I sat alone at FingerTips, a dimly lit restaurant that Luca had picked for my birthday dinner. Seven years together, and he still couldn’t remember my birthday without a reminder. The creaky chair beneath me and the stale air swirling around only heightened my frustration.

As I waited, I ordered a glass of water, taking slow sips while my eyes darted to the clock. Each tick felt like a countdown to disappointment. I tried calling Luca over and over, but he didn’t pick up. I began to regret turning down my best friend's invitation to celebrate together, choosing instead to spend the evening with someone who seemed to have forgotten me entirely.

"Ma'am, we're closing for the day," the waitress said, breaking the silence. I muttered a distracted "Oh," suddenly aware that I was the last customer left in restaurant.

As I stepped outside, the cool night air brushed against my skin, and I looked up at the starry sky. A deep sigh escaped me; spending my birthday alone, waiting for someone who never showed, was a bitter disappointment.

As I made my way home, the breeze picked up, and I felt the first droplets of rain hit my skin. Before I knew it, the sky opened up, and rain poured down. I hurriedly sought shelter in a nearby five-star hotel, hoping to escape the downpour.

I dashed into the lounge area, shaking the rain off my clothes. Taking a seat, I gazed out the window, feeling the weight of the evening settle in. I pulled out my phone and tried calling Luca again, but once more, he didn’t answer.

Instead of wallowing in disappointment, I decided to treat myself to a nice meal. I smiled to myself, reminding myself that it was my birthday, and I deserved to make it special.

As I entered the hotel’s restaurant, my eyes landed on a familiar figure—Luca. He was standing with a woman, and they seemed to be leaving. What caught my attention was when Luca removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders, his hands wrapping around her as he pecked her forehead. They shared an intimate smile, and my heart sank.

My feet felt glued to the spot. A low growl rumbled within me, my wolf stirring with unease. I leaned in for a better look at the woman, and my eyes widened in recognition—it was Samantha.

So I had been right all along; I suspected that Luca’s relationship with her went beyond mere friendship. Whenever I voiced my concerns, he brushed them off, claiming their closeness was simply due to the alliance between our packs, the Moonwhisper and Nightshade. But the intimate scene unfolding before me told a different story.

“Luca…” I called out, my voice trembling. He and Samantha turned to face me, and as our gazes met, I saw his expression shift into a deep frown.

"What are you doing here?" he asked gruffly.

I was mad. "So, you're actually with her, and that's why you wouldn't take any of my calls, leaving me waiting... on my birthday."

My voice broke, the hurt getting worse, as if I hadn't suspected it. "You're being dramatic," Samantha said, rolling her eyes in disgust.

My anger boiled over, and I slammed my fist on the table. "Shut the fuck up! Who asked—" But before I could finish, Luca splashed a cold glass of water onto my face.

The room fell silent as everyone turned to watch us. Luca stepped closer, his green wolf eyes flashing with fury. "I won't let you speak to her like that," he said, his voice menacing.

I glared at him, my heart pounding in my chest. How could he do this to me? On my birthday, of all days?

"You're defending her?" I spat, my voice in disdain. "You're supposed to be my mate, Luca. My partner. But instead, you're standing there, insulting me and defending another woman."

Luca's expression darkened. "Noella, calm down."

But I was past the point of calm. I was furious. "You've been lying to me, Luca. You've been cheating on me with Samantha. And now, you're just standing there, defending her?”

The restaurant fell silent, patrons watching our exchange with keen interest. Luca's face twisted in anger, but I stood my ground.

"I deserve better than a cheating mate," I declared, my voice unwavering. "I deserve someone better than you, Luca."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Luca and Samantha staring after me. The rain poured down outside, but I didn't care. I was free, finally free from Luca's deception and lies—or so I thought.

I arrived at the house Luca and I shared, hesitating at the door. It hit me then that I barely had a place in this home—or in Luca's life. Everything seemed to revolve around Samantha. He was always on the phone with her, and I felt like an outsider in my own relationship. The hurt was still fresh; I had invested everything into us.

When I first felt the mating bond with Luca, the alpha of the Moonwhisper pack, I thought I was the luckiest girl alive. He was not only handsome but also strong and admirable. Most girls were obsessed with him, and when we discovered we were mates, Luca showered me with love and affection. He literally swept me off my feet.

Back then, I was completely head over heels for him. When he suggested we move in together, I agreed without a second thought. Everything he said felt right to me, probably because I held him in such high regard due to his status as an alpha.

Now, I realize I was a fool for him. He took advantage of my submissiveness and love. Just because he’s the alpha of a pack doesn’t mean he’s the right one for me. I deserve so much more than this.

After changing into a dry outfit and drying my hair, I tried to shake off the chill. My eyes fell on a discreetly placed box in the corner of the bed. Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to investigate. Inside, I found a set of lacy lingerie, accompanied by a note with Luca's handwriting that made my blood boil: "To my beautiful Samantha, can't wait to see you in these.”

