The Rejection He Regretted

Ava, haunted by her father's death, lives as a "nerd" to avoid attention. She discovers Ian Dawson, the Head Alpha's son, is her fated mate. Despite a confusing kiss, Ian publicly humiliates and rejects her, severely weakening her wolf. He then dates Nova, while Ava's friend Luke defends her. Ava learns her mother, Angela, is fated to Stephen's father, Gamma Harper, and persuades her to marry him. Stephen gives Ava a transformative makeover. At Stephen's party, a jealous Ian confronts Ava, choking and insulting her. Heartbroken, Ava leaves. Ian later overhears his mother discussing Stephen and Ava agreeing to "the marriage," leading to a significant misunderstanding.