Chapter 2. The Ceremony

Becca's POV

"Becca, it's time to leave for the ceremony," my mother called softly, her voice accompanied by a gentle knock on my bedroom door.

I sighed deeply, my chest heavy with discomfort as the reality of the event settled over me. The mating ceremony of the future Alpha was a monumental occasion, and absence without express permission from the Alpha was unthinkable. I had not been granted that privilege, and attendance was not optional.

Avoiding the ceremony was not worth the risk of my family getting into trouble. Heartbreak was not a valid excuse, and I was not ready to face the Alpha’s wrath. Reluctantly, I pulled on a pair of distressed skinny jeans and paired them with an elegant white top. My outfit was not exactly festive, but I had no desire to dress up for the occasion.

When I stepped into the sitting room, my parents were already waiting. My father’s disapproval was instant, his furrowed brow and rigid posture making his thoughts clear. Before he could voice his opinion, my mother took his arm and whispered something to him, her calm tone diffusing the tension. Without a word, we left the house as a family, walking together toward the expansive meeting space that had been decorated for the ceremony.

The crowd was bustling with excitement, and the air was thick with the mingled scents of pine and anticipation. My parents flanked me on either side, gripping my hands protectively as we navigated through the throng of pack members. Despite their reassuring presence, my heart ached, and the weight of what I was about to witness threatened to crush me.

Normally, as the head warriors of the pack, my parents would sit in the front row. Today, however, they deliberately chose seats at the back. It was their quiet way of sending a message to Elyon's family, though the sentiment did little to comfort me. My father squeezed my hand encouragingly as we sat while my mother draped her arm around my shoulders, her warmth a small balm against the storm brewing inside me.

The ceremony began, and moments later, Elyon appeared on stage, Xena by his side. They walked with an air of importance, but Elyon’s eyes betrayed him. As he scanned the crowd, his gaze found mine, and for a fleeting moment, regret flickered in his expression. It was pointless now. My life had already been shattered.

“Breathe, Becca,” my father’s voice murmured in my ear. “Deep breaths. Inhale, exhal. This is going to hurt.”

I nodded, focusing on his steady words, trying to anchor myself. The ceremony progressed, with each ritual like a nail driven deeper into my heart. Finally, the pivotal moment arrived: Elyon would mark his mate. He hesitated, his eyes darting briefly to mine. His father’s stern voice snapped him back into place, and without further delay, Elyon’s sharp fangs sank into Xena’s neck, completing the bond.

The pain that erupted in my chest was unbearable. A cry tore from my throat, unbidden, as tears spilled freely down my face. Gasps rippled through the crowd, and all eyes turned to me. Elyon took an instinctive step toward me, his face etched with anguish, but his father’s firm grip pulled him back to Xena’s side.

Unable to endure another second, I bolted from the gathering, running blindly toward the dense forest behind the packhouse. My feet pounded against the earth as I tore through the undergrowth, leaping over fallen logs and shallow streams. Small animals scattered at my approach, their curious eyes watching as I fled deeper into the wilderness.

Eventually, my strength gave out, and I collapsed at the edge of a small waterfall. My body ached, my muscles screaming in protest after the relentless sprint. I sprawled on the ground, tears mingling with the cool mist from the cascading water. Exhaustion claimed me, and I slipped into unconsciousness, my heart heavy with despair.

When I woke, only one name filled my thoughts.

Elyon.

He had been my everything—the man I dreamed of building a life with, of raising pups with, of growing old beside. Now, he belonged to someone else. Xena would be the one in his arms, the one to share his future. I had believed so fiercely in our love, in its ability to overcome anything, even a broken mate bond. But fate had proven me wrong.

I wept until no tears were left, my body stiff with the weight of sorrow. Sleep overtook me once more, and when I awoke, the sky had darkened. The air, unusually warm for the season, felt comforting. Sitting up, I realized I was beside a crackling fire, a folded towel serving as a makeshift pillow under my head. The realization startled me—someone had been here.

“Awake already?”

The voice, deep and resonant, came from behind me. I spun around, my heart racing. A tall young man stood there, his white-blond hair catching the firelight and his piercing blue eyes fixed on me. His presence was commanding, yet something about him felt... different.

“I... uh... Who are you?” I stammered, unsure whether to be wary or grateful. He did not smell like a rogue, but he was not part of the pack either. Perhaps he was human or something else entirely.

“You are trespassing,” I managed to say, my voice steadier now. “This is private property. You could be attacked or jailed for being here without permission.”

The man raised his hands in a placating gesture, a faint smile on his lips. “Listen, I mean no harm. I am just camping. I will be gone in a few days, okay?”

His calm demeanor unsettled me, but there was an undeniable sincerity in his gaze.

“I thought this area was open for public use,” he added, his tone apologetic.

“Who are you?” I demanded, still on edge.

“Zane Coovens. Nice to meet you,” he replied, extending a hand. Hesitantly, I reached out to shake it, and the moment our hands touched, a jolt of electricity shot through me. I pulled back, startled, while Zane’s smile deepened.

“Becca,” I said softly, my name barely audible over the crackling fire.