Hazel’s povI was roughly shoved as the girls stepped back and stared at me with rage. The main girl, Lily, did a line across her neck to show me she would kill me if I said anything to her aunty.Mara entered and looked at the four of us staring at her as she raised her brows.“You girls look like you’ve been up to something,” she said while chewing on her gum.“Oh no aunty,” Lily rushed to her and hugged her before taking her bag. “Also, you didn’t tell us about this new girl joining us.”Lily was surprisingly chirpy that I was shocked this was the same chick who had tried to kill me seconds ago.I didn’t even know what to do. I could only pretend that all was well as I smiled at the healer who shrugged.“And why should I tell you I have a new student. You are learning your healing practice here and when you’re done you’ll be out of my hair like I promised your mother.”Mara then looked at me and waved to me. “How are you dear?”I nodded nervously. “I’m fine,” I said. “I’m only here
Hazel’s povFear gripped me, and I turned to run, but there was nowhere to go. The crowd was closing in, their faces filled with disgust and rage. I felt tears sting my eyes as I realized how helpless I was.I wanted to scream, to beg them to understand that I wasn’t here to cause trouble. I was just trying to find a place where I could belong. But my voice was stuck in my throat, and all I could do was stand there, frozen with fear.Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, a voice cut through the noise.“What’s going on here?”Everyone turned to look, and I saw a man standing at the edge of the crowd. He was tall and commanding, his eyes sharp as they scanned the scene.It was Kael, the Beta of the pack.The crowd parted slightly as he walked toward me, his expression cold and unreadable.“She’s a rogue,” one of the men said. “She doesn’t belong here.”Kael’s eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. Then he turned to the crowd.“Does the Alpha know about thi
Hazel’s POVAs I worked with the healer while trying to prepare things, I knocked over one of the mixtures to the ground as I looked up at Mara who stopped what she was doing and stood akimbo, staring at me with anger.“Well? Don’t look at me. Pick it up,” she said as I nodded quickly and bent to pick up her things.I fixed all I was to fix and she waved me off.“Clean your hands of the mixture. And don’t use water. Just use a clean rag. That mixture can bring up hallucinations and whatnot and I don’t want you puking all over my floor.”I nodded and ran out to do what she had asked me to do.But when I raced through the back door, my ears picked up the sound behind me.I turned just in time to see Lily smiling at me with a bucket of water.“It’s time to see how good you are with sewage water,” said Lily as she tossed dirty water on me.I closed my eyes as the stench from the water felt like it was stinging my body.I cried out in frustration as I could not believe that anyone would be
Orion’s POVI was seated in my office, going through a few files as I dropped the call I had with Mara, the healer.I smiled for a second. For someone whom she had said was giving her a tough time, she really wanted Hazel to stay in her place and learn the healing techniques.A knock interrupted my thought as I saw Kael my beta coming in.He had a frown on his face but what was unusual about it? He always had a frown.It was almost like nothing could make him happy.“What is it this time?” I muttered as he closed the door behind him and walked to sit in the seat across from me.“I saw her in the market today,” he said as I shrugged.“You’ll need to be very specific if we would be playing the pronoun game with each other.”“I’m talking about Hazel. The rogue.” “She’s not a rogue. And she is under our care. Never fail to know that.”He nodded and went on. “She was on her own in the market.”“Maybe she went to the market with Mara to buy something for their healing lessons or something.
Hazel’s POVI laid on the floor without even breathing normally as I didn’t want to piss off Lily.She was lying in her bed while tapping noiselessly on her phone.It was clear she couldn’t sleep either and it was midnight.I wanted to ask her so many things but my wolf decided against it.Saying anything could have me in trouble.So I laid down quietly and prayed for this night to be over in a breeze.“Stop breathing so loudly,” she said which had me frustrated as I sat up to look at her.I was wearing her clothes as she frowned at me.“Make sure you enjoy tonight because this is the last night you’ll ever sleep in this house.”That was it. I was done being insulted for no damn reason.“Why do you hate me?”“Because you’re a dunce.”I scoffed. “Coming from you.”“What was that?”“I said, coming from you.”I wasn’t backing down.She had done enough to me and I wasn’t taking anymore of her bullshit. Not anymore.“Ever since I’ve been here, which might I remind you is just in the last t
Hazel’s POVI waited in the living room with Mara and Lily as we stared at the passed out man.She was visibly shaken from what she had seen but I leaned back in my seat and didn’t say anything.“I’m sure we can all be glad that Hazel was there in time to save the day,” Mara said as Lily nodded.She was happy that she was alive and she pointed at the man who was stirring without his mask.Before we had taken him into the house we had removed his mask to see if he was someone we actually knew but it turned out he had a totally different scent and face from anyone we knew.Mara took a pan and smacked him over the head as he passed out again.I looked at Lily and suddenly burst out laughing as she followed suit with Mara doing the same.Suddenly all animosity she had towards me disappeared as she smiled in my direction.“You’re not that bad,” she said as I shrugged.A knock on the door had us looking at the door as Mara got up and opened it to see Orion and Kael coming in with a few gene
