The Lycan’s King’s Heart

Episode 3- Rescue Comes

Oscar’s pov

Tonight, the moon had been full, low-dangling from the sky, its pull like a vice against my very soul. My breathing was labored as I leaned against a tree, trying to rein in the power that surged within me, threatening to burst free.

It is always on nights such as this,when the full moon is out, that curse is at its worst, its silvery light a grim memory of the beast lurking beneath my skin..

"Damn it," I muttered, clenching my fists as I forced myself to relax. I had a job to do tonight, and losing control now was not an option.

The Braize Hill Pack was expecting me for the crowning ceremony, and it wasn’t just any ceremony. The former Alpha’s daughter, Hazel, was someone I’d met once, years ago. A brief encounter, but one that left an impression.

She was strong, capable, and had a presence that demanded respect. The thought of meeting her again was the only thing that had driven me to accept their invitation in the first place. But now, with the moon so high, the power surging through my veins, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to face anyone, let alone Hazel.

I leaned against a tree, closing my eyes, trying to center myself. I needed to stay in control. Just a few more moments and I’d be fine. I could handle this.

But then, cutting through the night’s silence, I heard it—a faint cry, barely audible over the wind rustling through the trees. My eyes snapped open, the sound igniting something deep within me.

It wasn’t the cry of an animal or the distant call of some nocturnal creature. No, this was different. It was human.

‘You need to check it out,’ my wolf Den said. ‘Someone is in trouble. I can tell from the scent.’

I straightened, my senses sharpening as I listened intently. Another cry, followed by the unmistakable sound of a struggle. My heart pounded in my chest as I turned toward the noise, instincts screaming at me to investigate.

I started running, my feet moving swiftly through the underbrush, the moonlight filtering through the trees, guiding my way.

As I approached, the sounds grew louder—grunts, the clash of metal, a and finally, a gut-wrenching scream that cut through the night air like a knife. I burst through the underbrush and froze, my breath catching in my throat.

There, on the ground, surrounded by shadows and blood, was a naked woman. She lay motionless, her body twisted at an unnatural angle, her dark hair splayed out around her like a halo. Blood soaked her body, staining the earth beneath her.

I could see the rise and fall of her chest, shallow and weak. She was still alive. Barely.

I rushed to her side, my heart racing as I knelt beside her. The stench of blood filled my nostrils, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the woman before me.

"Hold on," I whispered, more to myself than to her, as I carefully lifted her into my arms. Her head lolled against my shoulder, her breathing ragged and uneven.

I glanced around, scanning the area for any signs of the attackers, but whoever had done this was long gone. My only concern now was getting her to safety before it was too late.

"Stay with me," I murmured, cradling her closer as I carried her back through the forest. She was light in my arms, too light, her body battered and broken.

My car wasn’t far. I made it there in minutes, the adrenaline pumping through me giving me speed.

I gently placed her in the back seat, then covered her with a blanket I kept in the car for the cold. I grabbed a medical kit from the trunk. I wasn’t a healer, but I knew enough to keep her stable until I could get her real help.

She moaned softly as I cleaned her wounds, her eyes fluttering open for just a moment. They were green, the most vivid green I’d ever seen, even clouded with pain as they were now. Surprise flickered in her gaze before it dimmed, her eyes slipping shut again.

"You’re going to be okay," I said, more firmly this time, as if saying it out loud could make it true. I worked quickly, wrapping her injuries, doing everything I could to stop the bleeding. But it wasn’t enough—she needed more than what I could give her here.

I pulled out my phone, dialing my assistant, Mason. He picked up on the first ring. "Oscar, where are you? The ceremony’s about to start."

"Plans have changed," I replied, glancing back at the woman in my car. "I found someone—she’s hurt badly, Mason. I need you to meet me."

"Where are you?" His voice was sharp, all business now.

"About a mile from the packhouse, by the old forest road. I’ll drive her closer, but I need you here fast."

"On my way," he said, and I hung up, sliding into the driver’s seat. I spared one more glance at the woman in the back seat. Her face was familiar but I just can’t place it yet.

I pushed down the anger that simmered beneath the surface, the beast within me roaring for release. Not now. I needed to keep calm, for her sake.

In minutes, I met up with Mason. He is our pack resident doctor, and he is good at what he does. He worked quickly grabbing the medical kit from the car. His hands moved with practiced precision as he stabilized Hazel. Mason looked up at me, his expression grim.

"She’s critical, Oscar. I’ve done what I can for now, but she needs more than field treatment."

"I know," I said, my voice tight. "We have to take her back with us.”

“What? We barely know her,” he said, giving me a quizzical look.

“Does it matter?” I raised an eyebrow at him and he kept quiet.

“It's okay, Oscar,” he said. “ But you are needed at the ceremony. You are the special guest of honor.”

“I guess I have to make an appearance,” I said. “Take her to the house. I’ll join you soon."

Mason nodded, and he carried her into his own vehicle. I watched as he drove off, the sense of urgency gnawing at me. I should’ve gone with them, but I had to make an appearance at the ceremony.

They were expecting me, and if I didn’t show up, it would raise questions.

But I wouldn’t stay long. Just enough to see what the hell was going on.

When I arrived at the packhouse, the ceremony was already in full swing. The air was thick with tension, the energy in the room palpable. I stepped inside, my presence drawing the attention of those gathered. Heads turned, whispers spreading through the crowd as they recognized me.

But I wasn’t interested in their reactions, I was scanning the room, searching for any sign of Hazel.

I saw Jack, standing at the center of the ceremony, his posture proud and confident.

His gaze flicked to me for just a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly before he continued with whatever speech he was giving. I listened, my stomach churning as he proclaimed his intention to lead the Braize Hill Pack into a new era.

"And by my side," Jack declared, his voice ringing out through the hall, "will be my Luna, Willow."

The crowd erupted in applause, but all I could hear was the sound of blood rushing in my ears. Willow? Not Hazel? Something was very wrong here. My eyes narrowed as I watched them, Jack taking Willow’s hand and raising it high, the perfect picture of a united front.

But where was Hazel? I scanned the room again, searching for her familiar face, but she was nowhere to be found. The tension in the air grew thicker, my instincts screaming that something was terribly off. Hazel should have been here, standing as the alpha or at least beside him as his Luna.

Suddenly my mind went back to the woman I had found in the forest. Could it be…? Oh no. My unease grew but I just couldn’t shake off the feeling and doubt forming in my head.

I turned and left, not bothering with any formalities. I had seen enough.

Back in my car, I drove as fast as I could to the house, my mind racing. I had to get to that woman. She was the key to whatever was going on, and I wasn’t going to let her slip away before I found out the truth.

When I arrived, Mason was waiting for me at the door. "She’s stable, but just barely," he said as I walked in. "We’ve done everything we can, but she needs time to heal."

"Thank you, Mason," I replied, my voice clipped. I walked past him, heading straight for the room where they had taken her.

When I opened the door, my heart clenched at the sight of her. She was pale, her breathing shallow, but she was alive. I sat down beside her, the anger I had been holding back all night finally breaking free.

"Who did this to you, Hazel?" I whispered though I knew she couldn’t answer. Hazel - I knew it was her now, even in her current state, I recognized her. And I remembered what her father did for me.

Who did this to you? I asked silently this time.I would find out. I would find out, and they would pay.

This wasn’t just any woman—it was the former Alpha’s daughter, the one who was supposed to be crowned tonight. What the hell had happened to her?