| Clementine POV |

As I laid on the cold hardwood floor in my room, I clutched my heart in my chest as I thought about what just happened a few hours ago.

Was it all real? Did that actually happen? Because if this is all just a dream then I don't want to ever wake up.

Lucas and I kissed... k i s s e d for fuck's sake. I gave my first kiss to my mate and holy shit, it felt so damn good.

I squealed like an absolute schoolgirl in love and covered my face in embarrassment. Goddess, that explains why he was so obsessed with my lips. That damn sly wolf.

"Clementine Finch, you one lucky bitch keep it together." I loudly whispered to myself before I sprung up to my feet.

I excitedly ran to my closet to find any appropriate outfits for tonight because you guessed it, I didn't buy any. To be fair, it wasn't my fault that I was going to meet my mate this soon since I've always thought that my future mate was some random guy I'll meet in the future and not Lucas Green.

Deep in the closet, a soft tulle fabric caught my eye and I push out the other clothes away to get to it. My eyes sparkled in excitement as I grabbed the pastel green tulle dress from its hanger. The dress had an elegant feel to it but it was simple enough that I wouldn't feel too overdressed. My mum probably bought it for me knowing exactly that I would be fashionably unprepared for such a momentous occasion like the Full Moon ceremony. She knows me so well, I suppose.

I wore the dress immediately and I was glad that it fitted perfectly on my body. I partnered it with my strappy nude mules and a forest green clutch. With my outfit sorted, I promptly focused on my face and hair wanting to keep it naturally tame for tonight. I've always loved my long brown hair so I wanted to show it off by curling it out so it falls nicely on my shoulders. Hair is everything and the only time I would ever cut it is if something drastic happens.

My bedroom door suddenly swung open and my mum gasped before embracing me in a tight hug.

"Oh my beautiful baby Clementine! I knew that dress would be perfect for you!" She wailed as tears pooled in her eyes. I rolled my eyes and hugged her back.

"Aw mum, thank you so much for the dress! You literally saved me from looking like an absolute tragedy for tonight!"

"You bet! I need my daughter to look ravishing in case she sees her mate tonight of course!"

"Ha, well mum I'm sure my mate would like me regardless even if I wear a bin bag or rocked a mushroom hair."

"Mushroom hair? Are you asking to be bullied by the Alpha again?"

"Doubt it, I would definitely leave him speechless though that's for sure."

Mum paused for a second with a questioning look on her face before her mouth dropped in shock. I started counting down to zero before she held my shoulder in absolute surprise.

"Clementine Finch, is the A-alpha your mate?" She stammered while I laughed at her.

"Why mum? Am I pretty enough to be a future Luna?" I winked at her as she shook her head in response.

"How? How is that possible?"

A bit taken aback by her cold response, I narrowed my eyes at her incredulously.

"Um okay? You asking how the Alpha is my mate is actually so offensive Mum."

"I mean, I'm so happy for you but I just can't believe it. My daughter, the future Luna? Your dad would have been so thrilled!"

"Yeah yeah, Dad is probably rolling in his grave right now from excitement."

She laughed and whacked me on the back, the slap feeling a bit personal. Fair though, I did just insult her mate.

As she talked my ear off asking about Lucas, our heads suddenly perked to the sound of the doorbell and we bolted down the stairs in a hurry. My mum opened the door in haste and the giddiness vanished quickly from her face when she saw Tom's goofy grin.

"Mrs Finch, I'm so glad you look so excited to see me!" Tom bellowed as he entered before glancing up at me in astonishment.

"Holy shit, Clem? Oh my days, you look incredibly gorgeous. So is the world ending or am I being pranked?"

This bloody idiot. I wanted to whack him but my mum beat me to it. He chuckled and came a bit closer, surprising me when he held my hand and hooked it on his arm.

"I bet your grumpy ass prince is impatiently waiting so shall we go?"

I nodded in glee at the thought of seeing Lucas and kissed my mum on the cheek before she waved goodbye to us. Tom opened the car door for me and placed his arm securely on the roof so I wouldn't bump my head. I smiled at his little gesture as he rushed to his own seat.

"Rightio, buckle up Clem because you can't die on your way there. Lucas would kill me."

"Whatever Tomtom, did he tell you to pick me up?"

"Nope. Weirdly enough, I actually couldn't get to him since I've seen him with you last after school."

