SIXTEEN YEARS LATER

Elise Pov

My eyes glinted as I stared at Jason.

His perfectly fitted brow and the blonde hair that dropped down to his shoulders. The most handsome and eligible bachelor in the Moonsville Pack.

And the man I had loved since the day he saved me from rogues three years ago. I wanted him as my mate, yet sadly, I couldn't get my wolf even after my eighteenth year birthday.

It's been a year of ridicule in the pack but Jason had always supported me.

" Are you alright, Elise?" Jason asked, frowning.

" I am fine, Jason," I responded, smiling broadly.

He sat beside me, a familiar scent wafting through my nostrils. This was strange and I wasn't supposed to feel any of this. What exactly was happening?

Was I about to get my wolf?

" Elise, you are my mate. I am glad you are my mate," Jason blurted out, drawing me closer to himself.

Something inside me swelled and I could feel my heart thumping against my rising chest. Jason was close, too close to me that his scent invaded my very being.

Did I hear that right or was I hallucinating?

" You-you are my mate? I am your mate?" I asked, trying to contain my joy and jumpy heart.

Jason drew me even closer, attempting to kiss me. I was overjoyed at the prospect of being mates with the man I had always loved. But I was also sad that I didn't have a wolf to affirm it.

Jason kissed me and I responded hungrily, allowing his hands to roam all over my body. He was my mate and had every right to my body.

The kissing continued, until I felt his hands trying to remove my clothes. But I wasn't ready. I wanted to have my wolf too.

Although my wolf hadn't appeared, I kept praying to the moon goddess. It will be the full moon in five days. I prayed that the moon goddess would show pity on me.

" Jason, I love you and I am happy to be your mate. But can you give me till the full moon in five days? I am sure I will get my wolf then and-"

" Are you doubting me?" Jason asked, a flash of anger on his face. Not just anger but a flash of disgust seemed to disappear as soon as it appeared.

Tongue tied, I tried to explain with a stutter, " Of course not. I just want to-"

" Fine," he cut me off, smiling faintly.

Feeling glad, I tried to hug him but he suddenly stood up. Confused and frightened that I might have offended him, I looked up.

" I just received a summon from the Alpha. I need to be at the palace right now..."

I felt relieved at his words. He definitely wasn't angry that I rejected his advances. Feeling happy, I stood up and gave him a light peck.

Jason didn't respond to my affection, instead he turned around and left immediately. He seemed to be in a hurry to leave my room. It's understandable. Everyone was afraid of the new Alpha.

He was a bloodthirsty demon.

As soon as Jason left, I slumped on the bed as tiredness invaded my very being. Not just tiredness, but also confusion on the growing sensitivity around me these past few days.

Why was I able to sense the scent of almost everyone in the pack when I don't have a wolf? It was strange.

With those thoughts, I slowly shut my eyes, ready to embrace the long awaited sleep. Alas, the goddess of sleep must have a kind of grudge against me.

A shrill yet hateful voice pierce through my nap. My eyes instinctively flung open and I sat up straight immediately.

" Where the hell is my fruit juice, loser!"

That was Lilith's voice, echoing through my room. I rolled my eyes at how she was comfortable ordering me around.

" You have hands, Lilith. I have been working all day-"

I couldn't finish my words before the sound of a crispy slap filled the air and the stinging sensation that followed, made me forget all about the sleepiness.

I clenched my fist, hard and long. Strangely, I felt a power surging through me. Or could it be the bottled up anger?

I was supposed to be used to it, yet I couldn't stop the tears that had made a pool around my eyes.

"What are you staring at, you lousy bitch!" Her voice drew me from staring at the smug look from her.

My eyes darted everywhere except the person standing before me, akimbo with eyes glaring with brimstone.

Then it moved back to the same person that just yelled as I lifted my eyes to look at her. Her lips pouting, my young glamorous and beautiful stepsister was looking at me. Her fangs displayed, in obvious mockery of me.

Yes, mockery. That's because I hadn't gotten my wolf. I was a disgrace and a freak in the pack, even my father hated me.

Except for my late mother and my boyfriend, Jason, I was able to go through all these hellish periods.

