001 Ayla

“Ayla, honey, can you come sit down with us? We want to talk with you.” Dad called out for me. Hopefully, they finally decided I could go and live with Dad’s parents at the White Oak pack. I had been begging them to let me go for a year after all. I started asking them the day after David rejected me for being the runt of the pack.

I remember smelling him and recognizing him as my mate, I was beyond happy. Grandma’s words rang in my mind. “The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes in whom she pairs together.”

me, 5 ft 3.

David is right. I have been the runt of the pack. Dad’s great grandmother is a rare human mate. Grandma is a werewolf as is my dad, his brothers. and sister. She was mated to my Grandpa Alpha Quinn and a very powerful werewolf. Dad is big even for a wolf. Everyone else in my family is either big or average–sized for a wolf. Then there is me, After shifting, I can pass for a regular wolf. I always know that some pack members are whispering behind my back. But I get lucky, Mom is the only pack doctor and after refusing to be Uncle Cedric’s Beta to move in with the Bloodtail pack, Dad became the pack’s lead warrior. They are well–respected. And the Alpha’s son and future Alpha is one of my best friends.

It at least stops the other pack members from gossiping too much. So when I found out the morning of his eighteenth Birthday that he indeed was my mate, like I had been hoping for most of my life, and even more

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when I didn’t find my mate when I turned eighteen, nine months before he did, I was over the moon. I remember Willow my wolf going crazy when we sensed David walking up to us. And when he spoke the thirteen words no wolf ever wants to hear, I felt my heart shatter as Willow closed herself off from me.

“I, David Birch, reject you, Ayla Hemmig, as my mate and future Luna.

Rejecting me in the pack kitchen, so that everyone could hear. To make matters worse, he felt the need to explain why he would reject his best. friend.

“You’re a sweet girl, Ayla. You would make an Omega very happy. But how could the runt of the pack ever be the Luna we need?”

Soon after, he started avoiding me, being short with me like it was my fault that his mate was the runt of the pack as he put it. Of course, this caused the other members of my pack to bully me. They respected my family too much to get physical but their words hurt too. That was why 1- wanted to live with my grandparents. Their pack was different. They would all accept me. As a small unmated wolf, because I was sure I would never want a chosen mate. Second–chance mates are for those who lost their mates. Not wolves that got rejected like me.

Deep in thought, I made my way to the kitchen to join my parents at the kitchen table. Mom looked sad and Dad looked conflicted. He held a letter in his hand. Instantly I recognized the royal seal. So the rumors were true Crown Prince Griffin would pick a chosen mate. On his first

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Birthday, he got the mark showing his fated mate died before they met. In four years, he was supposed to rule the land and all the werewolf packs taking over from his father and mother. He needed a Queen by his side to do so. Rumors had been spreading he was inviting all unmated she–wolves from eighteen to thirty to come to a ball, where he would choose his chosen mate.

“The rumors are true. Prince Griffin is inviting all the unmated she- wolves between eighteen and thirty to the ball. We know you want to live with Grandpa Quinn and Grandma Emmy, Sweetheart.” Dad started confirming what I was thinking as soon as I saw the letter.

“If you go to the ball, we will grant you permission and we will convince Alpha Phillip to let you move in with the White Oak pack.”

This was the best news ever. If I was not suitable as a Luna even as a

fated mate, there was no way the Crown Prince would select me as his chosen Queen. The royal family lived closer to the White Oak Pack, so I might as well pack all of my belongings. Maybe I could convince Mom and Dad I could stay at the White Oaks a few days before that. After all, it was only a few hours by airplane to get to SilverCreek where the Royals lived. I had never been there before and I was excited to go. I would be able to taste some new foods, and maybe even get some new recipes.

“You’re not saying anything, honey. Do you agree?” Mom’s voice pulled me back to the here and now.

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“Sorry, Mom, I was daydreaming. I just got a little excited. Of course, I agree. I cannot wait to see SilverCreek.” I honestly told her.

My parents‘ wide smiles hurt me a little. They were excited and happy because I seemed so open to giving this a chance. But all I could think of was going over to Jessa, so I could tell her. She was twenty like me and unmated too. My sister Kate named after our human great–great

grandmother was nineteen and unmated. We would probably go together, the three of us.

