Chapter 2 He's Here... My Mate Is Here

The knock on the door was steady-two distinct raps before the Beta peeked inside. His gaze fixed on the swivel chair turned toward the window, where its occupant sat motionless, showing no visible reaction.

The Beta hesitated for a moment, observing the Alpha, who appeared completely absorbed in watching the courtyard below. A new group had arrived for training, all of them now gathered outside, waiting for his command.

"Alpha, the new training group has arrived," the Beta announced, his voice respectful but firm.

The Alpha did not turn. His eyes remained locked on the scene outside. Then, in a voice that was calm yet commanding-a voice that brooked no argument-he spoke:

"Lead them to the training grounds. I'll join them shortly. You know what to do."

Lucas, the Beta, nodded respectfully, even though he knew the Alpha couldn't see him. Without hesitation, he left to carry out the orders, leaving the Alpha alone with his thoughts.

This moment was revealing-there was no longer anything to hide. No more point in lurking in the shadows. The time had come to step into the light at last.

---

On the Road to the New Territory

The journey had taken longer than expected, long enough for Hazel's limbs to go numb and for stiffness to settle into her back. Meanwhile, Olivia alternated between bursts of excitement and deep sleep, bouncing in her seat one moment and succumbing to exhaustion the next.

Hazel was the only one who hadn't closed her eyes even once. She felt each passing second stretch into eternity. But at last, the convoy came to a halt before a scene that seemed almost otherworldly.

Flowers scattered everywhere. Endless stretches of lush green fields. Towering trees reaching for the sky. A crisp, invigorating breeze carried the scent of morning dew. The breathtaking sight left everyone momentarily speechless.

"Are we here?! Oh my God! This place is stunning!"

Olivia's voice was filled with awe as she pressed her face against the car window, her wide eyes reflecting pure astonishment.

The girls stepped out of the vehicles, led by an overenthusiastic Olivia, who practically dragged Hazel along. They were met by a welcoming group of young men and women, all of whom radiated warmth and friendliness. Their smiles eased some of the tension lingering in the air.

"Welcome. Safe travels."

A strong voice emerged from the crowd. A young man stepped forward, his stride confident and steady. He was strikingly handsome, but it wasn't just his looks that caught attention-it was his presence, the quiet authority that filled the space around him. His demeanor was firm, distinct from the rest of the welcoming party, who bowed their heads slightly in respect.

The girls exchanged curious glances. It was evident-this man was no ordinary figure.

"Is that Alpha Ethan?!"

The thought crossed Hazel's mind as her eyes remained fixed on him. There was something different about him-an undeniable force that commanded attention without effort. She found herself staring, unable to look away. Beside her, Olivia seemed equally affected, so much so that she pinched Hazel's arm lightly, as if trying to confirm they weren't imagining things.

"I'm Lucas, the Beta here," the young man introduced himself, his tone firm yet composed. "I'll be your guide during your stay. You'll remain here for three months-maybe longer, if anyone lags behind or slacks off, which is entirely unacceptable in our ranks." His gaze swept over the newcomers, sharp and assessing. "You're here to protect your families and build a force capable of ensuring your pack's safety. There will be no leniency in that regard. If you need support, we are here to provide it."

Silence followed his words. The earlier excitement among some of the girls began to fade, replaced by the weight of reality settling in.

"Three months?"

The words echoed in Hazel's mind. She couldn't stop herself from thinking about home. The idea of staying here for that long unsettled her, like a child forced into a summer camp against her will.

After his introduction, Lucas turned and began walking ahead, signaling for them to follow. The group moved in an orderly line toward the training hall. The facility wasn't far, but it resembled an internal fortress-massive, fortified, and filled with advanced equipment.

"Explore as you wish until the Alpha arrives."

Excited whispers filled the air as some of the girls let out thrilled squeals. Olivia, as expected, started bouncing in place, eager to catch a glimpse of the Alpha. Hazel raised a skeptical brow, wondering what all the fuss was about.

"They're overreacting," Hazel thought. "I just want to see him out of curiosity, not infatuation like them."

Her eyes roamed the room, observing as the newcomers examined the equipment and familiarized themselves with their surroundings. Then, suddenly, an odd sensation struck her.

It was electrifying-like a jolt of energy surging through her body, from head to toe. She froze, her mind momentarily blank.

A scent filled the air. Potent. Sharp. Yet strangely intoxicating. She felt herself drawn to its source, as if an invisible force was pulling her in, like a magnet seeking its counterpart.

"Olivia... I... I don't feel right," she whispered, gripping Olivia's arm tightly.

Olivia, sensing her distress, frowned slightly before lifting her nose to the air, trying to pick up whatever scent Hazel was referring to. She sniffed once, then again, confusion clouding her expression.

"I don't smell anything. What's wrong with you?"

But Hazel couldn't answer. She was too consumed by the voice in her head, her wolf stirring wildly, whispering just two words:

"Mate... Mine..."

Hazel's eyes widened in sheer panic. She stood frozen, unable to move.

