Forsaken by my Mate

ARIA

Gárvoh's territory is as magnificent as I remember coming here as a child long, long ago. The moon is shining tonight, but not so bright. It's casting shadows all around, the bushes rustling and the crickets singing.

I step out of my carriage. I think of how far I've come. I've been dragged here by my bond. To meet my mate. My wolf is eager, so am I. I take a deep breath but regret it once the cold air reaches my chest.

My heart beats rapidly in my chest, not only because the bond has dragged me here, but because dozens of eyes were on me.

They are gathered – Warriors stand in dark leather, arms crossed, muscles tense, weighing me like prey. Omegas with trays of food forgotten in their hands, Elders lean on carved staffs, their eyes sharp with judgment. Their voices rise like a tide as I move forward, each whisper sharp enough to cut.

"She looks breakable."

"A Luna should stand like a shield, not wilt like a flower."

An omega mutters, "The moon must have miscast the bond."

"She's so small."

"That's the Alpha's mate? She doesn't look like a Luna"

"The Moon Goddess must be jesting."

I forced myself to keep my chin lifted, though every murmur sinks deeper into my skin. The bond burns in my vein, steady and insistent, pulling my gaze to where he stands.

Damon Kael Blackthorn. The Alpha of Garvoh. My fated mate.

He's standing on the steps of the great hall towering at 6'4, his shoulders broad, arms wrapped with muscles. A warrior's body built from years of training and battles.

His jet-black hair is as dark as midnight. His jaw lines so pronounced. His handsome face is one to behold. His brows are raised as he continues to glare at me, a faint scar near his right eye brow.

Even from a distance, the bond's pull is twisted inside my chest, urging me forward, urging me to reach out.But Damon doesn't move. Not a smile. Not a word of welcome.

The silence stretches until it becomes cruel.

I swallowed hard. The bond should feel like a homecoming, like a promise. Instead, under the weight of his gaze, it feels like exile.

When I finally reach the steps, Damon descends one pace, just enough to stand before me. The entire pack lean in closer, waiting, expecting – an embrace, a kiss, some sign that their Alpha has accepted me as the mate the Moon Goddess has chosen for him.

Instead, Damon's voice cuts through the air, cold and clipped.

"You'll be given quarters near the training grounds," he said, his eyes never softening. "Don't expect special treatments."

The whispers explode again, hasher this time.

No touch? Not even a hand on hers? An Alpha who wouldn't claim his Luna – trouble's coming.

I feel my cheeks burning. I want to run to him and have him claim me even for a moment. But I don't. I can't have him, and everyone else, think that I am weak.

The bond is screaming inside me. I want to beg him to come closer, to touch, and to acknowledge me as his mate. But his rejection is louder still.

Her wolf surges against her ribs, urging her to step forward, to touch him, to claim. But Damon's silence shoves the wolf back into retreat, tail tucked in shame.

Behind the crowd, a familiar voice rises above the noise.

"Clear the way," Elias calls, his tone warm but commanding enough to scatter a few of the gawkers.

Elias Rowan Duskbane steps forward. His green eyes catching mine. My best friend and companion in the whole world. He has always been my anchor. The one person I rely upon, even as children.

Even now, when everyone around me is giving me sharp stares and cold shoulders, he's smiling at me, trying to be the comfort I'm yearning for. He bows faintly to Damon, though his jaw tightens as he does so. Then he turns to me, offering his arms.

"Come on Aria. You've travelled far. Let me see you to your quarters"