Alicia's POV
"I am rejecting you, Alicia Sandler!" Jonathan shouted.
Everything went quiet. My entire world came to a halt. It felt like I couldn't breathe. My heart pounded violently in my chest.
"What…what are you saying?" I asked in shock. "We're supposed to seal our mate bond today."
I reached for his hand, but he yanked it away like my touch disgusted him. His eyes, once warm, now looked at me like I was filth.
"You really thought I would stay mated to a bankrupt Omega?" he sneered. "I only stuck around because of your name, your power, your money. But now? You're nothing."
I froze.
This wasn't how today was supposed to go.
This was meant to be the happiest day of my life.
Instead, it felt like the Moon Goddess had cursed me.
My mind drifted back to how the day had started…
That morning, I stood in front of the mirror and slowly turned side to side. I smiled, admiring my white birthday dress. It was custom-made and designed just for me—my father's gift for my 20th birthday.
This birthday was special. Not just because I was turning twenty, but because today, my mate Jonathan and I were supposed to seal our bond.
Even though I was an Omega, I lived like royalty. My father was a strong, feared Alpha. He was also the CEO of Sadler Global, one of the largest companies in the world.
People admired me everywhere I went. I was the darling of the college—rich, kind, and well-loved. Jonathan Kale, the captain of the football team, was my boyfriend and chosen mate. He was an Alpha and the heir to another powerful business empire.
We had planned for months to make this birthday our bonding day. I couldn't wait.
I picked up my phone and saw dozens of birthday messages in our school group chat. People were already posting my pictures and celebrating me.
I sent a quick text to my best friend Clara, reminding her not to be late for the party. But she wasn't online.
I put my phone down and gently removed the dress. I wanted to check in with Dad and see how the party preparations were going.
But something felt… off. My parents had been acting strange all morning. Normally, they would be buzzing around on my birthday, double-checking everything and making sure I was happy. But today, they were too quiet.
"Dad?" I called as I walked down the stairs. "Mom?"
No answer.
I stepped into the garden. The event planners were working, decorating everything beautifully. It looked amazing.
Then I walked to the back of the house and found my parents talking in hushed voices. They looked serious—worried. So lost in conversation, they didn't even notice me at first.
"Ahem." I cleared my throat.
They flinched and turned toward me quickly.
"Hi, sweetheart!" my mom greeted with a forced smile.
"Are you both okay?" I asked. "You're acting weird."
They exchanged a look before my dad stepped forward.
"How long were you standing there, Alicia?" he asked, dodging the question.
"Long enough to know something's wrong," I replied. "Please, just tell me the truth."
My father placed both hands gently on my shoulders.
"There's nothing to worry about, sweetheart," he said in that calm voice he always used when trying to reassure me. "Just enjoy your birthday today. We'll talk tomorrow, okay?"
I studied their faces. They were clearly hiding something. But I trusted my dad. He had always been strong—always protected us.
"Okay," I said, trying to smile. "I'll wait. I just wanted to tell you I love the dress. Thank you."
I gave him a hug and went back inside.
The party was set to start at 6 p.m., and it was already 5. The makeup artist and hairstylist were waiting, so I quickly got started with them.
At exactly 6 p.m., I walked into the garden. All eyes turned toward me.
"Wow, Alicia!"
"You look so beautiful!"
"Absolutely stunning!"
People clapped and took pictures. I smiled shyly.
This was it. The moment I had dreamed of.
But as I looked around, something felt off.
Jonathan wasn't there. Clara wasn't either.
A knot formed in my stomach. I tried calling them both, but their numbers didn't go through.
It was time for my welcome speech. I walked up to the microphone, still hoping they would appear.
And then—Jonathan walked in.
Relief hit me for a second—until I saw who was walking beside him.
He was holding someone else's hand.
Clara's.
My best friend.
Gasps echoed around us. Phones came up instantly. Flashes of cameras lit the space as I stood frozen in shock.
"Jonathan… Clara… what is going on?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
Clara didn't respond. She just smirked.
Jonathan walked forward and took the microphone from me.
I was still trying to process what I was seeing when he spoke.
"I'm rejecting you, Alicia Sandler."
And my world stopped spinning.
"You really think I'll stay mated to a broke Omega like you?" he continued, voice dripping with venom. "I was only with you for your name and your family's influence. But now? You've lost everything. I'm done."
I turned to my parents.
Their faces told me everything.
It was true. We were bankrupt.
That was what they had been hiding from me all day.
The same guests who were celebrating me minutes ago were now laughing and whispering.
Some were filming. Others pointed and mocked.
And Clara—my best friend—stood beside Jonathan like she had won.
Everything I knew, everything I loved, shattered around me.
The pain was unbearable. The shame? Crushing.
So I did the only thing I could.
I ran.
And ran.
And ran...
Until I stood at the edge of the forest.
I fell to my knees. My sobs broke through the silence of the trees.
But just as I was about to scream out in pain, a shadow moved behind me.
Low. Silent.
Watching.
And then—I heard a growl.
Deep. Dangerous. Close.
I wasn't alone.