Saturday

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday little princess, happy birthday to you "my mom sang waking me up from the bed.

I am finally 19 years old. I am finally legal in my home, I am off age now. I can get into clubs now.

" Thank you mom"I smile at her, always honouring our birthday tradition.

That is waking up to a birthday song in bed.

"Blow your candle princess" she says and I take the little cupcake with the number 18 candle on top.

I blow it and she claps her hands excitedly.

"Now, freshen up and get ready, we have a lot to do today. Your brother and sister are already done,"she says and I nodded.

I freshened up and stood In front of the mirror for a while while staring at my reflection.

Yep, the changes happened immediately it struck midnight this dawn.

My boob has become bigger than the actual size, my waist has become slimmer and I have grown a little bit taller.

I'll say 5'9.

Normal average werewolf height.

Wow I really look like a woman, I just hope I find my mate today.

'Of course we will' someone says and I got startled.

Who the fuck is that? Did Crystal get in my head again.

'No silly, I am your wolf' the soft female voice says again and I sigh in relief.

"Oh wow,this is better than I expected. I can't believe I am able to finally talk to you"I say excitedly.

'me too. My name is Averia, but you can call me Ria"she says

"Nice to meet you Averia, I am Serene but you can me Rene" I tell her and she wiggles her tail in excitement.

'We are going to have some fun today' she says and goes back to the back of my head.

I changed into a black denim jeans and brown off the shoulder top. I curled my hair and applied a little bit of make up.

I made my way downstairs for breakfast and we went to the mall for the day.

The entire day was shopped and bought all kinds of girlie stuff for the birthday celebration.

Our last stop was at the gown shop, and I picked the prettiest gown ever.

We then got our hair and nails done before going back home to set everything up.

By the time evening came, everything was ready and set.

I just got out of the shower, my dress hanging beautifully in my room, along with the family necklace, my phone suddenly rings.

I answered immediately when I saw Tasha's name.

"Sup girl?" I say into the phone.

"Serene, I need your help. My car broke down in the middle of the woods near the mall. Can you come and pick me up "she says hurriedly.

Oh that place is dangerous.

" Okay, I'll be there in 15 minutes"I tell her and hang up.

I immediately put on a black romper and grabbed my car keys. Left through the window because mama would be pissed if I don't get to see the Alpha before the party.

Which I am going to miss by the way.

.

"Serene, where have you been?" my mom scolds looking at me and Tasha in anger.

"I went to pick up Tasha, mom. She was stranded. I am sorry,"I told her.

"You'll kill me one day. Hurry up and change, there is around I haven't heard anything yet. You can join the party, you'll see him there,"mom says and I nodded.

Tasha and mom took me upstairs and helped me dress.

My dress was a corset off the shoulder dress. I pair it with silver heels and matching jewelry.

"You look beautiful my darling. May the moon goddess bless you with a good mate,"she blesses me.

"Thank you mother" I replied.

"Come on let's go and enjoy your party" Tasha says happily.

.

After all the rituals were done on the ceremony grounds, the party began, and we started mingling with the others.

My wolf has been giddy ever since we started mingling, and I know something is up.

"Mate! I can smell him! I can smell it, mate. Can we go to him?" she says, wiggling her tail.

"Are you sure he is here?" I asked.

"Yes! Now go to him!" she yells, and I follow her directions.

The sweet scent of mint and wood fills my nostrils as I walk through the rose bush.

What would he be doing here?

I stopped when I heard muffled voices.

"How can it be her? You have to reject her. I am the one for you. You love me!" someone cries.

Wait, is it Crystal??

"I know it isn't that easy, but I'll do it. I love you, and nothing else will come between us," the man whispers.

"Mate is here. Follow the scent!" Ria yells at me.

As much as I want to know who my sister is talking to, I need to find my mate.

I walked around the bush and stopped in my tracks when I saw two people kissing.

"Mate! That is mate! But... but... but mate is with another woman! Mate is hurting us," Ria says, reflecting on our emotions.

"Mate!" I whisper, my eyes beginning to glow bright yellow. Ria wants to come out.

