Chapter 2: Brutally Rejected.

Hazel panted hard.

She was running through the dense forest, her feet pounding the earth, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She kept running, her heart racing with fear. Every few seconds, she'd turn back, and there they'd be - three black wolves, their eyes fixed on her, their pace relentless.

She ran faster, her legs burning, but the wolves kept pace. She burst through the trees, crossing the border of her pack's territory, but she didn't stop. She kept running, the trees blurring together as she sprinted on.

But no matter how far she ran, the wolves were always there, their eyes glowing in the darkness. Hazel's fear grew; she knew that if she were caught, that would be the end of her, her breath coming in panicked gasps. She couldn't shake them.

Finally, she stumbled into a clearing, and her heart sank. Four bigger wolves stood in front of her, their eyes fixed on her, their bodies tense. Hazel panicked and spun around, trying to dodge, but it was too late. A paw swiped at her, and everything went black.

Hazel woke up with a start, her heart racing, her sheets tangled around her. She lay there, trying to catch her breath, the fear still lingering in her mind. It had just been a dream, but it had felt so damn real.

Hazel felt less energetic than ever, the horrible dream had sapped away her energy. This was her day of freedom, if she was not free today she knew she would never be free. It is either she finds her mate or she leaves for good.

She stared at her bag that she had wrapped, but what if she finds her mate here?

She stood up hurriedly to the bathroom. Hazel got a lot on her mind. She quickly freshened up, her mind racing with questions and doubts. As she headed out, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead.

As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring. Would she find her mate? Would she find freedom? Or would she be stuck in the same miserable life?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of people bustling about preparing for the ceremony. She slipped into the kitchen greeting them all without getting any response, every one wore a happy face as they hurriedly did their chores and prepared delicacies for the event

Hazel makes sure you get the dishes washed, cleaned, and packed for serving. The head maid gave her orders leaving the kitchen to run other errands. She has just finished her chores, and as she rushed outside she was amazed and perplexed by the beautiful decorations she saw.

She stepped into the grand hall, her eyes widening as she took in the decorations. The black moon had gone all out - the theme colors, silver, deep forest green, and midnight blue, were everywhere.

The walls were adorned with silver and green balloons, and a huge banner with Ethan's name and "Happy Birthday" in midnight blue letters hung above the stage. It was a simple yet sophisticated setup, Hazel couldn't help but feel a pang of wonder at how beautiful everything looked.

She walked outside walking towards the kitchen absentmindedly when she heard a voice calling her name.

"Hazel." Lucas called.

She turned and saw a small cake presented in front of her with her name written on it, it was a small blue coloured cake

"Happy birthday Hazel." Lucas said smiling.

"Thank you beta Lucas." Hazel said surprised and smiling, she had absolutely forgotten that today was her birthday too.

She accepted the cake with gratitude, Lucas watched as Hazel walked away happily staring at the cake he had gifted her, she had grown into a beautiful and strong woman, she is officially twenty now how time flies, as the once little baby he picked up at the pack border was all grown, he thought smiling to himself. If the Alpha had agreed, he would have raised her by himself but that didn't stop him from caring for her from afar.

***

A few hours later, the grand hall of the Black Moon pack was lively, the air thick with anticipation and the scent of the pack's finest delicacies. Ethan Ryder, the Alpha's son, stood tall, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He was about to turn twenty, and the pack was buzzing with the possibility of his impending mating.

As he greeted the guests, a sudden shiver ran down his spine. A sweet, alluring scent wafted through the air, making his heart skip a beat.

His mate. Finally!

Ethan's eyes locked onto the source of the scent, and his smile faltered. Hazel. The omega servant. His mind reeled in denial as he stared at her standing in a queue with the rest of the lowly servants in the pack.

No, it couldn't be. She was a nobody, a lowly servant with no family, no status, and no wolf.

