The rejected mate

ll of tradition where the Silver Moon pack celebrated all the good things from the harvest and how all their friendships kept their land safe. Usually, Elena felt good in the loud warmth, wi

ed feeling that was sharp and specific, a bad fe

mportant. Like everything was comin

rp tunics worn by the higher-ups and their families. As someone learning to be a healer, Elena usually spent her time in the quiet, clean-smelling infirmary, talking only to the sick, the hurt, and her

r a playful nudge. "Stop looking like you're in trouble, Elena," she whispered, her voice full of fun. "It

citing chance of finding their other half, their destined mate, the one person meant to complete them. For most, it was thrilling and hopeful, like something from a dream. For Elena, it was something she quietly feared. What if her mate was mean, someone who looked down on her because of her low

noticeably. The nearby groups of people talking quieted down, then stopped. A wave of respect, almost like worship, spread throu

his presence seemed to bend the light and air around him. Dark, slightly messy hair touched his collar, making his sharp jawline and the intense look in his eyes stand out. His eyes seemed to see everything, judging everything with a clear focus. He was every bit the powerful leader who had not only guided the Silver Moon pack throu

of strong authority that was both scary and, Elena reluctantly admitted, very attractive. She tried to look away, to focus on the detailed tapestries showing

espected member. Then his eyes scanned the hall, a slow, careful look that seemed to see through the noise, the crowd, and the very air. Elena f

hen,

d. The noise of the hall faded to a quiet hum; the many smells disappeared, and the people around her became blurry and unimportant. There

a

r a hope, or a guess; it was a recognition, a deep certainty that went through every nerve, every cell in her body. Her wolf, q

g. Not him. Not the Alpha. He was everything she wasn't – powerful, respected, the absolute center of t

golden depths - surprise? Shock? Yes, definitely recognition. Something shifted in the way he stood, a slight tension in his shoulders

erwhelming pull drawing her towards him. This was it. The moment she had both dreamed of and been terrified of her whole adult life. He knew. He

in prickle and her knees feel weak. He moved through the crowd easily, people automatically stepping out of his way like water part

he say? Would he grab her and claim her in front of everyone? Would he announce it

ound his eyes, the strong will etched into his handsome face. His eyes held hers, intense and st

head snapped towards Marcus, his intense focus on Elena breaking for a moment. Elena saw his jaw tighten almost without moving, a quick shadow of annoyance crossing his face before it went back to his usual cal

at led to the private council rooms next to the hall, leaving Elena standing frozen, the echo of that impossible, ear