Page 8 of Rejecting the Future Moon Goddess

"Geminie Blake. Honour student, valedictorian, Artistic Paw Award, Silver Literature Award, and the Golden Halo Award for most community hours served in the graduating class of 2019." I stand as my name is announced, walking up to the podium once again to shake hands with the faculty standing there; the heads of the English department, Arts department and the Vice-Principal each hold an award and envelope in their hands while I take my diploma from Mrs. Horris.

The trophies gleam in the light as I accept them, quickly hiding the envelopes with the monetary awards into the folder my diploma comes in while I thank each of these wolves for their teachings and guidance throughout my years in the school.

I take my seat again after pictures are taken for the school website, pictures I plan to save and print for whenI find my own home and take the time other wolves are called to the stage to look at the halo in my hands, the paw covered in dripping paint and the "silver" quill on a silver book, each set on a wooden base.

These awards reminded me of how well I had done these last four years while living in hell within Hidden Claws, and that I will thrive wherever I go. My determination to leave is growing stronger once again.

As the list of graduates receive their diplomas and awards, and the ceremony ends, I make the trek back to the pack house alone, taking the time to enjoy the fall surroundings, remindingmyself that my fate is in my own hands.

?Chapter 10 – Rejection Feels Like Death?

I sigh as I look at myself in the small mirror hanging from the wall. After the graduation ceremony, I made my way to my small attic room to see all the bags I had packed gone and a large gift box sitting on the bare mattress. The smile I had on my face had not left after noticing the pale pink dress inside and a note from Alex to enjoy the party—a party all Omegas had to help set up, from cooking all the food to placing all the decorations.

Now showered and dressed in the flowy, off-the-shoulder knee-length dress with a simple pair of black flats on my dainty feet, I sigh and look towards the open window behind me where the sounds of music drift in on the wind. The party is in full swing, and whether or not I want to go I know I could use the last night as a pack member to just enjoy some form of normalcy.

“Gemie?” A soft knock on the door catches my attention as Alex pops his head inside, giving me a soft smile and stepping into the small room.

“You look incredible.” I blush at the compliment, my hand instinctively going to my stomach that sports a black, blue, and purple bruise from this morning. I know he means to spark some form in confidence in me, but the years of bruises and small scars left on my body are small reminders that although I am a werewolf, I will always be the weakest in the pack. Tomorrow, I will be with the humans, and no longer the weakest.

I hear a long sigh as Alex tugs me into a hug, his warmth reminding me that my brother will be by my side after tonight. That he will give up the pack he’d be second-in-command of as Beta for me. He’d do his best to live amongst humans or help us find a pack that will accept us for who we are eventually.

“I know what you’re thinking, Geminie, so stop it. You do look amazing, and these idiots will regret their treatment of you one day.” His arms tighten around me while his words give a small reassurance. Alex is right. One day these wolves will regret how they treated me, as the truth is always revealed eventually. A moment passes and I push away from my brother, sending him a small smile to show that I will be okay, and getting a relieved one in return from him.

“Let’s head downstairs before I chicken out.” I suggest with a nervous chuckle, running my fingers through my hair as Alex motions for me to take the lead. The walk down the stairs from the attic to the first floor is quiet, with older Omegas running around back and forth while the music from the party outside slowly gets louder and louder with each step.

Although this morning I promised myself to not look weak in front of everyone, I can’t help but hesitate as we grow closer to the back door. The Betas made sure to spread the word that it was my fault the beloved Alpha and Luna were murdered. Many of the wolves outside, whether they were the younger generation, my generation or older, despised me. The thought of my last night being filled with hate-filled glares and whispers about why I’m at the party even though I’m a graduate myself makes me want to just turn around and leave without hesitation.

“I- I can’t do this.” I whisper meekly, pausing just inside the sliding doors to the patio as I catch a glimpse of wolves mingling with one another as some dance on the homemadedance floor. I could smell the bonfire on the wind, the smoky scent of pine logs burning giving the fall air a warm feeling.

“This is your day too, Gem. You deserve a night to just let loose.” Alex encourages me and with those words, I feel hands on my shoulders as Alex pushes me out the door without hesitation. A squeal of surprise leaves my lips and once I catch my balance, I turn to glare at my brother only to notice him gone. As much as I love Alex, my brother could be such an asshole at times.

With a deep breath, I stand straight and turn to face the crowd of recent graduates from my pack. Some just nod at me while other ignore me, their focus more on the alcoholic drinks in their red solo cups. As expected, I am ignored, but the worry and anxiety I felt before being pushed outside slowly eased away.

And then I catch it, a strong scent that causes my heart to flutter.

[What’s wrong?] Alex links me and I shrug, looking for the source of this scent.

[A scent. Something that is calling me towards it like a moth to a flame.] I answer, taking small steps towards the table full of food.

[Shit. Your mate is here.] I stop mid-step, shock filling me at realizing my mate is in this pack. This complicates the plan of leaving.

[Just enjoy your night, and if you meet him, you meet him. For now, focus on yourself, okay, Gemmy?] Alex advises before the link shuts off. Sighing, I take his advice and focus on enjoying my last night in this pack. Mate or not, I no longer want to be in Hidden Claws.

Spending the next hour either roasting marshmallows by the fire, keeping warm in the chilly fall night, andregretting that I didn’t bring a jacket, I listen to the chatter of wolves who will become full-fledged Hunters and Trackers. These wolves will be taking over their parents’ positions in the pack, and others will go off to college to learn professions needed in the pack, like doctors, teachers, and nurses. This makes me start to question where I want to go. I have money from scholarships now, so I could go to college and make a living amongst humans.

As I think about my future plans every so often the wind will carry a faint trace of this scent, one that causes my heart to skip a beat and make my thoughts muddled. I know my mate is walking around, but I ignore this feeling, turning my thoughts back to my future.

Now would be a suitable time to leave with everyone busy at the party and only Omegas running about the pack house and grounds, giving me a great way to sneak out unnoticed. I could figure out my future after Alex and I leave the pack.

"Attention please!” I stand, ready to leave when Beta Bastian’s voice calls loud and clear above the music. The chatter dies down and someone turns off the music. I curse my luck, wanting nothing else but to leave unnoticed. Unfortunately for me, with the attention on the Beta and Mika standing next to him, no one can move without being punished.

“Our dear future Alpha, Mika, says he can smell the scent of his mate in this crowd.” Beta Bastian continues. The chatter begins, this time the focus being on who in this pack might be the next Luna. My mind wanders back to the days Alpha Sorus used to tease Mika and me as being the next Alpha and Luna pair. Lace would jokingly say her and Luna Reena would plan my ceremony. Those memories feel like a lifetime ago, a life that was no longer mine.

“With this information, can we have all the unmated she-wolves line up in front of the bonfire? Today we will not only celebrate the graduates of the high school, but we will also welcome our future Luna.” I roll my eyes at their excitement, knowing many will have their hopes dashed. Unfortunately for me, though, I will have to join the line as Beta Bastian will not let anyone walk away.

With a sigh, I watch the line grow longer and know that if I don’t join soon, a beating will ensue quickly. With that thought in mind, I join at the very end. The line moves quicker than I thought, with girl after girl walking away dejectedly or escorted through tears by a friend once deemed not Mika’s mate, while he stands there impatiently. Soon, only twenty girls out of the forty remain.

A scent is blown my way carried by the wind, one that has been taunting me all tonight.

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