The Luna Who Pretended To Be Broken

During the time I was immobilized from the car accident, Beta Kareem never left my side. It was then I realized how unfounded my jealousy over his supposed affairs had been. His love for me was genuine. When he introduced the other woman into our den, claiming it was due to his parents' pressure to have pups, I swallowed my pride and endured it. From that point on, I fell asleep each night to the sounds of their intimacy.

He said she preferred a soft bed, so I gave up the Alpha suite to them. He mentioned she woke up late, so I prepared breakfast for them every morning. When the other woman finally became pregnant, I struggled with my disability to cater to her every need.

Until one day, I saw the mind link messages between him and his Beta brothers.

"Wow, Beta Kareem is really something. Not only did he mess with the car to half-paralyze his mate, but he also has her completely under his thumb. Now he can do whatever he wants."

"But Beta Kareem, what if she finds out the truth and reports you to the pack council?"

Beta Kareem responded with a dismissive emoji.

"What is there to fear from a disabled she-wolf? If she ever tries to report us, I'll make sure she can't even howl!"

Tears fell as I dialed that number overseas.

"I want to sign up for that experimental surgery to treat my paralysis… in three days!"

---

As I ended the call, my breathing nearly stopped, the sound of blood pounding in my ears. That accident wasn't fate; it was attempted murder. My mate, the wolf I deeply loved, Beta Kareem Silva, would rather have me crippled than lose control over me.

Images of the accident flashed in my mind—the brakes failing, the steering wheel locking up, and the car charging uncontrollably into the barrier. I used to think it was fate's cruel hand, but it was all orchestrated.

“Amina?”

Beta Kareem's voice suddenly came from behind me, and I trembled, nearly dropping the phone. My fingers swiftly swiped the screen to exit the chat app. I composed myself and slowly turned my wheelchair to face him.

“You startled me, sweetheart.”

I forced my voice to stay gentle, though my stomach churned. Beta Kareem stood at the door, dressed in his Beta ceremonial attire, presenting the façade of a charming, upright wolf. He had fooled everyone, including me. Now, those eyes no longer held love, but a cold calculation I had never noticed before.

"What had you so engrossed?"

He approached, his gaze landing on the phone in my hand.

“Oh, nothing, just browsing some recipes.”

I smiled, holding up the phone. “Georgina hasn’t had much of an appetite lately. I’m thinking of trying something new, maybe some spiced honey cake.”

Beta Kareem’s expression softened as he stroked my hair, a patronizing gesture as if he were praising a pup. “You’re always so thoughtful. By the way, my parents will be visiting next week, so you might want to prepare.”

I nodded obediently, though my nails dug into my palms. His parents had always disapproved of my condition, yet now they served as his excuse to bring this Omega into our den.

“Beta Kareem, darling~”

A sugary voice drifted from the hallway as Georgina leaned lazily against the doorframe, wearing my ceremonial Luna gown. In the moonlight streaming through the window, her figure was particularly alluring, her long legs beneath the gown captivating. This was the gown Beta Kareem had gifted me for our mating anniversary, now a silent mockery draped over her.

“How come you’re up this early?”

Beta Kareem immediately turned to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and nuzzling her neck.

“I missed you,” she pouted, casting a triumphant glance my way. “Oh, Delta Amina, you’re here too.”

I gripped the wheelchair’s arms, forcing a smile. “Georgina. I was just about to make breakfast. Anything specific you’d like? Perhaps some deer steak or roasted rabbit?”

“I’ll pass on your cooking today.” She waved dismissively, clinging to Beta Kareem. “He’s taking me out for breakfast.”

Beta Kareem nipped at her ear fondly. “Yeah, we’ve got an appointment for a prenatal exam.”

He turned to me, his tone indifferent. “Delta Amina, just have something for yourself. No need to prepare anything for us.”

Prenatal exam.

The phrase pierced my heart like a silver dagger. My mate was taking his mistress for a prenatal exam, while I, his official mate, had to stay behind and keep an eye on the den. My wolf whimpered in the back of my mind, a sound of both pain and defiance. But I silenced her, knowing our time would come. For now, I would play the part of the obedient mate, biding my time until I could stand on my own four paws again.