My Disabled Mate

By Maureen Elochukwu

Eighteen-year-old Raleigh Rivercrest's life is uncertain, having been an orphan her whole life. Her caretaker's boyfriend and her caretaker are pressuring her to find a home of her own, but Raleigh is unable to provide for herself. She finds solace in her young principal's older brother, Lucien, but he is not what he seems. Lucien is a werewolf, and Raleigh is drawn into the world of werewolves and Alphas. Despite her disability and child-like behavior, Raleigh falls for Lucien. However, their romance is put on hold when an enemy from Lucien's past returns and seems to have a vendetta against Raleigh. Now, Raleigh must protect herself, her pack, and discover the truth of who she is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Nov 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890089120

Book preview

My Disabled Mate

Werewolf Romance Series Book 2

Maureen Elochukwu

BLURB

Eighteen-year-old Raleigh Rivercrest's life is uncertain, having been an orphan her whole life. Her caretaker's boyfriend and her caretaker are pressuring her to find a home of her own, but Raleigh is unable to provide for herself. She finds solace in her young principal's older brother, Lucien, but he is not what he seems. Lucien is a werewolf, and Raleigh is drawn into the world of werewolves and Alphas. Despite her disability and child-like behavior, Raleigh falls for Lucien. However, their romance is put on hold when an enemy from Lucien's past returns and seems to have a vendetta against Raleigh. Now, Raleigh must protect herself, her pack, and discover the truth of who she is.

CHAPTER 37

Raleigh:

My own eyes wide, I only gaped at him. I-I don't know... I wasn’t that strong—anyone could overpower me, but Lucien? H-How did that happen?

Lucien's half-lidded gaze met my eyes and he smirked. I'm not exactly complaining though. He murmured, cupping my cheek.

I blushed. That...I-I don't...uh...

I groaned and Lucien chuckled. He laid back on the bed and switched the light off as I lay against him.

Don't worry. It was a definite turn-on. He whispered.

I slapped his chest playfully. Lucien! I scolded. I meant that to make you feel better! Not to...turn you on!

Lucien laughed quietly. Well, it most certainly did. He said. I felt his hands in my hair again, and I sighed, relaxing easily against him.

There's one more thing I have to tell you. I heard him say after a while. I hummed sleepily.

What is it?

After the witch incident, my dad went really mad. Like, off his rocker to murdering people for no reason mad.

I thought he was already doing that.

Not really. He was only killing during war. After, he really started to kill. We had to banish him.

I'm sorry...

Don't be. I'm just glad he didn't hurt my mother.

Did he hurt Jasmine?

...Yes. Lucien sat up, and I slipped off his chest briefly for him to pull his shirt off. He tossed it on the floor, laying back down.

Now, I'll be honest, I did ogle Lucien a good bit. I mean, how could I not? He was muscular, fit, handsome. And his tattoos were just the icing on the cake!

Speaking of tattoos, I began to trace them. I followed the curvy paths and intricate designs of wolves, dragons, or abstract shapes and art. At one point, I felt a slight dip on his skin. Frowning, I continued my tracing, only to feel another dip, then another, then another. The skin there was soft, almost like thread. Almost like...my scars.

I looked up, my eyes wide, at Lucien.

He nodded sadly. I took my father's beatings for my sister. Every single time...and my brother.

I blinked.

Wait a minute... I gaped at him in the dark. You have a brother?!

Lucien gave a breathy chuckle. Yes, I did. He...disappeared with my father.

I stopped my tracing, recalling back to when I was flaunting about the fact that I had a brother. An uncomfortable feeling spread through me, like grease.

Oh, Lucien...I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to act so arrogantly when I met Everest...I was just so happy!

What?! Lucien seemed appalled. No! You had every right to be happy! I wasn't upset. Maybe I was jealous... a little, but I wasn't mad! You had every right to be happy!

You sure? I asked skeptically.

Lucien kissed my forehead. I'm sure. He yawned. Goodnight, sweetheart.

...Night, Lucien, I smirked. Oh, and you don't have to be jealous. Maybe if Everest wasn't my brother, then you would have to be.

Raleigh!

~*~

Watching Everest bounce up and down on the plush couch seats, I could see how we were siblings.

We looked the same. Same black hair and brown skin and eyes. We both had that same smile and crinkled nose. Same jumpy excitement and rapid voice. He also seemingly enjoyed wearing bright colors, like pink and yellow. From the back, anyone would have mistaken him for a girl.