The hall fell silent, as if the very atmosphere itself was holding its breath. Ethan's father, the Alpha, glared at Hazel with a mixture of disgust and disappointment. Ethan's mother, Sophia, whispered in panic,

"Ethan, don't do this."

But Ethan's anger and shame had already taken over. He felt trapped, suffocated by the very idea of being mated to someone so beneath him. His voice cold and detached, he declared,

"I, Ethan Ryder of Black Moon pack, reject you, Hazel, as my mate."

The words hung in the air like a poisonous cloud, making Hazel's world shatter. Tears welled up in her eyes as everyone stared, her vision blurred.

Why was this world so cruel?

Pain, anger, and disappointment crushed her, making it hard to breathe. It was not as if she had wanted Ethan as a mate; he was too loose and careless.

But why was the moon goddess so cruel to her, giving her Ethan of all people?

As the pack gasped and whispered, Hazel fled, running through the crowd with her head held high, despite the crushing weight of shame and rejection. She burst into her small, dingy room, grabbed the bag she'd packed earlier, and bolted out walking towards the back.

She knew the east border would be full of guards and people, so she decided to use the west border, running into the darkness, which swallowed her whole. Still, she didn't stop running, her feet pounding against the earth as she vanished into the shadows, a lone figure fleeing the misery of her shattered life.

Just as she successfully crossed her pack's border, Hazel's feet pounded the earth, her breath huffing in panic as she fled into the forest's darkness. The trees blurred together, branches whipping her face, but her mind was a chaotic mess of rejection and fear.

Why me?

The pack's rejection still burned like acid in her veins, the sting of Ethan's words echoing:

"I reject you, Hazel, as my mate."

Suddenly, she heard footsteps. Three black wolves emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed on her like predators.

"No need for this."

Hazel whispered, backing away, but panic took over. She sprinted, her heart racing, though she knew she couldn't outrun them. The trees seemed to close in, trapping her. The full moon stood tall above her creating an illuminating shadow of her fragile body.

Just then pain exploded in her blood vessels. Her bones cracked like twigs, muscles tore in agony, and skin stretched to breaking. The pain devastated her. It was something she could not bear, Hazel screamed, but it was a howl of primal agony. She transformed, her wolf bursting forth in a maelstrom of pain and fury.

Four-legged, she ran, wild and disoriented, her paws barely touching the ground. A new body she hadn't mastered. Dodging trees, she glanced back-the wolves stopped. Ahead, four massive wolves blocked her path. All radiated dominance and danger, their eyes burning like lanterns in the dark. Fear paralyzed her, her heart pounding in terror. The aura rolling off them was crushing, a weight that pinned her to the earth.

She tried running towards the other direction but just then one of them lunged, hitting her so hard she passed out, and darkness enveloped her.

Chapter 3: Encounter With The Wolf King.

Infinity Pack

The night was based on tremendous wind, which blew on the roof of the castle. It was no doubt that it was about to rain, but the goddess of rain might have been holding the impending rain for a reason.

But for what reason?

Arden thought, as he stood at his window, looking up at the sky, that the darkness was a strange feeling that settled on his mind, something he could not grasp. It felt as if something would happen in a few hours from now. His gut instinct was never wrong, he knew that painfully well.

Just then the door opened revealing Caden, Caden strode towards the Alpha king tapping him out of his thoughts. He bowed his head slightly before making his report.

"Alpha, a girl was found at the border of our kingdom."

Arden smirked,

Whose plan was this to use a girl as a spy.

He thought to himself.

"Where is she now?" He asked.

"She is in one of our visiting rooms, the guards said she fainted." Caden responded.

"I will be there in a few minutes." Arden said dismissing Caden.

Rogues.

He thought smirking, and walked out curious to see whom they used this time. Just as he got to the door something hit him. It was the smell of vanilla and fresh flowers, his wolf pounced in his mind restless repeating the word "mate" continuously, his wolf threatened to take over and look for his mate since Arden stood there like a log of wood.

Arden looked around searching for the person with that sweet smell but found no one outside just then his gaze hit the door and on getting in he was shocked.

