Rosa's POV

I woke up with a flutter of excitement in my chest, the kind that made my hands tremble just slightly as I ran them through my tangled brown hair. Today was the Feast of the Moon. But above all, it my eighteenth birthday, the day every werewolf dreamed of. Today, I would find my mate.

I stared at the ceiling for a few more moments, letting the excitement spread through me. My heart beat faster just thinking about him; the wolf who would complete me, the one who would accept me for who I was. No more being looked down upon, no more being the runt. I could feel it in my bones: today was the beginning of something new.

I leaped out of bed and hurried to my small wardrobe, where a simple cream-colored dress hung waiting for me. It wasn’t much—nothing like the elaborate gown my sister Ava would undoubtedly wear—but I wasn’t one to dwell on things like that. I slipped it on and ran my fingers over the soft fabric, wondering if my mate would notice me today. I wanted to look my best for him, even if my resources were limited.

A sharp knock on the door jolted me out of my thoughts.

“Rosa, are you still not ready?” Ava’s voice was sharp, even before I opened the door. I could already hear the condescension in her tone. I swallowed and braced myself before stepping into the hallway.

Ava stood there, radiant in a deep sapphire gown that hugged her every curve, her raven-black hair cascading down her back like a golden waterfall. The dress shimmered in the morning light. Its fabric was delicate and fine, clearly designed to impress. Everything about Ava screamed royalty, and she carried herself like it. I felt plain in comparison, standing there in my simple cream dress.

She looked me up and down, and I saw the flash of disdain cross her face before she plastered on a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You look… adequate.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, pulling at my sleeves. I couldn’t help the way my chest tightened. After all these years, you’d think I’d be used to it—her snide comments, her constant belittling. But it still stung. Ava was twenty, two years older than me, and for as long as I could remember, she had made sure I knew my place: beneath her. Always beneath her.

“Today’s important, you know,” Ava said, a smile playing on her lips, but I caught the glint of malice in her eyes. “Don’t embarrass us.”

I held back the urge to snap at her, not wanting to spoil my own mood. I could already sense her claws were out, but it didn’t matter. Nothing could bring me down today.

Our father stepped into the hallway just then, his expression impassive as ever. Elias Beaumont was an intimidating man, tall and broad-shouldered, with the coldest eyes you could imagine. His gray hair was cropped short, giving him a stern look that matched his demeanor. He barely acknowledged me as he walked past, not even sparing a glance at Ava’s jabs.

"Let’s go," he said simply.

Neither of them had wished me a happy birthday, but I didn’t expect them to. I was used to it. Growing up as an outsider, even in my own home, was something I had long ago accepted. We stepped outside, where a black carriage waited.

The driver opened the door, and we climbed inside. I settled next to the window, staring out at the dense forest that stretched endlessly beyond the horizon.

My heart beat faster as we rode on. Somewhere out there, my mate was waiting. And today, I would find him.

As we neared the pack house, a strange scent hit me. It was musky, wild, and powerful, with the distinct notes of pine and earth. The kind of smell that made my wolf stir within me. I frowned, sniffing the air again.

“Do you smell that?” I asked, turning to Ava.

She gave me a bored glance before shrugging. “No, and I don’t care.”

Of course she didn’t. Ava was never one to notice anything beyond herself. But I couldn’t shake the scent. It was intoxicating, pulling me in like a magnet. It had to be my mate. Excitement filled me at the thought, and I had to remind myself to keep breathing.

The carriage pulled to a stop outside the pack house, and I could hear the festive sounds of the Feast of the Moon already in full swing. We stepped out into the cool air. I felt small, almost insignificant, standing next to Ava in her regal gown. But today wasn’t about her. Today was about me.

As we entered the grand hall, I was greeted by the sight of brightly colored banners and tables overflowing with food. The room buzzed with the laughter and chatter of pack members and elders, all celebrating the sacred night. My father took his seat at the head of the table, exchanging formalities with the other elders. I sat quietly beside him, my fingers fidgeting in my lap.

And then it happened.

The doors to the hall swung open with a loud creak, and all conversation came to a halt. I didn’t need to see him to know who had just entered—the scent I had caught earlier hit me with full force, stronger now, more intoxicating.

The herald’s voice boomed across the room. “Alpha Damon has arrived.” My heart stopped. Alpha Damon? The room seemed to spin as I slowly turned to look.

There, standing tall and commanding at the entrance, was Alpha Damon, his sharp blue eyes scanning the room. He was powerful, every inch of him exuding dominance.

His auburn hair was neatly combed, and he wore a dark suit, but it was the sheer strength radiating from him that made me freeze in awe.

My heart thudded wildly in my chest. That scent was coming from.... him?

Alpha Damon... was my mate.