Soon to be Lycan Princess

Public Rejection

The packhouse fell into a stunned silence for the briefest moment, Jason’s rejection hanging in the air like a thunderclap. And then the murmurs began—hushed at first, like a gust of wind whispering through the trees, before swelling into a cacophony of voices. Some laughed outright, the sound sharp and cruel, while others exchanged wide-eyed glances, unsure how to react to the spectacle unraveling before them.

In the center of it all, I stood frozen, my heart pounding so loudly I could hardly hear anything else. My chest felt like it was being crushed, the mate bond—a tether that should have brought love and belonging—now a jagged chain cutting deep into my soul.

I wanted to disappear, to vanish into thin air. But of course, Jessica wouldn’t let that happen. She saw an opportunity and seized it with glee.

“Don’t take it personally, Eva,” she said, her voice dripping with mock concern. Her smirk gleamed like the jewels on her dress, and the pack’s attention shifted to her as if she’d called for a spotlight. “Some shewolves just aren’t Luna material.”

The laughter grew louder, spreading like wildfire as Jessica’s words sank in. I clenched my fists, trying to hold back the tears that burned at the corners of my eyes. Don’t cry, I told myself. Not here. Not in front of them.

But Jessica wasn’t done. She took a step closer, her entourage trailing behind her like hyenas waiting for scraps.

“Honestly,” she continued, tilting her head in mock sympathy, “it’s kind of sad, don’t you think? All that waiting for your wolf, and now this? No wonder the Moon Goddess skipped you.”

That was the breaking point. Before I could react, Mia pushed through the crowd, her eyes blazing.

“Back off, Jessica,” she snapped. “You’ve had your fun. Leave her alone.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Aw, how cute. Eva’s pet is here to save her.”

The words stung, but Mia didn’t back down. She stepped closer to Jessica, her fiery red hair practically glowing under the lights.

“Say another word,” Mia growled, “and I’ll make you regret it.”

Jessica laughed, a tinkling sound that only made me feel smaller. “Oh, please. Like you could do anything.”

Then, before I could process what was happening, Jessica grabbed the hem of my dress.

“What are you—” I started, but it was too late.

The sound of fabric tearing filled the air as Jessica and her friends pulled at my dress, shredding the delicate lavender fabric I’d worked so hard to afford. Gasps erupted from the crowd, but no one stepped in to stop them.

Tears streamed down my face as I tried to hold the remnants of my dress together, my humiliation complete.

“That’s enough!” Mia shouted, shoving Jessica back. But the damage was done.

The room felt like it was closing in on me, the laughter, the whispers, the stares all blending into a suffocating fog. I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I turned and ran, the sound of Jessica’s mocking laughter echoing behind me.

I didn’t stop running until I was outside, the cool night air hitting my tear-streaked face. My heart ached, the rejection and humiliation cutting deeper than any wound. My feet carried me blindly toward the cliffs, the one place I could be alone.

As I stumbled toward the edge of the cliffs, the haunting sound of laughter still rang in my ears, a cruel reminder of everything I’d just lost.