Alpha's search for his Luna

Chapter : The Alpha's claim.

Priyal stirred from her restless sleep, the painkillers' effects fading as the sharp aches in her body returned. She groaned, her stitched wounds throbbing as she shifted in bed. The clock read 9 PM. A soft knock on the door pulled her from the haze of discomfort.

"Priyal, are you awake?" Maya's voice carried through the room.

Priyal managed a weak smile as Maya entered. "Do you want dinner up here, or would you prefer coming down to the table?" she asked.

Priyal, tired of the confines of her room, replied, "I've been cooped up here the whole day. I need to move."

Maya smiled, placing a fresh dose of medicine on the bedside table. "You're still helping us, even in this state," Priyal remarked, swallowing the pills with water.

"You're our Alpha, Priyal. That's what matters," Maya responded warmly. "Now, let's go."

Priyal descended the stairs slowly, her body stiff but determined. As she reached the bottom, she glanced around. "Where are Daksh and Vyom?" she asked, noting the absence of her betas.

"They had a flat tire. Ranveer went to help them," Maya lied, her voice steady, though her worry was barely concealed.

Priyal frowned, sensing unease in the air. "They shouldn't be out this long. You know the rogues are unpredictable, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Dun pack is upset with us too."

Maya avoided eye contact. "You should eat," she urged gently.

Priyal, not entirely convinced, picked up a piece of bread and began serving herself some curry. "Call them," she ordered, her alpha instincts kicking in.

Maya hesitated but reached for her phone. Before she could dial, a knock echoed from the front door.

"They must be back," Maya said, sounding relieved as she moved to open it. But when the door swung open, the relief on her face froze.

Standing in the doorway was the girl they'd seen at college earlier-Sarika.

Priyal's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, she darted forward, grabbing Maya's hand and yanking her behind her. "I am Sarika, nice to meet you!" the girl introduced herself with a disarming smile. But Priyal wasn't fooled. She lunged, her hands closing around Sarika's throat.

Before she could tighten her grip, a force yanked her back. Kaya, quick and strong, intervened. Sarika coughed, recovering from the near choke. "The thing about those masks you wear," Sarika sneered, rubbing her neck, "is that they dull your senses. You didn't even notice us behind the door."

Weak but enraged, Priyal shoved Kaya with all her strength, sending her flying into the half-built wooden swing on the veranda. The structure splintered under the impact, but Kaya quickly scrambled to her feet, fury in her eyes.

Priyal stepped outside, her movements slow but her voice low and dangerous. "Do you think you can beat me?" she hissed.

Kaya opened her mouth to retort, but a presence behind Priyal made her stop. Out of nowhere, strong arms wrapped around Priyal from behind, holding her firmly. "Easy," came a deep voice.

It was Tanishq.

Priyal struggled, "You're hurt," Tanishq murmured, "but even if you weren't, do you think you could defeat me?"

Priyal's heart raced, but she stayed defiant. She watched helplessly as Misha approached Maya, who couldn't shift because of her pregnancy. "Don't," Priyal growled, but Misha and Sarika were already tying Maya to a chair.

"Don't worry," Misha said, her voice eerily calm, "we won't harm a pregnant she-wolf."

"What do you want?" Priyal demanded, struggling against Tanishq's grip.

"Answers," Tanishq said. "You and your group have been lying from the start, and we tolerated it. But now, you've attracted rogues into our territory."

"We're just here to complete our studies," Priyal insisted. "Rogues can attack anyone."

"Then why were you leaving like cowards? Cancelling your admissions?" Kaya demanded, stepping forward.

"What are you talking about?" Priyal's voice wavered, her gaze shifting to Maya.

"Looks like you weren't told," Sarika chimed in, smirking.

"Enough games," Kaya snapped,stepping closer. She looked to Tanishq before confirmation and with a nod she grabbed a nearby pipe and opened the garden tap, drenching Priyal with cold water. Tanishq, still holding her, didn't flinch.

And that's when Tanishq felt it- the spark of recognition.His grip tightened, and his voice softened. "Mate," he whispered, the word filled with wonder.

Priyal froze, confused. "What are you talking about? I don't feel anything."

Tanishq's face darkened, a mix of pain and anger flashing in his eyes. His mate couldn't feel the bond. Both Kaya and Misha exchanged shocked looks.

"Are you sure?" Misha asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Tanishq shot her a deadly glare, silencing any further questions. "Take her," he ordered, his voice cold. "And her," he pointed at Maya. "To the pack house."

"I'm not going anywhere," Priyal protested, but she knew she was outmatched.

Tanishq growled, his patience wearing thin. "You will," he said, his grip on her chin firm, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I'm your mate, which means I'm also your Alpha."

Priyal's eyes widened in horror as Kaya handed her a phone. On the screen, she saw Daksh and Vyom, her betas, tied up. Ranveer lay unconscious on the floor beside them.

"If you don't come with us, your friends die," Tanishq said coldly.