3. Bullied

Astrid's POV:

"Look who's here," As I walked through the school hallway, I couldn't avoid the taunts and jeers from my classmates. It was a daily ritual. Ignoring them, I hurried towards my classes, but then I encountered Benson, the school's resident troublemaker, who seemed to believe the whole world revolved around him.

"What do you want, Benson?"  I asked, my irritation growing by the second.

I'm running late for class, and the last thing I want to do is stand here and entertain this group of immature bullies. I'd rather sit in one of the corners and play a phone game than get into a fight with them, which I know will lead nowhere.

His evil sneer only fueled my anger, but I tried to walk away. Standing my ground, I refused to show fear. Why should I when there was nothing to fear?

"Oh, you have the voice to respond to me. That's intriguing; let us see what more you have" His evil sneer disgusted me, and I began to back away from him.

"Ah, you have some backbone," Benson said with a malicious grin. "It's curious, though, how someone like you was chosen to defend the pack's borders, even if you're inferior to the rest of us or even humans."

"Whatever you want to think, I don't care about your opinion," I muttered and began walking away without looking back.

When they saw me turn my back on them, they began calling me insults like "disgrace," "wolfless," "witch," and so on, but I didn't care. Even his minions joined the play, laughing along Benson.

Their remarks no longer pain me since they are not my family, and their opinion no longer bothers me. If they were someone I loved or cared about, I would have been devastated beyond words, but they are just strangers who have no bearing on my life.

I walked over to my seat and sat down. Fortunately, our teacher hadn't arrived yet, or I would have been in big trouble.

I sat in the farthest corner, where I wouldn't draw much notice and could study quietly.

Mr. Daze entered the room and began lecturing. I was paying close attention and took notes on whatever I thought was significant. Despite his detailed explanations, his droning voice struggled to capture the interest of the students around him.

After finishing Mr. Daze's class, I proceeded to my next class, which I was looking forward to. Edward and I have literary have only one class together, and I have to wait a week for that. The week's wait was worth it.

I immediately gathered my belongings and proceeded to my next class, where I took my regular seat in the farthest corner.

I kept my gaze fixated on the entrance, waiting for him to enter the classroom.

It had been fifteen minutes, and there was still no sign of him. I grumbled and took my book, reasoning that I'd rather finish my homework until he arrived.

To my surprise, our lecturer never showed up. It was a rare opportunity to finish my work quickly.

I was in the middle of finishing my task when I heard other student hooting. I recognised them, so I quickly shifted my focus from the books to the door. Edward entered the room with his friends, just as I had thought.

Watching him run his fingers through his hair, my heart pounded. I kept my eyes on him as he made his way towards me.

I gulped as he locked his gaze on mine, and I could feel my heartbeat in my ears. He began to walk towards me, but his attention was drawn to his phone.

Phones were not permitted in the school, but being Alpha's son has its advantages.

I remained rooted in place, waiting for him to approach.

I stood still, waiting for him to come to me. He did, and as he stood in front of me, I swallowed hard.

"Hey, Astrid," he called out to me. My heart leaped, and I made space for him to sit beside me.

But he shifted his gaze to the seat next to mine.

"Hey, Charlotte," he greeted her.

I leaned forward and peered over Edward's shoulder to check if Charlotte was sitting there. She is the type of person who pretends to be a goody-two-shoes in order to get in every boy's pants. She clearly has feelings for Edward. Previously, she was with Bensen, but when Edward began to notice her, she deserted him in order to get in Edward's good books.

"Edward, Hello, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you were standing here." She lied, as she always does. "I was really studying for my exams. Every point counts, you know." She spoke as if she were the nerd. As if no one knows how she manages to pass her tests.

She seduces boys in order to get them to help her pass the examinations. I'd rather fail than be ranked in that manner.

"Oh, I understand how difficult things may be for you. Can I take a seat here?" he asked, motioning to the seat near her.

With her artificial lashes on, she blinked her gray eyes at him. She made room for him to sit, and he took a seat beside her.

I was disappointed, so I piled my bag and books on the seat beside me and pretended to study while keeping an eye on them.

I pretended to be studying while my entire focus was drawn to them. I could see Edward showing her something on his phone from the corners of my eyes, and she laughed.

I clenched my teeth in frustration as I watched them laugh and giggle. It made my heart hurt.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Because there was some event that others would stay here to prepare for, but I, being the least interested in those things, decided not to participate.

I'd rather rest before heading to a restaurant and patrolling the boundaries.

While I was putting my belongings in the bag, I heard them speaking again

"Are you going to accompany me tonight?" I wanted to know where they were heading because Edward had asked, but I had zoned out by the time they named the location.

