Misery no ordinary rejection

“Oh my God! We are graduating in 2 hours!” Lisa squealed, her voice a high-pitched exclamation that cut through the humid summer air. “I just wish Jason could be there.” She pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a familiar, almost theatrical display of disappointment. My wolf, Aria, snorted somewhere in the back of my mind, a subtle, dismissive sound that only I could hear.

“Lisa, you know he wants to wait until his party to see you,” I reminded her gently, trying to soothe her volatile emotions. “This is his 21st birthday, and he will know who his mate is. I called him this morning; he plans to stay in his room until the party so he doesn’t come in contact with any she-wolves.”

“I know,” she sighed, her gaze drifting dreamily towards the window. “I just feel it in my heart that he is my mate. I love him so much!”

“I know you do,” I affirmed, offering a small, reassuring smile. “No matter what happens, I will be by your side.”

“Oh, Kyra, don’t worry, we have been in love since freshman year. I think the Goddess brought us together.” Her eyes sparkled with unshakeable conviction, and I felt a pang of something unidentifiable in my chest.

“Okay, Lisa, let’s just concentrate on the graduation. Now let’s do our hair and makeup so we’re not late. Okay?” I steered her towards the vanity, a familiar ritual before any big event. The scent of hairspray and nervous anticipation filled the air as we prepared for a day that would change everything.