The stranger who had entered his pack uninvited is his long awaited mate, is the moon goddess joking?

He walked more inside the room and was surprised to see a beautiful lean figure sleeping soundly on the bed, her body showed that she had been abused. It was obvious she wasn't a rogue but a helpless girl running for dear life. He had the urge to touch her so badly but refrained from doing so.

Caden, his close friend and beta walked in on him. He made a sign to stop him from talking and together they walked out not to wake the sleeping figure.

"Arden what is going on? you don't look okay." Caden asked, staring at the Alpha king.

"Caden, she's my mate." the Alpha said tensed, never had he been this confused.

Caden had this smile on his face that made him shake his head in regret telling him it was a bad fate at this point

"The moon goddess has done you well finally our Alpha has his mate, what are we waiting for? Aren't we supposed to be planning your mating ceremony?" Caden said, smiling sheepishly.

Arden wasn't amused, not even in the slightest bit, on the contrary, he looked worried. This sapped the enthusiasm out of Caden too.

"Is there something you are worried about?" Caden questioned suspiciously.

Arden didn't hesitate, it was never in his nature to hold back his thoughts.

"What if she turned out to be a spy?"

Caden froze,

Not because he didn't understand the Alpha but because he knew the consequence of it,

If the girl was a spy, they had no choice but to kill her.

***

Hazel woke up to find herself in a strange room, sprawled across a king-sized bed that felt like a cloud. The walls were a crisp white, Plush carpets muffled her footsteps as she padded across the floor, taking in the luxurious decor. Panic set in,

Where was she? How did she get here?

Just then, a sassy voice chimed in her mind,

"Girl, relax. This is a very good place to be in. I love it here sooo classy ."

Hazel raised an eyebrow.

Was she going crazy?

"Who are you? Where are you?" She asked aloud.

The voice chuckled.

"Hey, I'm Akira, your wolf. Mhm, and you're in the Alpha's den... kinda."

Hazel's eyes widened.

"Akira? You're... my wolf? And you can talk to me and hear me speak ?"

Akira snorted.

"Of course babe. Get used to it."

"And you said something about Alpha, which Alpha?" Hazel questioned suspiciously hoping she hadn't returned back to her pack where she escaped from.

"Our mate dumbie, he came in last night. He's sooo strong and good-looking and has the best smell on earth but you were too tired to wake up." She said disappointed.

"You must be joking, our mate rejected us last night, ohhh you weren't even there." Hazel said tsking.

"And now we have another one Hazel, the moon goddess has blessed us."

"You know what, enough of your ranting let me think." she said playfully, deep down she was happy that at least she finally had her wolf.

Hazel just kept staring at the room with so much awe, the room was as big as the grand hall at her former pack, The door opened revealing a maid who interrupted Hazel's thoughts.

"Good morning Luna." She said bowing politely.

"Luna? Me? This must definitely be a prank."

"I'm here to help you with your bath and also I got clothes for you later I'll bring you your breakfast." The maid said still bowing.

"Please what is your name and how did I get here?" Hazel questioned the girl as her wolf had suddenly gone quiet.

"Ohhh my name is Piper and I think the Alpha brought you here himself." The maid replied.

She is still in shock so Akira hadn't lied to her.

"Ofcourse, I told you now to snap out of your thoughts and don't make a fool out of yourself in front of a maid." Akira said, finally breaking the silence in her mind.

"I was once a maid too" Hazel said aloud.

"Sorry, what ma?" Piper said.

"No no not you she replied embarrassed, she hadn't realized she said that out."

"Can I meet the Alpha?" Hazel asked.

"He is probably busy now but I'll make sure to send your message across Luna." Piper said politely.

"That will do, thank you." She said, smiling at the polite maid.

The maid smiled back and left. A few minutes later she returned with an exquisitely served breakfast of sandwich bread and other side dishes.

"The Alpha King wants you to eat well and rest. He said he will come see you after you rest ."