Before I even asked, Dad chuckled telling me I could go and visit Jessa. Jessa and her parents were the only pack members who never treated me differently aside from my family of course. I would miss them when I moved, but they could always come over and see me.

I rushed over to Jessa’s house and was welcomed by Jessa and her father

Theo.

“Got the letter too, I see?” Jessa greeted me with a warm smile.

Unlike me, Jessa hoped to be picked by Crown Prince Griffin. Even when I pointed out that I doubted the future Queen of all the werewolves got to get away with her country–rock aesthetic.

“So are your parents going to take you? I doubt my parents can travel with us. Would they mind if we traveled together?” I asked her about traveling instead.

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“Siveety, your parents, James, and I already discussed it. Of course, we are not letting two young she–wolves travel alone. We will go together, the four of us. And yes. we will stop at the White Oak pack.” Theo smiled at us.

“Wait. Mr. Silver, you said 2 unmated she–wolves. Do you not mean 3? Isn’t Kate traveling with us, too?” I had not seen Kate in the last 2 days, which was unusual, but if something happened to her, Mom and Dad would have surely told me. All the faces around me fell, and I knew something had happened to my dear sister.

“Oh sweety, has nobody told you why Kate hasn’t been home?” Theo said avoiding making eye contact.

“No, what are you guys talking about?” All kinds of scenarios flashed. through my mind.

“Ayla, come to the packhouse now. It’s urgent.” My father mindlinked. me, rousing me from thoughts.

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Saying goodbye to Theo and Jessa, I raced to the packhouse.

“Of course, Kate can move into Cresent Moon pack with her mate Tim.‘ The moment I walked into the packhouse, I heard Alpha Phillip happily. permit Kate to leave with her mate.

Kate rejoiced at the great news, arm in arm with the man standing by.

Knowing my sister was fine, I sighed out of great relief.

“Wait, you’ve found your mate?” With a questioning gaze, I mindlinked

Kate.

Kate turned to me, nodding. Her face blushed with sparkles in her eyes

“Thank you, Alpha Phillip.” Father bowed. He gestured for me to come over and added, “And Ayla is intended to go to the royal ball. Would you mind she moving to the White Oak pack after that?”

Alpha Phillip thought Father’s words over and looked at me. My heart skipped a beat under his intimidating gaze.

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Finally, he shrugged his shoulder and broke the silence. “Honestly, I have no issues with Ayla going to the royal ball. But we all know the likelihood that the Prince will choose her as the Luna of all Luna’s is

extremely small…”

Just like his favor for members of the pack going to live in another pack to form an alliance, Alpha Phillip was very interested in the prospect of one of the pack’s unmated she–wolves becoming a chosen mate to the royal family as well. For him, it would be the ideal alliance, though he deemed me unworthy of being the future queen. He didn’t even try to hide his disbelief..

“But tell me how it would benefit our pack if Ayla was not to return to us after the ball?” Alpha Phillip questioned Dad’s words bluntly. “There is already an alliance between the BloodMoon and White Oak.”

That was the problem. Alpha Phillip would never let pack members move to another pack if it didn’t benefit him. In most cases, forming or strengthening an alliance would suffice. But I wasn’t about to move to my mate’s pack. I was about to move to family, so no new relationships were built.

“Alpha Phillip, some pack members were laughing at Ayla after David rejected her.” Dad tried to reason with him. “It’s hard to see my daughter suffering.”

“And how would the future Luna feel if she noticed that David’s fated mate was still living in the pack?” Dad added.

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“No worries. My son has already made the greatest sacrifice known to wolves. He has selected Hannah as his chosen mate. Hannah is a fine she–wolf, strong, poised, graceful, and kind. She will treat Ayla exactly like she has been doing ever since the rejection.” Alpha Phillip told us like he was reassuring a toddler that there were no monsters under the bed.

Was he that unaware of what was happening right under his nose or was he that uncaring? Hannah had always been jealous of my friendship with David. She claimed David was her mate and seeing David hanging around me made her crazy. She kept making troubles for me. Hearing. David reject me thrilled her. She rejected her mate, an Omega, a sweet guy, instantly and was determined to be the pack’s Luna. She started to try and hit it off with David. The fact that I was David’s fated mate was enough for her to bully me with her minions.