"How can I say no to you, Edward? Of course I'll come," Charlotte flashed him with her hundred-watt smile.

My mood had already been shattered, so I decided to divert my focus to something more intriguing.

I put on my headphones, which could keep me isolated from both the human and werewolf worlds, and began walking out of the school.

Arriving home, I found my mom already at work. I seized the opportunity to take a quick nap.

When I woke up, it was time to head to the restaurant. I gathered my things and left.

On my way there, I ran into my brother.

"Hey Skylar," I said, smiling and hugging him.

"Astrid, where are you going in a hurry?" he asked.

"I have to go to the restaurant," I said.

"Too bad, I got you some chocolate cake; I think I'll eat this alone," he teased as he showed me the bag.

I laughed and said, "You'd better save the majority for me. I'll come looking for it."

"I don't think you'll find any, but I can try," he grinned."You should do that and keep it away from Lance. If he sees that, he will not leave us anything."  I told, As I resumed my run.

I arrived at my restaurant, a family diner, hurriedly changed into my waitress outfit, and began serving tables.

While doing so, I noticed Edward and his buddies, as well as Charlotte, waiting for someone to come take their orders at one of the tables.

I reminded myself that no task is insignificant and began walking towards their tables to accept orders.

"Hello, sir, my name is Astrid Jones, and it would be my pleasure to serve you all today," I said again.

"Oh, it's you, Astrid?" Edward gave me a compassionate look, but I didn't need it. "I didn't realise you worked here," he said, and I could tell he was uncomfortable bringing up the subject.

But I could tell Charlotte and his other friends were having a good time.

"That's my job now, sir, if you'll excuse me; shall I take your orders?" When I asked, she nodded and dismissed me.

I went into the kitchen and placed their orders, patiently waiting for them to be made while humming odd beats.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I was taken aback when I noticed Edward standing behind me.

"Astrid, I-I want to tell you something," he stuttered.

I gave him a firm look.

"Yes, I am listening," I said, folding my hands over my chest and giving him my undivided attention.

He fumbled with his hands and turned to face me.

"I.... I love you, Astrid; please tell me you love me too," he said.

I stood there, perplexed.

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4. Dare

Astrid's POV:

Edward's words briefly left me stunned. I thought I was hearing things, but then I noticed him standing there with an expectant expression on his face.

I blinked at him a few times, silently urging him to confirm that I wasn't imagining things.

"What are you saying, Edward?" I asked with the utmost curiosity.

"Astrid, please tell me that you love me too." Instead of responding to my query, he asked it again, but this time in hushed tones, as if he was worried someone would hear him.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Positive," he said.

I took advantage of the situation and decided to express my sentiments to him.

"Yes, Edward, I love you too," I said, amazed that I had said the words.

We nodded at each other, but despite the confession, my heart felt uneasy. I had waited for this moment all my life, and now that I'd said the words and he'd approached me, something didn't feel right.

I brushed away my worries and did the only thing that was sensible to me. I walked over to him and hugged him.

Edward was taken aback by my gesture, but he quickly returned it.

I let out a sigh of relief as I noticed his friends approaching us, followed by Charlotte, who had a sick grin on her face.

I didn't understand what had just happened; shouldn't she have been the one who became enraged and acted recklessly? Instead, she was strolling calmly towards us.

"Wow, Ed, I didn't expect you to complete the dare. You compelled her to confess, didn't you?" Shane, Edward's best friend, asked.

Then it struck me—I desperately wanted someone to tell me that I was wrong about what had just happened. I turned to Edward, demanding an explanation.

"Astrid, please let me explain this first," he said as he approached me, but I pulled away and moved further away.

"Tell me, Edward, did you say those words only because of a dare?" I asked, my heart sinking.

"But there's more to it, Astrid. Just hear me out," he begged.

There was nothing else he could say. I began to walk back into the kitchen.

"Do you need anything else from me, sir? Except for believing your nonsense," I added bitterly.

"Astrid, please don't be a spoiler. We were having a good time when Charlotte dared Edward, and he only played his role ".. Shane stood up for him.

Everything was, of course, fun for them. They wouldn't know what happened to my heart, and the moment I felt all the happiness had landed on my feet, I understood it was nothing more than a silly dare for him.

My heart shattered, and I needed some time alone to process it all. I retreated to a corner, wanting to hide my tears.

"Okay, I guess you had a good time. I have some work now." I turned my back and went inside.

If I stay here any longer, I'll wind up making a fool of myself again, so it's best if I leave.

"Hey, Astrid, you look sleepy," Smith observed. He, like me, works as a waiter at this restaurant and is the closest thing I have to a friend.