"Mate!" a very well-known voice says.

The couple broke apart, and if I didn't want to faint before, I want to faint now.

Alpha Zander is my mate, and he is kissing my sister! My younger fucking sister.

I stepped back a little as everything dawned on me. The rumors are true; it has been her.

It always has been her.

'mate is hurting us. I can't talk to mate's wolf. He is blocking us,' Ria cries in my head.

"Why would you do this? How can you do this, Zander! What did I ever do to you?" I yell, about to attack him, but he is in front of her within seconds, protecting her.

He is choosing her over us.

"Stay down, Serene. This has nothing to do with your sister. I am sorry you had to find out this way," he says calmly.

"Okay, I am going to forget everything. Let's just go, Alpha," I say simply, trying to control my anger.

"You don't get it, Serene. I can't be with you. I am in love with her, and I plan on marrying her and making her my Luna," he says.

"Wait, what? What is that supposed to mean? I am your mate. You can't reject me, Alpha. I might die," I say, my eyes shining with tears.

Rejection is a shame and disgrace upon one's family and herself. It is also painful, and given he is an Alpha, I might die.

"I am sorry, but it is a risk I am willing to take," he says, and I think I might die before the rejection.

"Why her? Am I not good enough for you?" I whisper, feeling Ria's wail.

"I am sorry, but you are not the one for me," he says. I know what he is about to do next.

"I am the one for you. The Moon Goddess chose me, not her!" I cry, tears cascading down my face.

"She chose wrongly," he says with finality.

"Please, Alpha."

"I, Alpha Zander McLean, reject you, Serene Gun, as my mate and Luna," he says.

And I scream as I feel something break within me. Ria wails in agony.

Then everything goes black.

I woke up with a splitting headache. What the heck happened?

"Oh Serene, I am so glad you’re awake. You gave us a scare," Mom says, rushing to my side.

She places a cup of water down and sits beside my bed.

"What happened?" I ask groggily.

"I don't know, Alpha Zander brought you unconscious. He said he found you in the bush unresponsive. The doctor said it might be a rogue attack. I am just glad you are okay," she hugs me.

Attacked?

My bedroom door opens again, my eyes meet hers, and that is when everything starts coming back.

Crystal and Alpha Zander.

They were kissing.

Him choosing her over me.

The rejection.

Averia's pain.

'Ria,' I called out to her.

'Yeah,' her weak voice responds.

'What is wrong? Are you okay?' I ask worriedly.

'I am trying to be strong for us. I am dying by any minute. I need mate,' she whimpers weakly.

'He rejected us, Ria,' I almost yelled at her. She whimpers in pain and retreats to the back of my head.

"Oh Serene, I am so glad you are okay," Crystal says and rushes to climb my bed.

She takes my hands into hers, and I immediately pull away as if she burned me.

She did burn me.

In the worst way possible.

"Don't touch me," I glared at her.

"Serene! Don't be rude to your little sister. You don't know how much she has cried for you," Mom scolds and walks into my bathroom.

"Did you tell them the truth?" she asks worriedly.

"How can I do that if I just woke up? You already know Mom is going to know her little daughter is a two-faced whore and mate stealer," I tell her.

"Don't call me that! I loved Zander way before he even became the Alpha. Don't pretend I didn't notice how you looked at him; I knew you also liked him, but I was too deep to let him go. I am sorry this happened, but nothing can be done about it," she says.

"A lot of things can be done about it. You can find your own mate and leave mine alone. You are so young, Crystal,it will be very odd for you to find before your 19th birthday!" I tell her.

"I can't, " she whispers.

"Why can't you?" I asked.

"I am sorry Serene but I can't, I am already carrying Zander's child," she says, and my face falls and my heart drops.

"What! What! How can you do that! Why will you do that to me ! Does Mom know about any of this? You are only 18 fucking years old." I asked,my voice was full of anger.

"No.. Keep your fucking voice down. Mom doesn't know about it, we were planning on telling them once your birthday was over and you weren't his mate. We didn't know this would happen! I know I am young but I love him and you won't stop me. My age is a rightful age to find a mate. A lot of wolves are married at my age." she says.