" Get me the juice or get ready for another round of beating from dad," Lilith threatened as she got closer to me.

" Please, don't!" I mouthed, biting my lower lips.

Something seem to steer inside of me as I perceived the familiar scent Jason also had. I looked around frantically for the sight of Jason, but he was not here.

Disappointed, I discarded the thought before making my way towards the refrigerator to get the fruits.

I glanced at the sky, the clock ticking faster than I had imagined. With my body aching badly, I had barely finished my chores when I heard a faint whisper.

And a powerful pull.

It was so powerful that I had no control over my feet. With the little strength I could muster, I tried fighting the force.

Yet, I failed miserably.

I glanced over at the deep forest just outside my window, my heart kept pounding non stop. What was calling out to me in the forest?

I decided to take a stroll to calm my nerves while waiting for Jason. As I made my way out of my room, I bumped into the devil herself.

Again.

" Watch where you are going, loser!" She spat out, pushing me harder as I fell to the cold and hard floor.

Biting hard on my lips, I managed to stand up. I stared at Lilith, " I know you hate me, Lilith. But Jason won't be happy with you all-"

I couldn't finish my words before her mocked laughter rang in my ears. With a scoff, she threw me a dirty look.

"You still believe you are his mate? Oh, it looked like he still hadn't rejected you," Lilith scowled, her voice filled with mockery and a hit of jealousy .

Was that a joke?

"Jason would never do that. We are mates and he was already my boyfriend before-" I countered, angry at her words.

"Oh... you must be dreaming if you think you are his mate," Lilith said, a smirk on her face.

What does she mean by that? I waited for her to finish her words but her smirk grew bigger.

I stared at her again yet there was no reaction on her face except disgust. I was desperate to hear what my sister meant by that statement.

Wasn't Jason my mate?

He told me himself! That must be the truth. I can see that he was angry with me because I refused to sleep with him. Nevertheless, rejection wasn't child's play.

" You are joking, right?" I asked, my heart pounding at the obvious answer that I refused to accept.

I looked at my sister again.

Obviously her stare was scornful as disgust was evident in her eyes. I felt humiliated as I quickly looked down on my feet with my hands clenched tightly. I dare not oppose this person before me.

" What do you think, loser?" She asked, rolling her eyes.

" I want to see Jason-" I managed to let out, like a whisper amidst the winds.

"You want to see Jason? Are you worth his time, weasel," my gorgeous attractive sister spoke, poking my shoulder with her sharp looking nails.

"Lilith, I am not here for you," I stammered, not daring to look at her.

" Ohh!" Was all I heard before I felt something hard on my butt.

How could she do that to me?

Elise Pov

Lilith didn't just push me to the floor but my already manageable pants got torn. With eyes brimming with anger, I did nothing but continue clenching my fist.

I truly wanted to rip her off, I swear!

" You are just as worthless as your pants! Do you still wonder why Jason doesn't want to see you?" Lilith spat out, scoffing at me who was still stuck on the ground.

I remain rooted on the ground. Too powerless and... emotionally weak to fight back. Just then a familiar voice shattered my last twig at hope.

"You are a disgrace, Elise! How can you stay on the ground like a beggar?"

I looked up to see Jason looking at me with disgust. I felt like being hit by a moving truck. Didn't he say he had to travel with the Alpha?

" Jason-"

" Oh, please stop with your emotional blackmail. How could you be so bold as to talk to me when you are looking like trash?" He asked, sneering.

"I.. I..." was this the same affectionate Jason who just left?

The words got stuck when my eyes met the mocking gaze of the man I loved. There was mocking laughter as more people came out of their pack house, including our servants.

"You what? Are you trying to say your father doesn't feed you well so you trip at any given chance?" Jason mocked further, stopping right beside Lilith.

"Jason, she is your beloved mate. Show her some love. Besides, she looked so pathetic!" Lilith chipped in sarcastically.

" Mate? To her? Does she even have a wolf to acknowledge the mate bond?"

I got up slowly with eyes as red as lava, fighting off the tears building in them. I stood up to go inside so I could change my torn pants.

