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

Book preview

CHAPTER 73:

Raleigh's body glowed a furious neon blue, her eyes and tattoo's illuminated. It looked like she had grown larger in height and she held the Rogue King up with a strong strand of blue power. His face was glowing red, lips turning blue. He was choking in her hold, pleading with her to release him. She completely ignored him, continuing her chant.

L-Lucien! Y-Your mate is...vicious!! Dhoom growled as soon as he saw me.

Raleigh's concentration broke slightly at the mention of my name, and she dropped Dhoom. He scrambled away from her, and I sneered.

Not so brave now, are you? I smirked. Perhaps I should let her continue.

Raleigh glared at him; her eyes still ablaze. Please, do. I have quite the lesson I want to teach this bastard, She snarled, her voice ten times louder, and ten times the usual vibration. Lune must have been enhancing her power.

I think I just might, I brooded. I caught a wicked smirk on Valentin's lips, his way of silently agreeing with my idea. Greg looked hesitant; his eyes shifty. Dhoom sighed, coughing up some blood. Wisps of blue strands flew from Raleigh's fingertips, and he scampered back.

I wouldn't do that if I were you, girl, He stammered.

Raleigh took a fearless step towards him, glaring. Give me one reason why not to, She snarled. Dhoom tried for a smirk.

Because you'll lose your only chance at evidence, He managed.

I frowned. What do you mean? I asked.

Dhoom snapped his fingers, and in a flash, three other wolves bounded out of the forests. They shifted, and my mouth dropped.

All at once, Wren, Tania, and Benedict stood before us in their naked glory, snarling and baring their fangs. Their eyes glowed a ferocious violet and I found myself taking two steps back. Raleigh didn't budge an inch.

So? Why do I give a damn about them? She asked angrily. Blinded by her anger towards Dhoom, I don't think she realized who she was talking about.

R-Raleigh...they're not our enemies... I tried to dissuade her, but something about the way Benedict was glaring at me made me think otherwise.

Are they really not your enemies? Are you sure they're your friends? Dhoom drawled. He pulled a chain out of his shirt.

No, not a chain.

A necklace.

A shark tooth necklace.

Valentin gasped, and I'm pretty sure my mouth parted in shock. Greg took a few steps back, looking taken aback. His eyes welled up quickly, and I felt pity for him. I knew what betrayal felt like firsthand.

T-Tania...why...? His voice broke, and he dropped to his knees.

Tania didn't acknowledge him. Her violet eyes glowed vibrantly and she growled at Raleigh, taking a fighter's stance.

I put my hand on Raleigh's shoulder, but she shrugged me off. I growled.

Now's not the time to pick a fight, I ordered.

Raleigh glared at me. But—!

No.

She snarled in agitation but did step behind me. She'd be mad at me later, that was for sure, but I'd worry about that later.

Dhoom smirked. Good choice. He circled the other three wolves, sneering at me.

I'm surprised you couldn't find your informant's sooner. Then again, this once more proves your capacity to be a useless Alpha King, He jibed.

Raleigh growled and Dhoom gulped slightly. I silently paraded at that. He may not fear me much, but he definitely feared Raleigh.

Say that again and I won't hesitate to choke you to death, She said, deathly calm.

Dhoom glared back at her and Benedict stepped in front of him, a protective stance. Raleigh faltered and Dhoom smirked.

After all he's betrayed you for, you still don't hesitate to kill him on the spot? I'm appalled. I was sure you were just like me. He mocked.

Don't talk to her like that. When you talk, talk with respect on your dirty tongue, I demanded.

Dhoom shrugged, indifferent. Potato, potato. Same difference. He caught a glimpse of Greg's devastated expression. Smugly, he trailed his fingertips over Tania's jaw, and poor Greg had to watch as his wife basked in the attention Dhoom gave her. It was disgusting.

I... I don't understand...why? Greg begged, dejected.

Dhoom grinned wickedly. Isn't it obvious? He asked. She knows which king to pledge her allegiance to. Which can protect her properly? He pointedly looked at me, and Valentin grunted, stepping forward to take charge of the situation.

