Chasing his heart

Caroline's POV

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress one last time.The champagne-colored gown hugged my curves perfectly, and my hair was styled into an elegant updo that showed off the gentle line of my neck.

Tonight, Marcus said he had something important to announce at the pack gathering.

Four years.We'd been together since high school.Even though I was a scentless wolf, Marcus never seemed to care. He always told me my kindness and heart mattered more than any scent ever could.

"You look stunning, Carrie," Eleanor,my best friend and our Alpha's daughter,said from behind me.

"Marcus is already waiting in the Pack Hall. Everyone's there."She walked over to fix the hem of my dress."As your bestie,I have to be your maid of honor."

"It has to be you!" I said with a smile.

I took a deep breath, steadying the nerves and hope fluttering inside me.

After tonight, I'd officially be Marcus's mate.We would complete the bonding ritual and make our eternal vow.

The Pack Hall was glowing with light. Every member of the pack was gathered there, my parents, cousins, and elders.

I smiled as I walked through the crowd, searching for Marcus.

Suddenly, the sea of people parted.

And there Marcus was, kneeling in the center of the hall.

My heart skipped a beat... but froze the next second.

Because standing in front of him.was my cousin, Selina.

"My dearest Selina," Marcus said softly, eyes full of emotion, "will you be my mate? Will you accept this ring as a symbol of loyalty between wolves, and be bound to me forever?"

Time seemed to stop as I watched the sparkling diamond ring I'd dreamed of wearing slide onto Selina's finger instead.

Applause and cheers erupted all around us,but it felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my head.

"Marcus." I choked out."Marcus, we're mates.We've been together for four years."

The hall fell into stunned silence.

Marcus stood, and Selina proudly clung to his arm.

"Mates?" Selina laughed with mockery."Carrie, you never completed the mating ritual. And by pack law, an unmarked bond can still be rejected."

Then Marcus finally looked at me,his eyes colder than I'd ever seen.

"I'm sorry,Caroline,"he said."But Selina's a better fit.She doesn't have your. issues.We're getting married next week."

And then, in front of the entire pack, he spoke the words that shattered me,"I, Marcus Larson, reject you, Caroline Bennett, as my mate."

The moment the words left his lips, pain exploded in my chest like a blade being driven straight through my heart.

I gasped, stumbling back as a burning ache tore through me.Rory howled inside me,a sound of heartbreak, of unbearable loss.

It wasn't just emotional.It was physical.Every nerve in my body screamed as the mate bond shattered.

My knees buckled. I barely kept myself upright.

Whispers filled the hall.

"She's scentless. No wonder."

"Poor girl. she never stood a chance."

I couldn't breathe. My vision blurred.

But I wouldn't fall. Not in front of them. Not in front of him.

I turned and ran, heart pounding, throat tight, Rory thrashing inside me in agony.