"Oh, nothing; I'm just feeling a little feverish today," I lied to him.

"Do you want me to talk to the manager about leaving you early?" he inquired.

"I think that's good," I agreed with a nod.

"All right, I'll go ask on your behalf," he said as he nodded, set his dishes aside, and began heading out.

The tears I'd been holding back for a long time began to obscure my vision once more. I had to convince myself that I could cry later, but I needed to get out of here right now.

These walls feel suffocating to me, and I'm afraid my thoughts will kill me if I stay here any longer.

"All done, you can go home and rest for a while," Smith said.

I thanked him and started to leave. Edward intercepted me at the gate, taking my hand in his. I pulled away and confronted him. "What now, Edward? Do you have more games to play?"

"Please, Astrid, I'm sorry. I didn't expect it to get so complicated. I meant what I said," he tried to explain, holding my hand.

"Don't play with my heart again, Edward," I cautioned.

I couldn't deny that hope was beginning to rise within me once more.

"No, Astrid, I adore you as a friend, as I mentioned earlier.I didn't get a chance to explain," he reasoned.

"That's ridiculous, Edward. I'm at a loss for words with you. I want to spend some time alone, so if you excuse me," I said as I began to go out of the gate.

My walls crumbled as soon as I walked into the house, and I burst into tears.

My walls crumbled as I entered my house, and I burst into tears. I couldn't understand why this always happened to me. I deserved happiness; this constant disappointment weighed on me.

"Astrid, are you home?" my mother called.

"Yes, Mom, I'm back," I said as I walked to her.

She had a mountain of dishes stacked up for me to clean.

"Clean these," Mom commanded. "Skylar will be arriving shortly. He would be hungry as soon as he is home," my mother asked me.

Yes, Sky is always there for her, and other times it's Lance because he lives alone and rarely sees us, and when he does, Mom makes sure to treat him well.

"Okay," I replied, and I began cleaning the dishes.

"Sky is getting placement today. I knew my son was always bright, and he was the one who would help us become better." Mom exclaimed, pleased with Sky's accomplishment.

"That's good," I replied calmly, returning to my job.

"Yes, your father is proud of him as well. Let's get this over with as soon as possible. He might be fatigued when he gets home." She patted my back and exited the room.

It's pointless to even ask her why she treats me this way. This is something I'm getting used to.

I reminded myself once more that this would all be over once I find my mate.

I don't mind if it's Edward or someone else. I just want to find him, get out of this hellhole, and lessen the weight on my parents' shoulders.

"Four more days," I reassured myself, returning to my job.

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5. The Night Of Red Moon

Finally, the long-anticipated day had arrived, and I had spared no effort in preparing myself for it.

If this is the day I find my Mate, I want to look my best, I've read that no one can resist a mate link, and I have a feeling I'll find him today.

I wore a red dress since it is a tradition in our pack for all unmated she-wolves to wear red dresses and show up in the ground to glorify and give meaning to the night.

I let my hair down in its natural waves and put on some makeup to draw attention to my features.

I can boldly state that I look better even without makeup than those phony dolls in my pack, but I don't show it since I believe that only my Mate deserves to witness my inner beauty.

Well, I thought about Edward specifically, but right now I don't care who it is; whoever it is, I'm going to embrace him as my destined Mate, whom the moon goddess has chosen for me.

While I had initially envisioned Edward as my future Mate, the recent sightings of him with Charlotte and that one heart-wrenching kiss had cast doubts in my heart.

I'm not sure what I want anymore; the thought of envisioning myself with someone else from my pack disgusts me, but on the other hand, I want to experience the magical effect that everyone describes.

I want to know what it's like to have a mate, and I picture how much he will cherish me every day.

After that, I won't have to see my parents again. They don't want me, so I think it's better if I don't see them again, and I hope they forget they ever had a daughter that brought them shame.

To add a bit of height and stability, I slipped into some high heels to complement my red dress. The addition of red lipstick perfectly matched my attire and enhanced my look for the evening, giving my dark eyes an irresistible allure.

I sneaked towards the back door, well aware that if my mother caught me in the act, I would undoubtedly face her disapproval. She wanted me to find a Mate, but she wouldn't allow me to go to the grounds or even talk to another male. If I do, she stares disgustingly at me, which I can't stand, so I prefer to stay alone or I'll be punished for something I have no control over.

I know she'll see me on the ground regardless, but at least she won't be able to say anything to me in front of everyone.

She had taken my brothers with her earlier this evening, telling them how they would find their mates there, but like every year, I wanted to go with them, and I didn't even bother to ask them why because it was evident they didn't want to take me.

