_Serena's POV_
The ceremony was over, but the weight in my chest didn't lift. The cheers and laughter around me felt distant, like they were coming from another world. My head spun as I walked away from the clearing, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
Damien was my mate. The bond had snapped into place with an intensity I had never imagined. But he hadn't acknowledged it—not a word, not even a glance.
I found a quiet spot at the edge of the gathering, near the line of trees that bordered the clearing. The sounds of celebration faded behind me, replaced by the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. I leaned against a tree, pressing my hand to my chest. My heart ached in a way I couldn't describe.
What did I do wrong? Did he not feel it the way I did?
"Serena."
The sound of my name made me freeze. His voice was deep and commanding, the kind that could stop anyone in their tracks. Slowly, I turned around, and there he was. Damien.
He stood a few feet away, his gray eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. For a moment, it felt like time stopped. The air between us seemed to hum with energy, the mate bond pulling at me like a tether.
"Alpha Damien," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Call me Damien," he said softly. He took a step closer, and my breath caught in my throat.
For a brief, fleeting moment, hope sparked in my chest. Maybe he did feel it. Maybe he had just been caught off guard earlier.
"I need to talk to you," he said, his gaze never leaving mine.
I nodded, unable to trust my voice. He motioned for me to follow him, and we walked a short distance into the trees, away from the crowd. The silence between us was heavy, charged with unspoken words.
Finally, he stopped and turned to face me. I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest.
"You felt it, didn't you?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Damien's jaw tightened, and he nodded. "Yes. I felt it."
Relief flooded through me, and I took a step closer to him. "Then you know what this means. We are mates, Damien. We are meant to be together."
He looked away, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "It's not that simple, Serena."
My stomach dropped. "What do you mean?"
He let out a long breath, his shoulders tense. "The mate bond is powerful. I can feel it pulling at me, just like you do. But I can't choose you."
I stared at him, the words slicing through me. "Can't choose me? Damien, we are mates. This isn't something you can just ignore."
"I'm not ignoring it," he said sharply, though his tone softened when he saw the pain in my eyes. "But as Alpha, I have responsibilities. My decisions affect the entire pack."
"What does that have to do with us?" I asked, my voice rising with desperation.
"Talia."
The name hit me like a punch to the gut. "Talia?" I whispered.
"She is the daughter of the Silver Fang Alpha," Damien said, his tone clipped. "Our union will strengthen the alliance between our packs. It's what the pack needs."
I shook my head, backing away from him. "You're choosing her... for politics?"
"It's not just politics," he said, though he sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as me. "It's about stability, protection, ensuring the future of the pack."
"And what about the bond?" I asked, my voice breaking. "What about us?"
Damien's expression softened, and for a moment, I thought he might change his mind. But then he sighed and said, "Serena, I can't let the bond cloud my judgment. The pack has to come first."
Something inside me snapped. The hurt and betrayal gave way to a cold, steady resolve.
"Fine," I said, lifting my chin. My voice was stronger now, even though my heart felt like it was shattering. "If you won't choose me, I'll make the choice for you."
Damien's eyes widened slightly, but he said nothing as I took a step closer.
"I, Serena Meyers, reject you, Damien Blackthorn, as my mate."
The words left my lips like daggers, each one cutting into me. The mate bond pulsed, a searing pain ripping through my chest, but I held my ground. I refused to let him see how much it hurt.
Damien winced, his hand briefly clutching at his chest. For a moment, I thought I saw regret in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came. He nodded, his face stoic, though the tightness in his jaw betrayed his pain.
"I accept your rejection," he said quietly.
The finality of his words hit me like a blow, but I forced myself to stay strong. I wouldn't let him break me.
"Good," I said, my voice cold and detached. "Now you can have your perfect alliance with Talia without worrying about me getting in the way."
"Serena—"
I cut him off, turning away before he could say anything else. "Save it, Damien. I don't care anymore."
I walked away without looking back, each step feeling heavier than the last. The bond still tugged at me, a painful reminder of what I had just lost. But I didn't let the tears fall. Not yet.
As I reached the edge of the clearing, I clenched my fists, determined to hold onto the strength I had found in that moment. Damien had made his choice, and now I had made mine.
If he thought I would break under the weight of rejection, he was wrong. Because I wouldn't let him—or anyone else—see me crumble.