Not screaming about everything Hannah and her flying monkeys had done to me so far was already taking all of my self–control, Willow was, already itching to take over control. I knew I shouldn’t.

I had been enduring the bullying, the beating, and the abuse for two years. Now so close to escaping was not the time to mess it all up.

Easier said than done when David smirked at me, licking his lips before addressing his father like a good little Alpha in training.

“Can I give my opinion, Father?” He asked politely, and of course, Daddy dearest let him.

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His pride over his son starting to pick up Alpha duties was all over hist face.

With an evil smile, David started talking again.

“I do think the Hemmings put too much weight on my decision to reject Ayla. Every wolf with a sense of self–preservation would want a more suitable Luna. Pack members applauded me for the sacrifice I made in recognizing the Moon Goddess‘ only fault. Many seemed to thank for the mate bonds between me and Hannah.”

Right away, the air was thick with tension. Mom and Dad stiffened at the insult. His blatant disregard for me, my wishes, and the matebond we once shared set everyone off.

“I guess she is allowed to stop by the White Oak before going the to royal ball then…” Dad pled. I knew there was nothing else he could do.

Alpha Phillip smirked. “Make sure Ayla comes back home after that.”

Father’s silent and quick acceptance of my fate hurt me.

“What’s the point of going to the royal ball if I can’t go to White Oak and get away from all these forever?” I murmured to myself in desperation and anger.

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Yet Alpha Phillip sat there with a straight face telling me I was the she- wolf who made troubles to the pack.

My anger was taking over, and I needed to get these emotions out before they would get the better of me. Willow hadn’t stopped fighting to take control and it would be better to shift when I was still in control. My wolf tended to react more primal and I had no doubt she would go over to David and fight him the second I was no longer in control.

Too upset with my parents, I mindlinked Kate where I was going, so that my family would not worry about me. Then, I walked out into the forest, to one of the empty tree trunks where we could keep our clothes after shifting.

After checking no one was there, I shifted into my wolf form and just took off running. I’ve always loved running and it was the one thing I was better in because of my size. Being small made me faster and a lot more agile. I could outrun every wolf in my pack and most in the White Oak pack too.

The feeling of the wind rushing through my fair, the whizzing in my cars drowning all the other sounds out always made me feel peaceful. Feeling peaceful, calming down, and collecting myself was exactly what I needed now. The first few minutes it felt like someone was watching me. Once I got deeper into the forest, the feeling faded. It must have been my illusion.

Sun was already setting. I had ignored every single family member that

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reached out to me over the mindlink. Now my limbs were aching, I was hungry, thirsty, and honestly exhausted.

When I finally reached the treetrunk where I stored my clothing, and was about to shift back to my human form, a huge wolf ran into me. throwing me onto the ground.

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And of course, it is Hannah and her little band of bitches.

it this time, Hannah?” I asked.

form, because

really think you are fit to be the queen, the Luna of all Luna’s, if you are unfit to be the Luna

again. As I heard that David had told her he wanted to have her as his chosen mate. However, Hannah did not want to complete the mating process. Because she wanted to be unmated for the prince’s ball, hoping she would either be

has to possess those same qualities, meaning it could never be Hannah. The smart thing was to keep my mouth shut. Not egg her on more. Shame, that I wasn’t wise, I

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lips for someone who the Moon Goddess herself deemed barely worthy of an Omega. You think the royal family won’t see you for the garbage you

and biting me. Scratching me with their paws. I tried hitting them back with my paws, but

limp, but they didn’t stop. Their growls and snaps told me I

hell do you think you are? Doing five against one?” An unfamiliar voice boomed through the

see someone wearing the royal

forms. Awkward tension filled the. air. I was the only one who brought my clothes with me. So I quickly got dressed again.

pure stupidity Hannah still bucked naked in front of the man.

or pure arrogance,

a servant of the royal family, you have no right to interfere with our pack business.”

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the Moon Goddess that you are mated, so you won’t

was not that of a low–rank wolf. In fact, it terrified Hannah. She faded away with

He walked to me and helped me up, his eyes focused on me

Gasping in pain, I slowly

asked, worries visible in

The next second, I stumbled and

He chuckled, “Come on, let me walk you home.”

