The moon rose crimson over Blackridge Pack, heavy and watching—like it already knew what was about to be taken from me.

I stood barefoot in the ceremonial clearing, my white shift clinging to my skin as cold wind slid through the trees. Torches burned in a wide circle, their flames crackling softly, casting long shadows that danced like restless wolves.

Tonight was supposed to be my mating night.

I had dreamed of it since I was a child—since the first time I learned what mates were. Since I was told that even omegas like me were destined for someone.

I just hadn’t expected that someone to be him.

Alpha Kael Nightborne stood at the center of the clearing, tall and immovable, his presence bending the air around him. His black hair fell loose over his shoulders, his sharp jaw shadowed with dark stubble. His eyes—silver and merciless—never softened.

Not even when they met mine.

A murmur rippled through the pack as the elders stepped forward.

“Elara Voss,” one of them called. “Step into the circle.”

My heart slammed against my ribs as I obeyed.

The ground felt alive beneath my feet.

The moment I crossed the boundary, something shifted inside me—hot, aching, unfamiliar. My lungs tightened. My skin burned.

And then—

His scent hit me.

Smoke. Winter. Blood.

My knees nearly buckled.

Gasps echoed around us.

Kael’s jaw tightened, his hands curling slowly into fists.

He felt it too.

The bond snapped into place like a scream I couldn’t voice.

Mate.

The word echoed in my mind, terrifying and beautiful all at once.

I lifted my eyes to him, searching for—anything.

Recognition. Desire. Claim.

What I saw instead was rage.

Not at me.

At fate.

The Alpha’s voice cut through the night, cold and absolute.

“I reject her.”

Silence detonated.

I felt the words before I understood them—felt them tear through my chest, ripping something vital away.

“I reject Elara Voss as my mate.”

The world tilted.

Someone screamed.

It might have been me.

Pain tore through my body, white-hot and brutal, dropping me to my knees as the bond shattered violently. My vision blurred. I tasted blood.

Kael didn’t move.

Didn’t look away.

His eyes locked on mine, burning with something that looked dangerously close to grief.

And beneath it—

Fear.