This wasn't what she had expected.

She had heard stories about the moment one finds their mate-about how it felt, how it happened-but she had never believed it would strike her like this. So suddenly. Without warning. In a place so far from home.

"Mate... here? No, that's impossible..."

Her breath quickened as memories of her father flooded her mind-his harsh words, etched into her soul since childhood:

"Rejection is not an option. Rejection strips you of your worth. No one is better than you, and no one has the right to destroy you."

Those words had been her shield her entire life. She would never allow anyone to put her in a position of weakness. And now, she was facing the greatest test of all-one that could shatter her pride.

Her mate was here.

And that thought alone was enough to ignite a war within her.

Hazel felt unease creeping into her heart until Olivia's urgent voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Her friend was shaking her firmly, her tone laced with concern.

"Hazel, don't scare me like this. What's wrong with you?"

Hazel hesitated for a moment before whispering, her voice barely audible, "Nothing..."

Olivia didn't press her further. Instead, she exhaled deeply and chose to let it go-for now. She grabbed Hazel's hand and pulled her toward the towering training machines. The air buzzed with quiet observation, but Hazel's gaze locked onto the heavy punching bag in the corner. A familiar fire sparked in her eyes, impossible to suppress.

Without a second thought, she strode toward it.

She loved boxing. It had been her passion since childhood. She admired the strength and determination of fighters, fascinated by the sheer power of a knockout punch-the way it could end everything in a single moment.

Stopping before the bag, she stared at it for a few seconds, only then realizing she needed gloves. Her eyes scanned the neatly arranged shelves along the walls, searching.

"Looking for these?"

A deep voice reached her from the other side of the bag. She lifted her gaze to find Lucas standing there-the beta who always commanded attention. He held out a pair of boxing gloves, a calm smile playing on his lips.

She hesitated briefly before returning his smile with a grateful nod. "Yes, thank you."

Taking the gloves from him, she quickly put them on, excitement buzzing through her veins. But when she looked up, she noticed Lucas hadn't moved. Instead, he gripped the punching bag firmly with both hands, steadying it while watching her with quiet confidence.

Their eyes met for a brief moment. Seeing the seriousness in his gaze, she didn't hesitate. With a silent nod from him, she launched her first punch. Then another. And another. Each strike was stronger than the last, but Lucas remained unfazed. His grip only tightened, his steady smile mirroring her own.

"Luke!"

A voice called out from a distance, loud enough to shatter their focus. Lucas turned his head toward the source, lifting his hands off the bag-but Hazel hadn't noticed. She was mid-swing, her next punch aimed straight at his face.

At the last second, Lucas dodged, swiftly grabbing the bag again to avoid impact.

Hazel froze, her stomach twisting with panic. She quickly reached out, helping him steady the bag, her wide eyes filled with horror. She had almost shattered his face.

"Are you okay? I'm so sorry!"

She moved closer, scanning his expression for any signs of pain. But Lucas simply shook his head, brushing off the shock. Then, to her surprise, he let out a soft chuckle, running his fingers through his tousled chestnut hair.

"No, that was my fault. They called my name, and I lost focus." His tone was light, reassuring. He glanced toward the direction of the voice. "I'll go check what's going on and be right back, okay?"

He didn't wait for a response, jogging off toward the person who had called him. Hazel watched him go, still shaken.

Just then, Olivia returned, standing beside her as she wiped sweat from her brow with a small towel before handing it over. Hazel took it, dabbing at her face before slowly pulling off her gloves. Her eyes lingered on Lucas in the distance.

Then, suddenly, her stomach twisted again-not from panic this time, but from something far more unsettling. The scent she had been trying to ignore flooded her senses, making her breath hitch.

The realization struck her like lightning.

"He's here... My mate is here."

Her wolf's voice surged through her mind, filled with exhilaration and warmth. Hazel's eyes widened in shock. She lifted her head abruptly, scanning the room.

"Oh my god! The Alpha!"

The hushed gasp of a nearby girl sent a jolt through Hazel's chest.

Her heart pounded violently as she followed the girl's gaze.

And then, she saw him.

Surrounded by his guards and his beta, he strode forward with unshakable confidence. Every step he took sent an unspoken message to the room.

The Alpha.

His piercing gaze never left her. Sharp. Unyielding. Void of any warmth. His narrowed eyes bore into her with silent intensity, making her stomach clench. Hazel's heart threatened to leap out of her chest, but she forced herself to hold his stare.

Until-

His jaw clenched, and he looked away.

The murmurs around her grew louder, whispers breaking through the air like shards of glass.

"The Alpha is here... The Alpha is crippled."

Hazel's brows shot up in shock.

Her gaze snapped back to him, confusion flickering across her features.

Tension tightened around her chest. She searched his expression, but his face remained cold, unreadable. He didn't need words to command power-it radiated from him in every movement, in every breath.

And yet...

Something about him made her pulse race in a way she couldn't understand.

A mix of fear.

Respect.

And perhaps-

Something else.

Something she wasn't ready to name.