The Rejected Luna's Redemption

　　Melissa’s POV

　　To steady my shaking hands, I gripped the hem of my old dress. The Ambersy Pack hall reverberated with the sound of the pack meeting. With anxious optimism, my heart raced; maybe today would be different. Maybe people would see me as more than the omega daughter of a disgraced Alpha at last.

　　"Hey, Melissa! Selene, my stepmother, yelled from the opposite side of the room. Her piercing voice cut like a whip across my mind. Serve the beverages instead of just standing there like a statue. For once, do your job well!"

　　My cheeks burned with embarrassment as the crowd's laughter filled the room. I snatched up the drink tray and walked through the crowd without making eye contact.

　　Isn't she pitiful? Someone sneered, and I heard it.

　　Another person commented, "She's just a burden to the pack."

　　I bit my lip to keep from crying. I couldn't allow them to witness my breakdown.

　　There was silence in the room as the door abruptly sprang open. The atmosphere grew heavy as Kane, the Alpha of the Ambersy Pack, walked in with a sense of dominance. At the same time, his presence was scary, dominating, and captivating.

　　The audience naturally moved aside to make a place for him as his piercing blue eyes swept the room. His eyes remained on me for a moment, and my pulse skipped a beat.

　　Selene stepped forward with a fake smile and purred, "Alpha Kane." It is truly a privilege to have you here. What is the purpose of our visit?"

　　Kane said icily and firmly, ignoring her. "I need to make an announcement. Bring everyone together.

　　I froze, not sure if I should be excited or afraid. A declaration? What might it be?

　　The air was heavy with expectation as the flock gathered in quiet. I tried to disappear into the shadows as I stood at the room's edge.

　　On the platform, Kane stood erect, his face unreadable. "As the Alpha of the Ambersy Pack, I stand before you today to announce that I have found my mate."

　　Whispers followed gasps throughout the room. My heart raced. A partner? Could it be—

　　My breath caught in my throat as his eyes met mine.

　　"Melissa Cade," he whispered, his voice like a razor piercing the murmurs.

　　All eyes turned to me as the room fell silent once more. I grabbed for support on the closest table since my knees felt weak.

　　"M-Me?Unable to believe it, I mumbled.

　　"Yes," replied Kane icily, his eyes hardening. "You are my partner."

　　His face contorted into one of disdain before I could comprehend what he was saying. "But you are rejected by me."

　　I felt as though my breath had been taken away. The word "reject" echoed in my head like a cruel joke as I looked at him in shock.

　　Kane went on in a venomous tone, "I will never accept you as my Luna." "My family was destroyed by the enemy, whose daughter you are. You are a complete embarrassment.

　　Murmurs broke out throughout the audience, some in agreement, some in disbelief. My eyes filled with tears, and my chest constricted.

　　"Kane," I said in a tremulous murmur. "Please."

　　He abruptly interrupted me, saying, "There is no place for you by my side." "This bond is an error."

　　I was left standing there, broken and ashamed, as he turned and left.

　　I stumbled back to the small room in the servant's quarters that I called home. I leaned against the door for support as I closed it behind me, my hands shaking.

　　I put my fists to my chest and tried to soothe the pain that seemed like it was tearing me apart as tears ran down my cheeks.

　　"I believed... I said to myself, "I thought I had finally found someone." "Why? The Moon Goddess did this to me, but why?"

　　Voices floated through the thin walls, muffled, while I brushed away my tears. I pressed my ear to the wall and stepped closer as fear and curiosity pulled at me.

　　Are you implying that Kane turned her down? It was the piercing, hateful voice of Selene.

　　"Yes," my dad said in a monotone voice. But it doesn't stop there. She is still useful to us.

　　Make use of her? For what purpose? Selene inquired.

　　"For a partnership," he stated icily. "The Silverhowl Pack's Alpha Damon is seeking a bride. He will marry Melissa. It will keep her out of our path and fortify our pack.

　　I felt sick to my stomach. They intended to use me as a pawn in their scheme.

　　Selene laughed and remarked, "And she has no choice." "Anyway, she's just a burden."

　　I clenched my fists, feeling hopeless and angry. My father was prepared to treat me as though I had no value.

　　I kept to myself and avoided everyone the following day as I attempted to make sense of things. My denial. My family's betrayal. Wherever I went, the murmurs followed.

　　I was buried in my thoughts as I walked around the packhouse's edge while the sun was setting. The storm inside of me was not much calmed by the cold breeze.

　　I tried to gather my strength and muttered to myself, "Melissa, you're stronger than this." "You must not allow them to shatter you."

　　I turned when I heard a sudden rustle behind me, and my heart jumped into my throat. Standing there with his hands balled into fists was Kane.

　　"What are you looking for? I asked, attempting to speak steadily.

　　His eyes were impenetrable, but his expression... They contained something I couldn't identify. Feeling sorry? Fury? Anguish?

　　He began to say, "I..." but paused, as though he was having difficulty.

　　"What? I stepped back and demanded. "You've turned me down already. Isn't that sufficient?"

　　He didn't respond. However, he turned abruptly and left, leaving me even more perplexed.

　　My thoughts were racing as I watched him vanish into the night. What was that expression on his face? Maybe he did have feelings for me after all.

　　I was about to get back inside when I had a terrifying notion. What if I was in danger in addition to Kane?

　　As Melissa came to terms with the extent of her family's treachery, her mind raced. Her stepmother's scheme and Kane's refusal were only the first steps. Everywhere she looked, there was danger and uncertainty, and Melissa knew deep down that something much worse was on the horizon.