Twice Fated

rriors had just finished a brutal sparring session, leaving behind mud, discarded bandages, and the metallic tang of spilled blood. It was her job to clean up after them-just as i

, whimpering his name-told her there was no mistake. She had been fated to Zane. Her mate. Her Alpha. Hope, Then Fear For a moment, she dared to hope. If the Moon Goddess had chosen them for each other, maybe things would change. Maybe she wouldn't have to live like this anymore. Maybe-just maybe-Zane would protect her. She slowly stood, her heartbeat racing as she locked eyes with him. But as soon as their gazes met- Zane's expression darkened. Confusion flickered across his face for the briefest second before it twisted into something else-disgust. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. His wolf growled lowly, but instead of accepting the bond, his jaw tightened. Then, he turned away. As if she were nothing. As if the bond had never formed. Selina's knees nearly buckled beneath her. No. No, no, no... The whispers began around her before she could even process what had happened. "Did you see that?" "She-she looked at Alpha Zane like-" "Impossible. She's an omega." Selina barely heard them. All she could focus on was the way her wolf howled in pain, the mate bond pulling at her like a thread being ripped apart before it could even be woven together. And then, realization settled over her like a cruel shadow. He wasn't going to accept her. He was going to reject her. And when he did-it would break her. **** The moment Selina realizes Zane won't accept the bond, everything around her fades into a blur-the training hall, the laughter of the warriors, the weight of the pack's disdain. All she can hear is the rapid pounding of her heart and the roaring agony of her wolf. But she doesn't have time to process it. Because Zane turns back to face her. And the entire pack is watching. Public Humiliation Zane takes slow, measured steps toward her, his golden eyes hard-emotionless. Selina's breath catches in her throat. Maybe he won't do it. Maybe he'll take time to think. But then, his voice cuts through the silence like a blade to her chest. "I, Alpha Zane of the Blood