"Oh. He must be getting ready still then, stressing about looking good for me of course." I humbly bragged while Tom laughed in agreeance.

"Sure, but he wouldn't be able to beat this dashing wolf who would make all the girls swoon tonight."

"Aw Tomtom don't flatter yourself! I'm surprised you're not wearing a sparkly suit though?"

"I contemplated it but my mate would probably reject me on the spot if I did that. So for her sake, I polished up really well.

But Clem, I got to say... you honestly took my breath away as soon as I saw you. Lucas is one lucky guy."

I blushed at his words, seeing that this is the first time I actually heard Tom compliment me on my looks. He gave me a quick glance as he drove and he smiled before blasting the radio up for us to sing along.

A couple of karaoke hits later, we finally arrived at the forest where the Full Moon ceremony is being held at. The whole place looked spectacular lit up with fairy lights leading towards a massive white gazebo adorned with red roses everywhere. Right next to it was a massive bonfire which illuminated the forest alongside the peak of the full moon. I walked slowly in awe with Tom towards the bonfire when I suddenly realised that a lot of lustful eyes were on me. I saw men sniff the air to catch my scent and their crestfallen eyes when they realised that I'm not their mate.

Tom began to pull me in closer to avoid their gaze and sits me down in front of the bonfire where people who have found their mates started to gather. I watched as new mates wrap themselves in each other in front of everyone as if there was no one around them. I blushed at the very public display of affection, hoping that I don't act that way once I see Lucas. My thoughts were interrupted by Tom as he tapped my shoulder and motioned with his hands if I wanted a drink. I simply nodded to give him time to go around to see his mate while I wait for Lucas to show up.

With the full moon at its peak, I glanced around at all the newly mated wolves around me when a sudden scent of amber and lavender hit my nose and made my wolf perk up in pure elation. I stood up to look for the scent that has captured my very being when I caught a pair of familiar eyes looking straight at me.

Lucas.

My wolf howled in delight at seeing her mate and we both eagerly stepped forward wanting to touch every bit of him. However, my heart panged at his cold response as his eyes faltered a bit, confusing me and my wolf. He nodded and smiled weakly at me before quickly turning around to talk to the other Alphas from neighbouring packs.

"Hm, that was weird." I muttered to myself as I looked at his retreating figure. My wolf pushed me to follow him but I refused, wanting Lucas to deal with whatever important Alpha business he has to do first since I could always see him after.

I walked back to my seat next to Tom who was waiting for me with our drinks and he welcomed me with a sly grin plastered on his face.

"Soooo, I just saw Lucas arrived. Did you see him yet?" He asked as he handed me my punch.

"I did, but he seemed occupied."

"Occupied with what? He has no things scheduled today though?"

"Hm, beats me. He pretty much ignored me to talk to the other Alphas."

"I'm sure it's nothing Clem, he's probably dick measuring with the other Alphas."

I rolled my eyes at his obscene response and changed the topic

"How about you Tomtom, any luck finding your mate around?"

"Nope, I don't think she's here but that's okay. Maybe I'll catch her at the next full moon event."

"Aw, you don't have to wait for the full moon to find your mate you know that right?"

"Yeah, but I would love to feel the intensity of the full moon when we see each other. I'm a bit of a romantic like that."

"Well cheer up loser, I'm sure your mate doesn't want you sulking around."

"Exactly, a loser like me can still have fun! Say Clem, would you give this mateless wolf the pleasure to dance with you tonight?"

"Fine, I'll give you one pity-party dance."

Tom beamed at that and swiftly dragged me to the dance floor. We awkwardly moved our bodies and started doing the robot like absolute idiots. When macarena came on, Tom and I pretty much stole the floor and busted our moves while everyone laughed amusingly at us. When Easily by Bruno Major played next, all the mated wolves started surrounding us to dance slowly with each other. I looked wistfully at Tom as he skimmed around to find Lucas to dance this song with me but we both just sighed when we couldn't find him.

"This should be your dance with him, Clem." He said dejectedly.

I pressed my lips together and just nodded at his words while pulling him aside to give other people the floor. Tom surprised me though by grabbing my wrist and pulling us to the middle of the dance floor before offering his hand to me.

"His loss Clem, let's not waste the night like this especially if you look this good."

I smiled softly at him, hiding my disappointment.