I stammered.

Dillion.” He introduced himself, holding me up

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Thank you for saving me back there.” I

a return, would you please tell me how to get to Alpha Phillip? I am here to hand

problem. It’s just a few

see a mark on you. And you seem to be of age. Are you unmated or

was no malice in his questions. I could tell that from his gentle. voice.

won’t be completing a mating process ever.” I answered

members believe me to be unfit as a Luna. They want someone poised and gentle, and Hannah does a

winked and handed

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I was not excited to meet this Prince. But going to a fancy ball where I have

he walked me home, we chatted a little about the BloodMoon pack. He asked me how I had been treated here. No wonder he would do that after seeing all the

was still not worth the trouble

Where are you?” Daniel sounded agitated, so I excused myself

by a messenger of the royal family. I’m walking him over to the packhouse and

you ever be able to move to a different pack for a

think he was flirting with me. Maybe he was just being nice, making me aware

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see if I had honest intentions in coming to the ball. Either way. I did

to a new pack. I always know and I still do.” I gave the most

home indeed exhausted the last bit

her mate ran to catch me, to stop me from falling

allow to happen. She tried to protect all of us, but this

never screamed at either one of our parents, I was about to tell him not to, but the second I opened my mouth, blackness overtook

  1. me.

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woke up, I was in my own bed, dressed in a set of

the end of the bed reading. It was a love we both shared but I could tell from her body language now that she was just skimming over the pages. Not really reading even though it seemed like

  1. to.

in her eyes. By now it was completely dark outside,

okay? Why didn’t you tell us

knew Hannah’s lashing out at me wasn’t their fault. I knew that if I had told them about what Hannah was doing, they wouldn’t have let

It’s all healing. I could not tell you and Dad because

a little tighter, whispering how sorry she was in my hair.

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then two more strong arms wrapping around me. The two arms I least wanted to comfort me now but still I could not help but sink into the embrace. Unable to keep on fighting because I had been doing that

so so terribly sorry for not seeing what was happening to you. Please

knew I shouldn’t be angry with him. It was not his fault after all. It was my own choice to hide the truth from him. However, I was disappointed at the fact that he did not fight

that why you want to move to White Oak to live with your grandparents?” He hugged me tighter.

know. Dad. But the least thing I want to see is you arguing with David and Alpha Phillip and leaving the pack. Alpha Phillip would never allow that. It will risk a war. Your know Uncle

his favorite niece who would have made it worse. Still, we could have talked

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down and think this over before jumping into action?” Dad

felt like I didn’t give my parents enough

You would accept Hannah as your Luna when she is the one who keeps beating our beloved daughter up so severely?” Mom’s

David. He isn’t going to be a better Alpha.” Dad said with a stern look.

him would be very less likely to go to war with an experienced Alpha like your Uncle Cedric. But your cousin Sebastian is only nineteen. Your Uncle Cedric and Aunt Katrina have to wait until we all move into the White Oak pack safely before changing the leadership within

into my eyes. “We

Moving back to the White Oak pack when it would be safer or easier to do so? But I didn’t understand because Alpha Phillips

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go. visiting your grandparents and stay with them there. And when the Silver’s come back, they will explain you got injured and need to rest at your Grandparent’s place. By then, he will know what his son and possible future Luna did and allowed. I will give him the chance to keep it under the rug, as long as he allows you to stay with your Grandparents. for as long as you need.” Dad

Phillips doesn’t allow

has to, Sweetheart.” Dad

Oak pack seemed to be within reach now, and I hugged Dad

smart enough to see how

in my heart. I know this would never happen. Hannah was right. How could I become the Luna

memories flashing in my mind, I felt my head spinning.

forced me to take a good rest. It did

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busy healing fresh injuries. Now that everybody in my family knew I wasn’t worried about keeping them

weird. Even after I was getting much better,

so I could take more small personal things with me. Mom promised me she would at

Moon, that you are a queen in your own rights. And she would love to see this dress get used one last time. What do you say,

the dress my Grandma wore when Grandpa introduced her as his Luna to the pack. Thinking

up. It seemed like I was still living here. because I was running away from

prince.

