A Rejected Princess (Completed)

The smell of chocolate waffles filled the air, a familiar comfort on my eighteenth birthday. My little brother, Matthew, giggled beside me, his face smeared with whipped cream from our heavenly breakfast. Dad chuckled from across the table, his eyes full of pride. "My little girl is growing up," he murmured, a warmth spreading through my chest.

But the warmth was quickly replaced by a familiar flutter of anxiety. Tomorrow, I'd leave with Ryan, the Alpha of our Royal Pack, to find my mate. My other half. The King destined to rule beside me. The thought was thrilling, terrifying, and utterly consuming. The next few weeks would decide my future, a future I had dreamed of since I was a little girl.

After clearing the table, I retreated to my room to pack. Matthew soon joined me, his small arms wrapping around my leg. "Mommy said that you're leaving," he mumbled, tears welling in his eyes. I pulled him onto my lap, shushing him softly. "Just for a little while, to find my mate," I promised, though a part of me wondered if I was ready for such a monumental change.