Alpha's search for his Luna

Chapter : Direct Confrontation

It was nighttime, and the bustling streets of Nainital were alive with the chatter of tourists, both local and foreign. Among the many restaurants that lined one particular street, one stood out, its exterior reflecting a subtle elegance that drew attention. Tanishq entered the café, accompanied by his beta Arav and gammas Rudra and Ishaan.

The interior of the café was a blend of modern design elements. Dim lights cast a warm glow over the space, giving it a cozy yet contemporary feel. A small blackboard near the counter displayed the dessert of the day in elegant handwriting. Behind the counter, a man greeted them with a polite smile, "Welcome, sir." Another person sat behind the counter, working on his laptop, while a soft board behind him displayed lists, ratings, and an “Employee of the Year” section. Potted indoor plants adorned the café, giving it a fresh, inviting ambiance. Another wall was covered entirely with a large soft board, full of colorful chits where customers had left ratings and notes. Tanishq mindlinked Arav, Arohi did a good job with this place.

Arohi, Yuvaan's mate, was one of the owners. They took a seat in the corner, a spot reserved just for them. The café was fairly busy, filled with newlywed couples and foreign tourists, all absorbed in their own conversations. On a large screen, an India vs. Pakistan cricket match played, though few customers seemed to be paying attention. The waiters, however, would glance at it occasionally.

"Anything for you, sir?" A young woman in her twenties approached them.

"We’re waiting for others," Arav replied with a nod. She smiled and left them.

Arohi emerged from a door marked Employees Only. She smiled at them briefly before disappearing up the stairs. She wore a short, printed kurta with wide-leg jeans, her whole demeanor radiating professionalism.

"When will they get here?" Rudra muttered impatiently. Tanishq glanced at his Apple Watch. It was 8:05 PM.

Tanishq's POV:

Arav mindlinked me, The taller one is Daksh, and the other is Vyom. I observed the two who had just walked into the café. The third member of their group was a girl who stood between them. The shorter one was smaller, only by an inch or two. The girl, however, caught my attention. She was beautiful, with long, dark brown hair tied into a half ponytail, her strands falling gracefully over her chest. She had a decent height for a female—about 5'7".

They approached us. I gestured for them to sit, and the girl took the middle seat, just opposite us. A waitress returned with menus and placed them gently on the table.

"You're late by 10 minutes," Arav stated, his tone firm but measured.

"We’re not locals; it took us time to find the place," Vyom explained. His excuse sounded reasonable, and I turned my attention to the girl, who looked confident despite the situation. I could sense her mindlinking something to Vyom.

Her blue eyes stood out. I leaned forward slightly, addressing the taller of the two men. "Daksh, right?"

He nodded. "And you are Alpha Tanishq?" His tone was unbothered, almost indifferent. Something about him seemed off—more than just a beta.

"Why are you here?" Arav asked, keeping his voice calm.

"We’re here for college," Vyom replied. "The Northern Alliance agreement allows it."

"We know about it," Arav interrupted.

My eyes were drawn back to the girl again. Her thin, blue sweater hugged her curves perfectly, though I forced myself to focus on the conversation. Arav asked them more firmly this time, "Which pack do you belong to?"

"The Rinnay pack," Daksh answered smoothly. "We are the sons of their betas."

Rudra mindlinked me, Rinnay? Their previous generation hasn’t yet handed leadership directly to their children.

I noticed the girl mindlinking again. I didn’t appreciate the secrecy. "And who is she?" I asked, narrowing my gaze.

There was a brief pause before Daksh replied, "Our delta's daughter."

The girl rolled her eyes at Daksh’s answer, clearly unimpressed by his reply.

Arav mindlinked me, But Advik sensed her as someone more powerful when he saw her at the resort.

Ishaan, who had been quietly observing, mindlinked me as well, I don’t believe them.

Rudra, visibly agitated, asked, "Where are the others?"

"Arihant, our omega, is at the hospital. He can’t exactly take leave," Vyom replied.

Daksh added, "And the other one is pregnant. She’s her mate," nodding toward the girl

Rudra, clearly irritated, pressed further, "Where is the one who didn’t shift that day?"

"He’s in the villa, our gamma’s son," Vyom answered. His tone shifted to one of mockery as he added, "We can’t leave a pregnant female by herself, especially under these circumstances."

I signaled Arav to order sandwiches for all of us. The waiters were beginning to grow impatient, waiting for our orders.

"That still doesn’t explain your Ladakhi Buddhist tribal identity," I said, fixing them with a stern look.

Vyom smirked, but it was Daksh who replied, all calm, "That’s just a cover we use."

"And your presence in the villa of those Buddhist monks?" I pressed further. I could see Priyal mindlinking the boys again.

Enough. I turned my attention to her. "You can speak directly to us," I said, my tone commanding. She hesitated, as if considering something.

"Jammu has a monastery," Daksh finally admitted.

"So your Alpha?" Arav asked with authority. "Will verify that for us."

"Yes," Vyom replied.

The sandwiches arrived, and the waitress smiled politely as she placed them on the table. Daksh eyed Arohi across the room curiously before glancing back at the sandwiches.

"Have it," I said, encouraging them to eat. Daksh mindlinked something to the others, clearly still wary.

Rudra, losing patience, snapped, "Do you really think we’d poison you in front of all these humans?"

"No, you wouldn’t," Vyom finally grabbed a sandwich, taking a large bite and signaling the others to follow suit.

I watched them closely. Daksh bit into his sandwich and then noticed Priyal’s hesitation. "That’s cheese. You’re allergic," he said.

Priyal looked startled for a moment. "Uh, yes," she replied.

Vyom quickly took her sandwich, "We should leave," he said, standing up. He met my eyes one last time, his tone firm. "We won’t be a problem."

Arav replied coldly, "You better not be."

The three stood up almost simultaneously and left the café. I signaled Arav. "Arrange a call with Rinnay’s beta."

As soon as they were gone, Arohi and Yuvaan approached us. "Is everything alright, Alpha?" Arohi asked.

I smiled. "Yes, for now." But as they walked away, I mindlinked the others, Keep an eye on them.

“No, I want you to make preparations urgently,” Tanishq said firmly. “The event is important. We’re expecting more guests than usual. The conference will host several foreign nationals—it’s good for business. Send me the reservation details by email.”

“They verified their story,” Arav replied calmly.

Tanishq made a face, clearly unconvinced.

“Their beta, Vaibhav, even offered to have their alpha give it in writing that they won’t be a problem for us,” Arav added.

Tanishq exhaled sharply. Trusting others came hard to him, especially when they were hiding something. Though Rinnay pack had helped Dun pack during the war with the Xian pack fifty years ago, their long absence from any meaningful contact left Tanishq wary.

“They’re lying about their identities for sure,” Tanishq muttered, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. “But since they’re willing to give it in writing, they’re not our concern anymore.” He sounded frustrated but resigned.

Arav nodded. “I’ll make sure to get the written confirmation from them.”