Chapter 2
I slide my phone back into my pocket, a flicker of anticipation lighting up in my chest. Tonight is the annual Winter Ball for our graduation tonight, a lavish event that the town looks forward to every year. It's a chance for everyone to dress up, let loose, and forget about the stress of school and responsibilities for one magical night.
“Excited for tonight?” Cami asks, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“You bet I am,” I reply with a grin. “It's going to be epic.”
We spend the rest of the day navigating through classes, the minutes ticking by like an eternity as we count down to the evening's festivities. Finally, the last bell rings, signaling the end of the school day and the beginning of our transformation for the Winter Ball.
At home, my mom greets us with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up as she hands us our dresses. The fabric shimmers in the light, intricate designs dancing across the surface like stars in the night sky.
“You look stunning, girls,” Mom says, her voice full of pride. “Let's get you ready for the ball.”
With deft fingers, Mom weaves intricate braids into our hair, the soft hum of her voice a soothing melody in the background. Cami and I steal excited glances at each other in the mirror, the anticipation bubbling between us like a hidden spring.
As the last pins are set in place, Mom steps back to admire her handiwork. “There you go, my beautiful girls,” she says, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “You both look like princesses.”
Cami and I exchange a smile before turning to hug Mom tightly. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
After our makeup is expertly applied by Mom's skilled hands, we slip into our dresses and twirl in front of the mirror; the fabric swirling around us like a dream.
“We better get going, or we'll be late,” Cami says, checking the time on her phone. I nod in agreement, the excitement for the Winter Ball buzzing in the surrounding air.
With one last look in the mirror to make sure everything is perfect, we link arms and head out the door, the chilly evening air sending a shiver down my spine.
The grand ballroom of Willow Creek Manor is a sight to behold, with twinkling fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the dance floor. The room is filled with elegantly dressed guests, their laughter and chatter weaving a tapestry of sound that fills the air.
As we step into the ballroom, all eyes turn to us, and I feel a rush of self-consciousness wash over me. I tug at the hem of my dress nervously, suddenly aware of how out of place I feel among the sea of confident faces.
But Cami squeezes my arm reassuringly, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. “You look amazing, Alena. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. We're going to have a fantastic night, just you wait.”
Her words bolster my confidence, and I straighten my posture as we make our way further into the ballroom. The music swells around us, pulling us into its rhythm as couples twirl gracefully on the dance floor.
“Welcome to this year's Graduation Winter ball, as we congratulate all our graduates for the hard work they have put in throughout their years in school.” Alpha, Paul says as we all clap and cheer.
A sudden tap on my shoulder brings me out of my reverie, and I turn to see a boy with striking blue eyes standing before me. He offers me a charming smile, his hand outstretched.
“Care for a dance?” he asks, his voice smooth like silk.
I glance at Cami, who nods encouragingly, her eyes twinkling mischievously. With a smile of my own, I place my hand in his and let him lead me to the dance floor.
As we move in sync with the music, I feel a sense of exhilaration wash over me. The boy's touch is gentle yet firm, guiding me effortlessly until the Alpha’s son, Jacob, interrupts just as I catch his scent and cry out. “No!”
“You!” I gasp, my heart racing as Jacob steps forward, a predatory glint in his eyes. His Alpha status looms over me like a shadow, sending a shiver down my spine. The music fades into the background as tension crackles in the air between us.
“What do you think you're doing with her?” Jacob growls, his voice low and dangerous.
The boy's grip on my hand tightens slightly, but he stands his ground. “Just having a dance, Alpha. No harm done.”
Jacob's nostrils flare as he takes a menacing step forward, his body coiled with aggression. “She's off-limits to you. Leave now before I make you.”
I can feel the eyes of the other guests on us, whispers rippling through the crowd. Panic bubbles in my chest as I try to defuse the situation before it escalates further. But before I can say anything, Cami steps in between Jacob and the boy, her stance bold and unwavering. “There's no need for threats, Jacob,” she says, her voice steady despite the tension radiating through the room. “Let's not ruin the evening with unnecessary drama.”
Jacob's gaze flickers to Cami, a hint of surprise crossing his features before his expression hardens once more. “This is pack business, Cami. Stay out of it.”
Cami stands her ground, undeterred by Jacob's authoritative tone. “Alena is here to enjoy the Winter Ball like everyone else. Let's not turn this into a territorial dispute.”
