Rejected: My Mate's Cold Lies

I smoothed my fingers over the ceremonial attire laid out on our bed, a matching set of deep blue tunics embroidered with silver thread that caught the morning light filtering through our window. The fabric was soft yet sturdy, perfect for the Inter-Pack Moon Run tonight. My heart swelled with anticipation as I imagined Marcus and me, side by side, our wolves racing beneath the full moon in a sacred bond-affirming ritual.

"It's going to be perfect," I whispered, my fingers instinctively finding the small moonstone pendant hanging from my neck. The cool stone centered me as I stroked its smooth surface, a habit I'd developed whenever emotions threatened to overwhelm me.

*He's going to love this,* I thought, admiring how the silver embroidery mimicked the pattern of moonlight through forest branches.

*We're going to be magnificent tonight, Victoria,* Selene, my silver wolf, whispered through our mental connection. Her excitement vibrated through my consciousness. *This run is sacred. The Moon Goddess blesses those who honor their bonds beneath her light.*

"I know," I replied softly, allowing myself a private smile. Few knew that beneath my quiet exterior as Marcus's devoted mate lived an Alpha wolf of unusual power. Selene and I had kept our true nature hidden for years, even from Marcus. Sometimes I wondered if I should have told him, but the timing never seemed right.

*Perhaps after tonight,* Selene suggested. *When our bond is strengthened under the moon's blessing.*

I nodded, carefully folding Marcus's tunic. Tonight would be special. A celebration of what we meant to each other, of the sacred mate bond the Moon Goddess had blessed us with.

The hours passed in peaceful preparation. I arranged a special meal for when we returned from the run, set out the ceremonial oils to anoint our foreheads before we shifted. Everything had to be perfect.

As twilight approached, I felt Marcus's presence through our mate bond before I heard the door. A flutter of anticipation quickened my pulse as I reached for him through our mental connection.

*Victoria.* His voice in my mind was uncharacteristically flat, distant.

Immediately, concern washed over me. "Marcus? What's wrong?"

*I can't make the run tonight. There's an urgent pack alliance meeting in the northern territories. I have to leave immediately.*

The disappointment hit me like a physical blow. "Tonight? But we've been registered for months. It's the sacred full moon run."

*I know.* A pause. *I'm sorry. Alpha Rachel needs me there. It's critical for the Morrison Pack's future.*

I swallowed hard, forcing understanding into my voice. "Of course. Your duties as Beta come first." Even as I said it, something felt wrong. The distance in his mental tone, the abruptness of the news.

*I'll make it up to you,* he promised, but the words lacked warmth.

"When will you be back?" I asked, stroking my pendant for comfort.

*Late tomorrow, probably. Don't wait up.*

And then his presence was gone, withdrawn from our mental connection with unusual abruptness. Selene whined softly