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to destroy the box and its contents. Below the note, I noticed a car key. It hit me that Luca had intended these for Samantha. Anger and hurt coursed through me, realizing how “generous” he had been behind my back.

I placed the box back, resolving to focus on myself. The rain had left me chilled, so I made my way to the kitchen to brew a cup of coffee.

Just as I was about to take the first sip, Luca barged in, his voice raised and face contorted in a scowl. "What was the meaning of what you did earlier?" he demanded.

I wasn't ready to respond, so I brought the cup closer to my lips. But he snatched it from my hands, slamming it down on the table and spilling coffee everywhere.

“Damn it! I'm talking to you” he yelled.

"I'm done having anything to do with a shameless man," I declared, meeting his gaze.

He looked stunned, unable to process what I had just said. It seemed he never expected me to dare speak to him like that. But this time, I was dead serious.

"How dare you, Noella?" he howled. "How dare you speak to me like that?!"

"Don't forget, I pulled you from that gutter," he sneered. "If it weren't for the mating bond, do you really think you'd have anything to do with me?"

My heart sank at his words. Maybe, deep down, I still clung to the hope that things could improve. That’s why I had chosen to sit down with a cup of coffee instead of packing my bags and walking away.

I opened my mouth to respond, but his phone rang, shattering the tense silence. He glanced at the screen, then looked back at me before answering. "Oh, I'm on my way to get you. Don't worry," he said, rushing out the door.

I wasn't even slightly curious about where he was headed. The rain continued to pour outside, and my legs felt like jelly. This was, without a doubt, the worst birthday ever. I stared at the coffee, now completely uninterested in it.

Almost immediately, Luca walked into the house, Samantha nestled in his arms. Her eyes struggled to stay open, and I felt my own widen in shock as I watched him hold her, concern etched on his face.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice soft. She slowly shook her head.

Luca headed upstairs, and I found myself following, my fists clenched in anger.

I searched the rooms, my heart racing, and finally found them in the bedroom Luca and I shared. I stood in the doorway, my voice trembling with rage.

"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded, incredulous.

"Oh, Noella, it's all your fault. Shouldn't you know by now that Samantha has pneumonia? We tried to catch up with you in the rain, and she got drenched," Luca replied. I felt all my strength drain away as I looked at Samantha, comfortably lying on the bed.

"Let's say it's my fault," I said, struggling to keep my composure. "But why this room?" That was the only thing I needed to understand at that moment.

"You are the most selfish and insensitive creature I know," Luca continued. "Now it's the room that matters? Someone is sick in front of you, and you're talking about a mere room? That's the problem I have with you - you're always overthinking the wrong things. You came back and made yourself a cup of coffee; can't you do the same for Samantha?"

Luca kept talking, but I tuned him out, a smile creeping onto my face as I shook my head. Thank the goddess we hadn't been mated yet. Now I was seeing things clearly; I had endured more than enough.

"Are you even listening to me? Get a cup of coffee for Samantha," Luca said, his voice rising in frustration. I looked at him, my expression calm.

"You should have rejected me," I replied, my voice steady. "But now I will take the initiative. I won’t have a scum as a mate. I, Noella Marcel, reject you this moment, Luca Fernando, as my mate."

I walked past him, gathering my few belongings as I went. Glancing out the window, I noticed the rain had finally subsided. Just as I was about to leave, Luca grasped my hand.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Luca..." Samantha let out a sharp cry, and in an instant, Luca rushed to her side. I seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed.

As I stepped out of the house, tears filled my eyes, and my heart ached. Maybe this was for the best, I thought. I wasn't sure where I was headed, but one thing was clear: I wouldn't waste another moment with Luca.

I clutched my bag tightly, contemplating my next move. I didn’t have any friends nearby who would truly understand my situation. I needed a place to stay, so I boarded the next bus to my family's house. I had to explain my decision to reject Luca as my mate before the news spread through others.

When I finally arrived home, I knocked on the door, my heart racing in my chest. The door swung open, and my stepfather, Gab, appeared. Before I could utter a single word of greeting, he delivered a sharp slap across my face, leaving me reeling in shock.

My biological father had passed away when I was much younger, and that was when my mom married Gab, the most greedy and selfish person I had ever known.

"You really came back here?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

I pressed my hand against my burning cheeks, still stunned from the slap. "Dad..." I tried to speak, but my voice trembled.

"Keep quiet!" he shouted.

My mother stepped outside, cradling my little sister in her arms. "So what Luca said was true? Why on earth would you reject someone like him?" she demanded, her voice raised as she glanced at my belongings.

"Do you even realize the repercussions of your actions?" she pressed.

Gab looked at me with disappointment etched across his face. "You've brought shame to our family, Noella. Luca is an alpha, and you rejected him. Do you really think you can find anyone better than him? What were you thinking?”

