Mated to the Paralyzed Lycan king

In the Dusk Pack...

Hazel stood with a frown, watching her mother, who hadn't stopped moving since morning. She was packing her bags for departure-three whole months of absence lay ahead.

"Do I really have to go?" Hazel asked, her tone heavy with sadness as she helped her mother carry the bags downstairs. There wasn't much time left before the carriages arrived to take them away, and there was no room for feigning illness or exhaustion-she knew she'd be caught immediately.

The only thing that made this bearable was knowing that the invitation had come from the Alpha of the Moon Pack-a pack rumored to possess strength beyond any other.

"Yes, you must go. This is the support we're receiving from the Moon Pack's Alpha-an Alpha unmatched in strength and intelligence-to ensure our bloodline's safety from potential attacks. Isn't that kind of him?" Her mother said with a dramatic smile, clasping her hands together as if overwhelmed by emotion.

Hazel rolled her eyes in exasperation, placing her hands on her hips. "But, Mother, I don't need this flimsy protection. I was trained by Father from a young age, and everyone acknowledges that his strength is so formidable they believe he was mistakenly born into our pack-or raised by one of them. So why should I go?"

Her mother paused for a moment, placing a firm hand on Hazel's shoulder and looking into her eyes with seriousness.

"Because this isn't just training, Hazel. It's an alliance. And as the Alpha's daughter, you must be there. You know the laws well."

Hazel shook her head but remained silent, continuing to gather her belongings. The logic was clear, yet her heart refused to accept it.

"We'll see you soon, dear. Three months will pass quickly," her mother said, attempting to plant some reassurance. But her words weren't enough.

"I'll miss you." Hazel's voice was barely above a whisper as she gripped the handle of her suitcase and walked toward the door.

She stood in the middle of the room, her eyes filled with frustration and reluctance, trying to steady her voice as she repeated, "Do I really have to go?"

Despite her words, there was no other choice. Everyone in the pack understood the importance of this alliance with the Moon Pack, and Hazel was no exception. With every passing minute, as her departure drew closer, the weight in her chest grew heavier.

Just then, her father, Albert, burst through the door, slightly out of breath as he carried her heavy bags, his effort evident. He set them down and spoke in a calm but strained voice, "It's time to go, Hazel."

She froze for a moment, studying his face, which barely concealed his sorrow. He didn't lift his gaze to meet hers, as if something unbearably heavy was pressing down on him. She had always been her father's little girl-the one who never left his side. And now, she was leaving him for three whole months.

Slowly, she stepped toward him and threw her arms around him tightly, seeking the security of his embrace. He held her just as firmly, as if they were trying to stretch this moment for as long as possible. But time wouldn't wait.

She pulled away reluctantly, stepping toward her mother for a final embrace, but the noise outside cut their farewell short. The pack members had begun to gather, preparing for departure.

"Come on, don't drag this out," Albert said in a firm voice, trying to sound strong, though the sadness in his tone was unmistakable.

He took one of her bags in one hand and clasped her hand in the other, leading her toward the exit. Hazel's eyes darted around, searching for her friend Olivia. When she finally spotted her, Olivia was struggling to drag her heavy suitcase behind her, her face radiating excitement rather than anxiety.

As soon as Olivia saw Hazel, she abandoned her suitcase and ran toward her, exclaiming excitedly, "Hazel! We're going to meet Alpha Ethan!"

But she abruptly stopped when she noticed Albert standing beside Hazel. Her face fell slightly, and her gaze darted nervously toward the man known for his stern demeanor and unwavering protectiveness over his daughter-so much so that the boys in their pack avoided speaking to her altogether.

Olivia fumbled to recover from her slip, quickly stammering, "I mean... How are you, Uncle Albert?"

Albert gave her a curt nod, then silently picked up both Hazel's and Olivia's bags, carrying them effortlessly toward the large vehicles that would take them to their destination. Hazel watched him quietly, noting how easily he lifted the heavy luggage.

"I still can't believe we're actually going to see him!" Olivia whispered with barely contained excitement, her eyes gleaming as she turned to Hazel. "They say he's breathtakingly handsome, and his physique is absolutely incredible!"

Hazel smirked faintly but didn't comment. Deep down, she shared Olivia's curiosity. She wondered if Alpha Ethan was truly as extraordinary as the rumors claimed-or if it was all just another exaggerated tale. Every Alpha had an aura that commanded fear and respect, but what was said about Ethan went beyond that. Some claimed he was perfection itself.

"You see me every day, so what exactly has you so starstruck?"

The voice came suddenly from behind them, making Hazel jump and spin around.

Dylan stood there, his ever-present smirk playing on his lips. He was the kind of person who could make anyone smile-his endless teasing was infectious, even in the tensest moments.

"Don't compare yourself to an Alpha with that scrawny body of yours," Olivia snapped, her gaze filled with disdain. But the flicker in her eyes betrayed her lie. Everyone knew that Dylan was anything but weak-his strength and agility were something to be envied. Still, Olivia knew exactly how to push his buttons.

