Rejected by my mate, chosen by fate

NORA “Long or short?” The make-up artist asked as she brought out her set of cluster lashes. “I think long will suit you better.” She proposed with a smile. I folded my lips as I contemplated which to go for. I was about to make a decision when Sylvester opened the door. My lips parted from its folded form to a widening form. Sylvester was almost ready. I knew I was going to be the one to delay. “Beat her face to perfection.” He said to the make-up artist, before planting a peck on my hand since he can't do that on my face or lips. “I would be leaving with Eric to check on an issue, I would return in an hour.” He explained, turning to leave. That was how loved and cherished I was to Sylvester, but I didn't understand why he would be running around on our wedding day, instead of letting only Eric deal with whatever it was. Eric was the beta to Sylvester, who is the Alpha of the Red Moon pack. While I, Nora, am about to be Luna after spending ten years of my life with him. “But you are dressed,” I opposed. It just doesn't sit well with me, regardless of whatever they needed to attend to. “Trust me, it is that important,” Sylvester replied with his charming smile and a wink. Mirroring his flirtatious action, I didn't know when I concurred with him and he left. My makeup was done now, but there was still enough time before the ceremony began. Sylvester wasn't back yet, but I didn't worry, since it was not up to an hour as he communicated. I stepped out of the room and walked down the corridor, I watched how every single pack member seemed so busy and I felt the warmth of their affection. I am loved by a lot, and I can boldly say my life was perfect. Though I have no memory of my first decade, the second decade of my life was the best, and I doubt if there was anything better than that. I rested my hand on the rail, and I dragged it as I walked forward. Getting married at twenty is something that every she-wolf wishes for. Sylvester's parents, the late Alpha Ezra, and his Luna, Clara, would be very proud of us too. “Alpha advised that we serve you coffee when you are done.” came a voice, interrupting my thoughts. It was the voice of one of the maids. My maid, Selene. I turned to her, observing how she admirably looked at me. I am pretty, but my makeover has made me prettier. Green eyes, blonde hair, a pointed nose, slim thick, and 5 feet 8 height are my features. “I am full, and I wouldn't love anything to ruin this.” I referred to my body-fit white dress, which showed my curves, and my makeover once again. “I will have as much as I can after the wedding.” Selene seemed hesitant but didn't argue, especially because of how delighted I was. “I will have the table cleared,” She said as she carried the tray. Stopping halfway to the exit, she turned to me, “You look beautiful, like a perfect Luna.” I smiled, appreciating her kind words. One hour had passed, and neither Sylvester nor Eric were back in the pack. I have been trying to reach him on the phone, to no avail. With the way my phone was buzzing, the people must be waiting for me in the hall or something. Should I leave without Sylvester, or should I wait a little? The strangest part of it was that he hadn't even told me what the important issue was. I decided to go to Anastasia’s room. Anastasia was Eric's mate. We do not have a close relationship, but we are not on bad terms also. It was more of a formal relationship. The plan was for her to reach Eric, and that way, I would reach Sylvester too. Not bothering to send a maid, or use my phone, I reached Anastasia’s room. I was about to knock when I had the most breaking statement in my life. “Sylvester and Nora aren't fated mates. They are chosen mates, but they have sworn to keep this a secret for life.” Anastasia said to someone in the background. I am not aware who that was. My hands froze before they touched the door, and I felt my pulse quicken. How does she know? This was a secret between me and Sylvester alone, so if I didn't tell her, Sylvester did. But why? Sylvester isn't capable of betraying me, and all I needed was to leave there and sort my answers from him. But I just remembered that I came here because I couldn't reach him. “How do you know this?” The voice in the background questioned Anastasia. I had made a step to leave, but needing to know who her source was made me take back my step, and listen again. “Eric,” Anastasia said, her voice quiet. I walked out instantly, sitting at the edge of my bed and sobbing. It was not a very bad thing to have a chosen mate, but it was a betrayal if we pledged to keep secrets and one person revealed it. My tears mixed with the foundation on my face, and like that, the brown water dropped on my white gown. The gown I tried so much to protect, the makeover I tried so hard not to ruin. Only Sylvester’s parents knew that we weren't fated. They always rooted for me and their son because they were chosen mates just like us. They made sure I didn't see Sylvester as a brother since we grew up together but as a partner. They died two years ago when I was eighteen. So it wasn't possible they spilled the secret. What if me and Sylvester found out we were fated after they died? Eric can never spill something he isn't sure of. No matter how I tried to paint this situation, all fingers still pointed at Sylvester. The knock on my door made me jump up. It was Selene. I dabbed my tears with the wipes and asked her in. “Alpha Sylvester came back thirty minutes ago.” Selene said, her voice shaky, “I just thought you should know.” The way she shivered seemed like something was off, but I didn't care what it was. I stood, running out of the room to confront him and have all my questions answered. Yet, Selene ran after me. “You might not want to see him in this state.” She spoke, her voice full of hesitation. It made me wonder, was Sylvester injured or attacked? “What state?” I demanded as I turned around. “He came in with another lady and the way he held her…” Selene didn't finish her statement when I chuckled. I chuckled despite being temporarily mad at Sylvester. I chuckled because a lady was the last thing I should bother about in my relationship with my mate. Not wanting to give a reply to Selene. I continued my run until I came into a room where Sylvester, Eric, and a strange lady sat. I faced Sylvester, opening my mouth to ask all the questions that troubled me. He shushed me, seized my wrist, and moved me to a corner. “What is the matter,” I asked selflessly, trying to know his worrisome situation, despite the storm brewing inside me. I could read the strange atmosphere. “Nora, I am afraid the wedding has to be postponed.” He voiced, running his hand through his hair. His expression was strained like it was something he couldn't evade.