Alpha's search for his Luna

Chapter: Unknown Enemies

Secluded road near Dun college:past midnight.
Priyal' POV:

I looked back, trying to scan the area, but it was dark-too dark. My instincts were screaming, and before I could react, two wolves jumped out of nowhere. One of them leapt toward me. I caught his arm mid-air, twisting it hard enough to hear the satisfying crack of bones. He let out a guttural growl, his face contorted in pain. The second one attacked me from behind, trying to strangle my neck. Quick to react, I kicked him right in his nuts, and he crumbled. With a surge of strength, I threw the one with the broken arm into the mountain wall. The impact echoed, a crashing sound that reverberated through the valley.

My hands shifted-paws now-without even thinking. I pounced on the second wolf, claws ripping through his shirt and sinking into his chest. His mouth filled with blood, coughing violently. But there were more. I could scent them-more than a dozen, at least. My heart raced. Even though I was an alpha, I knew the reality: even a lion can be hunted by jackals if they come in numbers.

Fear flickered inside me, a small but present ember. My eyes caught movement in the shadows-three more wolves, already in their forms, eyes glowing in the darkness. My growl reverberated through the valley as I shifted fully, my dress tearing off as I bolted down the forested valley. Speed-speed was my strength. My agility had saved me countless times, even from Daksh during our training. That was my advantage now, not brute strength.

Running was my best bet, but I wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who came too close.

My paws pounded against the earth as I ran, the wind rushing through my fur, the scent of pine and damp soil heavy in the air. One wolf was fast enough to jump onto me, but I flung him into the air without breaking my pace. Another tried, but I leapt onto him, sinking my teeth deep into his neck, feeling the life drain out of him. He collapsed, blood pooling beneath him.

But they were relentless. Two more came at me, leaping from opposite sides. One dug his claws into my back, and I growled in agony. My wolf snapped, puncturing his throat with lethal precision, killing him instantly. The second one landed on top of me, claws raking down my side. I growled, wincing from the pain, but I threw him off, launching him into the air. He landed flat on his back, stunned. I didn't give him a chance to recover-my teeth tore into his chest, silencing his growls forever.

I kept running, another 15 minutes, my paws barely touching the ground as I raced toward the villa. I had to get close enough to mind-link Vyom and Ranveer. Maybe Daksh had returned from Ladakh too. My mind was spinning as I ran, but I could sense the wolves falling behind. They couldn't keep up with me. But then, a familiar scent hit me.

Rudra.

I skidded to a stop, my heart racing as I shifted back into my human form, ducking behind a tree for cover. Were the Duns behind this? I wondered. I scented another familiar presence-Tanishq.

I peeked out from behind the tree and saw them in their human forms, naked, standing a few feet away.

"Priyal," Tanishq's voice was firm. "What are you doing here?"

"Killing your dogs who attacked me!" I shot back, my voice thick with anger.

Rudra's eyes flared. "We could've done that long ago if we wanted to!" he hissed.

"Rogues," I muttered, the realization sinking in.

Tanishq's voice shifted, authoritative now. "Unlike you and your little friends, we actually clean up our messes."

It dawned on me what had happened to the other wolves. "You killed them," I murmured.

Tanishq stepped closer, concern in his voice. "Are you hurt?"