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