"Fine, might as well bless you with my presence before I turn back from being a 10/10 to a 9/10 tomorrow morning."

Tom chuckled at my ridiculousness as he brought us closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. We slowly danced to the music and Tom distracted me by whispering a couple of jokes in my ears, making me snicker. But just when I was about to thank Tom for the dance, I suddenly get pulled out from his grasp and into someone's hard chest.

"Lucas!" I gasped as I heard Lucas sneered a low growl at Tom.

"What do you think you're doing with my mate, Tom?" Lucas spouted angrily as he inched forward towards Tom and squeezing me in between them.

"Just doing what you are meant to be doing, Alpha." Tom coldly snapped back, not phased by the murderous glint in Lucas' eyes.

Sensing the heavy tension, I pushed Lucas and Tom apart as my eyes begged Tom to step back. He exhaled in annoyance and nodded before moving back to our seat. Lucas gently gripped my hand and walked us away from the dance floor as I let him guide me towards a quieter part of the forest. We looked at each other silently, until I have had enough of his contemptuous attitude.

"What the fuck is wrong with you Lucas? You pretty much ignored me throughout the night then you had the audacity to ruin my fun and then give me the silent treatment again? Make up your damn mind."

"So I was ruining your night with Tom, huh?" He replied cynically which got me rolling my eyes in anger.

"Really Lucas? Very mature of you. Tom was clearly not the issue here so fess up, why are you acting like a proper asshole right now?"

Lucas furrowed his eyebrows and clenched his hands tightly on his side as he ignored my question. My wolf wanted me to comfort my mate but I wanted a clear answer from him. I crossed my arms on my chest and arched my brow to provoke a response from him.

"I don't know if I can do this Clem." He stared glumly at me.

"What do you mean Lucas, you're not making any sense?"

"Us. I don't know if I can be with you."

I froze at his words as I looked for answers in his eyes. I wanted to know more but I was terrified to even utter a word at him. Lucas moved forward and placed his nose on the crook of my neck as he inhaled deeply.

"I don't know if I could leave Alice, Clem. Despite the mate bond, I have to choose her since she needs me more than ever. I'm sorry I lead you on and I'm sorry for hurting you but I need to do what's right. For you and her."

This fucking asshole.

My chest felt like it was going to explode as I staggered away from him while he just looked on, unashamed. He didn't cheat, but he's still technically a traitor for breaking my heart and disrespecting our mate bond. I glared at the sorry sight in front of me and shook my head in bewilderment as I fought the angry tears from coming out.

With each mindless apology that came out of Lucas' mouth, the anger and disgust rose even more within me. And as soon as he inched closer, my hand just swung at his face as my palm throbbed from the heat of the slap.

"You are a selfish coward, Lucas. It must be so easy for you to manipulate me by using our bond when it was convenient for you. I trusted the mate bond because you were so good at lying to my face, but I guess you won since you easily took that trust away.

You know what, you should have chosen her in the first place instead of making me feel like I'm your only choice. That's so low of you, and Alice deserves better too.

So fuck you Alpha, I want nothing to do with you."

Lucas took a step back as he stared with his pained eyes but I couldn't care less. We looked at each other momentarily before he adjusted his stance to face me directly.

"I'm sorry I have to do this Clem... I, Alpha Lucas Green rej---"

"Stop!" I held up my palm to make him stop the god-awful sentence he was about to utter, completely shocked at this man's audacity.

Is he rejecting me right now? What the actual fuck, I'm not going to give him that satisfaction. He can't have his cake and eat it too. Not on my watch.

"As if! Don't steal my line now Alpha!" I scoffed in disgust.

"What?" He asked, baffled by my interruption.

I rolled my eyes at the giant idiot in front of me and stared at him boldly.

"I, Clementine Finch, reject you, Alpha Lucas Green as my mate."

Lucas' eyes squinted as he grabbed his chest in pain from my rejection. I barely flinched as I watched him recoil towards the ground, breathing heavily. My wolf and I honestly couldn't care less about his suffering as I walked away with my head held high.

Checkmate, Lucas. You don't get to mess with me.

Not now, not ever.

Period.

===End of chapter===

You know what I hate in romance? Noble idiocy. But I love stories like it anyway huhuhuhu

My heart hurts for Clem, she didn't deserve that at all.

/ Alexa play driver's license by Olivia Rodrigo /

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