Hazel’s POV We got back to the palace that night as I got to my room and fell on my bed. I was happy to be home. Lily entered the room and looked around in marvel. She was shocked that I was having a large room as big as this as she folded her arms. “Who are you to the alpha?” She asked as I shrugged. “A guest I guess,” I smiled. “Wait, you’re trying to tell me that the alpha gave you this large room that is on the Same floor as his just for being his guest?” I shrugged. “I guess so.” But she shook her head. “Nah. You have to be doing something extra. Are you sleeping with the alpha?” I was shocked. “Are you fucking kidding me? Keep your voice down so no one will hear you.” “So you are really sleeping with the alpha. I should have known.” But I growled at her. “It’s not how it works. Just stop it. I just got in here and he was kind enough to give a pregnant lady a house and a job at your aunty’s place. Please don’t even start with the insults.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. F
Hazel’s POVI froze for a moment, unsure of what to say. Before I could respond, one of the injured men glared at me and crossed his arms. “I don’t want her treating me. I’ll wait for someone else.”His words stung, but I tried not to let it show. I glanced over at Mara, who was watching the situation with a raised eyebrow.This was harsh for me to explain to anyone as I was being treated like I was trash. I could only hold back my tears as I watched them and tried to hold myself from bursting through the doors and running away.I took in deep breaths and decided to talk to them to see if they would be calm and let me treat them.“I’m sorry if you see me as less than you but please I need to treat you so your wounds don’t get infected. There’s wolfsbane inside your injured legs so let me…”“Oh shut it you rogue,” another growled towards me as I kept my face down to not make them angry.At that point, I got scared that they were going to lynch me by the way they were acting up.Mara
Author’s povThe throne room of the Red moon pack was a buzz with thick tension as Hazel who had returned, stood proud and tall. She called for a meeting with both the elders of the red moon pack and the shadowclaw pack. It had taken Orion a leap of faith to extend an invitation to every important dignitary as he knew that Hazel who looked looked different this time after her travels had something important to say.She looked different from how she had been before traveling.With everyone seated in the court while she stood in the middle, she started the meeting. Hazel’s voice didn’t waver. “I’ve had no reason to doubt you before, Ryder,” she said, her eyes still locked on his. “But I wouldn’t have called this meeting if I wasn’t one hundred percent sure. You owe me justice―and you’re going to give it to me today.”Ryder laughed in disbelief and leaned back even farther in his chair. “Justice?” he asked disdainfully. “What kind of justice do you think you’re entitled to? Seriously?
Evelyn’s POVThe cell was damp, and cold, the hard stone felt as if it would close in on me. I didn’t know how long I had been down here since Kael had tossed me in this hole but it didn’t matter the time right now because if anything my anger had just intensified. My hands were shackled before me but that didn’t bother me. What bothered me was why I was here.I had done nothing wrong in my book.The heavy boots pounded down the hallway. I straightened, lifting my chin as the door creaked open.Kael stepped in, towering over me as much as he filled the small space. His expression was a mask, but I saw the tightness in his jaw, the anger in his sharp eyes. He folded his arms over his chest and studied me.“Where did you take Hazel?” The question was soft, and controlled, but I could hear the blame lacing it.I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “You’re delusional, Kael. I didn’t take Hazel anywhere.”His expression darkened. “Don’t lie to me, Evelyn. I know you were involved in her disappearanc
Hazel’s povI journeyed for a long time before I arrived at the spot Ryder had directed. There, tucked in between those boulders, was a large dark cave. Everything became dead silent all around me and for a moment, I stood still and doubted myself. But it quickly ended when my eyes landed on her.Alongside the entrance to the abyss, a figure sat there and it was an elderly woman, with long silver hair sliding down her back. She looked as if she would crumble right under herself yet something about her seemed so powerful.I took a step forward, opening my mouth to speak but before I could get a word out she lifted her head and looked straight at me."Hazel." She said softly.I froze.How does she know my name?Before I could ask, movement flickered in my periphery. More people were stepping out from the shadows of the mountains. Men and women in dark cloaks. Their gazes held something I couldn’t quite grasp. Recognition. And... happiness when they saw me.“She’s come back,” someone bre
