Rejected by Mate, Found by Destiny

Synopsis

The morning sun streamed through our bedroom windows as I carefully arranged the moonstone necklace in its velvet box, my fingers trembling with excitement. Three years. Three years since Bradley had marked me as his mate, since the Moon Goddess had blessed us with the sacred bond that was supposed to last forever. "Special plans today?" Bradley's voice came from behind me, deep and rough with sleep. I turned to find him watching me from the doorway, his dark hair tousled, those green eyes that had captured my heart still heavy with drowsiness. "It's our anniversary," I said softly, holding up the necklace. "I thought... I thought we could have a private ceremony tonight. Just us." Something flickered across his face—was it guilt? But it was gone so quickly I convinced myself I'd imagined it. He crossed the room and pulled