Marrying My Nemesis

The scent of pine and rain lingered in the air, mixing with the earthy musk of the Whispering Pines Forest. The moon hung low, casting silver beams through the canopy, as if the goddess herself was peeking through the leaves, watching the night unfold.

Raven Black shivered as she knelt by the riverbank, her fingers brushing against the cold, wet stones. She was supposed to be gathering water for the pack - a menial task, as always - but tonight her mind wandered far beyond her mundane duties. The whispers of the pack still echoed in her ears, voices filled with scorn and pity.

Weak.

Unworthy.

Why did the Moon Goddess waste a mate bond on someone like her?

Raven squeezed her eyes shut, willing the voices away. She knew what they thought of her. At twenty-two, she was the lowest-ranking member of the Crimson Moon Pack - an Omega who couldn't even shift properly, who still trembled at the sound of the Alpha's growl. And yet, her heart had dared to hope, once. Dared to dream of a mate who would see past her frailty, who would love her for the gentle soul she was.

The mate she had found... only to be rejected.

Raven's heart twisted painfully at the memory of Smith Lockwood's cold, silver eyes. The way he had looked at her that day, like she was nothing. Less than nothing. She hadn't wanted to believe it, but his words had shattered every hope she clung to.

"You? My mate? Don't make me laugh, Raven. You're too weak. I would never claim you."

The words had struck like claws through her chest, tearing her apart piece by piece. But what had been worse, what had broken her completely, was the look of disgust in his eyes.

She swallowed hard, pushing herself to her feet. Her fingers were numb from the cold water, but she barely noticed. The pain inside was far worse.

"I have to get back," she whispered to herself, a habit she'd developed after years of being ignored. The trees were her only company, their rustling leaves the only ones who ever seemed to listen.

As she turned to leave, a scent hit her - fresh rain, pine, and something darker, more intoxicating. Her heart clenched in her chest. She knew that scent anywhere.

Smith Lockwood.

The Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack stepped out from the shadows, his tall frame nearly blending into the darkness of the forest. His eyes glinted like molten silver under the moonlight, sharp and piercing as they landed on her.

"What are you doing out here, Omega?" he demanded, his voice a low, gravelly growl.

Raven instinctively took a step back, her pulse pounding in her ears. She could feel the bond pulling her toward him, a magnetic force that made her want to lean in, despite everything he'd done. She hated that even after his rejection, even after his cruelty, her wolf still yearned for him.

"I-I was just getting water," she stammered, holding up the small, half-filled jug.

Smith's gaze dropped to the jug, then back to her face. He took a step closer, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body, despite the cold night air. He was too close, close enough for her to feel his breath on her skin.

"You're trembling," he said, a hint of amusement curling his lips.