The Breaking Point of Mate: Giving Up on My Alpha novel Chapter 1

Melanie's POV

It was my birthday, and it was the day my mate—Alpha Archer—had promised to finally give me the permanent mark under the moonlight.

Every year, he only gave me temporary marks—those fleeting imprints that were gone with the slightest whisper, like a candle flame in the wind.

This year, he'd finally agreed to truly mark me on this night of the full moon.

That meant I wouldn't be a hidden Luna anymore. I'd be the one he officially acknowledged before the Moon Goddess and everyone else.

I made sure they cleared a spot in the woods, set up a moonlit altar, and decorated it with silver stones and flowers that symbolized loyalty.

The air smelled faintly of lavender, my favorite scent.

My wolf, Frost, was practically doing backflips in my mind.

She was howling with excitement, almost shattering my concentration. She couldn't wait to be marked by Archer, to be completely accepted.

"He's finally going to claim us, Melanie," she whispered deep in my consciousness. "He's finally going to let the whole pack see us."

I smiled, my fingers gently tracing the barely-there temporary mark on the side of my neck.

I pictured the moment it would happen—his warm breath against my skin, his canines breaking the surface of my scent gland, his pheromones merging with mine to form an eternal bond.

In that moment, we would truly belong to each other.

I even planned how I would look up and smile when the ceremony was over, letting everyone see the mark I was so proud of.

Filled with this overflowing happiness, I walked toward the ceremony site.

The garden lights shimmered in the night, and silver leaves sparkled in the breeze.

Omegas were busy placing moon crystals. Guests were chatting, raising their glasses, their laughter and music filling the air, as if the world belonged only to celebration and joy tonight.

I moved through the crowd, feeling their eyes briefly pass over me. Archer's friends saw me but didn't bother to say hello.

They were laughing and talking with other Alphas, acting like I was just some random guest they'd invited.

My heart gave a little squeeze right then.

It was true. Archer always hid who I was. Even though his friends knew we were mated, they never treated me with the respect a Luna deserved.

I walked over to the bar and picked up a drink, taking small sips to cover up my uneasiness.

"Get the lady another martini."

A low voice cut through the noise, and I looked up, meeting Dwight's gaze—one of Archer's best friends.

He smiled, his tone a vague mix of probing and casual interest. "Not having fun?"

I tightened my grip on the stem of my glass, forcing a smile. "I'm just not a big fan of parties."

"Me neither," he shrugged, looking bored. "But I'm only here to put in my time."

I didn't know what he meant by that. His tone felt like some kind of hint, and it made me nervous.

Just then, the bartender slid a cold glass in front of me.

I took a sip. The bubbles popped on my tongue, sharp and clear.

I hoped the cold would cool the anxious heat in my chest and settle my nerves.

"He's coming," I told myself. "He promised."

Tonight was going to be our beginning.

Right at that moment, a cheer went up from the moonlit altar.

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