Rejected Luna: Fated To A Cursed Alpha

Morning light spilled across the pack grounds as I moved through the halls, balancing a tray filled with hot bowls and cups. The scent of coffee mixed with caramel drifted around me, yet it did nothing to calm what churned inside. Today wasn't just any day. I had turned eighteen. The day my mate's scent was supposed to find me and pull me away from the life I'd known as an orphaned Omega.

"Elena, are you planning to stand there forever?" Natalie asked, her tone sharp enough to sting, the moment I stepped into the dining hall.

Everyone knew who she was. Caleb's chosen partner. Our Alpha had picked her despite being thirty-three, and she came from the Iron Pine pack at twenty-seven. They had crossed paths at last year's gathering, and ever since then, she carried herself like she already held the title of Luna.

"Sorry," I muttered, dropping my eyes. Sunlight caught in her brown curls, and her polished nails tapped against the table in steady impatience. The way she held herself made it seem like she already ruled the place.

Her attention shifted to the tray in my hands. "Where is my almond latte? I made it clear I wanted one, and you didn't bring it."

"I... I'll make it now," I replied quickly.

Her lips curved into something cold. "Then don't waste time. I wouldn't want to mention this to Caleb and let him know you can't even manage simple tasks."

I never understood what I did to earn her dislike. Still, she always managed to put me down.

Around the table, the other servants stood in place, trading looks like this was nothing new. Hannah, the tall brunette who never missed a chance to stay in Natalie's favor, glanced at me with disapproval. "Pay more attention, Elena. Lady Natalie already has enough to deal with. Don't make things worse for her."

A voice slipped in next, softer on the surface yet just as cutting. "She's already running everything around here. You should be grateful you even get to serve her," Idyll said.

I held the tray tighter, trying to steady the shake in my hands. "I understand."

Just as I moved to leave, Natalie's voice stopped me mid-step. "And don't forget, you don't address me as Natalie. It's Luna Natalie."

Laughter followed from the others, and heat rushed to my face. She hadn't earned that title, but she enjoyed hearing it.

Back in the kitchen, the coffee pot felt unsteady in my grip. No one had said a word about my birthday. Even the Alpha usually sent something out to the pack. This time, nothing came. It was as if I wasn't even there.

The polished surface nearby reflected my image. A slim figure with pale skin stared back, blonde hair pulled into a loose braid, gray eyes worn from exhaustion. I looked worse than usual. At sixteen, a wolf awakens. At eighteen, a mate's presence should come through. For me, there had been nothing