chapter 1

Ethan stood in the middle of the Moonlit Meadow, a peaceful place where the silver moonlight washed over everything. The sweet smell of wildflowers and the smell of the forest were carried on the breeze by the rustling of the grasses. This place was his safe haven and the only thing that could heal his broken heart.

Gabriel's rejection just a few days ago had broken his whole world. The pain of that time was still burning in his mind, and he could still feel it in his veins. He remembered the pack getting together for the monthly event under the moonlight, and how excited everyone was. As he looked through the crowd for Gabriel, the man he thought he would be with forever, his heart was racing.

Gabriel's eyes, which used to be soft and longing, met Ethan's. But instead of the caring hug Ethan had hoped for, Gabriel's words boomed through the clearing like a cold blade cutting his soul.

Gabriel's words, "Ethan Hartley, I don't want you to be my mate," rang out loudly and sent shock waves through the pack. "You're not good enough to stand by my side. Someone else has my heart."

Ethan could hear the pack members' gasps and hear their words of pity mixed with his sobs. The pain was unbearable, and his hopes broke into a million bits that couldn't be put back together.

In the moonlit field, Ethan held on to the hope that the Moon Goddess would lead him to a future where love could heal his broken heart. He opened his eyes and looked at the bright figure in front of him. He suddenly felt like he knew what was going on, as if the moon were telling him things that only he could understand.

Ethan was lost in his thoughts, so he didn't see the person come out of the shadows. A woman stepped out into the night. Her shape was graceful and beautiful. Her dark hair fell down her back, which was very different from her fair face, which shone in the moonlight.

"Ethan," she called out with a hint of wonder in her voice. "I have been waiting for you."

When Ethan turned around to face her, his heart skipped a beat. She had a strange aura of power that seemed to draw him in. What did this woman want from him, and who was she?

"Umm, I don't know you," he stuttered, barely being heard. "Whose are you?"

She moved closer and looked at him with a mix of kindness and interest in her eyes. "My name is Amelia Blackwood," she said, and her voice was as beautiful as a song played at night. "I know about your troubles and sadness. I'm here to help you feel better and to understand."

Ethan looked at her, both interested and wary. How did she know that he was hurting? And why did she go to find him?

"Amelia, what do you want from me?" he asked, his voice shaking with fear.

She moved closer and lightly touched his cheek with her hand. "I want to help you get better, Ethan. I want to show you that life is more than just one person. If you're willing to take a chance, there are so many things you can do."

As he thought about what she said, Ethan's heart started to beat faster. Gabriel was still hurting from being turned down, but he felt a spark of hope. He had been stuck in a sea of sadness, with only broken dreams to keep him company. Maybe Amelia was the key to a new way for him to find happiness and acceptance again.

"What do you mean, "possibilities?" Ethan asked, his voice shaking with both fear and interest.

Amelia smiled, and her eyes looked a little bit sneaky. "There's more to this world than fated mates, Ethan. The Moon Goddess weaves a complicated tapestry, and sometimes the threads of fate can be undone or rewoven."

Ethan's brows wrinkled up in surprise. People thought that the Moon Goddess brought together people who were meant to be together and tied their souls together for all time. It was a sin to go against the signs of the Moon Goddess. Still, Amelia was doing just that.

"Are you saying there's another way for me, that I can find love beyond what was meant to be?" Ethan asked, his voice full of both hope and doubt.

Amelia nodded, and her eyes showed that she understood. "Yes, Ethan. Love is strong, and it can break through any barrier. The Moon Goddess may have had a different plan for you, but maybe there's something else out there that will bring you even more happiness and joy."

Ethan felt a rush of different feelings at the same time. Part of him wanted to believe what Amelia said, to be open to the idea that the future wasn't set in stone. But Gabriel was still hurting from being turned down, and the pain was a steady memory of the sadness he had felt.

"How can I trust this other path?" Ethan asked, his voice shaking because he was feeling vulnerable. "How can I be sure that I won't get hurt again?"

Amelia's hand slipped off of his cheek, and she took a step back with a serious look on her face. "Love always comes with risks, Ethan, but sometimes taking those risks pays off the most. Have faith in the unknown and trust that the Moon Goddess has something even better in store for you, someone who will protect your heart and heal your broken soul.

As he thought about what she said, Ethan's heart started to beat faster. He felt a little bit of hope when he thought about finding a love that was even better than his broken dreams. He looked into Amelia's eyes to try to figure out what was going on with her.

Ethan softly said, "Show me. Guide me through this world of possibilities and help me find the love I deserve." His voice was full of determination.

Amelia gave her hand with a smile. "Take my hand, Ethan Hartley, and let's go on a journey that will lead you to a love that goes beyond fate."