Counting to Ninety Nine
On the day of my bonding ceremony, my younger sister, Elara, suddenly returned.
My parents, my older brother, and my fated mate, Kaelen Vance, all abandoned me to welcome her instead.
Through a network to the entire pack, Elara showed everyone the heartwarming scene of their reunion, flaunting how adored she was.
Meanwhile, every mind-link I sent them was blocked.
Kaelen's was the only response I received—a cold warning through our link, telling me not to make a scene. He said our ceremony could always be held another day.
At the most important ceremony in a wolf's life, they turned me into the laughingstock of the entire Crescent Moon Pack.
All the guests eyed me with a mixture of pity and disdain, their whispers and glances openly mocking me.
I calmly went through the final motions of the ceremony alone and then carved the 99th mark into my diary.
This was the 99th time they had disappointed me. I was done hoping for their love.
I filled out an application for advanced studies with the Silver Moon Clan and packed my bags.
They thought I had finally learned my place, but I was actually preparing to leave forever.