His head moved around like some anime cartoon as he gaped at Lucien's large office. I couldn't blame him really. It was a pretty cool office.

You wrestle? He asked, admiring Lucien's many awards.

Lucien chuckled, nodding. Yep. I used to wrestle in the Coliseum when I was younger. He said.

Everest's mouth dropped. Damn—You're old! I-I mean...not in a bad way?

Lucien barked out a laugh and even I giggled. Everest blushed.

T-That was an accident. He mumbled.

Lucien wiped his eyes, still laughing. I know, man. I know. But it was still damn funny. Nobody ever jokes with me anymore, except my Beta and Beta Female. He said.

Immediately, Everest's eyes widened. Why? He asked, leaning over Lucien's desk like an intrigued child.

Lucien blinked, still sputtering with laughter. Well...I guess everyone's afraid to insult me—!

—Which makes sense, Everest concluded.

Lucien's lips twitched and I giggled.

Good going, Everest. I joked, already at ease with my elder brother.

Everest looked confused. But...it's the truth? He said, pouting.

I smiled. We know, Everest. I consoled, patting his shoulder.

Lucien coughed. Right. So... you said you wanted to talk about something, Everest? He asked.

Everest nodded, growing solemn. His eyes suddenly became darker. Yeah...like I said last night, I don't remember much from my past. All I remember is running, a baby crying, and blackness. Then after, everything's a blur. I don't even remember who saved me!

Lucien frowned. Someone saved you?

Everest shrugged helplessly. I think? I don't remember their faces very well. I do know it was a man, more than one. His face was rugged and scarred, and he looked kind of drunk. He walked with a sway in his step too. I don't remember the others. I met other people, but I don't remember many of them.

Lucien hummed. Do you remember anything about your parents? He asked.

Again, Everest shrugged. No, not really. I remember Raleigh, but that's it. It's like...I was meant to forget. Like they didn't want me to remember.

Who's they? I asked.

I don't know! Everest snapped. I don't remember any names! I don't remember any faces! All I know is that I was running, I blacked out, I was saved, I ran again, and I found you. He took my hand, and I squeezed it gently.

Alpha, Doctor Lucinda is—!

We all turned to look at who had barged into the door. It was Ranveer, one of the pack instructors at the training academy.

He had dark blue hair and strong grey eyes. He was buff, just like Valentin, but also gentle and quiet, just like Benedict. He stopped abruptly in whatever he was saying, his eyes trained suddenly onto Everest.

I saw my brother gulp, and Ranveer's eyes changed color, a low growl prowling from his throat. Neither Lucien nor I had the chance to react before he pounced on Everest, his lips on my brothers.

I retreated back with a smile, although shock electrified my body. Are they mates? I asked, looking up at Lucien. He had an awestruck look on his face, and he nodded dumbly.

Y-Yeah...they are. He then began to laugh, and I soon joined him.

Everest and Ranveer, now detached from each other, suddenly remembered that we were in the room. Everest blushed fiercely and Ranveer growled again, bowing.

S-Sorry, Alpha...I just... Ranveer struggled to explain himself.

Lucien cut him off with a laugh. Don't worry, Ranveer. It's fine. He said. Just...don't plan on making out in my office, okay?

Ranveer nodded hastily, his face covered in a red tint.

What did you want to tell me? Lucien asked.

Ranveer took a deep breath. Lucinda was requesting to meet with you later. I also recovered some files that Alpha Gregory from Rahway sent to you, as well as another message.

I watched Ranveer hand Lucien the thick packet of folders with curiosity, as well as some pity. I felt bad for Lucien, always having to stay up late. Instantly, I felt his arm around my waist, and I guessed he must have read my thoughts.

Thank you, Ranveer, Lucien said, nodding to him.

Ranveer licked his lips and bowed, his black eyes still on Everest, who was shifting on his feet uncomfortably.

You can go with Ranveer if you want to Everest. I won't hold that against you. I suggested.

Everest looked contradicted. Don't get me wrong, I want to come with you, but I want to talk with...

He looked up at Lucien, and it struck me for the first time that while I could call him whatever I wanted, other wolves still had to ask permission to call Lucien by his name.

You can call me Lucien, Everest. You are my mate's family, which means that you're part of my family. Lucien said.