Oh, and of course, which has the normal queen, He added. He gazed at Raleigh as he spoke, undeniable lust in his eyes.

I growled. She is a normal queen, and she is the only queen.

Even as I said this, I noticed the slight slump in Raleigh's stature. Her eyes flickered, her aura fading. Her confidence fading, all at one simple jab to her heart. That made me furious.

I think you've overstayed your welcome plenty, I growled, taking my rightful control of the situation. By this time, Alexander, Shawn, Conner, and Ranveer had arrived. Alain and Everest joined them, all with wolves on edge. Dhoom caught Alain's eyes, sneering.

I see you've changed your views, Alain. A poor choice. You had potential.

Alain bared his fangs, which were scarily sharp for a boy his age. I serve one King, Dhoom. And that King isn't a coward like you. He taunted.

Dhoom's jaw clenched, the jab clearly stabbing through him. I grabbed Dhoom by his collar.

Leave, I ordered.

Dhoom tried for a smile. What happened to you, Lucien? Hm? Where's my fierce boy? The boy willing to do anything for his poor father?

I'm not that monster anymore! I growled.

Dhoom smirked. Oh, but you are. Don't you see it? You've always been the very monster you despise. He snapped at me. Face it, Lucien. Old habits die hard.

Get out. I shoved him back, and since he was predominately top-heavy, he stumbled onto his rump, shifting into his rusty wolf and galloping away. Alexander and the other warriors had sedated Dhoom's informants, and Raleigh and Everest were consoling a weeping Greg. I wanted to console him too, and I knew I'd have two more wolves to console soon.

Take them away, I ordered, trying not to show my hurt in my words. Chain them in silver and leave them there until we can try them. Cell 9.

Shawn, Alexander, and Ranveer all looked hesitant, but at a glare, they conceded, dragging the insane wolves away. I felt horrible, I felt broken, I felt betrayed. Wren. Benedict. And even Tania! Three wolves who I hardly got into any trifles with. Why...why would they do this to me...to the pack...?

Everest and I carried Greg by the arms inside the packhouse. Raleigh stayed quiet all the way there, and to help her cool down, I suggested she go grab Jasmine and Lucinda. She left with barely a nod to me, the weight of Dhoom's words, as well as her own exhaustion, weighing down on her. I felt terrible.

Right now, everyone needs time to cool down. I decided. Valentin, tell the pack to head in for an early night.

Valentin didn't even try to dissuade me. With a nod, he shifted away, howling to the pack as he did. Greg remained sobbing on the couch.

Why...why...what had I done? I gave her everything she asked...I-I loved her so much... He cried. And the girls...they'll hate me...my girls...

I squeezed his shoulder. I'm sorry, Greg. I murmured. As if on cue, the rain began pouring again, the monsoon season treating us to special, random shows all throughout the week.

I sighed. Alpha? You wanted to see us? Lucinda's quiet, questioning voice prodded from the doorway.

Raleigh silently traveled to the small, one-person couch and sat down stoically. Jasmine looked around, confused.

What's going on? Why is Greg crying? She asked.

I took a deep breath. You'd better sit down.

Cautious, both Lucinda and Jasmine sat on one of the couches a few feet away from where I crouched by Greg. Everest left the room with Raleigh, seemingly to cheer her up. I let them go.

Lucien...Lucien, you're scaring me. Jasmine said.

Look, I'm not the type of person to beat around the bush, so I'm just going to tell you straight, I said.

Jasmine raised her eyebrow, and Lucinda shifted on her seat.

Yeah, so what is it? Jasmine prodded.

I bit my lip. Do you remember the informant? I asked. Greg wept harder.

Yes...why? Did you find them? Lucinda asked, sounding hopeful. That only made me feel even more terrible. Ah...yes. Yes, we did.

So? Who are they?

They're—

Tania! Greg cried. Tania! Benedict! Wren! They betrayed us! She betrayed me!

What? Jasmine snorted, but Lucinda stayed oddly quiet. That's a joke, right? I mean, Benedict would never do that, you know that, right Lucien?

I-I wish I could laugh with you, Jazz, but...he's not lying.

In a few mere seconds, I watched before my eyes as Jasmine's world crashed. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head.

