The Second Chance Of The Rejected Moon (Celine and Bastian) novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I smooth down the skirt of my dress, run a brush through my long hair, and study myself in the mirror I look presentable. aside from the swelling on my cheek. I use foundation and concealer to hide the bruise and, altogether, I’ve only taken mine minutes.

When I open the door, Beta Christian is leaning against the wall beside my room. He gives me a once-over and nods.

“Didn’t you have a newer dress in that color? It looks… old and faded.”

Heat floods my cheeks in embarrassment. I don’t own new clothes. I work for the pack house; but all I’m given is a place to sleep. Every piece of clothing I have comes from the charity center. I have no money.

“No. I’m sorry.”

My eyes drop back to the floor and, after a long sigh, he gently takes my arm to guide me to my father’s office, just as he promised.

The moment I step onto the first stair, a soft tug in my chest stops me cold. A scent drifts through the air, sweet, fresh, masculine.

I feel my wolf stir awake, slowly coming alive beneath my skin.

Goddess, please don’t let my mate be in this house today of all days.

“What’s wrong?” Beta Christian tugs lightly on my arm so we can keep climbing, and with every step the scent grows stronger. Cedar, mint, and something powerful beneath it.

My father’s Beta knocks twice before opening the office door without waiting for permission. He gives me another gentle push to step inside, and the scent hits me so hard it nearly steals my breath.

My brother stands beside my father behind the desk. His Luna and my sister sit on the sofa near the warmth of the fireplace, and by the window stands the owner of the scent that has awakened every instinct inside me.

He barely turns his head to look at me before facing the window again.

“Where were you, Celine?” My father’s voice sounds strangely kind. “I assume someone already told you your grandmother passed away last night. I’m very sorry.”

With one hand, he gestures toward the armchair across from my sister and her mother. Both women stare at me with open disgust.

“This morning I went to leave flowers for my mother on the anniversary of her death, and when I came back, Beta Christian gave me the news.”

No one responds. It’s as if I never spoke at all. My gaze shifts from my father to the man by the window, then to Anne.

He’s my fated mate.

The chosen mate of my sister.

I’m beginning to think the Goddess herself is determined to hurt me, though deep down I know that isn’t true. I don’t dare say another word. Silence fills the office, broken only by the crackling fire slowly burning in the hearth.

“This is Tanner, Alpha of the Blue Moon pack. This afternoon we will honor your grandmother’s life, and tonight Anne, my only daughter, and her chosen mate will begin the rituals for their union. Two strong packs require strong leaders.”

Tears gather in my eyes, and I fight with everything I have to stop them from falling onto my dress.

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The Second Chance Of The Rejected Moon

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“Who is this she-wolf, and why are you involving her in something this important?” Alpha Tanner’s voice is cold and sharp. making my heart painfully tighten in my chest. I know he recognizes me. I know he can smell me “A servant has no business being here, Alpha Darius.”

“I know, and I deeply apologize, Alpha Tanner.” My father looks at me with complete indifference.

He just called Anne his only daughter. He didn’t introduce me as his child. He passed me off as nothing more than another servant in the house.

“Then remove her so we can continue preparing for our mating ceremony,” Tanner says again in that same cold tone.

“Celine is an orphan who was taken in by the mother of my late Luna,” my father explains with an easy smile, denying me the same way he always does in front of important people. “Which is why, as of today, Celine, you are dismissed. Gather your things and leave the pack house.”

A

I lift my gaze from my hands resting in my lap and meet my father’s distant black eyes.

“But where will I go, Alpha Darius?” My voice is barely above a whisper.

He rises from his chair and picks up several papers from his desk.

“My late mother-in-law left behind a will naming you heir to her small cabin in the woods.” He hands me the documents, and I stand shakily. “Unfortunately, we cannot give you any financial assets. Those belong to her only blood heir, Cassius.”

I can’t stop the tears sliding down my face any more than I can stop my hands from trembling while I hold the papers.

“Thank you, Alpha,” I whisper, trying desperately to steady my voice. “Now, with your permission, I’ll take my leave.”

Beta Christian opens the door for me, and I turn to walk out of the office.

“Wait.”

Tanner approaches me before glancing back at the others.

“How may I serve you, Alpha Tanner?”

My gaze drops once again to the floor. I can’t bring myself to look at him when his hostile aura threatens to force me to my knees.

“Won’t you offer this servant any financial compensation for her years of service?”

Anne’s sweet, warm voice fills the office.

“Tanner, Celine worked in this house in exchange for food and shelter. She won’t be compensated. She’s lived off our charity and goodwill for years. Let her leave peacefully. We have a ceremony to plan.”

Sadly, every word she says is true, so I remain silent.

The Alpha nods, though he still leaves the office.

“I’ll be back in a minute. I need to make a call.”

The moment he’s gone and out of earshot, my brother’s malicious laugh reaches me.

“I don’t know what you’re waiting for. You’ve got plenty of work to do fixing up that cabin.”

“Goodbye, Father, brothers, Luna,” I say as I move toward the open door Beta Christian still holds for me. “Thank you for everything.”

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15:02 Mon, Aug 17

The Second Chance Of The Rejected Moon

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For nothing, I really mean. But I stay polite and respectful. Humans and wolves alike love their hypocrisy polished and gift- wrapped. Saves them from noticing they’re monsters.

“Get out already!” Anne screams.

My father doesn’t even look at me. He rises from his chair and sits beside his wife and daughter.

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