Ava Sinclair just wanted to feel loved. But everything went wrong when Alpha Kael Donovan rejected her as his mate in front of everyone. She felt hurt and embarrassed. Ava even thought about leaving it all behind. Then, a strange mark appeared on her wrist. It showed a power she didn't know she had. Kael thought he made the right choice. He believed Ava was too weak to be the pack's Luna. But when Lucien Grey, an old enemy, shows up seeking revenge, Kael realizes he may have lost the one person who could help them. As danger approaches, Ava needs to dig deep for her strength. With the moon guiding her, she discovers she is much stronger than anyone realized. Now, she has a tough decision to make: Can she forgive the man who broke her heart? Or will darkness win? In a world of betrayal, magic, and unexpected love, Ava's story is about to take a turn. Will it be enough to save her pack and herself?
Chapter 1 The Rejection
Ava stood in the clearing, feeling her heartbreak. The night was chilly, but the shame burned inside her.
I, Kael Donovan, Alpha of the Black Moon pack, reject you, Ava Sinclair, as my mate.
His words hit her like a hard punch. She looked into his cold blue eyes, searching for some sign of regret. But there was none.
You can't mean that, she whispered with her voice shaky.
Kael didn't change at all. He crossed his arms, acting like he had closed a door. It's for the best. You're weak, Ava. I need someone stronger.
His words felt heavy. They took her breath away. She felt so small and foolish. How could she have thought they belonged together?
I don't care if you think I'm weak, she replied, feeling her anger rise. We were supposed to be a team.
Kael sighed and looked away, bored. You'll find someone else. Just move on.
His words crushed her. She took a step back, fighting back tears. No, she thought. This can't be real. But it was. Nothing she said could change it.
Without another word, Kael turned and walked into the dark forest. Ava watched him leave; she stood frozen still standing at the same place until he was gone.
Then the tears flowed.
Her knees became weaker and weaker, and she sank to the ground, clutching her chest. The moon felt far away and cold.
Why me?
Minutes passed-maybe hours. Ava felt numb. She felt thrown away like she didn't matter.
But as that numbness grew, anger lit up inside her. She wouldn't let Kael's words break her. She couldn't let that happen.
Wiping her tears, she stood up. Her legs shook, but she pushed through. She looked at her hands. They were fists now. I'll get through this, she told herself. I have to.
Just as she turned to leave, pain shot through her wrist. She gasped and grabbed it as the hurt grew. Looking at her arm, she froze.
A crescent-shaped mark glowed softly, pulsing with heat.
Ava's breath caught. What is this?
The mark flickered and then faded, leaving a dull ache. Fear gripped her and she became confused as she had never seen anything like it.
Suddenly, the forest fell quiet. The leaves stopped rustling, and the crickets stopped chirping. A chill went down her spine. She felt like she wasn't alone.
A low voice came from the shadows. "You weren't meant to be marked."
Ava spun around, looking for the voice. "Who are you?" she asked, trying to sound brave.
From the shadows, a tall figure stepped forward. He had dark eyes that sparkled. He moved smoothly, wearing a sharp smirk.
I've been waiting for this moment, he said, sounding pleased. And now, here you are.
Ava stepped back, her heart racing. "What do you want?"
The man tilted his head, taking her in. "Only to help. But you have no idea what you've become."
She clenched her fists. "I don't need your help."
He laughed a dark sound. Oh, but you will. He glanced at the mark on her wrist. That mark isn't just pretty. It's a warning. And it will bring trouble.
Ava's heart raced faster. Who are you?
He smiled, but his eyes were cold. "Lucien". Remember that name, Ava. You'll need it soon."
Before she could ask anything else, he disappeared back into the shadows, leaving her alone in the clearing again. The forest slowly came back to life, but the chill stayed.
She stared at the mark on her wrist, her mind racing with questions.
What have I become?
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