Chapter 1 Not Accepted

• Raya's POV
• I exhaled sharply, my breath hitched and caught in my throat. I could feel my stomach tighten into a knot as my heartbeat accelerated.
• “I wonder who it will be.” I muttered silently under my breath as I took each step carefully down the stairs.
• I could hear indistinct chatters from every corner of the hall. The golden and purple decorations lightened up the mood. The soft background music made me feel warm and vulnerable.
• This is the night I have waited for all my life. The day I will find my mate and be claimed by the one destined to be mine.
• “Miss Raya, you look beautiful. There's no reason to fear, I'm sure the moon goddess will provide you with your mate tonight.” My maid, Sara, whispered into my ears assuredly.
• “I do hope so, Sara, even though I wish my mate would be…” My voice trailed off as my cheek burned in embarrassment.
• “Raya, are you ready?” My father's voice broke into my thoughts.
• I inhaled sharply with my eyes shut. I opened my eyes and nodded boldly with a smile on my face.
• My father, Alpha of the Black Moon Pack, held my hands and walked me to the stage where I would be sitting for the night.
• The hall instantly grew silent with everyone's attention on me. My heels and breath sliced through the tension as I kept my eyes on the wall.
• My father brought me to my seat, and the crowd cheered with resounding applause.
• I sat down with my shoulder below my head. I couldn't bring myself to stare back at the multitude of people who had arrived from different Packs for my mating ceremony.
• I caught sight of Darius, and my heart skipped a beat.
• I still don't know how to behave whenever he's close to me despite knowing him almost all of my life.
• “Get yourself together, Raya, it's just Darius.” I scolded myself.
• All of a sudden, Darius walked up to me with a smile plastered all over his face.
• I fussed with my gown, tugging nervously as I felt butterflies spread through my stomach.
• His long legs marched towards me, majestically making it hard for me to breathe.
• “Congratulations on your daughter's mating ceremony, Alpha Ashthorne.” I heard Darius faintly as I drooled over him.
• “Thank you, Alpha Darius. It's still a shame we have not been able to pay you a proper visit since your father's death and your coronation.” My father responded, his voice carrying a tone of guilt and regret.
• “It's fine, Alpha Ashthorne.” I heard Darius's voice again.
• “Raya, you look breathtaking tonight.” I heard Darius's voice in my head, and my eyes widened with shock.
• “Uhhnn!” I exclaimed in shock as I turned towards him.
• “Why the surprise? Can't I compliment my childhood friend?” Darius said, and I laughed, trying to mask my nervousness.
• “It's not that. It's just that you have never complimented me before. You would rather tease me.” I whispered my eyes locked with his.
• For a moment there, I thought something happened between us, making my heart flip with excitement. Maybe the moon goddess is trying to tell me something.
• “The moon is setting Alpha. It's time for us to begin with the ceremony.” One of the priests said, and I gulped air down my throat.
• “I will leave you to continue then, excuse me,” Darius said, and I stood up swiftly. I watched with sadness as Darius retreated to his seat.
• I bowed my head as he walked away.
• The mating rites and ceremony began. The elders of the Pack prayed, and the priests chanted to the moon goddess as we all waited for the appearance of the moon.
• Finally, the moon appeared, and I stood up in anticipation. Suddenly, I felt my bones snap. I could feel the rush of adrenaline as my blood boiled in my veins.
• My wolf growled inside of me, wanting to make an escape. My eyes turned red with my claws extending.
• I felt so much excitement well up in me. I have never felt this good in my entire life.
• Everyone bowed their heads in reverence to the moon goddess.
• “Mate!” I whispered in my head, panting hard. I could feel him close. I can smell him, and I want him right now.
• I howled loudly from the deepest part of my soul. I heard another howl, and I froze there in shock. That was another wolf calling for me. No! That was my mate calling for me. I turned abruptly, wondering who it might be.
• “Mate!” We both spurred out.
• My eyes widened in shock with my palm over my mouth in surprise.
• “I can't believe this, I can't…..” I stammered, finding it difficult to form my words.
• “Raya!” His firm voice called.
• “Darius!” I whispered beneath my breath. My eyes stung with tears. I looked back at Sara, who was already crying.
• The moon goddess granted my desires, the man I have always loved and had a crush since childhood happened to be my mate.
• “Father!” I called, and my Dad hugged me.
• “I'm proud of you, Raya. The moon goddess has favoured our family. We will be in-laws with the West Wood Pack,” My father stated, his eyes beaming with joy.
• “Alpha Darius Nightbane of the West Wood Pack is mated to Raya Ashthorne of the Black Moon Pack. Now we will….” The priest was starting to say, but his words were caught mid way.
• “No…” Darius spat out, and I felt my heart sink deep into my stomach.
• “What!” I shook my head in denial, hoping it's not what I'm thinking.
• “I said no!” He yelled, and I could see his eyes spark in anger, making me shiver down to my core.
• “But Darius…” my voice cracked into sobs, my legs trembling in fear.
• “I'm sorry but I, Alpha Darius Nightbane of the West Wood Pack can't accept Raya of the Black Moon Pack as my mate,” Darius announced with a firm voice, and his face was emotionless.