Rejected by My Fated Mate

"I reject the bond," Ethan, my mate, declared—right there at our mating ceremony, in front of the entire pack,as a video played behind him—

a video showing a she-wolf with my face, doing unspeakable things with a group of wolves.

"No, no, Ethan, that’s not me," I whispered, my voice trembling, tears streaming down my face, blurring everything.

What was happening?

Who was that woman?

Ethan took a step back. His expression hardened as murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"To the ceremony clearing. Now." His voice was like ice, sharp and cold, his eyes refusing to meet mine. Each word hit like a physical blow.

Lyra—my wolf—let out a broken whimper and retreated deep inside me. Our dreams… shattered in an instant.

....

I smoothed the delicate white lace of my ceremonial dress, fingers trembling with excitement rather than nerves. The fabric felt cool against my skin, specially designed to shimmer under the full moon's light during tonight's ceremony. Three years of preparation had led to this moment—my official bonding ceremony with Ethan, my fated mate and future Alpha of the Moonstone Pack.

"You look perfect, Luna Violet," whispered Sarah, one of the pack's younger she-wolves who had been helping me prepare. The title still felt strange—not quite mine yet, but soon to be official.

I smiled at my reflection in the ornate silver mirror that had witnessed generations of Luna ceremonies. "Thank you, but I'm not Luna yet."

*But you will be in hours,* Lyra, my wolf, whispered through our bond, her joy radiating through me like sunlight. *We were born for this night.*

I nodded slightly, acknowledging her excitement as I unfolded the small piece of paper containing my ceremonial speech. The words blurred slightly as I blinked back tears of happiness.

"I, Violet Harper, accept the sacred bond with Ethan Miller before the Goddess Moon and the Moonstone Pack..." I practiced, my voice growing stronger with each word.

Lyra hummed with approval, her presence warm and vibrant within me. *Perfect. Our pack will adore you.*

The pack—*my* pack. I had grown up as Alpha Marcus Harper's daughter, beloved by our members, but tonight would transform me from cherished daughter to revered Luna. The responsibility was immense, but with Ethan by my side and Lyra's strength within me, I felt ready.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. "Violet, it's time," my father's deep voice called through the door. "The gala has begun."

My heart fluttered as Sarah helped arrange my ceremonial cloak over my shoulders. The silver embroidery caught the light, tiny crescent moons and stars that represented the eternal bond between mates.

"I'm ready," I called back, taking one final glance at my reflection. The woman who stared back seemed transformed—poised, elegant, worthy of leading alongside an Alpha.

The great hall of our pack house had been transformed for the gala that preceded the bonding ceremony. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the gathered pack members, all dressed in their finest. The air hummed with excitement