Everest looked shocked, as if he'd been given a bar of gold. I—yeah...Thank you. A-And I just wanted to have a word before I... He trailed off, and Lucien nodded.

Of course. He said.

I'll go find Jasmine or Cindy, I said. Maybe go hang out with them while you guys work and talk?

Okay, but stay with Cindy or Jasmine until I can get you. Can you take her, Ranveer?

Ranveer bowed. It would be an honor, Alpha. He said, opening the door. Lucien, before sitting, captured my chin and gave me a quick kiss before we left.

The walk to the Gamma house was quiet and awkward, I'll admit. Ranveer wouldn't meet my eye. I guess it's because he kissed my brother in front of me. I didn't have any problem with it, and I'm sure he'd warm up to me soon. I mean, he had to, considering we'd be related.

As we walked, I caught Benedict walking towards the pack lines out of the corner of my eye. He was carrying a grocery bag, as well what looked to be a as a shark tooth necklace. I contemplated calling out to him, but by the time I had decided, we were already at Cindy's door and Benedict had already crossed the pack line.

The only problem was, as Jasmine had told me after Logan and Drew's funeral, that nobody was allowed outside the pack until the murder was solved.

So why was Benedict leaving?

CHAPTER 38

Raleigh:

You wanted a word, Everest? I questioned, reclining in my seat.

Everest fidgeted on his feet, then with a shallow sigh, he nodded. His knees bent and he sat in the seat Raleigh once occupied.

I... I wanted to say something that I couldn't say around my sister. He murmured.

I frowned. Okay. What is it?

Do you know the story of the Alpha and the Luna who went insane after their children's disappearance? Everest asked. The air in the room suddenly grew thick, thicker than it already was, like it was suffocating me.

I struggled to reply for a moment. Yes...Why?

Everest gulped, and it took me a couple of moments before I could catch on to what he was implying. The eyes. The hair. The accent. It wasn't Raleigh he looked like.

Y-You're their son?! I sputtered.

Slouching, Everest nodded. I—yes. I am. Raleigh is their daughter...kinda He admitted.

Why didn't you say so when Raleigh was here? I hissed.

Because her memories are wiped! Everest exclaimed. She was kidnapped after I left and whoever kidnapped her wiped her clean of any of her memories! It's only because of you that she's remembering! That she's...changing

W-What is she remembering? What is she changing? I asked.

Everest took a deep breath, calming his anxious nerves. Raleigh isn't my birth sister. S-She was adopted, found on the road in a white blanket. My parents saw her as a blessing, and when she was taken and I left, nothing was the same. Dad had been stressed, and he was taking it out on our mom and me. I left, and when Raleigh was kidnapped, I guess they just-snapped! Our pack disbanded, and my parents—well— Everest scoffed, rolling his eyes. —I don't know what happened to them. All I know is that I'm going to support my sister, and if I have to die in battle for her, then so be it.

I smiled. I appreciate your enthusiasm, Everest, I said. But let's hope that there is no war. There hasn't been for years, and I would hope it stays that way. If you don't mind me asking...how did you know all that?

Everest shrugged. Word spreads. The pack I was with, they had a doctor. She was an informant and fed the pack with all this information. She was from a different pack, but her mate was in our pack. To prove her loyalty, the Alpha made her spy on other packs. After her mate began an affair with another wolf, she left. I haven't seen her since.

I hummed. Well, I'll check with other packs as soon as I can. I mused. Speaking of, I have to prepare the war council, just in case.

Why? Has something happened? Everest asked.

Rogues attacked Raleigh. We locked them up, but I want to know what pack they came from and why they attacked. I explained.

Everest growled, his eyes darkening. There was always something strange with Raleigh. He said, his eyes flickering. She didn't really try to fit in, and her eyes were always glazed, as if she was talking to somebody in her head.

My mind traveled back to what Raleigh had said a couple of nights ago, about how she had somebody guiding her in her mind.

If I can find out what the pack that attacked my mate wants, then I can probably trace Raleigh's roots, I mumbled, mostly to myself.

Everest nodded. Probably. But what I don't understand is how the wolves knew that Raleigh was here.

My eyes snapped up to his. What do you mean?

Raleigh's a human—I think. She has no scent, at least, not to any of us werewolves. That means, no werewolf can smell her either. When you met her, did you see anyone watching you? Everest asked.

No. The parking lot was empty.

