Luna's Cruel Fate

a's

ne floor. Today was the day of the annual "Rut", when every wolf in the pack that isn't mated, hopes that the Moon God

very table just so, and all the streamers in their correct place. We labored without respite, our hands raw from scrubbing, our backs aching fr

d up straight, still clutching the bouquet of roses and waited for her next order. "Make sure t

not to look at her, at all. Long ago, I had learned not to

ids walked by, their laughter, at my expense, echoing down

t her, thinking she is going

ther one said, and they all burst into laughter. "She'

within my mind, tearing at the small shred of hope that I'd clung to. My whole life I'd hoped to find my mate, someone who didn't let my status get in

e a prob

d as he stared down at the maids. The smirks of ridicule that had been upon their faces disappeared in an instant, and they

the brown in his eyes warmer than I'd often seen aimed at me. "Are you alright?" he

ed back. "Thanks

vanescent smile. "You deserve respect, Lun

lieve in his goodness, let the weight of his words fall deep into the cracks of my heart. Kieran, despite everythi

cted as some kind of barrier against the stares and murmurs. He finally let me finish and then smil

pouch under my bed, hidden away, waiting for that day when, God willing, I should have

anticipation. I felt all the dresses on the racks, the silk materials, the vibrant colors and patterns. Finally, I saw one:

ss might smile down on me tonight. Maybe I'd find my mate and finally be free of this slavery-lik

h her arms folded and a very chilly smile on her face. S

remony, are we?" she asked

stand tall. "Yes, Lady Seraph

isbelief. "How adorable, you really t

I just wouldn't show it to her. No more than any other per

nd the ceremony. But if you are not chosen, if you leav

ok a flying leap. A breeder. That was hell-an existence o

maybe-only chance to escape this life. I took a de

d aside. "Good. Oh well, the moon goddess herself

the dress tightly, I felt every weight of her threat-a reminding of the pressure of what was u

riment and music, as if the air buzzed with anticipation. And there they were all, all the wolves from every end of the pack, fa

nched in my fists, the ominous promise of Lady Seraphine still

the hallway, and could only pray that this