Dylan gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if he'd just been struck by a fatal blow.

"Ah! You'll regret this when your mate turns out to be someone who isn't an Alpha."

That was a low blow. Olivia had always dreamed of having an Alpha mate. Fury flared in her eyes as she took a step closer, grabbing Dylan's shirt with every intention of yanking him toward her.

"How dare you?!" she shouted.

Dylan, laughing, quickly ducked behind Hazel, using her as a shield, his victory evident in the mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Enough, both of you!" Hazel interjected sharply, gripping Olivia's arm to stop her from lunging at Dylan. Then, with a swift jab to Dylan's ribs, she wiped the smirk off his face. He winced, clutching his side in pain.

"You always take her side," he grumbled, his eyes full of playful accusation. Hazel didn't bother responding-she simply shot him a warning glare, one that made him raise his hands in surrender.

The moment of playful banter came to an abrupt halt as the pack's enforcers began rounding everyone up, signaling that it was time to leave. The goodbyes were over. Now, duty took precedence. There was no room for jokes anymore.

Moving in silence, Hazel and Olivia walked toward the waiting vehicles, an unspoken weight settling over them. A slow, creeping unease coiled in Hazel's chest. Leaving wasn't easy, and she wasn't sure she was ready for what lay ahead.

"The journey will take two hours. Try to get some rest," Albert murmured as he approached her, placing a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder.

Hazel nodded, though she knew sleep would be impossible. How could she rest when she was on her way to the Moon Pack-where Alpha Ethan awaited? So much had been said about him, too much to ignore. And for the next three months, she would be at the heart of his domain, facing whatever challenges came her way.

She climbed into the vehicle, settling beside Olivia while Dylan took the seat across from them. A brief exchange of glances passed between them before they each turned toward the windows, watching as the dense forest blurred past.

The road ahead was long, the morning air thick with the scent of damp earth and pine. Hazel's gaze remained fixed on the endless stretch of trees, as though searching for something hidden among them-something unknown.

"Do you think he'll be cruel?" Olivia's hesitant voice finally broke the silence.

"Alphas are always ruthless," Hazel murmured, resting her head against the cool glass, her eyes fluttering shut.

But deep down, she felt something else. A strange, unsettling mix of anticipation and fear-wrapped in an excitement she couldn't quite understand.

As the convoy moved forward, the pack set out on their journey toward the Moon Pack-where the rules were different and absolute power rested in the hands of the Alpha.

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.

Everyone spoke of the Alpha's striking handsomeness and formidable physical and mental strength, as well as his commanding presence that had allowed him to dominate the most powerful factions in the werewolf world. It wasn't just about his strength; it was his wisdom, his ability to protect the bloodlines and clans that would have crumbled without him-despite his young age.

But what unsettled Hazel the most when she saw him was that no one mentioned his disability. It was as if they neither saw it nor cared about it. To them, his power and sharp intellect were more than enough to overshadow any physical deficiency.

Hazel stared at him, unable to believe that the legend she had assumed was nothing more than a myth now stood before her. He was real, in all his greatness... and, more importantly, he was her mate.

"You are nothing. Without the bloodline you so proudly cling to, you are nothing."

The Alpha's voice cut through the silence, instantly silencing the murmurs. He sat in his wheelchair, yet his presence was overwhelming. His gaze swept over everyone, sharp and assessing, as they awaited his words.

"Your enemies are many, and those who despise you are even more. Always remain vigilant. If your faction falls, you will be lost-just as many before you were, before I took control. I do not impose anything on you, nor do I want anything from you. All I desire is for my group's name to remain a force to be reckoned with, for the mere mention of werewolves to instill fear in all who hear it. That is your purpose here."

His words were absolute, leaving no room for argument, carrying an authority that demanded attention. He moved his wheelchair forward with deliberate ease, his gaze as sharp as a blade, yet brimming with keen intelligence.

Hazel struggled to focus on his speech. Every time she tried to absorb his words, she found his gaze flicking toward her-brief, fleeting, but enough to unsettle her.

"He knows exactly how to divert attention from his body and make people focus on his eloquence and intellect, doesn't he?"

Dylan's voice startled her; she hadn't even noticed his presence beside her. She nodded in agreement-he was right.

She glanced at Olivia, only to notice that the latter was fiddling with her fingers in uncharacteristic silence.

"What's wrong? Where's your usual enthusiasm?" Hazel asked, her tone laced with mild sarcasm.

Olivia lifted her gaze to meet hers, but the hesitation in her expression sent a wave of unease through Hazel.

"What enthusiasm?" Olivia scoffed, her voice tinged with disdain. "I lost it on a crippled Alpha. I never expected those rumors about his strength to be nothing but an illusion."

Olivia's words hit Hazel like a lightning strike. She stared at her in disbelief, struggling to process what she had just heard. Was this really enough for Olivia to lose her respect for him?

