The Luna’s Rejection

The first light of dawn barely brushed the horizon as I set out for my early shift patrolling the territory. The air was crisp, and a faint mist clung to the ground, wrapping the world in a veil of quiet. After the morning briefing, I received a call from Lucian.

“Rowan, why didn’t you wake me up? You left without saying a word,” he said, his voice thick with annoyance.

In the past, I would have scrambled to make sure he was ready, laying out his clothes and preparing a hot breakfast to start his day. But things had changed; I was no longer his caretaker. I was his mate, and I deserved more than to be overlooked.

“Looks like you’ll have to fend for yourself today,” I replied, my tone detached.

“What am I supposed to wear?” he shot back, frustration clear in his voice.

“Choose whatever you want. Everything you need is in the closet,” I said, trying to keep my composure.

“But they’re all wrinkled! Didn’t you take care of that?” he complained. A second message buzzed in almost immediately: You didn’t make breakfast either?

Before I could respond, the pack's Beta approached, a grin lighting up his face. “Rowan! Fantastic news! The council approved your application for advanced training. You’ll be heading to the Northern Cliffs next month!”

In the past, I might have turned down such an opportunity, prioritizing Lucian’s needs over my own. But those days felt like faded memories.

“I accept,” I stated, my resolve firm as a fresh wave of determination surged within me.

“Great! Start preparing; this is a wonderful chance for you,” he said, his enthusiasm contagious. For the first time in ages, I felt the reins of my life slipping back into my hands.

The hours slipped by, filled with planning and anticipation. When I finally found a moment to breathe, my phone buzzed again. Lucian’s name flashed on the screen.

“Where are you? I’ve been waiting for dinner,” he complained, irritation seeping through the line.

“I swapped shifts with someone else. You might want to consider takeout,” I replied, striving for neutrality.

“Takeout? You mean you won’t be home? That’s... surprising,” he replied, a hint of disbelief coloring his words.

“Is there an issue?” I pressed, keeping my voice steady.

A pause hung in the air before he finally responded. “Just... don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Thanks for the concern,” I said flatly.

A heavy silence followed, stretching uncomfortably between us. Finally, Lucian broke it. “Rowan, are you upset with me?”

His question tugged at my lips, almost pulling a bitter smile from me. Was he genuinely this clueless, or was he simply indifferent? The answer didn’t matter anymore. I refused to carry anger for his sake.

No, I wouldn’t carry anything for him at all.

---

As the day wore on, my thoughts swirled around the upcoming training and what it meant for my future. I pictured myself in the Northern Cliffs, surrounded by new challenges and opportunities. I envisioned growing stronger, not just physically but mentally, reclaiming a part of myself I had lost along the way.

But Lucian’s irritation still lingered like an unwelcome shadow. I thought back to the way I had molded myself around him, trying to fit into the role he desired. I remembered the countless mornings I’d woken up early, tiptoeing around our home to ensure everything was perfect for him. But that version of myself felt like a stranger now. I was no longer willing to sacrifice my own needs for someone who barely noticed my absence.

I moved through the rest of my shift with a renewed sense of purpose. I spoke with other pack members about my training, their encouragement fueling my resolve. They saw potential in me that I had long neglected, and it felt exhilarating to finally believe in myself again.

Later, I found a quiet moment alone, standing at the edge of our territory, watching the sun rise higher in the sky. The light washed over everything, illuminating the path ahead of me. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the cool morning air, and felt a spark of excitement flicker to life inside me. This was my chance to break free, to carve out my own destiny, separate from Lucian’s expectations.

Just as I began to lose myself in my thoughts, my phone buzzed again. Lucian’s name flashed on the screen once more. I hesitated for a moment, feeling a twinge of annoyance at the prospect of another conversation that could easily derail my newfound clarity. But I answered, expecting the same frustration to spill over.

“Rowan, I really don’t understand why you left without telling me. It’s not like you,” he said, his voice more demanding than curious.

“Things have changed, Lucian. I’m not your personal assistant anymore. I have my own life to think about,” I replied, holding my ground.

“Is that what you really think? That I don’t appreciate you?” he shot back, an edge creeping into his tone.

“It doesn’t matter what you think,” I said sharply. “I need to take care of myself now, and that means not waiting around for you to decide what I should do.”

“Don’t you want to be with me? I thought we were a team,” he pressed, his voice softening as if trying to pull on my heartstrings.

“I want to be with someone who respects my choices,” I replied, frustration boiling just beneath the surface. “I’m tired of being an afterthought.”

Silence stretched again, thick and uncomfortable. Lucian finally sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. “Rowan, are you really angry with me?”

I couldn’t help but feel a flash of bitterness at his question. Did he truly not see how his actions had affected me? It was infuriating. But I was done fighting for someone who didn’t recognize my worth.

I said nothing to his question.

“Fine, do what you want,” he replied, his voice flat.

As I hung up, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. The decision had been made. I would embrace my training and step into my own life, regardless of Lucian’s expectations.

His question brought a bitter smile to my lips. Was he truly this oblivious, or did he just not care? It didn’t matter anymore. I wouldn’t be angry, not for his sake. No, I wouldn’t be anything at all.