Today is the happiest day of any young werewolf's life, it is the day of the MATING CEREMONY.
it happens once a year. this is the day you find your mate, the day you find that person to spend the rest of your life with. I used to look forward to the mating ceremony every year, hoping that this time, I'd find him-the one who would see past my flaws and choose me.
But each year ended the same. Alone. With every rejection, their words echoed louder in my head.
"You're the lowest of the low," they sneered.
"An orphan."
"A disgrace who can't even shift."
I stopped trying to argue with them. Stopped trying to argue with myself. My shoulders slumped under the weight of their insults, and I avoided my reflection in the mirror-it only reminded me of everything I wasn't. jhaven't attended the ceremony in three years but decided to attend today because Alpha Lucian Blackthorn will be attending today for the first time ever and just like everyone else i was curious to see what he looks like.
The ceremony is taking place at Crescent Park this year, chosen for its expansive meadow encircled by towering pine trees. Strings of fairy lights draped between the trees cast a gentle, golden glow over the gathering as the sun set. The air was filled with the rich scents of pine, earth, and the intoxicating fragrance of expensive perfumes.
I didn't bother dressing up. Why would I? With only five outfits to my name, I settled for a plain black gown that never quite felt like mine. As I stepped into the throng, a wave of discomfort washed over me. The other werewolves radiated sophistication, their flowing gowns resembling liquid silk and their tailored suits gleaming in the soft light. They moved with effortless grace, their laughter piercing through the subdued hum of the music in the background. I stayed on the outskirts, yearning to melt into the shadows.
"What are you doing here?" Rose's voice pierced the subdued chatter of the crowd, sharp and filled with disbelief.
I turned to find her a few steps away, her hands planted on her hips, her flawlessly styled hair shimmering under the gentle glow of the lights. Her intense gaze scanned me, lingering on my plain dress.
"I-" I began, but the words stalled in my throat. Why was I here? I didn't fit in, and we both knew it.
She looked at me and smirked before walking over to her friends. I just stood there feeling out of place as usual.
After a few hours, it was finally time for the ceremony to start. The men came in and we were all supposed to walk around to find our mates. A lot of people did, but I just stood there, watching them move towards each other.
The look in their eyes was something I don't think I'll ever get to feel or experience... the look of LOVE. Finally, the man everyone had been waiting for climbed the stage: Alpha "LUCIAN BLACKTHORN, the most feared Alpha in the world." He is regarded as" THE ALPHA OF THE ALPHAS, and I've never heard a story of him doing good. All the stories about him focus on his ruthlessness---how he kills without mercy".