was wearing a silk baby blue dress below the knee, paired with a silver heels. I knew I wasn’t any better with fashion. But how was this formal? ‘You look pretty, Avalynn. You saw how you look before you left..’ Alice commented. ‘Besides, you’re also going to meet the Luna of the pack. You should impress her, too if you really want to be accepted.’ I wasn’t sure about the Luna of the pack. The Alp