Alpha's search for his Luna

Chapter 6 Strange things.

Ranveer and Vyom's ride had an issue. Their ride had flat tire. It would take an hour to fix that I asked to adjust in our Jeep. Both looked irked with the situation.
"Come on!" I asked them. They came and both asked Arihant to shift to the back. My Poor omega. I thought to my myself. He obliged. We readjusted ourselves.

Our Jeep moved smoothly over the rugged terrain and Vyom and Daksh engaged in some light hearted banter with Ranveer.
"Do you think we'll spot another tiger today?" Vyom asked, his tone hopeful.

Ranveer shrugged. "We've been lucky already. The tiger we saw earlier might be the only one we'll get close to today."

Daksh leaned back, stretching his arms. "I'd rather see a leopard. They're faster, more elusive. Tigers are majestic, sure, but there's something about a leopard's stealth that gets me."

"Always looking for a challenge, aren't you?" Arihant chimed in, smiling. His calm demeanor was a perfect contrast to the energy of the others.

"That's why we're here, isn't it?" Daksh winked. "To keep things interesting."

The forest felt alive around with each rustling leaf and distant animal call, adding to the thrill of safari. But then almost without a warning, the sky darkened. Thick clouds rolled in, swallowing the sunlight.

The first drops of rain fell softly at first, pattering against the leaves before the heavens opened and the rain began to pour.

"Out of nowhere," I muttered, pulling my jacket tighter around me. The jeep's open roof offered no protection, and soon, we were all soaked through.
"Looks like we're cutting this short," Vyom sighed, wiping water from his face.

Sahil turned toward us, his voice barely audible over the rain. "There's a resort nearby. We can stop there until this passes."
"Do that please" I replied."Better then drenching here! "Daksh said irritatingly.

He took us to a different route and I saw a five star resort ,inside the park. I never imagines such a property inside the park. We hurried out of the jeep and into the lobby, shaking off the rain as best we could.

"Never thought I'd be grateful for a sudden downpour," Vyom joked, wringing water from his shirt.

"You and me both," Daksh added, laughing as he ran a hand through his wet hair.

The warmth of the resort wrapped around us, and the tension from the rain eased as we took in our surroundings. The wooden beams and soft lighting created a cozy, inviting atmosphere, a stark contrast to the wild weather outside.

"We'll head to the ladies' room," Maya said. "Just to dry off." She looked at me with a look that clearly said join me.
I too needed to dry myself , I nodded in unison. "We'll be waiting for you with hot coffee." Arihant replied looking at his mate worried.
Maya smiled and I followed her down the quiet corridor towards the restrooms.
The resort was indeed luxurious exuding an air of serene elegance. High ceilings, walls decorated with rich traditional wooden carvings.

We reached the ladies' room and quickly dried ourselves with the provided towels. When we stepped back into the hallway, Maya froze.

At the far end of the corridor stood a guy, or at least that's what he appeared to be at first glance immediately setting my instincts on alert. His eyes locked on mine, lingering for a moment before flicking toward Maya.

My muscles tensed, ready to act. As the alpha, it was my duty to protect them. I took a step forward, but Maya grabbed my arm, holding me back.

"Not now," Maya whispered urgently, her voice tight with warning. "We can't afford to make a scene.

I caught the warning in Maya's eyes. We were in a public place, surrounded by humans. We could risk exposure.
The stranger's lips curved into a faint smirk, and without another glance, he turned and walked away, vanishing into the shadows of the resort.

For a long moment, neither of us spoke. I mind linked others.

"Do you think he knows?" Maya asked, her voice barely audible.

"He knows.", I replied.

The rain had not only brought us to this place-it had exposed us. And now, we had to be more careful than ever.

When we finally rejoined the group in the lobby, the others were already tensed. They sat around a table, coffee steaming in their hands.

Arihant worriedly held Maya's hand. And Daksh, Vyom and Ranveer mind linked for more information.

"There are more wolves here?" Vyom asked.
"What do you think? Why won't there be, it's the densest forest in the region. Packs will definitely be here" I replied.
Ranveer: "we should leave the place soon. They could think of us as rogues trespassing their territory".
" Have you seen them before? "Ranveer asked Arihant.
" Never, it is the first time I have heard of wolves in the area", he replied.

Maya also nodded.

It was dark already and we could see that the place was filled with many other humans.
"Even if there are others around, they won't risk attacking us, here plus, we can't leave right now. It's dark already. Even the driver would refuse." I told them.

We decided to wait till morning like other tourists and booked a family suite for all of us. The receptionist gave us a look. We took a large room with open verandah.

I and maya hopped on the main bed. And vyom laid on the children bed.
I could see the uneasiness in Daksh's body language I asked him to rest. Plus we were all together.
"To ensure everyone's safety"Ranveer proposed a plan. " Let's take turns keeping watch while the others rest," he said, with his voice steady but laced with concern.

With that, we established a rotating schedule. First it was Daksh's turn. Then mine. I woke up Vyom who then asked Ranveer.

The night passed happily.
We left the resort at 6 am sharp.

The ride back to our villa was both uneventful and each of us stressed throught out the way. The only thing that relieved us was both Maya and Arihant kept our secret scent's bottle.

I wonder who was he?