I stared at my parents in disbelief, unable to process their reaction. So they had heard from Luca and didn’t even bother to ask me why I rejected him? Did it not matter what he’d done? My shock quickly turned into irritation. I was furious that the two people who were supposed to support me didn’t care enough to understand my decision.

"Luca doesn't deserve me," I muttered, shooting them both a glare. "I’m not interested in being his mate."

"You ungrateful brat," my mom spat, hurling a bucket at me, which I narrowly dodged just in time.

"Do you really think you deserve Luca?" she continued, her voice rising. "The goddess looked upon us with eyes of mercy and chose to bless our family by making you the mate of the alpha. But you just had to ruin it! Rejecting him will bring shame and problems to our family! Don’t you understand?"

My mom's words struck deep. She spoke as if she were on the verge of tears, but I knew her tears weren't for me—they were for the loss of status and privilege that came with being associated with the alpha.

Gab shook his head. "I won't allow this," he growled. "You will go back and beg for the alpha’s forgiveness. You and he will have your mating ceremony this coming full moon."

His eyes blazed with a fierce red glow, and I could feel the intensity of his wolf energy pulsing around us.

"I will do no such thing," I protested, my voice steady.

Gab stepped closer, a menacing growl rumbling from deep within him. "You would dare to defy me?”

I stood my ground. "This has nothing to do with you. You have no claim over me."

Before I could react, Gab's hands shot out, gripping my neck. His temper flared, and I felt his claws digging into my skin. I struggled against him, but his strength was overwhelming.

I was choking, tears streaming down my face. "You're... hurting me..." I gasped, my voice barely audible as I fought to breathe.

Gab's grip tightened, and my vision began to blur.

"Gab, stop! Do you want to kill her? Please, just stop!" my mom cried out, dropping my baby sister as she rushed to intervene.

But Gab shoved her aside. "Back off!" he yelled.

My mom stumbled backward, fear etched on her face. "You should know your place and stop acting like this," Gab snarled, releasing my neck only to grip my hair tightly.

He yanked me closer, his hot breath on my face. "If it means you crawling or licking the ground to earn Luca's forgiveness, I will make sure that happens.”

"Let me go!" I cried, struggling to break free from his grip. Gab shoved me to the ground. "You have no place here," he said coldly before turning and walking back inside.

Dust stung my eyes, and pain shot through my body. My mom rushed to my side.

"You see why you should always do the right thing," she said. "Get up. Let me take you to Luca so he can forgive you and we can put all this behind us.”

"Are you even my mother?" I shot back.

Mom's gaze met mine, but just then, a dark shadow loomed over us, forcing us to look up. It was Luca, his expression unreadable as he stared down at me.

I tried to rise with confidence, but my mom yanked me down to my knees, straining with all her strength.

"I'm so sorry, Luca," she pleaded. "Noella must have lost her mind for a moment. Please, take her back and forgive her; she’s truly sorry.”

My mom rubbed her hands together, pleading. I was appalled. What the heck! I rejected him, and I was supposed to beg like the reverse was the case.

I stood up, breaking free from my mom's grip. Despite feeling disheveled, I stared into Luca's eyes.

"It's fine," Luca said nonchalantly. "I've forgiven her, even though she caused me a lot of pain. I'll let it go because of your heartfelt plea.”

I scoffed, barely able to believe it. Luca must really think little of me and my so-called family.

"You make me sick," I spat, not expecting the sharp scratch on my back. I hadn’t realized Gab was standing right behind me.

I yelled in pain as his claw ripped through my clothes and skin. "You crazy wench," he snarled.

"You're too good for her, Alpha," Gab continued. "She doesn’t deserve someone as powerful and generous as you. You're the most desirable, and she's just a foolish girl who doesn’t know what’s good for her.”

"I'm so sorry, Alpha. Please forgive her and my family," Gab said, bowing slightly.

"It's fine. I should go now," Luca replied, raising his hand.

"Thank you so much. Come on, go with him," my mom urged, pushing me toward Luca.

"Let's go," he said, taking hold of my arm. I felt my skin crawl beneath his touch. I was in pain, but for the moment, being with Luca felt like my safest option. I didn’t want Gab to end my life out of anger.

I followed Luca to his car. "I'm the only one who can make you feel safe and happy forever," he said as he started the engine. "But you seem to prefer learning the hard way."

"How audacious of you," he continued. "You are my mate, and there's no escaping that."

I could barely muster a response to his words; I felt too weak. My wounds were healing slowly, but it was very painful.

"There's a pack gathering tomorrow, and as the alpha, I have to bring my mate, so heal up fast," he said, cutting off any chance I had to respond. "I don't want too many questions."

As if my opinion ever mattered. I rested my head against the seat, feeling utterly helpless. This would be my first time attending such an event with Luca, and I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted him to take me along.