Chapter 30 — Touch Me Not
Dawn came cold over the pack territory.
Hazel was already outside when the sun broke through the trees.
She didn't sleep much.
Not because of fear.
Because of decision.
If she was going to stay here— She would not stay as prey.
The clearing behind the pack house had been prepared.
Training ground.
Wolves gathered at the edges.
Watching.
Whispering.
Ryan stepped into the clearing last.
Of course he did.
Alpha presence didn't rush.
It commanded.
Hazel didn't look at him.
Not once.
"I'm ready," she said to Liam instead.
Ryan's jaw tightened slightly.
Venom noticed immediately.
She ignores us.
Blade was quieter.
She punishes.
Ralph remained steady.
Let her.
Liam glanced between them carefully.
"You'll start with control exercises."
Hazel nodded.
Ryan stepped forward.
"I'll guide—"
"I'd rather Liam does," Hazel cut in smoothly.
Silence fell.
Not loud.
But heavy.
A few wolves exchanged glances.
No one interrupted an Alpha like that.
Ryan's gaze fixed on her.
Cold.
Measured.
"Why?" he asked calmly.
Hazel finally looked at him.
And there was no fear in her eyes.
"Because the last time you guided something involving me," she said evenly,
"I ended up traded."
The words sliced clean.
Several wolves stiffened.
Liam went still.
Even the wind seemed to pause.
Ryan didn't react outwardly.
But something darker moved behind his eyes.
Venom surged.
She dares.
Blade whispered coolly.
She bleeds from betrayal.
Ralph remained grounded.
She's hurt.
Ryan's voice was controlled.
"You believe I orchestrated that."
"I believe you benefited from it."
Not shouting.
Not emotional.
Worse.
Certain.
Ryan stepped closer instinctively.
Hazel stepped back instantly.
The movement wasn't dramatic.
But it was deliberate.
Clear.
Do not touch me.
That hit harder than her words.
The mark on her wrist flickered.
Not aggressively.
Reactively.
Ryan noticed.
His voice lowered slightly.
"You think I needed Kyle to trade you?"
Hazel lifted her chin.
"I think powerful men don't wait for permission."
Murmurs rippled quietly through the pack.
Sera watched carefully from the edge.
This wasn't just personal anymore.
This was political perception.
Ryan inhaled slowly.
Venom wanted dominance.
Blade wanted control.
Ralph wanted patience.
Ryan chose patience.
"Fine," he said calmly.
"Liam will guide you."
Hazel turned to Liam without another glance at Ryan.
The rejection was clean.
Intentional.
Ryan stepped back, hands behind his back.
Observing.
Unreachable.
Or so he appeared.
"Focus on your breathing," Liam instructed.
Hazel closed her eyes.
The mark pulsed faintly.
"Don't force it," Liam said. "Let it respond to you."
Hazel inhaled deeply.
The forest sounds sharpened.
Wolves shifting weight. Leaves brushing. Hearts beating.
One heartbeat felt louder than the rest.
Ryan's.
She blocked it out.
On purpose.
Energy stirred under her skin.
Warm. Expanding.
The ground beneath her feet cracked slightly.
A controlled fracture this time.
Liam's eyes widened.
"Good. Don't panic."
Hazel extended her hand slowly.
A gust of wind shot outward from her palm.
Not chaotic.
Directed.
Several wolves staggered back.
Silence followed.
Sera's expression shifted.
Respect.
Reluctant.
But real.
Hazel opened her eyes.
They flickered faintly gold.
Controlled.
Ryan felt it immediately.
Not just power.
Restraint.
Venom hummed darkly.
She denies us yet grows stronger.
Blade murmured.
Interesting.
Hazel lowered her hand.
Breathing steady.
Liam stepped back slowly.
"That's enough for today."
Hazel nodded.
She turned toward the pack members nearby and spoke casually with one of the younger wolves who had nearly lost balance earlier.
"Sorry about that," she said lightly.
The wolf blinked, flustered.
"It's fine… it was impressive."
Hazel smiled faintly.
Normal.
Approachable.
Engaging.
She walked past Ryan without stopping.
Without acknowledging him.
Without even brushing his arm.
The space between them felt louder than an argument.
Ryan remained still.
Unmoving.
But his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
Sera approached him quietly.
"She resents you."
"Yes."
"She doesn't fear you."
"No."
Sera studied him carefully.
"That may become a problem."
Ryan's gaze followed Hazel across the clearing.
"She can resent me."
His voice lowered slightly.
"But she will not misunderstand me for long."
Sera arched a brow.
"You sound certain."
Ryan's eyes darkened subtly.
"I don't need to force what already exists."
Across the clearing, Hazel laughed softly at something the younger wolves said.
But the mark on her wrist pulsed once.
As if disagreeing with her distance.
As if reminding her—
No matter how far she stepped physically…
Something deeper was already tied.
Ryan felt the pulse.
And this time—
He smiled slightly.
Not amused.
Patient.
Let her push.
He could wait.
But the hunters wouldn't.
And when danger came again—
She would have to choose where she stood.
Beside him.
Or alone.