N-No... you’re lying. She stammered. Lucinda's eyes watered and she sniffled.

I wish I were, Jazz. I wish I were. I admitted sadly.

Greg sobbed harder, and Lucinda joined him, the two of them drowning their betrayal in tears. Jasmine let the statement sink into her, wrapping around her soul before she too began to bawl.

Bawl and bawl, the three of them wept like children, yet, I couldn't blame them. The betrayal, the hurt, had yet to sink into my body. I knew once it did, that I wouldn't recover from it. The trembling need to take my anger out suffocated me, but right now wasn't the time. Not the time, not the place.

After a few hours, once all the bawling children had ceased their tears, Valentin cautiously approached me. He informed me that the pack had been notified, and they were all offering sympathies to the ones who had lost. I told him to thank them, and with a bow, he left quietly.

Greg was the next to leave, saying he had his pups to take care of. Lucinda left a few minutes after him, claiming she had a room to pack up. I assumed she meant Wren's things, though she didn't specify. Jasmine stayed with me for a long time, eating dinner silently with me.

Where's Raleigh? She asked finally as I washed the dishes.

I shrugged. I don't know. Ever since Da—I mean, Dhoom taunted her, she hasn't spoken to me. I doubt she spoke to Everest, either. I said.

Jasmine sighed, tapping her fork on the table. I don't understand why...after everything I helped him through...why would he do something like that? Why would he betray you...why would he betray us?

I don't know, Jasmine, I admitted. I really don't know. I wish I could have been happier about discovering the identities of our informant, but I'm not. It hurts too, knowing the people you once trusted backstabbed you.

Jasmine laughed bitterly. Do you remember when you and Greg once played fighting and he did stab you in the back? She asked.

Ah...yeah, I remember. Well, it was an accident. Accidents happen. I said. I wiped my hands on a rough dish towel. But we move on and continue life as it is.

Jasmine rubbed her shoulder. I-I'm not sure if I'll be able to move on. She murmured. She bit her lip, looking up at the ceiling. C-Can I stay with you, Lucien? I don't want to be alone...

I smiled. Of course, you can, I said. I led her upstairs to a guest room adjoined to Raleigh and my room.

If you need anything, just holler and I'll come, I said, grinning slightly.

Jasmine gave me a half-smile. Thanks, big bro. She said. I love you.

I love you too, Jazz.

~*~

Raleigh wasn't in the bedroom when I opened the door, which scared me for a moment until I heard the shower roaring. I released a breath I didn't know I had been holding and reached for my phone.

Hello? Louis picked up on the first ring.

Hey, Louis.

Lucien! Thank god! I heard Dhoom visited and got scared, Louis exclaimed. I... uh...I also heard about Benedict...

Yeah, it's true, I affirmed. The door to the bathroom opened and I nearly dropped my phone. Anyone would have, had their mate walked out clad in only a towel. Raleigh smiled tiredly at me; the blue specks still visible in her eyes. She padded to the closet.

—ucien! Lucien! Louis shouted through the receiver.

I laughed nervously. Sorry, Louis. I got...distracted. I glanced back at Raleigh. What were you saying?

Louis sighed. I was asking if Jasmine was okay. I know she and Benedict were close...

She's doing as well as she can be, I said. She wanted to stay here today...if you wanted to come over...

I could almost see Louis smile. I'll be over soon. Don't wait up. I'll find her.

You sure?

Yeah. Don't worry, bro. Stay with your mate. I heard Dhoom had his fair share of choice words for her. He always had a wide expanse of vocabulary, especially when it came to downgrading. Louis shivered. Anyway, see you tomorrow. Door open?

Yeah. Lock it when you come...see you tomorrow. I cut the phone line with a click and dropped the device onto my side of the lamp table. Silence filled our room after.

Raleigh, what did Dhoom tell you? I asked sternly, cutting the chase.

Raleigh stopped drying her hair. W-What do you mean? She stammered.

I gave her an unimpressed look. Don't even try and play coy with me. I know he didn't respect you the way he should have, and I intend to punish him severely for that, for everything he's done. I walked over to where she stood, pressing my hands on her shoulders. What did he say?

