Unclaimed Luna, 99 Rituals Forsaken

For five years, my fated mate, Alpha Kaelen and I have had 98 marking ceremonies. And every single time, his teeth would stop right at my neck.

All because the Omega he claimed was "like a sister" to him always managed to faint at just the "right" moment.

At the 99th ceremony, that Omega got "hurt" again.

"I swear I'll complete the marking next time," Kaelen said, scooping up the other she-wolf without a backward glance.

I burned the Luna gown I'd worn 99 times and changed back into my royal princess dress from the Moonshadow Realm. Then severed my mate bond and walked away without a second glance.

It wasn't until searing pain hit Kaelen, and he crying for me to come back, that the Shaman coldly told him:

"She is a true princess! And you were never worthy of her."

For five years, my destined mate, Alpha Kaelen, and I had gone through 98 marking ceremonies. And every time, he'd cut it short for another Omega.

"Just hold on a little longer, Princess. Just a little more." Shaman Elarah's voice sounded like it was coming from far away.

I clenched my jaw, my fists tight. Sweat dripped down my cheeks. The backlash from the mate bond was a burning pain, like fire racing through my veins.

This was the 99th time. The 99th time I'd prepared to receive the mark from my Alpha, my fated mate, Kaelen.

"Where is he?" My voice was hoarse, a hint of resentment I tried to hide.

Elarah avoided my gaze, dabbing the moonpetal salve on the back of my neck. "The Alpha is still… dealing with something."

I knew exactly who that "something" was.

"The ceremony has to start when the moon is high, or we'll have to wait another month." I pushed myself up, my white, moon-silk robe swaying gently in the breeze.

"Perhaps… tonight isn't the best time, Princess."

I scoffed. "When is it ever? It's been five years, Elarah. Five whole years."

I glanced at the scene. Pack members were gathered, waiting to see their Alpha complete the marking ceremony with his fated mate.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to give him one last chance.

I reaching out to Kaelen through our mind-link. "The ceremony's about to start.Everyone's waiting."

I heard him reply, but not to me. He was talking to that familiar voice beside him. "Don't worry, Sera. Just rest a bit, you'll be fine."

"Ooh, Kaelen, it hurts so much…" that sickly sweet voice whined through the link.

"Don't move, Sera. Let me see that wound." Kaelen's voice was full of concern, a gentleness he never, ever used with me.

"Lyra?" He finally noticed I was there, though his eyes were still on Seraphina's ankle. "What's your hurry? Sera fell from a tree, twisted her ankle. I said I'd be along in a minute."

I stood in the middle of the crowd. The pack members looked at me with open mockery.

It seemed like they were