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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6. Rejected

 Tears welled up in my eyes when I witnessed everyone around me finding their mates. It was a painful moment, and I felt a deep sense of longing. I had hoped someone would step forward and claim me as their Mate, but no one did.

 I gasped when I recognized Edward's image. It was a moment of revelation, as I realized that I did have a mate, and my feelings for Edward were not just infatuation; the Mate Bond was at work.

I looked the throng for Edward; I'm sure he has seen this as well, so why isn't he approaching me? Shouldn't he have been the first to notice the occurrence and rush over to me? I'm not sure where he is now.

My heart was pounding with tremendous anguish. I had no idea what that was, but when my sight was drawn to Edward, I noticed him licking a brown wolf that belonged to someone I knew.

They swiftly returned to their human forms and stood up, covering themselves. Edward's eyes met mine for a brief moment, but he quickly returned his sight to Charlotte, who stood alongside him.

My heart pounded with immense pain. I couldn't comprehend what I was feeling, but it was evident that Edward's affection was directed at Charlotte, not me. It shattered my heart.

I would have dismissed it as my imagination, but the proximity between Edward and Charlotte was too real. It was a physical pain, as if my heart were being squeezed in a vice grip.

They began strolling towards the center of the field, where our parents were sitting. They started with his father, Edward got down on one knee, and bowed lightly in front of the elders.

Alpha Brad and Luna Lizzy stood up, proudly staring at their son.

They drew Edward and Charolette up in a hug and began speaking to the pack in front of them.

"On this important night, which only comes around once a year, I am pleased to inform you that my son Edward Hudson, your future Alpha, has found his Mate. This is a proud moment for me as the alpha and also as a father who will see his son become the alpha in the coming future. This calls for a celebration, so a feast will be held in this same ground where everyone will witness the union of these two and welcome our new Luna to the pack. I am proud to welcome my daughter-in-law and Edward's destined Mate. I welcome Charlotte Renes into my family, and I hope she will carry out the duties of a faithful Luna and mate in the footsteps of my Mate Lizzy Hudson. I'd want to invite all recently mated wolves to take their vows and move on to the mating ritual. Please, Edward, take the lead." Alpha Brad gave the order.

I was listening to everything until it occurred to me that I was observing Charlotte's wrist because, when mates are revealed, a unique mark of their mate forms on the wrist.

I'm aware of Edward's mark. It's a tiger that's etched on Edward's shoulder. I saw it once while he was playing basketball.

For most males, it appears when their wolf first appears; for those who do not, it is revealed when they find their mates, and a mark is made on both of them.

If my theory serves right, then a mark must have appeared on Charlotte's wrist.Edward's stare caught mine, and he quickly turned his focus to my wrist. On my wrist, I observed a mark developing.

I didn't think a mark will appear on my skin because I'm not yet nineteen.

This meant that Edward knew I was his Mate even when he was with Charlotte. The only explanation was that he was quietly rejecting me, a rejection he didn't want anyone to know about.

I couldn't take it any longer; my parents' agonizing gaze was enough to drive me insane.They believe I have not found my Mate this year, which is unfortunate for them.

I wish they would believe me when I say I've found my Mate, but he's not ready to accept me.

I scoured the ground for my brother, and there he was, quietly slipping from the corner.He didn't find his Mate this year, either.

I was still lost in my thoughts when I noticed Alpha Brad greeting Edward on stage.

I've heard that after destined mates are revealed, if their partner becomes close to another person or cheats on them, the pain will be worse than death itself.

I'm not sure if I'll feel the pain because he hasn't claimed me as his Mate, but I can't risk standing here as they take their vows and do nothing. I can't make a fool of myself yet again; it's better if everyone thinks I haven't found my Mate, but confronting rejection in public is worse than death for me.

I stepped back and met Edward's gaze one last time. I gave him a sour smile and rushed away from the ground.

On my walk, I saw people sympathizing with me; I know they're sorry I've been standing on the ground, and my Mate hasn't hasn't showed himself; they could assume I'm disheartened because I haven't found a mate.

I don't care what they believe; they are free to think anything they want.

I took patient steps away from the ground, and as soon as I was out, I allowed the tears that had been bottled up inside me to escape.

I just needed to get away and find some solace.

I shouldn't have allowed myself to have such fantasies. I didn't deserve anyone's love, and if the Mate bond was as alluring and beautiful as I'd heard, then why did Edward pretend to be Charlotte's Mate?

"Aah..." Pain surged through me, and I couldn't ignore it. It felt like my soul was being ripped from my body. The reason became clear: Edward had taken his vow with Charlotte, and I was left to endure the consequences.

I recognized I was in the woods and close to a restricted area, but I felt compelled to go beyond those boundaries.

I couldn't move an inch, so I sagged to the ground and grasped my heart.

My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a million swords. I couldn't help but cry out in agony.

"Help, please," I yelled. Still, I knew no one was coming for me, especially in this region where everyone is frightened to come. Yet I feel a sense of tranquility emanating from them. Samantha, my childhood friend, had vanished here, and since then, no one has been allowed to enter.

I gradually felt the pain go away, and I soon became numb.

Nothing matters now that I know it's all over. Mom is going to kill me if she finds out that my Mate rejected me, and the worst-case scenario is that I will be banished and forced to fend for myself.

When I was able to stand up a little more, I slowly began dragging myself towards home. I need some clarity, regardless of whether things will turn out in my favor or against me, but I need someone's straight words to lead me farther and let me know where I am putting myself.When I got close to the end of the woods, someone grabbed my hand and dragged me into a corner while gripping my waist with the other hand.

"Leave me," I whispered between suppressed sobs.

They let me go, and I turned around to discover it was Edward.

"Why are you here, Edward? Shouldn't you be with your 'Destined Mate'?" I mocked it with air quotes.

"Astrid, I need to talk to you. Please listen to me," he urged, turning me around.

"What exactly is it? What else can you do to wreck my life? "I asked, accusing him. I feel he knows what I'm saying, yet he also chooses silence.

"I know you're upset with me, Astrid, but please forgive me. I am sorry for what I did," he continued.

"Are you sorry because I am your Mate, or because you claimed someone else as your Mate in my presence, or are you sorry for faking innocence when you are anything but that?" I pushed into his chest.

"Astrid, I'm sorry, I know you're my Mate, but there's nothing I can do. I want someone powerful to hold the title, and we all know you're wolfless. It's Charlotte I've always admired, and she's the right person for the job." He spoke on with no guilt.

"So you only care about your power and have no feelings for me? Sorry for bringing Luna into this, but she, too, is a human, but your father loved her with everything he had, and you can't do the same for me." I tried to fight back my emotions as my voice became hoarse.

"My mother is pure blood human Astrid, and you can't compare yourself to her. I'm sorry to say this, but you are too weak to rule over the entire werewolf realm, and I know everybody is going to object because you are taboo to the entire werewolf world. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but I have to do what is best for my pack" His words surprised me. That stung more than anything else. So that's what he's been thinking of me all along, that I'm a taboo subject for everyone.

"I'm sorry, Astrid, but I, Edward Hudson, reject you  Astrid Stephnie Jones, as my mate."

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Thoughts so far, please.

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