" Where the hell do you think you are going?" Lilith asked, blocking my way.

" I need to go and change my pants," I simply said.

Instead of an answer, Lilith made a gesture to one of the servants and I was pushed down again, wallowing in my pitiful state.

" You don't expect me to go around putting on torn pants, do you?" I asked, my eyes darting around Jason and Lilith.

Why didn't I notice they looked so wicked together?

" Why not? It's not like you are someone special. You just need to take up the mop and trash can and do your job!" Lilith snapped, getting irritated at me.

"Are you comfortable seeing your sister walking around with torn pants?" I asked, my gaze never leaving Lilith.

"Why does my Lilith need to care? Do you actually think..." Jason stated, scoffing.

I looked at the man who I had loved but he was just standing there, saying nothing and my heart shattered into pieces.

" Your Lilith? I am your mate, Jason," I blurted out, shaking with anger.

" Not anymore, weasel!" He smirked, taking a step towards me with blazing eyes that was filled with disgust and anger.

Then with a loud and firm voice, he brutally let out the words. " I, Jason Walter, rejects you, Elise Smith, as my mate. May the bond between us remain forever shattered in all lifetimes."

My heart squeezed tightly as I fell down, unable to say a word. With clenched fist, I laughed bitterly as the clapping of thunder and strikes of lightning seemed to agree with his words.

I was pathetic, yet I wanted to keep the last shred of dignity left inside of me.

" I, Elise Smith, accept the rejection of Jason Walter. May the heaven bear us witness!"

Like a twig, I could hear the snapping sound of my heart. Or should I say the mate bond? I felt it, every ounce of pain as the thread that binds our soul as mates snapped.

The rejection shook my whole being.

I strode out of there as I allowed the long held tears to stream down my face. I will make them all regret it! Yet, I walked head high as I buried the hot tears fighting their way out of my eyes.

" They are not worth it. They were never worth it."

Those were the words I kept trying to tell myself. The words I wanted to sink into my very rejected being. Without looking back, I ran deep into the forest.

I needed some time alone.

As I walked deeper into the forest, the whispers of the wind grazed my skin as I shuddered violently. Was it just the wind, or was my tears trying to pull out?

I guess the latter was it then.

I let out a loud cry, burying my weakness into the forest. It wasn't just the tears that fell, my entire being seemed sucked up by what Jason did to me. How could he?

If he didn't love me, why did he give me his shoulders to cry on? If I wasn't the one, why did he make my heart beat for him all these years?

" Why, Jason?" I kept asking the question, yet no answer came out.

***

" Why, Jason?" I kept asking the question, yet no answer came out.

My feet made their way through the dark paths that lead to the goddess cave. It was also an abandoned cave used by the first Priestess of the moon goddess. It was said the Priestess committed a grave sin against the Circle and was banished twelve years ago.

However, the cave had become my solace for the past six years after the death of my mother. Perhaps, this was where I needed to let out my pains.

With a sigh, I took brisk steps into the cave. As I got closer and deeper, the air seemed to change drastically. It smelled of dangerous yet an alluring aura.

That's when I looked up and saw her. This time, it wasn't in my dream.

The woman with raven hair and the most dazzling body stared at me, a faint smile lingering. She felt oddly familiar, and also dangerous.

" Who are you?" I questioned, afraid yet I was drawn to her.

" Three days, Alia. She would come to you-" the woman replied.

Alia? Who the hell was she talking about?

Confused at her cryptic words, I couldn't help but ask, " Who would come? And who the hell is Alia?"

" Your wolf would come, Alia. Keep her a secret until you turn twenty-One. Only then will you be safe," The woman said.

Before I could ask more questions, she had already disappeared. Was the woman referring to me?

I kept walking into the forest when I heard a muffled groan and metallic smell of blood.

Someone was hurt.

As I continued drowning in my dejected rejection, I perceived a strong bloodlust in the air and increasingly hurried steps. It wasn't a human foot sound.

It was a wolf.

I swallowed hard, scared of what might come. I took several steps backwards, my heart on the edge. The prospect of being attacked by rogues, filled my entire soul. I was a helpless wolfless werewolf, an easy target for rogue wolves.