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I paused in front of the venue, debating if I should go inside or return from there. If I walk inside and find my Mate, I'll be able to deal with my parents, but if I don't, I'm not sure how I'll deal with them again.

I gave my ideas some time to process, and I concluded that the risk was worthwhile, so I took a deep breath and embraced myself to confront whatever would happen inside.

I've never seen what the 'Union' ground looks like in person, so this will be my first time seeing everything.

So, if I haven't been here, how come I know so much about it?

We have a class in school that is dedicated to the mating process and how things are done. I suppose that's everyone's favorite subject because everyone, as teenagers, is eager to learn about the Mates and their attractions. Every day, I'd daydream about the moment I'd find my Mate.

Upon entering, I was met with applause and excitement from the gathered crowd, cheering on their children, siblings, and friends. Quietly, I slipped into a corner to remain out of sight. The 'Union ground' was akin to a massive stadium with a central stage. In the middle, royal chairs were arranged in a circle for Alpha Brad Hudson, Luna Lilly Hudson, and their son Edward, who was set to become the new Alpha. Nearby were the Beta and his wife, along with Omega's family, including my parents and brothers, Skylar and Lance.

No one under the age of fifteen is allowed inside the grounds because mating events are considered intimate in our world, and children aren't allowed because they aren't of the age to witness, but anyone over the age of fifteen is allowed to gain some experience before arriving at the age. I think that makes sense, but I haven't been welcomed here yet.

I'm curious what my parents would have told everyone if they had questioned my absence from the celebration.

My mind raced through the reasons why my brothers, Lance and Skylar, haven't found their soul mates even though they are both 21 and 20 years old.

I kept glancing at everyone who was preoccupied with their own business. Amidst these thoughts, I observed the wolves around me, anticipating the moment the night's significance would manifest.

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The significance of this night is that the full moon in the sky turns crimson, and an ombré of colors surrounds us not only on this land but throughout the realm.

When the mates are revealed, everyone stands in the center of the ground, and the moon shines, revealing the picture of their mates that only the respective individuals can see. For everyone else, even if they have found their mates, the moon seems to be a red ball of fire.

I'm not sure if I'll see my Mate's reflection on the moon, but I'm confident that if I'm destined to be someone's Mate here, my Mate will recognize me and find me.

The announcement called for all unmated wolves to seek their Alpha and Luna's blessings, and everyone began to form lines to receive their blessings.

I braced myself once again and stood, attracting the attention of a few individuals around me.

As I neared my parents, my heart raced. I was the second to leave the line, and my mother's voice called out in surprise, "Astrid?" She approached me, a hint of anger in her eyes. "What are you doing here, Astrid, and why are you wearing a red dress?"

I knew she wanted to yell at me, but she was holding back since she noticed everyone's focus was on us.

"Yes, Mom, I'm here to find my Mate; wasn't that what you asked of me?" I merely inquired of her.

"But you're not even of the age," she gritted her teeth.

"What are you and Astrid talking about, Nolan?" Luna Lizzy inquired.

Even though she is human, everyone respects her status. I expect my Mate to treat me the same way.

"Oh, nothing," she said, shaking her head.

Mom would have wanted to state that I wasn't of the age, but for some inexplicable reason, she stood silent, which bothered me more.

"Let it loose, Nolan, let the kids have their time," she said to Mom beside her, and they both began talking about something, but my attention was drawn to Edward, who was anxiously standing in the center, waiting for the moon to shine, and I began walking in his direction.

I could feel my parents' agonizing glare digging a hole in my back, but I didn't care about the consequences.

I remained in the center, wondering if my Mate would find me today.

Soon after, a howl was heard, and the atmosphere began to change colors, with a yellowish hue surrounding us that was gradually turning orange with time.

When a bright light appeared in the center, everyone transformed into wolves and howled at the moon.

A few of them wasted no time in claiming other she-wolves as their mates, but I didn't notice any difference and continued to stare at the moon.

I felt uneasy and humiliated standing among other wolves, and because I was the only one in human form, I was aware that I was the center of attention for everyone.

I continued shifting my attention from the crimson moon to the other wolves, waiting for someone to approach me, but soon everyone was claiming others as their mates.

I was on the edge of sobbing when I saw that everyone had found their mates.

Soon after, the last one standing went and licked another she-wolf, and no one approached me.

If I hadn't been observing myself, I would have expected someone to claim me as their Mate, but no one did.

I became dissatisfied and began to leave. Suddenly, I felt the light shine even more, and I could see an image beginning to form on the moon, eventually turning into a distinct picture.

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