"Shut up, Crystal. I can't believe you are even my sister. You being my sister doesn't mean I forgive you. You hurt me so much. I hate that. You two are so horrible; you plan on sending me away!" I yell at her.

"Keep it down, Serene; Mom will hear you. I am sorry that this has to happen, but nothing could be done about it," she keeps on saying that.

"Why do you keep saying that?!" I shout in anger.

"Because Alpha and dad spoke this morning.Our wedding date has been set. We have already announced our engagement"she says and I feel like the walls are closing in on me.

My mom walks out of the bathroom with my dirty laundry.

"What..mom is it true. Is crystal getting married"I ask tears well up in my eyes

"Oh yes,I forgot to tell you that. Alpha Zander is her mate after all and we have already given them our blessings. The wedding will be on the next full moon. I can't believe it took hid wolf so long to figure out my youngest daughter is his mate"mom says and walks out with the laundry.

"I am sorry, Serene. You need to accept his rejection. I love him," my sister says and stands up, leaving me in a sobbing mess.

I can feel Ria wallowing in pain.

"I am so sorry I disappointed you, Ria," I whispered, and she responded with a whimper.

Later in the afternoon, the pack doctor came to check on me and said I was fine but would heal with time.

Something tells me he knows what is going on but has been made to keep quiet.

I didn't leave the room until 6 PM when my brother came to call me downstairs for dinner.

I stopped in my tracks when I spotted four foreigners in the room.

Alpha Zander, Beta Darius, Alpha Eli, and Luna Nara.

"Serene, my oh my, I am sorry for what happened. I hope those rogues are caught and dealt with," Luna Nara says and gives me a hug.

"Luna. Alpha Eli," I bow to them.

"Alpha and Luna are here to help us with the wedding preparation. We are going to be a family after all," Dad says, and they chuckle.

At that moment, I wish I hadn't raised my head.

Alpha Zander has his hands wrapped around my sister's waist, and she is hugging his side with her head on his torso.

"That is wonderful. I think I am going to go for a walk. The doctor said I need it," I tell them.

"Nonsense, you can go for a walk tomorrow," Mom says.

"Yes, sis, I need you here since you are going to be my maid of honor," my sister says with a sweet smile.

"Sure, why not," I went back to my seat, and the dinner began.

.

The following weeks were torture. I watched as my sister and Zander paraded around the village as if nothing happened. I always tried to keep Ria under control every time we were around him. He practically ignored our presence.

I sometimes wondered how he kept his wolf under control, or if he too was in love with Sansa, my sister's wolf. She found out on her 17th birthday. She was an early bloomer.

But today seals my fate. The night of the full moon is tonight, which means my sister's wedding is today.

The house has been quiet, but I stayed in my room. It is bad enough to watch your mate with another woman but also to stand by their side as they make a complete fool out of you.

That night, I watched them get married and perform the rituals. That night, I felt him mark her, and I nearly died.

A part of me was lost.

The next morning, I catch up to talk to him before he leaves for their honeymoon.

"Alpha. I am not here to beg anymore. I just need one favor for my wolf. I need to talk to Atlas," I say, and he nods without a thought.

Seconds later, his eyes start glowing bright yellow, almost golden.

'To what do I owe the pleasure?' he says, his voice deep and thunderous.

'I want to know if you are aware of his rejection,' I say.

'Yes, little mate. I am already bonded to Sansa, and I love her. I am sorry this had to happen. Tell Averia I am really sorry,' he says, and something in me dies.

'Okay. Can I speak to Zander now?' I say, and he nods. A few seconds later, Zander comes back.

"Do you have your answer now?" he says softly.

"Yes," I let out a breath and look him straight in the eyes.

"I, Serene Gun, accept your rejection," I say, and he stumbles back a little.

He looks at me in shock and surprise, as if he didn't expect me to accept it.

I turn and walk away from him and everything that has to do with him.

.

They left for their honeymoon, and I returned to my routine.

I grow thinner and weaker with each passing day, and Mom is beginning to worry.