Did you tell anyone?

No—Well, I told Alpha Greg of Rahway, I said.

Everest looked down, playing with his fingers. I'd be wary of him if I were you. He said. I used to hear my Alpha talk about him, and not in a bad way.

I frowned. I'll keep that in mind, I said, even though my mind conflicted with me. Why would Greg do something like that? I saved him! He owed me his life! We were friends! Why...?

If it's not Greg— I began —then that means it has to be someone in this pack.

A traitor. Everest agreed. The only question is, who? Who would have a vendetta against you?

I tapped my chin. I... don’t know if I'm being honest. I'm pretty civil with my pack. At least, I'd hope so.

You can never be sure, Lucien, Everest warned. People betray families all the time.

That's true, but we should take this one step at a time. First, we question the rogues. If they say nothing, then we'd have to rely on the meeting for any ideas.

And then what?

Then, we attack the pack. Simple as that. I said, leaning back in my chair in satisfaction. Everest, however, still looked uneasy.

I don't know. How do you know it'll work? How will you know the traitor, if there is any? I shrugged.

We don't. This is all guessing. Besides, this all doesn't just happen at once. We have lives, and now you have a mate. All this stuff, it happens in between. I said.

Everest still looked uneasy, but he bobbed his head in agreement. ...Alright. I suppose. W-What are you going to do now, if I may ask?

I smiled. I'm going to rally my warriors and interrogate those rogues. They've been filling my cells for far too long. If they don't have any information for me, then they're of no use to me and—!

—And what? Everest gasped.

I grinned cruelly, twirling in my chair.

Then...I'll snap their necks.

~*~

You called us, Alpha?

I looked up from my paperwork with a start. Crowding around my desk, my top warriors stood. All of them looked down at me, perfectly poised, if not for a couple of shifty young boys.

I smirked, standing up to be eye level with them...well, as eye level as I could be with them.

Most of the wolves in front of me were young boys in training who'd just be observing, but three of my warriors and I were going to do the real talking.

Ranveer, the one closest in height to me, stood at the center of my desk. His hair was more brushed than when I saw him a few hours ago—probably trying to look good for his mate. His dark brown skin glowed in the afternoon sun and he grinned roguishly at me.

Shawn was beside him. A lanky young warrior who transferred from Poland; he was one of the best behind the scenes guys we had. He reminded me of Alexander Hamilton, as he could easily manipulate his cards to his gain. He was somewhere around 7'5, with sandy blonde hair that had a green fade to it. He often wore baggy shirts and shorts, but today, he had a tight shirt strapped to his chest and a pair of clean, bleached jeans hitched onto his waist.

Finally, there was Alexander. He was the middle one there, but he was the most bloodthirsty. He wasn't merciful, from what I had seen in short battles with rival packs. He had a mop of brown murky hair atop his head and had baggy, almost shady brown eyes. He had pale skin, so pale I thought he'd bleached it. He was always brooding—poking and prodding anything—or anyone, that had caught his attention. He was very attentive too, and along with his camera like memory, he made excellent work in a crime scene.

Yes, actually. I did. I walked around my desk. Do you remember the attack from the rogues a couple of days ago?

Everyone nodded their heads, a deafening silence resonating throughout the room, apart from my voice.

Are we going to get them to talk today, Alpha? Ranveer questioned.

Yes. And if they don't...well... My eyes shifted their color, turning dark black. My warriors growled, their wolves on edge with Caspian.

Keep an eye out carefully, I said, directing my voice to the younger ones. Their heads snapped up and they nodded once—a thousand times. They were nervous, I could tell. I kept my steady gaze on them.

Nothing will happen to you, I promise that, I said, trying to sound as firm but as assuring as possible.

Many of them clenched their jaws, and after a while, their wolves began to make an appearance. In my head, Caspian began to thrash and howl. The men and boys shuffled to the sides of my door, making a path for me to walk through.

Quietly, so that we didn't upset any of the other pack members, we made our way through the brushes of trees to a small cove. Stripping our bodies free of our shirts, I ordered everyone to hold their breath and dive.

Underneath the clear water, there was a damp brown hatch that led to the cells. I dove in first, and once the air bubbles rose to the surface, I motioned for my men to follow.

I hadn't been in the cells for years, and nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks once I entered.

It looked like your stereotypical cell chamber. Cells lining the dark cobblestone corridors and a