ssa'
lways assured me that one day I'd find my mate and leave. Whenever she catches me lost in
why they dislike me, but i
e sidelines, a silent observer amidst the joyful chaos. Some capture the moment with their phones, preserving the memory for posterity. I'm aware that most of them only tolerate me because I'm the Beta's daughte
of me. According to them, the rest of the pack has nothing better
The real reason, I suspect, is because I still haven't shifted into my wolf form, even though it usually happens by the age of sixteen. My m
d my mate. Despite my longing to leave the pack, a part of me secretly hoped that Alfie, my best frien
s she kissed my cheek, exchanging a playful cake-filled gesture. Grateful for h
and warmth, much like her children, Alfie and Amelia. Rumor had it that she had chosen Alpha Alexander as her mate
wrapped in my favorite color. His affectionate gesture touched me deeply, re
g their presents, albeit with forced smiles. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when a wave of
my father and mother reacted with a mix of concern and anticipation. Ignoring their attempts to
my knees drawn to my chest, I attempted to soothe the turmoil within, feeling the strange sensation ebb away as swi
y senses, a voice gently whispered within me, addressing me by
s Evie," the voice echoed in my mind, a
followed by an incredulous laugh. A wolf? Me? It seemed pr
form?" I pondered aloud, un
should probably stop screaming before I turn deaf," she quipped, her pre
n't I shifted yet?" I questioned, my voice
mate is somewhere near," she responded crypt
icipation through me, and I rose to my feet,
party were in full swing. Alfie, Amelia, and the others stood outside,
with a mixture of growls and purrs,
knew he was my mate; Evie's focus had been solely on him since she mentioned the word "mate." But the myriad of emotions in Alfie's eyes left me reeling, as if I were facing a stranger. Why did he seem so distant, so unwilling to be here with me? Despite the certainty that his wolf had acknowledged our bond, he remained silent. His avoidance became apparent as he turned back
heels. No one attempted to stop me, assuming my haste was due to embarrassme
d called out his name, but he ignored me, continuing a
led, kicking off my heels
n front of him, he attempted to sidestep me, but I refused to let him evade me. My heart sank as Alfie's words hit me li
utting through me like a knife. "Because, damn it, I don't want you! I don't want the burden of h
efore my eyes. The determination in his gaze, the rejection fr
ven't shifted yet, and who knows if you ever will."I can't have a weakling as my mate
ld I possibly say to him? "Don't," he interrupted, taking a step back. "I, Alfie Black, reject you, Vanessa Grey, as my mate and future Lu