Hazel's heart skipped.

"Alpha King? She is still worried about this, if the Alpha's son of her lowly pack could reject her the Alpha king will definitely kill her for being unfortunate enough for the moon goddess to match her with him."

Even if it was going to be her last breakfast alive, Hazel was ready to risk that, the food's aroma was mouthwatering. She sat, and the first bite of eggs was like a symphony in her mouth."

The maid slipped out quietly. Hazel barely noticed, too busy savoring the royal treatment. Maybe she could get a little of this before she is kicked out, or worse killed, she thought, as she munched on like a hungry wolf.

Back at her old pack, Lucas paced outside the pack house, his worry for Hazel gnawing at him like a hungry beast . She'd run away after that bastard Ethan rejected her . Lucas had seen the pain in her eyes, the crushing weight of shame and humiliation. He'd wanted to rip Ethan's throat out for hurting her.

As he paced, he sent a silent prayer to the moon goddess:

Please, protect her. Keep her safe. Get her far away from this toxic pack and into a place where she'll be loved and cherished .

Just then, the three guards who'd chased Hazel returned . They approached Lucas and together they returned to the Alpha's study. As they entered, Alpha Ryder was lounging on the Alpha's chair looking bored while his son Ethan sat on the green sofa by the entrance looking smug .

"Report," Alpha Ryder barked.

"Sir, we chased her, but... we met four other wolves. They were... powerful. We had to retreat." One of the guards stammered.

Ethan's eyes narrowed and he interrupted rudely.

"You mean you couldn't catch her? Or kill her?"

The guards exchanged nervous glances.

"They... they would've thought she was a rogue, sir. We didn't want to risk it."

Ethan's face twisted in a cruel smile.

"Good. Let her be someone else's problem. She's probably dead by now." Ethan said excitedly.

His father didn't appear convinced,

"Lucas."

"Yes, Alpha." Lucas responded politely.

"You found the girl twenty years ago and brought her into this pack, now I order you to find her dead body and return it to the pack."

Lucas's eyes widened, shock registered in his countenance but he managed to hide his disappointment. He clenched his fist behind his back and managed to pull the words out of his mouth against his will.

"Yes my Alpha."

Chapter 4: The New.

Hazel woke up tired. Not the bone-deep exhaustion of a slave who had worked past breaking, but the sluggish, heavy-limbed drowsiness of someone who had slept too long. The kind of sleep that left you more disoriented than rested.

She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept without someone pouring a bucket of cold water over her head to yank her back to duty. The absence of that shock was almost unsettling. She sat up slowly, blinking at the room. She still couldn't wrap her head around it.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, her bare feet sinking into a carpet so plush it felt like walking on clouds. The window caught her attention. She crossed the room, her heart beating a little faster with a feeling she barely recognized: anticipation.

She pulled the curtains open and....

Oh! It was night.

She pressed her palm against the cool glass, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. This feels like a dream.

But the longer she stood there, the more the silence of the room began to press in on her. She was a stranger here. She didn't know the layout of the castle, didn't know the faces of the people who served her now, didn't know the rules. She didn't even know what she was allowed to do.

What am I supposed to do with myself? she thought, hugging her arms.

A knock shattered the quiet.

She jumped, her heart slamming into her throat. Old instincts, she had to force herself to breathe.

"Who's there?" she called, hating how small her voice sounded.

"It's me Piper, Luna."

Oh! The maid from earlier.

She exhaled, some of the tension draining.

"Piper, come in."

The door opened, and the young maid stepped in carrying a tray so large it drew her attention wholely, she hadn't seen such delicacies before.

"I brought your food, Luna."

Hazel's eyes were already fixed on the tray. She watched Piper set it down on the low table near the window, revealing plates piled high with food more food than she'd ever seen served to one person. Roasted meat, fresh bread, vegetables glistening with butter, a bowl of steaming soup, and pastries dusted with sugar. Her mouth watered. Her hands trembled with the effort of not lunging at it.