"Do you even hear yourself? You talk as if you weren't the first to defend warriors!" Hazel's voice was low but sharp. "He lacks nothing, yet you say your enthusiasm is gone? You weren't like this, Olivia. What happened to you?"

Olivia's expression hardened as she shot back, "And you weren't like this either! Or are you trying to act like a saint all the time, defending everyone as if you never make mistakes? Don't play that role with me, Hazel!"

Her voice rose, drawing the attention of the students training nearby. The atmosphere shifted as eyes turned toward them, waiting for the confrontation to unfold.

"Why are you defending him?" Olivia challenged, her gaze piercing through Hazel as if trying to uncover a hidden truth.

Hazel took an involuntary step back, caught off guard, unable to respond immediately. Olivia's words felt like a slap, but the truth ran deeper than that.

"You're right..." Hazel finally admitted, her eyes dropping to the ground as she clenched her teeth. "Maybe... maybe because I want to be the saint here."

She threw the words out as if they were a painful confession, then turned away, walking toward a distant bench. Sitting down, she buried her face in her hands, trying to steady her racing heartbeat.

She hated arguing with Olivia, but their fights had been getting worse lately. Olivia had always been reckless, acting without thinking, but this time, Hazel didn't know how to handle her.

Why had she defended the Alpha so fiercely?

He wasn't just an Alpha-he was her mate. This bond was new to her, yet at the same time... it felt natural. Didn't it?

Lifting her gaze, she searched for him and found him observing two girls sparring, offering them feedback on their attack and defense techniques.

Then, suddenly, he looked at her.

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment-neither showing any emotion. But then, she saw it.

A small smile.

Not mocking, not cold.

Genuine.

He smiled at her.

"So, Hazel?"

Lucas's voice cut through her focus. He had appeared suddenly, confirming her name as if he had overheard the earlier argument. Perhaps Alpha Ethan had heard it too. Hazel gave him a small nod and a faint smile. He took a seat beside her and continued speaking.

"Well, why aren't you training, Hazel? You know we don't have time to waste, and the Alpha is waiting to see you fight one of the girls."

Hazel's heart clenched at the mention of the Alpha's name, a wave of tension washing over her. She knew his eyes would be on her the entire time. She was confident in her abilities, but she hadn't expected to be scrutinized as closely as the other two girls-his gaze tracking even the smallest movements.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward with deliberate confidence toward the combat arena. Her opponent was already waiting, standing with an air of provocation. The girl looked physically stronger than Hazel, her confident eyes momentarily shaking Hazel's own resolve. But she quickly pulled herself together, gathering her composure. She stole a glance at Lucas, who walked beside her, offering silent support through a calm, reassuring smile.

Her attention returned to the girl in the arena, who was cracking her knuckles and rolling her neck in preparation. Hazel felt the tension coiling inside her, but she advanced steadily, closing the distance just as her opponent did.

The girl wasted no time. She lunged at Hazel, who barely had a moment to react before a swift, powerful kick sent her crashing to the ground. Hazel gasped as the full weight of her opponent pinned her down, her breath turning shallow. She struggled to break free, but the girl's grip was relentless.

Her gaze flicked toward the Alpha. His jaw was clenched, his fists tight, his expression unreadable. She couldn't tell what he was thinking, but the cold intensity of his stare sent a shiver through her. Forcing herself to refocus, she attempted to throw the girl off balance. Gathering her strength, she pushed hard, managing to shove her opponent away and quickly scramble to her feet-despite the sharp pain shooting through her leg.

They exchanged blows, but the girl was stronger and faster. Hazel had no choice but to rely on agility, dodging as much as she could and countering with sudden, calculated strikes. One of her swift punches landed, but it wasn't enough.

Her opponent retaliated with a brutal hit to Hazel's jaw, sending her crashing back to the ground. Pain exploded through her skull, and she tasted blood seeping into her mouth. Both of them were bleeding, but Hazel was the one on the ground, struggling to rise.

For a fleeting moment, the thought of surrender crept in. Then, her gaze lifted to the Alpha. He was still seated, watching in silence, as if waiting for something. As if the pain she was enduring didn't matter.

"Is he waiting for me to suffer more?" Hazel thought, trying to will herself up, but her body was reaching its limit.

Yet, she refused to give in. She focused on her opponent-strong, but slow enough to be vulnerable to consecutive strikes. Seizing the opportunity, Hazel launched a flurry of attacks, determined to wear the girl down. It worked for a while, but then-another devastating blow struck her.

Her body crumpled, unable to rise again. Blood mixed with saliva, the metallic taste coating her tongue. Her eyelids grew heavy, threatening to shut.

The last thing she saw was the Alpha. He turned away, his chair scraping against the floor as he rose and exited the training hall-leaving her lying there on the ground.

She hadn't wanted him to see her this weak. But she hadn't realized that standing before him was a struggle in itself.