Raleigh gulped. He didn't say much, really. Only ranting about how horrible of a Luna I'd be...how much of an embarrassment and disgrace I am to the royal alpha race. She laughed bitterly. How true is that, huh?

I closed my eyes, trying to suppress my anger. By my shaking form, however, I'm sure Raleigh knew I wasn't succeeding at the task.

He said all of that...to you? I growled.

Yes...

That's it. Next time I see him, I'm ripping his fucking head off. I've played nice for too long. I roared. Fire fueled through me. Everything I had been holding back crashed into me and I felt like when I was insane before Jasmine helped me. I felt the urge to kill, the need to taste the blood straight from their dying corpses; to see their final moments at begging for redemption.

Lucien...Lucien snap out of it! The fear in Raleigh's voice immediately calmed Caspian.

I snapped from my daze with a start, and the terrifying realization that I almost lost control in front of Raleigh, despite my reluctance to, horrified me. Was I really becoming the monster Dhoom predicted I would be?

No, Raleigh argued quietly yet firmly. No, you are not the monster Dhoom says you are, and you never will be! She hugged me tightly, her tiny arms wrapped around my large waist. I held her close to me as if she were my life support. My life. The reason I lived.

He'll pay, I promised. He'll regret stepping foot on my pack, one way or another. If I have to do it in one piece, or fifty, I'll make sure he pays the price of all the years of pain he caused me. Raleigh pulled away, trembling. Her lips pressed against mine, a desire.

And how will you do that? She asked.

I pushed her back against me, cupping the back of her head.

By becoming the monster, he wants me to be.

CHAPTER 74:

Raleigh:

Lucien was going to be very mad at me.

No, scratch that. He wouldn't be mad.

He would be furious.

And Lucien was not the type of person to be around when he got furious.

It was midday, probably closer to the evening than it would be to the afternoon. Lucien had been busy the whole day, just as he had been when Darius and David first attacked the pack. Warriors were on edge, pups were hardly seen outside, and women were often murmuring amongst themselves, giving the borders a weary look. Cindy told me to pay no heed to their gossiping, though I would be lying if I said I hadn't heard them gossip about me.

It was the usual teenage girl gossip; the marks, the nights alone. Occasionally, teenage girls joined them, laughing and giggling about boys and mating. I often wanted to join them but ended up shying out. They didn't want a weird girl butting into their conversations anyway.

That reminded me of when I was in middle school when I first met Logan. She was one of the girls talking in a group I was interested in, and I didn't realize I had been leaning closer to them the whole time they had been talking. She was the one who encouraged me to join them. I didn't though. Annica was with them.

I need something to occupy myself with, I muttered to myself.

Why don't you go find Jasmine? Lune suggested.

I frowned. Jasmine? Why? I could feel Lune shrug.

She needs the company right now; I can feel it.

Okay. Where is she?

By the daisy fields.

I had only been to the daisy fields once when Lucien brought me for some alone time. Granted, we got a bit too comfortable, much to my embarrassment, that I didn't even get any time to appreciate the fields.

Now, in the humid heat of early spring, the flowers bloomed with raw beauty and the dew drops on their petals sparkled in the orange sun.

The fields were just by Lucinda's house, oddly enough. She didn't seem like the type to watch flowers blow in peace without dissecting them. During counseling, she kept scraping her scalpel on the table, as if she couldn't sit still without moving. Specks of blood glistened on the sharp end of the scalpel, and I didn't want to ask if it was new or not.

I didn't tell Lucien what had happened during counseling—he didn't need to know everything that had occurred. Mostly it was Lucinda speaking on the phone while ushering me to play some stupid child's game quietly. While I do love playing UNO, I'm not too sure it's a one-player game.

Jasmine was sitting in the middle of the flower fields, her back turned to me. Her shoulders rose and fell, giving me the sign that she was crying. Her hair looked matted and she looked greasy as if she hadn't showered in days. Pity rose in me, but I smashed it down. I know how it feels like to gain pity.

Jasmine? I approached her with caution, walking until I stood by her side.

Jasmine barely acknowledged me. Good evening, Raleigh.