Zendaya's POV
The day of the mating ceremony had finally arrived. I couldn't take the decision to leave. Not now, not when the entire pack was waiting, when everything I had known was about to change. My heart ached with the weight of it, but fear kept me tethered to the packhouse, too afraid of the unknown, too afraid of what would happen if I walked away. It felt like betrayal, both my family and my pack.
Craven Pack bustled with life, the ceremonial hall was alive with nervous energy, and the white roses that adorned every corner looked beautiful, their delicate scent doing little to mask the suffocating tension in the air. The pressure of the day hung heavy on all of us. Luna Elena's sharp voice echoed constantly, her orders like whips cracking through the chaos.
"Zendaya!" she snapped, her tone cutting through the hum of activity. "The roses are still crooked. Fix them now!"
I flinched, my fingers trembling as I moved to correct the small imperfections in the arrangement. The last thing I wanted was to anger her further, especially on such an important day. I held my breath, adjusting the flowers carefully, my mind drifting in a haze of dread.
Just as I finished, Luna Elena's eyes narrowed, and a commotion near the entrance caught my attention. I glanced up, my stomach twisting as I froze.
Alpha Damien had arrived.
He walked in like he owned the place, exuding a sense of power that was both intimidating and magnetic. His Beta, a towering figure beside him, flanked his side, and together they commanded attention. Alpha Damien's eyes scanned the room with a sharp, calculating gaze, It was my first time seeing him in person, and he was everything the rumors had said—imposing, dangerous, and undeniably powerful.
I watched in silence as my father, Alpha John, stepped forward to greet him. They exchanged a firm handshake before disappearing into the private quarters to discuss the alliance. My legs felt like they were made of lead, but I couldn't look away. Alpha Damien's presence was intoxicating. His every movement was controlled, as though he was used to being in charge—of everything. Of everyone.
I stayed in the shadows, my gaze lingering on him. There was something about him, something unsettlingly familiar. It felt like I had seen him before, like our paths had crossed long ago, but I couldn't place where or how. I shook the thought away, focusing on the task at hand, reminding myself that I had my own life to sort out.
The hours seemed to stretch on endlessly. The moon hung high in the sky when the ceremony finally began. My heart pounded as I slipped into my gown, a simple ivory dress that hugged my body like a second skin. It was nothing compared to the dazzling gold ensemble Annabel had chosen, but I didn't care. Tonight wasn't about appearances—it was about the Moon Goddess's will, about finding my mate.
I stood by the balcony, hoping for a moment of peace in the midst of the storm. The moon's silvery light bathed the packhouse in an ethereal glow, and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to center myself. My wolf stirred inside me, restless, eager to find the mate she had been waiting for her entire life.
Then, I smelled it.
That scent. Warm, intoxicating, and utterly irresistible.
It swept over me like a tidal wave, pulling me toward it. My wolf's excitement mirrored mine, a soft growl escaping her as I hurried toward the source of the scent. I was nearly there when I saw them.
Jonathan. And Annabel.
I froze, my stomach lurching. Time seemed to slow as I watched them on the far side of the balcony. Jonathan had his arms wrapped around Annabel, possessive and tender. And then—before I could process what was happening—he sank his teeth into her neck. The faint glow of the mating mark burned brightly into my vision, a stark confirmation of what I already knew.
"No..." I whispered, my voice cracking.
Annabel turned to look at me, a smirk curling on her lips. "Oh, dear sister," she purred. "Did you really think he'd choose you?"
Pain exploded in my chest. My wolf howled in anguish, the bond that I had dreamed of for years now shattered beyond repair. Betrayal surged through me, and tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't breathe. The world around me tilted, and before I could unleash my untamed power, a firm hand gripped my shoulder.
I spun, meeting the piercing gaze of Alpha Damien. His presence was calm, steadying. He didn't say a word, but something flickered in his eyes—understanding, maybe even pity.
I couldn't take it. I yanked away from him, shaking my head, and ran. My feet carried me through the hall, past murmurs and confused gazes, until I reached the sanctuary of my room. I slammed the door behind me and collapsed to the floor, the weight of the betrayal crashing down like a thousand thorns.
My wolf whimpered, the ache of rejection overwhelming. I couldn't stand the confusion, so I severed the mind link, needing silence. Alone, I let the tears fall, my sobs shaking my body until I could cry no more, exhaustion finally took over.
And then, in the quiet, I found myself standing in a moonlit meadow. The air was warm and still, and the silence was comforting, when a figure emerged from the shadows—the Moon Goddess herself.
"Zendaya," she said softly, her voice both comforting and powerful.
Tears brimmed in my eyes. "Why?" I asked, the question escaping before I could stop it. "Why did you let this happen?"
She approached me, her gaze filled with compassion. "Jonathan was not your destined mate, Zendaya. His path diverges from yours for a reason. Your true journey begins now with Alpha Damien."
My heart thudded painfully. "Damien?" I whispered, confusion clouding my mind. "You mean... him? Is he my second chance mate?"
She nodded. "Alpha Damien carries scars as deep as yours, but together, you will find strength. Together, you will heal."
"But I barely know him," I said, my voice a mere whisper.
"You will," she replied. "Trust in the bond. It is not a mistake."
The dream began to fade, but her words remained, ringing clear in my mind. When I woke, the sunlight streaming through my window chased away the remnants of the night's pain, replacing it with something unexpected—hope.
I dressed quickly, the remnants of last night's heartache still lingering, but with the goddess's words echoing in my mind. As I descended the stairs, my father was waiting, a mixture of apprehension and relief in his eyes.
"Zendaya," he began softly, his voice unsure. "Are you ready?"
I nodded, steeling myself. "Yes. I'll go with him."
Outside, Alpha Damien stood beside his car, his face unreadable, his posture calm and authoritative. Something shifted in me as I approached him.
"Can we leave?" I asked, handing my bag over to Beta Enzo, who gave me a look that I couldn't quite read.
Damien didn't respond immediately but opened the door for me. I hesitated, one last glance over my shoulder at the packhouse—the place that had been my home, my prison. And then, I stepped inside, sealing my fate.
As we drove away, I stole a glance at Damien. He didn't look at me, but the weight of his presence beside me grounded me.
While the Moon Goddess's words echoed in my mind. This was my second chance. I wouldn't waste it. Whatever awaited me in Raven Claw, I would face it head-on.