The Day He Knelt, I Married a Don Novel

---- Chapter6 Skyla's POV The Night of the Shift It was 4 a.m., and I was wide awake. I still couldn't believe we were finally eighteen. Even though we wouldn't shift until 11:12 p.m., I knew I'd be able to sense my mate before then. Maybe-just maybe-it would be someone from my mom's old pack. Someone who could take me away from this place. Thad everything lined up to graduate early. I'd miss my mom, dad, Breck, and Alexia, but definitely not the rest of the jerks around here. Since there was no way I'd fall back asleep, I decided to head down to the kitchen for a snack.

Oreos dipped in milk were my favorite. I threw on my oversized hoodie and matching sweats and headed downstairs. But the moment my foot hit the bottom step, I was engulfed by the most intoxicating scent I'd ever smelled. ---- It was a blend of musk and Savage-my favorite cologne. I recognized that cologne because my brother wore it sometimes, but this scent... this wasn't Sebastian. This was something else. Something more. I stood there, completely mesmerized, drawn in by the mouthwatering scent, wondering who it could be. Was this love at first smell?

Just as I was lost in the sensation, a sharp slap to my face snapped me back to reality. Before I could react, a hand wrapped tightly around my throat. Sparks shot through me-just like in the stories. Then came the words I think, deep down, I'd always feared were coming. "You of all people! You're nothing but trash to me. How could the Moon Goddess screw up this badly by pairing me with someone like you? You're weak. Ugly. Fat. You have no class. You're a nerd. I wouldn't be caught dead with a pathetic bitch like you!

I, Cassian Mercer, future Alpha of the Bloodmoon Pack, reject you, Skyla Selene, as my mate and future Luna." And that was it. Mates are supposed to be loving-gentle. What happened to the stories of love at first sight? ---- Iremembered my mom once told me how my dad had rejected her at first, but later asked for forgiveness, and he'd treated her like royalty ever since. But I would never forgive this guy. Ever. Even if he somehow did come crawling back-not that someone like him would. He'd been with Selene. I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole.

Oddly, it didn't hurt the way everyone said rejection does. What I felt wasn't heartbreak. It was pure, burning rage. I tore his hand off my throat, locked eyes with him, and said, "Do you honestly think I'd want to be mated to you? The guy who slept with my skanky sister? The guy who's treated me like garbage from the very beginning? I, Skyla Bellamy, accept your rejection!" Then I turned and walked back up the stairs, completely satisfied with the stunned expression frozen on his face. I'd forgotten all about my snack.