Jason had saved me once from those werewolves. That's how I fell in love with him and I foolishly thought he felt the same. Not until they brought me back from my fantasy. I was still thinking of how to run back to the pack house when something leapt on me.

Heavily.

" Arrrrrrggg!" I let out but it came out in a muffled tone.

Still struggling, I heard a deep throaty voice. " Make another sound and you can kiss your life goodbye!"

What? I guess the moon goddess was certainly partial towards me.

Then the silence, and perhaps the uneasy breathing of fear in my heart. I could also hear his muffled breath even when he desperately tried to sound fearful.

What? I guess the moon goddess was certainly partial towards me.

But then, I smelled something bloody. A metallic smell of a bloodied person, and an aura that was so powerful it could crush even the swaying leaves.

I wanted to ask, yet my words got stuck until my insides swelled with a peculiar scent. A peculiar scent that was mixed with lavender oils and something else.

Wolfsbane?

" How the hell did you let him escape?" I heard voices, a little distance away. I stiffened, afraid of them catching up with our scents.

" This cave is enchanted. Just stay silent..." his deep throaty voice cut through my fears. Relief washed over me, however, fear lurked around. This man was definitely more dangerous.

" He wouldn't go far with what we shot him with. He should be lying around here. Send a mindlink to the mistress," Another one chirped in.

After a while, I no longer heard their voices. I felt a push and a groan at the same time. I turned around to see the figure leaning against one of the rocky walls of the cave.

He was shirtless, and his pants were torn. I approached cautiously, noticing the scratches on his chest and abs. Even in this state, he was damn hot.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked softly, shaking myself off those thoughts.

He looked up, his eyes glazed over. "Water...need water," he muttered.

Fortunately, this was my regular hideout. I swiftly moved to a hidden spot and brought out an old skin gourd. I helped him drink from the gourd, and as he took a sip, his eyes locked onto mine.

For a moment, I felt a spark of connection. Just like the scent.

But then, his expression changed, and he pulled me closer.

"Kiss me," he whispered, his voice husky.

I hesitated, but he drew me in, his lips crashing against mine. The world around us melted away, and I lost myself in the kiss.

We stumbled to the ground, our bodies joined in a hot tussle. I couldn't think straight; my senses were overwhelmed. The next thing I knew, we were lost in passion, our bodies moving in direction I had no control of.

My first time, and with a stranger.

When it was over, we lay there, panting. I slowly came to my senses, and he seemed to have passed out, his chest rising and falling with each breath.

I tried to move away, but my body felt weak. I lay beside him, trying to gather my thoughts.

Hours passed, and I finally woke up to find him still asleep. I sat up, looking at him properly for the first time. His features were chiseled, and his jawline was strong.

As I gazed at him, a sudden realization hit me. Those piercing hazel eyes seemed familiar. I had seen them before.

My heart sank as I realized who he was. The Alpha's face was etched in my memory, and this man was him.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the truth. The truth of the person sleeping peacefully in the cave with me.

And then, it hit me – the mate bond. I could feel it, strong and undeniable. He was my second chance mate.

My mind reeled as I scrambled to my feet, trying not to wake him. I backed away, my heart beating fast in my chest. How could this have happened?

I was a wolfless girl, rejected by all.

I turned and ran, not stopping. He can't find out it's me. This was messier than being with Jason.

What was I going to do now?

ELISE

With the speed of light, I ran away from him. Why was it him? Couldn't my damn feet carry me to someone else? Someone less...and definitely not him. I scoffed inwardly, knowing the moon goddess must be basking in her perfect plan.

The rustling wind and the Pack's light came into view. I took sneaky steps through the back exit of the house that led to the kitchen. It was still open. I guess my family doesn't even know I was out all night.

It was a good thing, even if it hurt to be treated differently.

I locked the kitchen door before tiptoeing to my room. If not for what my father promised my mother on her dying bed, I bet my father would have thrown me out of this room. Then the event of the night flipped through my mind.

Feeling the mate bond each time.