Hazel’s povRyder shook his head, desperation pouring from his eyes. “No, Hazel. That’s not all. I…” His voice cracked. “I didn’t know.”She sliced her hand through the air, severing his words. “But you did,” she said with sharp, brutal conviction. “You really knew.”Ryder sucked in a deep breath and desperation filled his eyes. “I know I fucked up, Hazel. I know I hurt you but I didn’t know you were pregnant, or that the baby was Orion’s. If I had known—”I cut him off, my voice sharp. “Stop acting like you didn’t know. But you did know I was pregnant, Ryder. You knew, and you still banished me. In front of my parents. Do you have any idea how much that hurt? Do you have any idea how much you humiliated me?”Ryder’s shoulders slumped, and he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know, Hazel. I know I hurt you. And I’ll never forgive myself for that. But I’m here now. I’m trying to make things right.”I sighed, my face softening slightly. “I already said I’d help your mother, R
Hazel’s povI woke up the next morning and an ungodly heaviness sat on my chest. The argument from yesterday was the first thing I thought of—Evelyn’s betrayal, my escape, Kael stopping me. It left me angry and feeling restless and I couldn’t lock myself in this room all day to lick my wounds. I needed some air—to breathe, to think.With that said, I got out of bed and dressed quickly while making a path for the door. There wasn’t much noise in the rooms as made it way down the hallway, except for a faint hum of footsteps… the maids were working no doubt. No one was in the garden when I arrived so early this morning.But as I stepped foot into the garden, my feet froze. There, with his back to me, stood someone I never expected to see again—Alpha Ryder of my old pack. My heart skipped a beat and I was hit with a wave of emotions—anger, terror, confusion. What in the world is he doing here? After everything he had done to me—after banishing me from my own pack when he found out about m
Hazel’s POV He untied my hands, rough but not sloppy. I don’t think he wanted to hurt me. Not yet. I worked my wrists when he was done, enjoying the tingle as circulation returned.Mark yanked me upright by one arm, easy enough that it wasn't painful. He marched and dragged me towards the only partially closed door at the far end of the room, his eyes flicking around, wary.But so was I.I stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me and my heart pounding. This was it. My only chance. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, and then I waited for a while before I exited the door into the room.Mark was standing a few feet away from me, his back turned as he used his lighter to light a cigarette. He didn’t turn his head when he heard my footsteps coming toward him. He had no fear in that moment. And that’s when I got him.With every ounce of strength I had, I kicked him. Hard. Behind the back of his leg, at his knee. He let out a grunt of pain as he stumbled forward and d
Author’s povRyder wrinkled his nose, his annoyance heightening. “Why?”“Because she’s busy,” Kael said in anger.“Busy doing what? I told you it was important. My mother is dying.”Kael’s mouth flattened and he closed the distance between him and Ryder, speaking in a low, rigid voice. “I said she’s busy, Ryder. That’s all you need to know. And if you’re hurt and in need of healing’, our pack has plenty who are more than qualified for the job.”Ryder narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. “With all due respect, Kael, I didn’t come here for your healers. I came here for Hazel. She’s the only one who can help my mother. So, if you know where she is, tell me.”Kael’s gaze hardened as he took another step closer. His voice was sharp when he spoke again. “I don’t owe you anything Ryder. You’re a guest here and you will respect our rules.Hazel is not available to you. End of discussion.”Ryder clenched his fists at his sides, feeling his patience—what little he had left of
Orion’s povThe following morning, I awoke early, my mind full of the day’s agenda. One of the first things I had to do was let Hazel know that her old alpha, Ryder, would be coming to the packhouse. She and he had a… difficult history, and I wanted to warn her in advance. I dressed quickly then headed down the hall to her room.I rapped on her closed door and called out, “Hazel? It’s Orion; we need to talk.”There was no answer. I knocked again, harder. “Hazel? Are you home?”Silence. I squinted my eyes and reached for the doorknob. Something was not right. The door swung open and creaked under my weight.No one was there. The bed was made perfectly and looked exactly as it did before she left this morning—empty.“Hazel?” I called out again, my voice bouncing back in the empty room.Silence. I took a few steps toward the dresser and pulled on the handle. It opened easily, revealing Hazel’s neatly folded clothes. All of her personal items were still there, exactly as she’d left them w
Orion’s povKael stared at me for a long moment before he finally nodded his head, his voice quiet. “Alright, Orion. I’ll trust you on this but if things go wrong it’s your head.”I smiled in reassurance and relief. “I know. And I’m ready to take that responsibility.”Kael dropped back down into the chair again, his voice still so serious for one so young. “So what’s the plan then? How do we help Ryder’s mother without putting the pack in danger?” I stood up straighter, my mind spinning with ideas. “We’ll start by sending some healers to Ryder’s pack. They can check on his mother and try to heal her if they’re able. But they’ll also be guarded in case Ryder tries anything.”Kael agreed with a slow nod, his gaze distant. “Okay. That’s a good precaution to take, but we can’t afford not to plan for the worst case either. How about bringing him into our own pack.”“I don’t like the idea, Kael. Bringing Ryder into our pack? After everything he’s done? It feels like we’re inviting trouble.