The pack was louder than usual that evening.
Lanterns hung from tall wooden posts around the clearing, casting warm golden light across the territory. Wolves moved back and forth carrying food, decorations, and supplies while excited conversations filled the air.
Tomorrow night would be the Moon Ceremony.
For most of the young wolves in the pack, it was the most important night of their lives.
Aria watched everything quietly from the side of the clearing.
In her hands was a tray filled with cups of warm berry drink. She moved carefully between groups of pack members, placing the cups on tables before stepping away again.
No one really paid attention to her.
Which was exactly how things usually were.
Still, tonight felt different.
Ever since Kael had returned earlier that afternoon, the entire pack had been buzzing with excitement.
Many of the young she-wolves were gathered near the main house, whispering eagerly among themselves.
“I heard he defeated three warriors during training last month.”
“No one can beat him.”
“They say his wolf is enormous.”
Aria tried not to listen, but their voices carried easily across the clearing.
“He’ll definitely find his mate tomorrow,” one girl said confidently.
“Of course he will,” another replied. “The future Alpha can't remain unmated.”
Lila stood proudly among them, her arms crossed as she listened.
Unlike the others, she looked completely confident.
“Honestly,” she said with a small smile, “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Moon Goddess chooses me.”
The girls around her immediately began agreeing.
“You’d make the perfect Luna.”
“Everyone knows you're the strongest she-wolf here.”
Aria lowered her head slightly and walked past them, pretending she hadn’t heard anything.
But Lila noticed her anyway.
“Aria.”
Aria stopped.
Slowly, she turned back.
“Yes?”
Lila’s smile was sharp.
“Tomorrow night, make sure everything is prepared properly. The ceremony must be perfect.”
“I understand,” Aria replied quietly.
Lila studied her for a moment before letting out a small laugh.
“You look nervous.”
“I’m not.”
“Oh really?” Lila tilted her head slightly. “Then why are you avoiding the celebration?”
Aria didn’t answer.
Lila stepped closer, lowering her voice.
“Don’t worry,” she said mockingly. “Even if the Moon Goddess somehow makes a mistake, no one here would accept you as their mate anyway.”
The girls behind her giggled.
Aria tightened her grip on the tray but remained silent.
After a moment, Lila waved her away dismissively.
“You should get back to work.”
Aria nodded slightly before turning and walking toward the back of the pack house.
The noise of the celebration slowly faded behind her as she stepped into the quieter part of the territory.
The forest stretched endlessly beyond the wooden fence.
Dark.
Silent.
Aria placed the empty tray on a small table and sat down on a nearby bench.
For a few moments, she simply looked up at the night sky.
The moon was nearly full now.
Tomorrow it would be complete.
The Moon Ceremony always happened under a full moon.
A soft breeze moved through the trees.
Aria closed her eyes briefly.
Despite everything Lila had said earlier, a small part of her still wondered.
What if…
What if the Moon Goddess really did have someone chosen for her?
She quickly pushed the thought away.
It was foolish.
Everyone already believed she didn’t even have a wolf.
A wolfless girl couldn’t possibly have a mate.
Suddenly—
A branch snapped somewhere beyond the fence.
Aria’s eyes opened immediately.
Her heart began beating faster.
She slowly turned toward the forest.
The trees stood tall and unmoving under the moonlight.
For a moment, everything was quiet again.
Aria frowned.
Maybe it had just been an animal.
She stood up and took a few cautious steps closer to the wooden fence separating the pack territory from the forest.
The shadows between the trees looked deeper than usual tonight.
Almost like something was hiding within them.
Aria stared into the darkness.
And then—
Two glowing golden eyes appeared between the trees.
Watching her.
Unmoving.
Powerful.
Aria froze.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Those eyes didn’t belong to any ordinary wolf.
Even from this distance, she could feel the pressure behind that gaze.
Ancient.
Dominant.
Terrifying.
For several seconds, neither of them moved.
Then suddenly—
The eyes disappeared into the darkness.
Leaving the forest silent once again.
But Aria could still feel it.
The overwhelming certainty that whoever had been watching her…
Had not come to the forest by accident.
YOU ARE READING
Rejected By My Mate,Claimed By The Alpha King
WerewolfAria has spent her entire life as the unwanted girl of the Silver Moon Pack. Orphaned at a young age and unable to shift into her wolf like the others, she is treated as weak, useless, and unworthy. While the rest of the pack prepares excitedly for...