" How could I have a second chance mate even without my wolf? The first was just a stroke of luck from the moon goddess. Would she be truly nice again?" I asked no one in particular.

The strange woman's words rang through my mind again. Was I really going to get my wolf? And why was I keeping it a secret?

Earlier, that strange woman called me by that name, Alia. She always called me that in all my dreams. Sometimes, I feel there was something more to the reason I didn't have a wolf.

Sighing, I decided to let go of those wishful thoughts. If truly I was going to have a wolf, wouldn't it have come at the right time?

" I guess all of these are likely my imagination."

I tossed all night, until the early hours of the morning when sleep finally invaded me. The thought of facing that man in the morning was slowly eating me up.

It was something I couldn't avoid.

***

With a jerk, I woke up, realising it was almost time for the new Alpha's welcoming ceremony. It was deemed as an offence if a pack member missed it. With the speed of light, I took a quick shower before sprinting to the pack hall.

I ran through the forest, my feet heavy with the weight of last night's events. Due to my inability to not get a wolf, it took longer and tiresome before getting to the Pack hall.

The pack ceremony to welcome our new Alpha was also to install his Beta, Jason, my ex-mate. I hadn't been able to shake off the feeling of unease that lingered after Jason's rejection.

As I approached the gathering, the sound of murmured conversations and rustling leaves filled the air. I scanned the crowd, spotting Jason standing beside a tall, imposing figure.

Those hazel eyes filled with brutality and something else.

I took a deep breath and made my way through the crowd, trying to go unnoticed. The ceremony was almost halfway through and I caught a glimpse of Lilith's giggling when Jason was installed. My father was looking at her proudly.

Bunch of betrayers, I cursed.

Those two were the least of my problems. I still needed to confront my fears as I swallowed hard, my eyes refusing to look towards those hazel eyes again.

But it seemed fate had other plans.

As the new Alpha stepped forward to greet the pack, his gaze swept across the gathering, locking onto me with a piercing yet warm gaze that made my skin prickle.

" Welcome, pack members," he said, his deep voice carrying across the clearing. "I am honored to stand before you today as your new Alpha. I promise to lead our pack with strength, wisdom, and fairness."

The pack erupted into applause, but I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on those eyes. There was something about him that commanded attention, a presence that drew me in despite myself.

As the applause died down, the Alpha's gaze never left mine too.

"And I would like to take this opportunity to announce something special," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "As many of you know, a Luna is a vital part of our pack's hierarchy. However, I won't tolerate anyone who would rely on dubious tactics to get the position"

With a pause and his gaze firmly placed on my face, he continued. " Something happened last night. I am searching for a woman-"

My heart skipped a beat as the Alpha's words hung in the air. Did he think I planned last night? I shut my eyes tightly, wishing the Alpha not to mention my name.

" Please, don't recognize me. I would be buried alive by the pack members if they find out I was with you last night-" I fervently prayed in my mind.

The hall was silent, waiting for the Alpha to continue. My heart continuously raced, afraid of his next words.

" I am searching for a woman without those dubious characters to make my Luna," he concluded, smiling.

The Alpha's eyes seemed to bore into my soul as he continued, "She may not have the strength or speed of our pack members, but she has something that makes her special."

The pack's murmurs grew louder, their faces a mix of confusion. I felt my face heat up with embarrassment and humiliation. What was the Alpha thinking?

And then, in a voice that sent shivers down my spine, he said, "My Luna, please come forward."

I looked around to see the person, yet all the gazes were fixed on me. Was he talking about me?

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. The Alpha's words were met with gasps and whispers from the pack. Jason's face was a picture of shock and something I can't point out.

The Alpha's smile grew wider as he took a step forward, his eyes never leaving mine.

"My Luna, you've kept me waiting. Come claim your rightful place beside me."

I felt like I'd been thrown into a whirlwind, my world spinning out of control. As I stood there, frozen in shock, his eyes were filled with warmth.

The monstrous Alpha feared by all was smiling at me, a rejected weakling?

I sighed.

This was definitely another hallucination. And I was right as a familiar scent and body pushed me out of the way, my back aching yet from another anticipated fall.