Werewolf

Rejecting The Alpha S Crown

by Soda

Our mating ceremony was only three days away. Julian, my fiancé, set two headpieces on the table. Both came from the pack's master blacksmith.One was a heavy moonstone crown, the ultimate mark of Alpha power.The other was just a cheap gold-plated band, shaped like a simple ring of leaves.He didn't say a word. He didn't have to. I already knew the moonstone went to my twin sister, Stella.Still, my fingers moved first. I pressed my palm flat against the moonstone crown. "Julian, I'm your fated mate. Don't I even deserve a real crown for our ceremony?"Julian frowned and slapped my hand away."Chloe, stop. Stella leads the peace talks tomorrow. She needs to look like a true leader for the other packs. Besides, you're wolfless. A heavy rock won't make anyone respect you."I stared at him, cold dread pooling in my chest.I should have known better.In a pack built on raw power, Julian only ever cared about Stella.After every hunt, Julian handed the best cut of meat to Stella first.The dry, overcooked scraps went to me.At every full moon ceremony, he made Stella stand high on the altar where the Luna belonged. He claimed she had the presence to command respect. Meanwhile, as the real Luna-to-be, I shrank at the very bottom of the steps like an invisible shadow.The Moon Goddess snapped our mate bond into place, but Julian never smiled. His first reaction was pure shock, quickly followed by deep resentment.I looked down at the dull gold band, pulled my hand back, and stepped away from the table."Keep it," I said quietly. "Give both to Stella. I don't want either."Julian rolled his eyes. He thought this was just another tantrum. "Don't be dramatic. I'll get you a better one next time."He picked up the moonstone crown and hurried next door to find Stella.He had no idea this was the last time I would ever step aside for her.I was done being anyone's second choice.

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