The Rejected Luna

Chapter 2

_Avery's POV_

Kaden’s grip on my arm was firm as he pulled me toward his parents. I stumbled, trying to keep up, and felt everyone’s curious stares burning into me as we passed.

Alpha Elias turned to us, frowning when he saw the look on Kaden’s face. “What’s wrong, son?” he asked, setting down his drink.

Kaden’s jaw was clenched, his voice tight. “I found out that Avery is my mate.”

Luna Maria’s eyes lit up, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Oh, that is wonderful news! I am so happy you have found her, Kaden.”

But Kaden’s face remained hard. “I don’t want her,” he said bluntly, not even glancing my way. “I am rejecting her. I love Anna. Avery isn’t the daughter of an Alpha; she won’t make a strong Luna. I need someone powerful, someone who will give me strong heirs.”

My heart felt like it was breaking in slow motion. His words cut deep, each one sharper than the last.

Alpha Elias’s face hardened, and he spoke in a firm voice. “No, Kaden. Avery is your fated mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. You can’t reject her.”

Kaden’s frustration was evident as he shook his head. “I don’t care. I am not accepting this. I don’t want a weak mate.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. Anger and hurt surged within me, and I finally spoke up, my voice trembling. “I don’t want to be with you either!” I shouted, my voice echoing in the silence that followed. All eyes turned to me, and the weight of their stares made my skin prickle. I could feel my wolf stirring inside, furious and restless.

Suddenly, I couldn’t hold her back. My wolf wanted control. She wanted to be free. I gave in, and before I knew it, I shifted and ran out of the house.

The world felt different—more vibrant, sharper, and alive. I looked down and saw white fur. My paws were light, and the cool night air brushed against me like a whisper. Everything around me was clearer, every sound louder, every scent stronger. I felt powerful, free… yet there was a sadness lingering within me.

My wolf’s voice sounded softly in my mind. “My name is Maya,” she said. “I am so sorry, Avery… it hurts that our mate doesn’t want us.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I know, Maya,” I replied, feeling her sorrow mingling with mine. “But maybe it’s because he’s right. We’re not high-ranked. We’re not… strong enough.”

She growled softly in protest, but I felt her pain. Together, we ran. The trees blurred around us as I raced deeper into the woods, letting the night’s cool embrace soothe us. I ran until exhaustion slowed me down, then stopped by a quiet spring. When I looked into the water, I saw Maya’s reflection, small yet beautiful, her fur pure white and shining under the moonlight.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I knew I couldn’t stay here forever. My parents would be worried, and I had to face whatever awaited me back at the house.

When I finally returned, most of the guests had gone. Only my parents, Alpha Elias, Luna Maria, and Kaden remained. Kaden was pacing the room, his face tense, while the others talked quietly. When my mom saw me at the door, she rushed over, worry written all over her face.

“Are you alright, Avery?” she asked gently, her hand resting on my shoulder.

I nodded. “I’m fine, Mom.”

Luna Maria approached me, looking genuinely sad. “Avery, I’m so sorry for what happened tonight. None of this was supposed to be like this.”

“It’s alright, Luna Maria,” I said softly. “We can’t force Kaden to accept me. He has a choice.”

Alpha Elias’s face turned serious. “No, Avery. Kaden doesn’t have a choice. If he wants to become Alpha, he has to accept you as his Luna. That is final.”

“But—” I started to protest, but Alpha Elias cut me off.

“The engagement will be next week, and the wedding will follow next month,” he announced firmly.

My heart sank as I looked over at Kaden. He was sitting on the sofa, his face pale, eyes unfocused, as if the world around him had crumbled.

I turned back to Alpha Elias, pleading, “Please, Alpha, no one will be happy with this. Kaden loves Anna, and I… I don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t want me.”

The Alpha’s voice softened, but his decision was final. “The Moon Goddess has chosen you both for a reason, Avery. We can’t go against her will.”

I looked at Kaden again. His expression was one of defeat, as though he had lost something precious. Despite my anger, I understood his pain. He was being forced to abandon his love, just as I was forced to accept a future I hadn’t dreamed of.