I always tell her I am fine, but I know deep down she can feel my pain.

Today, she sent me on an errand. She asked me to pick up my dad's birthday cake from the pack house.

I can't believe two months have already passed, and Dad is celebrating his birthday again.

Crystal will be back today with "exciting news," as Mom said.

This place is awfully quiet today; most of the time, the pack house is noisy as hell.

I picked up my dad's cake and made my way out but stopped in my tracks when I saw Beta Darius entering the house.

"Serene. What a lovely surprise," he says with an awfully wide smile.

"Beta Darius. I was just on my way out. I came to pick up my dad's gift."

"Oh, you can't just leave like that. Come on, let's have a drink," he says, stepping closer to me.

"I... I don't think that is a good idea. My mom is waiting for me," I tell him.

"Oh, it's just a drink, Serene. I don't bite," he says softly, and I sigh.

"Okay, fine, but only one," I say, and he nods.

He leads the way into the pack bar and goes behind the counter.

"What can I get you, my lady?" he smiles.

"A shot of tequila, raw," I say, sitting on the stool.

"Wow... anything the matter?" he asks.

"Just life," I shrug.

He turns to face me a few seconds later and hands over the shot to me.

"Tell me about it," he raises his glass, and so do I.

I take the shot in one go.

"Want another?" he asks, and I nodded.

Before I realized it, I was on my fourth shot and drunk out of my mind.

"Serene, has anyone told you how beautiful you are? Those pretty brown eyes are just like the earth," he says.

Okay, this is my clue to leave.

I need to mind-link my brother to come pick me up.

"I... I... I think I should... leave," I slur my words and hiccup.

"Not yet, Serene. You know, you really fascinate me. I really fancy you; you've been on my mind lately, with those soft pink lips..." he says, his fingers trailing my bottom lip.

I swing my head to the side and try to stand up but lose my balance and almost fall down, but he holds me against him.

I can feel his groin against me.

"Please let me go. My mom is waiting for me," I beg.

"I can't do that. I really need to feel you against me," he says and kisses my neck.

I try to hit him, but he is stronger and bigger than me.

An idea comes into my head.

"Don't even try to mind-link anyone. It isn't going to work. The drink you just had shut off all your senses. You are mine tonight, Serene," he says, and now I break down in tears.

"Please, please, please, don't do this to me. I am begging you," I plead.

But everything falls on deaf ears when I feel him rip off my shirt.

He pushes me onto the floor and continues his assault.

I try to fight; I really do, but it is all in vain.

That day, he took away my innocence, my dignity, my pride.

I lost myself that day.

.

"Are you okay Serene?"my brother asks for second time today.

"Yes I am fine"I tell him quietly.

"Are you sure? Something is off with you"he says looking at me skeptically.

"I am fine"I say and he kept quiet and we continue to finish the decorations.

Minutes later the house was full with guests and friends.

My sister and Zander had arrived and they looked so happy and cozy.

I smile sadly, I am going to really miss them once I am out of this place.

I hope mom and dad will forgive me for being a disappointment.

"We have an announcement. Everyone please gather around"dad announces.

Everyone moved forward,but I remained behind.

My nightmare was with them,he stood there as if he wasn't a monster.

"Thank you all for making it to my birthday party. As much as it is my birthday, I like to announce this: I got the greatest gift today. My daughter and her husband, Alpha Zander, are expecting their first child, my first grandchild and the future alpha of this pack," my dad says happily.

That was it for me. I had enough reason to go on with my decision. No one will miss me. My family is happy without me.

I smile sadly and slowly retreat back to my room.

I take a pen and paper and write an apology letter for my parents and brother.

I pack up a few things and my savings. I jump through my window and run through the woods.

Once I can't feel the connection with my family anymore, I stop.

'We'll be okay, Ria. No one can hurt us again,' I tell my wolf.

'Okay,' she says weakly.

"I, Serene Gun, daughter of Beta Zack Gun, cut ties off with

the White Moon Pack," I say and feel all links with the pack break.

I shift into my wolf form and run into the woods.

I hope a better life awaits me.