The boy releases my hand and takes a step back, sensing the brewing storm between the Alpha and Cami. I can feel the weight of everyone's gazes on us, the air thick with anticipation of what might unfold next.
Jacob's jaw tightens as he looks between Cami and me, his eyes finally settling on mine. “Come with me, Alena,” he commands, his voice leaving no room for argument. “We need to talk privately.”
Reluctantly, I follow Jacob through the crowd, my heart pounding in my chest. I steal a glance back at Cami, who gives me a reassuring nod before turning her attention back to the boy, defusing the tension with her calm demeanor.
Once in his office, he closes the door before walking up to me again. “I am sorry, Alena, but you cannot be my mate.”
His words hit me like a sledgehammer. The air in the room is suddenly thick with tension. My mind reels trying to make sense of what Jacob just says. “What do you mean, I can't be your mate?” I choke out, my voice barely above a whisper.
Jacob's jaw clenches as he paces back and forth in front of me, his hands fisted at his sides. “You are a freak, Alena, and I can’t be mated to someone like you.”
My heart feels like it's been ripped from my chest as Jacob's words sink in, each one a dagger to my already fragile sense of self. The truth of his rejection cuts deep, the weight of his disdain heavy in the air between us. I struggle to find my voice, the shock, and hurt locking my throat in a vice grip.
Tears blur my vision as I stare at Jacob, the boy who I once believed held a piece of my heart. But now, that piece crumbles into dust at my feet, leaving me feeling raw and exposed.
Despite the pain threatening to consume me, a spark of defiance flares within me. “I may be different, Jacob,” I say, my voice trembling but determined. “But that doesn't make me any less worthy of love or acceptance.”
Jacob's eyes flash with a mix of emotions — anger, frustration, and perhaps a hint of regret. His fists unclench as he stops pacing and meets my gaze head-on. “I, Alpha Jacob Lacrosse, reject you Alena Donte as my mate and Luna.”
His words hang heavy in the air between us, a finality settling over the room like a thick fog. The weight of his rejection presses down on me, threatening to crush me under its unbearable burden. I feel a wave of emotions crashing over me—hurt, anger, betrayal—all swirling together in a turbulent storm inside my chest. But beneath it all, there is a steely resolve building within me, a fire that refuses to be extinguished by Jacob's cruel words.
As Jacob turns to leave, his posture rigid with tension, I lift my chin defiantly, refusing to let him see the cracks in my armor. “Fine,” I whisper, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside me. “If that's what you want, then so be it.”
Jacob pauses at the door, his hand on the handle as he looks back at me with a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. But before he can say anything else, I raise my head high and meet his eyes. “I, Alena Donte, accept your rejection as my mate and alpha.”
With those words, a weight lifts from my shoulders, replaced by a newfound sense of liberation. I watch as Jacob's expression shifts from surprise to something akin to realization, as if he hadn't expected me to accept his rejection with such defiance. The tension in the room crackles with unspoken words, the air heavy with unresolved emotions.
As Jacob finally leaves the room, closing the door behind him with a resounding click, I sink into a nearby chair, emotions swirling like a storm inside me. The sting of rejection lingers, but now it's tempered with a fierce determination to prove Jacob wrong and show him I am more than what he sees.
Through the haze of my turmoil, Cami's voice breaks through as she enters the room, her eyes soft with concern. “Alena, are you okay?” she asks gently, kneeling beside me as she places a comforting hand on my shoulder.
Trying to steady my racing heart, I take a deep breath as I meet Cami's gaze, finding her unwavering support to be a lifeline amid my turmoil. “I will be,” I say, my voice steady despite the lingering ache in my chest. “I won't let Jacob's rejection define me.”
Cami squeezes my shoulder gently, her eyes filled with empathy and determination. “You're strong, Alena,” she says, her voice filled with conviction. “And you're not alone in this. We'll get through this together.”
Her words resonate deep within me, a spark of hope igniting in the darkness of my hurt. With Cami by my side, I know that I have a friend who will stand with me through whatever challenges lie ahead. Rising from the chair, I straighten my posture and meet Cami's gaze with renewed strength.
“Thank you,” I say, gratitude lacing my words as I draw on the reservoir of resilience within me. As I look at her with a sad smile, “I am going to head back to my room. Go on and have fun.” I say as I walk away.