voice came downstairs. “You won’t

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005 Griffin

about me. She thought I might have been overdoing

at this ball. I did more than hoping though. Just as I did the very first night after finding out that I had one final chance of meeting my second chance mate. I had been praying to the Moon Goddess every night, bringing her offerings. And I had sent every staff member available, whom I fully trust to bring the invitations personally. To both get as many she–wolves to come

I had promised my parents and I am not someone that goes back on his word. But I will wait until the clock strikes midnight I

mate, you have the time to get to know each other before you

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accept me as her mate within a month. Come to think of it with all of the stress about this, and all the extra work I was taking on. Maybe Mom was right. Maybe I was waking up sore and achy because of all

didn’t stop me from giving my all though. I nervously looked around in my room. I was wondering whether I would just pick a different room. for me and my mate to move into.

room.

as

read me like an open book. He just got me, just how seeing my back. He knew I was doubting my room being ready enough for my Luna, my mate. He also was the

the bed and signalling

were quite a few unmated she–wolves from their packs and they were more than happy to attend the ball.” Dillion briefed the situation to me. “The number of guests that we expect will

it if I can find my mate.”

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laughing.

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you find her, Griff. I want you to have the same happiness as I have.” He stated and I knew

Collin he had the moment I was dreaming of

random mate.

Goddess knows that I want you to find her. But if you don’t meet a girl and I wouldn’t mind her being our queen. She seems right up your alley, too.” He teased me.

backed down though being attacked by five other wolves. And the royal emblem on my coat didn’t change her attitude towards me at all.” He chuckled. “She is a little firecracker though. You need someone who helps you get your head out of your own ass sometimes.”

sounds like a fun person to be around. You know

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commented. “Will she come to the ball?”

given her the invitation and she seemed to be interested in being part of it.” Dillion

Don’t forget to point out who she is at the ball. I’d like

continued, “And one. more thing, she has been rejected

imagine someone being rejected by the person the Moon Goddess arranged for her. Being rejected by her fated. mate? She might have

world, even worse than finding out your mate

It gave me another thing to

find my fated mate at the ball but she rejects me?” I asked. Dillion,

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chuckling. “Stop panicking, Griff. Everything will be fine. You could not be praying to the Moon Goddess while doubting

tried to calm myself down. “But what should I do now?”

out more personal stuff from my room, hoping my mate will feel welcome enough to put her own stuff in our room. It was the last thing I needed to settle before the ball. So now,

***

ball to be picked by me. It was a good thing though. The more she–wolves here,

enticing that it stopped me from thinking of anything else. A scent that woke my wolf up. The smell of a lilac on

mate was

the scent, I felt my heart pounding.

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mate and husband Theo escorted Jessa to the ballroom. There must be over a hundred she–wolves here. How is the Crown Prince supposed to choose between all of us? There is no way he is going to be able to see all of us let alone speak with us. One of the many reasons I do not want a chosen mate. Look at the Prince now. He is supposed to announce his chosen mate today. Out of all the she–wolves here, but as of yet he doesn’t know any of us personally. He doesn’t even know why we do not have a mate yet. What if he steals another wolf’s mate? Or what if he likes Hannah. Would he know she has got her first mate killed by rejecting him because she is a

followed by happiness. Following her gaze, I saw she was staring at the guy who stopped Hannah and her minions from attacking me. He was standing next to the Prince and seemed to be a high–ranking wolf. At first, that made me chuckle. Hannah would be so embarrassed knowing she had shown her true colors to someone close to the royal family, someone of high–ranking. Jessa looked smitten, the face of the wolf who found

I breathed a sigh of relief. This made far more sense the

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now that I lost the absolute fate of fated

you’re breathtaking. I mean.

Gerald guy was a nervous wreck. Jessa introduced herself. She

Gerald would

now works as an assistant to

regular Alpha to

is working directly for the Prince, too?” I asked, hoping to find out just how bad Hannah messed up.

Gerald ⚫ asked me without taking his eyes off

up to see if I indeed meant Dillion, it happened. I. was hit by a smell that was even better

going crazy, howling out for our mate. But it could not be. We found our mate he rejected us, humiliated us. My

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