Seraphine's POV
"Happy birthday to me," I whispered to the empty servant's quarters.
Eighteen. Today I turned eighteen.
My hands trembled as I braided my blonde hair. Today could change everything. Today I might finally find my mate.
"Seraphine!" Tiara's shrill voice echoed through the pack house. "Where are you, you worthless omega?"
My stomach dropped. I hurried downstairs, smoothing my worn dress.
Tiara stood in the grand foyer, her dark curls perfectly styled. At twenty-seven, she commanded attention with her sharp beauty and sharper tongue. Two maids flanked her - Avery and Eliza, always eager to join in tormenting me.
"There you are." Tiara's eyes glittered with malice. "I need my breakfast served in the rose garden. And make sure the silver is polished properly this time."
"Yes, Lady Tiara," I said quietly.
"Louder!" She snapped her fingers. "I can barely hear your pathetic voice."
"Yes, Lady Tiara!" I repeated.
Avery, a tall brunette, smirked. "Maybe she's getting old. Eighteen and still mateless."
"How tragic," Eliza added with false sweetness. "An orphan omega with no prospects."
Heat flooded my cheeks. Inside my mind, my wolf Myra bristled with anger.
Ignore them, I told her. Today might be different.
Tiara stepped closer, her perfume overwhelming. "Clean the garden path before you serve. I won't have dirt on my shoes."
I nodded and rushed away, their laughter following me.
The rose garden sprawled behind the pack house, vibrant blooms catching the morning sun. I swept the stone path, my mind wandering to possibilities. What if my mate was strong? What if he could protect me?
He will, Myra whispered hopefully. I can feel it.
After setting Tiara's breakfast table, I returned inside. She sat with her usual audience, picking at pastries while complaining about wedding preparations.
"The Alpha deserves perfection," she declared. "Not some shabby ceremony."
My chest tightened. Alpha Nash would marry her soon. The whole pack buzzed with excitement about their union - a political alliance that would strengthen both packs.
"More coffee," Tiara demanded without looking at me.
As I poured, she deliberately moved her cup. Hot liquid splashed across the white tablecloth.
"Clumsy!" She shot to her feet. "Look what you've done!"
"I'm sorry, I—"
"You've ruined everything!" Tiara grabbed my wrist, her nails digging in. "Clean this mess. Now."
Avery and Eliza exchanged gleeful looks.
"Should we tell the Alpha?" Avery suggested.
"No need," Tiara said coldly. "I'll handle this omega myself."
She shoved me backward. I stumbled, catching myself against a chair.
"Pathetic," she spat. "No wonder you're mateless."
They left me there, their cruel laughter echoing. I blinked back tears as I cleaned the stained tablecloth.
Don't let them break you, Myra urged. Today is our day.
Hours passed in a blur of chores. By afternoon, exhaustion weighed on my shoulders. I was carrying linens to the wash house when it hit me.
A scent.
Rich. Intoxicating. Like pine forests after rain, mixed with something darker, more dangerous.
My knees nearly buckled. Myra went crazy inside my head, howling with excitement.
Mate! she screamed. Our mate is here!
The laundry basket fell from my hands, sheets scattering across the floor. I didn't care. That scent pulled at something deep in my chest, a golden thread leading me forward.
I followed it through corridors, past confused pack members. The scent grew stronger, more overwhelming. My heart hammered against my ribs.
It led me outside to the training grounds.
Warriors sparred in the afternoon heat, their bodies glistening with sweat. But I only had eyes for one man.
Alpha Nash stood in the center, dark hair catching sunlight as he demonstrated combat moves. His amber eyes focused intently on his opponent. Power radiated from his tall frame, commanding respect from every wolf present.
The scent poured off him in waves.
He was magnificent. Strong. Everything I'd dreamed of.
He's perfect, Myra purred. Our Alpha.
I stepped closer, drawn by an invisible force. This had to be fate. The Moon Goddess herself had paired me with the Alpha. Maybe my miserable life had meaning after all.
Nash finished his demonstration and turned. Our eyes met across the training ground.
His expression shifted. Those beautiful amber eyes widened, then narrowed as they took me in. I saw recognition flicker across his face - he knew what I was to him.
But instead of joy or relief, something cold settled in his features. Disappointment. Disgust, even.
My steps faltered. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen.
"Alpha Nash!" Tiara's voice cut through the afternoon air like a blade.
She appeared at the edge of the training ground, radiant in a flowing dress that emphasized her curves. Her smile was brilliant as she approached him.
I watched in growing horror as Nash's expression completely transformed. The coldness melted away, replaced by warmth I'd never seen him show anyone.
"Tiara," he said, his voice gentle.
She reached him and threw her arms around his neck. Without hesitation, he pulled her close and kissed her deeply, passionately, right there in front of everyone.
Including me.
The world tilted. That golden thread in my chest snapped, sending shards of agony through my entire being. I gasped, the sound lost in the noise of training.
Nash's eyes opened during the kiss and found mine over Tiara's shoulder. There was no regret there. No apology. Just cold, final rejection.
He'd made his choice without saying a word.
I stumbled backward, bile rising in my throat. Several warriors glanced my way, confused by my obvious distress.
Run, Myra whimpered. We need to run.
I turned and fled. Past the pack house, past curious stares, past everything. My chest felt like it was caving in, each breath a struggle.
The laundry room was empty and dim. I collapsed on the floor behind a pile of sheets, finally letting the sobs come.
Everything hurt. My heart, my soul, even my bones ached with rejection. The mate bond stretched between us like a wound that wouldn't heal.
How could the Moon Goddess be so cruel? To give me hope, only to snatch it away?
I curled into a ball, letting the tears fall freely. No one would miss me here. No one would care that the orphan omega was falling apart.
The door creaked open.
I froze, holding my breath. Through my tears, I saw a shadow fall across the floor.
Someone had found me.