Reborn to be Marked by the Alpha

The scent of pine and frost hung heavy in the air as I stood at the edge of the ceremonial clearing, my heart hammering against my ribs like a caged bird desperate for freedom. The full moon cast everything in silver light—the ancient stone altar, the gathered pack members, and Marcus standing beside it in his ceremonial robes, looking every inch the proud Beta who was about to claim his mate.

My mate.

I smoothed down the white dress that had taken me weeks to choose, the fabric soft beneath my trembling fingers. Three years of courtship had led to this moment. Three years of stolen kisses, whispered promises, and dreams of the future we would build together.

"You look beautiful tonight, Selena." Rina appeared at my side, her voice warm with what I believed was genuine affection. My best friend since childhood, she had helped me prepare for this ceremony, braiding flowers into my hair and assuring me that Marcus was lucky to have me.

I turned to her with a grateful smile, not noticing the way her eyes glittered in the moonlight, sharp as winter ice.

"Thank you for being here," I whispered, squeezing her hand. "I couldn't do this without you."

She squeezed back, her grip just a little too tight. "Of course. What are friends for?"

Elder Elena stepped forward, her ancient voice carrying across the clearing as she began the ceremonial words. The pack fell silent, hundreds of eyes focused on Marcus and me as we approached the altar. My legs felt unsteady, but I attributed it to nerves, to the overwhelming joy of finally becoming Marcus's official mate.

I had loved him since we were teenagers. He was everything I thought I wanted—confident, ambitious, with a smile that could make my knees weak. I had waited patiently while he sowed his wild oats, convinced that his wandering eye would settle once we were properly mated.

How naive I had been.

"Marcus Kane," Elder Elena intoned, "do you take this woman as your mate, to bond with her under the moon's blessing?"

I looked up at him expectantly, my heart so full of love it felt like it might burst. This was our moment. Our beginning.

Marcus met my gaze, and something cold flickered in his eyes. Something that made my stomach clench with sudden dread.

"No," he said clearly, his voice carrying across the silent clearing. "I do not."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I staggered backward, certain I had misheard. "What?"

"I said no." He stepped away from me, his expression twisting into something cruel and dismissive. "I reject you, Selena. You are not worthy to be my mate."

A collective gasp rose from the assembled pack. I felt their stares like brands on my skin, burning with shock and pity. My vision blurred, the world tilting dangerously.

"Marcus, please," I whispered, reaching for him desperately. "You don't mean this. We planned—"

"We planned nothing." He caught my wrist, his