In a world where werewolves hide in plain sight, Tanishq, the brooding alpha of the Dun pack, struggles to uphold his family's legacy amid dwindling numbers and a looming threat from rogue factions. When Priyal, a fierce and determined alpha from a...
The full moon hung heavy in the sky, casting a silver glow over the terrace as Priyal and her pack prepared for the veneration ceremony. Vyom arranged the logs for the hawan meticulously in the terrace, his hands steady as he ensured the firewood was positioned just right. Daksh, ever the helper, carried the other items needed for the ritual upstairs.
In the living room Ranveer sat lazily on the couch, engrossed in his video game, seemingly unaffected by the sacred ritual they were about to perform.
The living room's sliding doors opened directly to the forest, where the main road could be seen in the distance, a mere shadow amidst the mountainous terrain.
Priyal's thoughts were focused. Today was the full moon, and tonight they would all have to shift. The masked scent that usually hid their presence wouldn't work once they shifted. They had to be careful-one by one, they'd shift, take a few laps in the valley, and return to their human forms after the veneration.
Arihant was in their bedroom with his mate, Maya, helping her get ready. Though no dress code was required, Maya, ever the beauty-conscious one, had insisted on looking her best.
Priyal received a mindlink from Daksh, who was up on the terrace. "Call Maya for the veneration," he sent through. She knocked gently on their door. "Just a minute," Arihant called from inside.
Priyal turned to see Ranveer giggling. No doubt Vyom had just sent some teasing comment through their mindlink, likely poking fun at Arihant's impatience. Shaking her head, Priyal barked an order at Ranveer. "Take the brass bowl to the terrace and fill it with water."
Ranveer groaned, dragging himself to the kitchen, filling the bowl from the tap. "Not here, you idiot!" Priyal scolded. "Take it upstairs and use a bottle to fill it. You'll spill everything on the stairs."
Ranveer gave her a sheepish grin, knowing she was right, and obliged. Soon enough, Maya emerged from the bedroom, draped in a red saree. She looked stunning, the deep red contrasting with the moonlit terrace. Arihant, in his jeans and shirt, followed behind. Priyal couldn't help but think how pragmatic Arihant was-after all, they'd have to shift soon, no point in getting ready for Arihant.
On the terrace, the preparations continued. Maya took her seat, and Priyal adjusted the brass bowl so the moon's reflection on the water would be visible. Vyom struck a match and lit the wood, sending the flames dancing into the cool night air.
Arihant applied the ochre-colored wet clay to Maya's belly, its cool touch making her flinch slightly. Then, with great care, he spread the paste of turmeric, saffron, and sandalwood on her cheeks-though he couldn't resist smearing some on her nose, making her giggle.
Arihant placed the small wooden wolf toy in Maya's lap as a symbol of protection for her unborn pup.
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Cute Wolf Toy
Vyom carefully drew a pattern on the terrace floor with vermillion , checking with Priyal if it was correct. She gave a nod of approval. It looked perfect.
Daksh handed over the iron knife to Priyal. She held it firmly, making a clean cut across her palm, wincing as a sharp pain coursed through her hand. A single drop of blood welled up, sliding down into the diya, which was already filled to its brim. Daksh, with careful precision, took the diya from her and placed it at the center of the sacred pattern drawn with vermillion on the terrace floor.
Priyal closed her eyes, her voice steady as she began to chant the hymn she had been taught long ago. The same sacred words echoed in her mind, recalling the veneration they had performed a year ago for another werewolf of their pack back in Ladakh.
As they all watched in silence, a faint shimmering light began to rise from the reflection of the moon in the brass bowl. The light grew brighter, weaving its way through the air and settling gently on Maya's belly. A collective sigh of relief swept through the group, a silent acknowledgment that the veneration had been accepted.
Priyal felt a sudden warmth in her palm. She looked down, surprised to see her wound closing right before her eyes, the cut healing as if it had never existed at all. Astonished, she flexed her fingers, marveling at the miraculous recovery. Aunt Tara was on the phone, eagerly waiting for updates. "Everything went fine," Priyal reassured her, as they video called from the terrace. Uncle Arjun appeared beside her, nodding in approval before they ended the call.
Daksh mindlinked Priyal. "Ranveer and I are heading downstairs now," he said calmly. There was a silent acknowledgment from Priyal, a brief pause before he felt her reply, "Be careful."
The two went downstairs. Daksh turned towards Ranveer and slowly began unbuttoning his shirt, pulling it off with deliberate ease. Ranveer stood by, as it would be his turn next .Daksh moved with a casual confidence, unbothered by his gamma's presence. His jeans followed, falling to the floor before he removed his underwear, standing bare before the living room's sliding door. He slid it open with a quiet motion, letting the cool night air wash over his skin before stepping outside.
With a swift, fluid motion, Daksh shifted into his wolf form. His body expanded, bones and muscles transforming as his thick brown fur emerged, a dark and imposing coat that glistened in the moonlight. As a Beta, Daksh was massive, his size and power unmistakable, every muscle in his wolf form rippling with raw strength. His paws pressed into the soft soil, the earth beneath him familiar and welcoming.
The forest called to him, and he ran down the valley, each step filled with freedom he hadn't felt in over a week. The scent of pine and fresh leaves filled his lungs, invigorating him. He reached the stream, pausing to feel the cool water under his paws. But suddenly, the scent of other wolves filled the air. His senses sharpened, alert. Daksh sprinted back up the valley to where Ranveer, now in human form and naked , stood waiting. He mindlinked the others. "Werewolves".
**** Guys the next part would be next chapter as it was getting too long.
