The Snow Wolf's Mate
By Vlada Shevaux
Free Chapters
A Stolen Bond
Dayana’s voice filled the room as she recounted her latest training session. Her parents watched her with glowing admiration, their smiles wide and approving. “You’re so gifted, Dayana,” mother said. “You’re everything a future Luna should be.” “Dayana has such natural grace,” father added. “She’s practically destined to be Luna.” Dayana tossed her golden hair back, a satisfied smirk flashing briefly. Across the room, Aria sat at the edge of the sofa, small and silent, trying to fade into the background. “Anyone could be good with that much practice,” Aria said quietly, her voice barely audible. Her father’s scoff was sharp. “No, Aria. This takes talent. Real talent.” His eyes rested on her, full of disappointment. “Maybe you should try harder. Learn from your sister.” The words stung, sharp and cold, but Aria bit her tongue. The room fell quiet except for the sound of Dayana leaning closer, her voice honeyed and mocking. “Maybe if you stopped daydreaming, you’d be decent at something,” Dayana said with a saccharine smile. Aria stayed silent, but her mind churned with bitter memories—Dayana sneaking into her room, tearing pages from her journals, scrawling cruel notes like ‘You’re worthless’ or ‘No one will ever want you.’ She’d always been the better daughter. Dayana’s beauty was undeniable, her dirty-blonde hair shimmering like gold, her piercing blue eyes both commanding and captivating. Aria, by contrast, felt like a pale reflection. Her soft, silvery-blonde hair catching the light like moonlight, her crescent-shaped birthmark marking her cheek, a feature Dayana mocked endlessly. The name “ugly” had followed Aria like a shadow. But that evening, as she slipped out of the family room into the cool night air, a flicker of hope replaced the ache in her chest. She had felt it for days—a pull, deep and magnetic. Somewhere in the Midnight Crest pack, her fated mate was waiting for her. The thought warmed her. Her lips curved into a small, secret smile as she imagined a life where she was finally free. But two days later, her world shattered. The pack’s main hall buzzed with energy as Aria stepped inside, her heart pounding. Her eyes locked on Cole—a warrior with broad shoulders and an air of raw strength. Her chest tightened as recognition struck like lightning. He’s mine. But before she could move, a familiar voice rang out. “Cole! There you are,” Dayana called, sliding her arm through his with ease. Aria froze as her sister leaned close to him, whispering something that made him chuckle softly. His arm wrapped around Dayana’s waist, possessive. “Cole?” Aria managed, her voice trembling. He glanced up, his expression polite but distant. “Aria,” he said curtly, nodding. Dayana’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Oh, Aria, didn’t you know?” She ran her fingers along Cole’s chest. “Cole and I…well, we were just talking about our future. Looks like he’s my mate.” The words crushed her, the air leaving her lungs. “No,” Aria whispered, shaking her head. “You can’t—he’s mine.” Dayana’s gaze sharpened, her smirk growing colder. “Yours?” she echoed with a soft laugh. Her eyes swept over Aria dismissively. “Did you really think someone like him would want you?”
The Public Humiliation
The pack had gathered in the wide courtyard under a cloudless sky. Aria stayed close to the edge of the crowd, her hands clenched at her sides. She already knew, deep down, why they’d all been summoned. But part of her clung to hope that maybe— just maybe—her parents would be fair. “As you all know,” her father began, “we have been blessed with two daughters, but only one can lead the pack. Today, we’re here to announce that Dayana has been chosen as your future Luna.” The pack broke into applause, some even cheering. Aria’s breath caught. She could barely process his words before her gaze fell on Dayana, who was standing a few paces behind their father, her hand intertwined with Cole’s. The look on her sister’s face was a mixture of triumph and satisfaction, each glance toward Aria a dagger of mockery. Desperation clawed at Aria’s throat. She forced her way through the crowd, her voice shaking but resolute. “Father,” she called out, stepping forward, “I’m the elder twin. I’m supposed to be the rightful Luna.” She looked out at the crowd, seeking support, but found only blank stares, a few skeptical glances, and Dayana’s smug smile. Her father’s gaze hardened. “Aria, Dayana is more suited to lead. She’s stronger, more respected. The choice is clear.” Aria’s heart twisted painfully, the humiliation setting in as her father’s words echoed across the gathering. She felt every eye on her—judging, dismissing, pitying. “But…I’m the firstborn.I’ve trained just as hard, done everything—” He cut her off with a sharp gesture. “Enough, Aria. Don’t embarrass yourself and our family. Dayana has proven herself. This is for the pack.” Dayana’s voice rang out, laced with mock sympathy. “It’s not personal, Aria. Some of us were just meant for greatness.” The crowd murmured approvingly. Cole looked down at Dayana with open admiration, and Aria’s heart splintered as she watched him press a kiss to her sister’s forehead, as if sealing the betrayal. The weight of it all crashed down, the realization sharp and bitter. She’d always been an outsider, a placeholder, tolerated but never truly wanted. Her family had betrayed her, choosing Dayana to lead—to take everything Aria had dreamed of. Swallowing hard, she turned away, her shoulders hunched as she forced herself to leave the courtyard. But as she did, her mother leaned close, her voice a venomous whisper, meant only for Aria. “We only ever needed one daughter to rule. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”