"I thought you said you would pass my message to your Alpha," Hazel said, forcing her gaze away from the food. "I haven't seen him."

Piper straightened, giving her a small smile. "Oh, that! he came earlier, but you were sleeping. He didn't want to disturb you."

Hazel blinked.

"He came?"

She pressed her lips together, something unfamiliar and fragile blooming in her chest.

"You've been sleeping all day," Akira said dryly inside her head. Hazel could practically see her wolf rolling her eyes.

If I weren't your wolf, I would have thought you died. And you missed another chance to talk to our mate. Again. Hazel ignored her, though her cheeks warmed at the thought of it. The Alpha King. Her mate.

"I'm sure he'll be back," Piper said, already moving toward the door.

"Just eat and rest for now, Luna."

The door closed with a soft click, and Hazel was alone again. She stared at the food for a long moment, then gave in but one thought dominated her mind.

What the Alpha King, her mate, looks like.

***

Just across the other hallway, Arden had been in his study buried in work all day.

It was what he had always loved, the order of it, the control, the satisfaction of a kingdom running smoothly under his hand. But today, the reports blurred together. The voices of his advisors faded into background noise. His mind kept drifting to the door at the end of the east wing, to the woman sleeping behind it, to the scent of her that still clung to his memory like smoke.

He had waited so long for this. So many years of watching his brother and friends find their mates, of listening to the whispers that the Alpha King was cursed, that the Moon goddess had abandoned him. He had refused to settle. Had turned away every woman the elders had presented, every alliance offered, every convenient match.

He had wanted her. Whoever she was. Wherever she was.

And now she was here. In his castle. sleeping in a room that had been empty for centuries, waiting for him to find the time to return to her.

He had never resented his work before. He resented it now.

"Any more reports?" he asked, his voice sharper than he intended.

Gaius, his gamma shuffled the papers on his desk, his expression carefully neutral.

"One more, Alpha. From the Winder Pack. Rogues attacked them a few days ago. Heavy casualties. The Luna was killed. Their Alpha is... delirious, from what we're told. They're requesting backup."

Arden's jaw tightened, rogues were becoming bolder, more organized. Another problem for another day.

"Send men to assist them. They should Stay until the pack is stable. Send arms too and provisions necessary."

Gaius nodded, making a note.

Arden stood, the chair scraping against the floor.

"That's all for today. Whatever's left can wait until tomorrow."

He was halfway to the door before Gaius could respond.

He didn't see the look on his gamma's face, the shock, the disbelief, the slow-spreading smile. Arden had never left work unfinished. Not once in all the years Gaius had served him. But here he was, striding out of the study like a man who had somewhere far more important to be.

And it got to be only one place, wherever his mate was.

Hazel was lost in thought- standing by the window, staring at the trees, wondering about the forest up ahead, wondering what her future holds, when the knock came.

She went still, her breath catching.

"It's him," Akira whispered. "I can smell him."

She crossed the room on unsteady legs. Her hand trembled as she reached for the door. She pulled it open.

And forgot how to breathe.

He stood in the doorway like he had been carved from moonlight and shadow. White hair and silver eyes . Broad shoulders and height that overshadowed her. A face that belonged on a painting in some ancient temple-strong jaw, sharp cheekbones, lips that were curved into the faintest hint of a smile.

And his scent-It hit her like a wave, pulled her under. Mint and hot chocolate. She was tempted to breathe him in until she drowned.

"Mate," Akira howled, pacing frantically inside her. "Mate!"

Hazel couldn't move. Couldn't speak. Couldn't do anything but stare up at this impossible, perfect creature and wonder how the moon goddess could have possibly chosen her for him. A slave. A nobody. A woman who had spent her entire life being told she was worthless.

His gaze traveled over her face, the wild tangle of her ginger hair. When his eyes met hers again, his smile deepened-just a fraction, just enough to make her knees weak.

"Hi, mate." He said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her bones.

"Can I come in?"