Alpha's search for his Luna

Chapter: A Luna Unwilling

Tanishq sat in his office, the dim light from his desk lamp casting shadows on the walls. His mind was clouded with thoughts of Priyal. The image of her struggling against him replayed in his mind, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt, even though he knew he had no choice. He had been forced to make her drink the potion from the vial, knocking her into a deep sleep. After laying her on his bed, he had called Aunt Shayla to treat her wounds. She had done her part, not just healing Priyal but also tying a sacred thread around her wrist—one that only he could remove. The thread would prevent her from shifting into her wolf form, ensuring she stayed under control until she fully recovered.

Priyal was strong, too strong for anyone but him to handle, and though it felt cruel, this precaution was necessary. He had ordered Kaya and Misha to keep a close watch over her. She was locked in his room, his Luna, and yet she was still a mystery to him.

A knock on the door broke his reverie. Arav entered, his face serious. "They’re still not saying anything," he informed Tanishq.

"They're stubborn," Samar added, following close behind.

Tanishq leaned back in his chair, the weight of frustration heavy on his shoulders. Not only was he at a loss for information, but his own mate refused to acknowledge their bond. It was eating at him.

"Is it true?" Arav asked gently, trying to approach the subject with care. "Is she…?"

"Yes," Tanishq cut him off, his voice sharp. "She’s my mate. Do I look like a fool? I know what the mate bond feels like."

Samar crossed his arms. "But she has to recognize you," he said, his tone more pragmatic. "The pack needs a Luna."

Tanishq clenched his fists. He knew what was expected of him, but that didn’t make it easier.

Samar continued, pushing further. "You should officially mate with her. Once you mark her, she won’t be able to deny the bond. It’s the only way."

Tanishq’s gaze darkened as he stared at Samar, anger flaring in his eyes. "You think I don’t know that?" he snapped. Marking Priyal meant more than just claiming her as his Luna; it meant bedding her and biting her neck, binding her to him for life. The very thought made his heart twist. While some Alphas might have taken that route without hesitation, he wasn’t like them. He couldn’t hurt Priyal. He loved her, and the bond was sacred to him. Forcing it would break something between them that might never be repaired.

Without saying another word, he motioned for both Arav and Samar to leave. They exchanged a glance but knew better than to argue.

After they left, Aunt Ira entered quietly, her eyes soft with concern. "Tanishq, you should talk to her," she said gently, sitting down across from him.

"Right now, she needs to sleep," he replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "She’s recovering."

Aunt Ira nodded, understanding his turmoil. "Everything will be fine. She just needs time," she assured him.

Tanishq nodded absentmindedly, his mind still swirling. "Where’s the other female we brought?" he asked after a moment.

"She’s in one of the guest rooms," Aunt Ira informed him.

"I need rest," Tanishq said, standing up. The exhaustion from both the physical strain and emotional turmoil was finally catching up to him.

Aunt Ira gave him a small smile. "Go rest. Tomorrow will bring clarity."

He nodded again and made his way to one of the guest rooms. Priyal was in his room—the Alpha’s room, the room where she rightfully belonged. But given everything that had happened, it didn’t feel right for him to stay there, not yet. He needed to be near her, but the distance felt necessary for now. It would give him time to think, to figure out how to bridge the gap that lay between them.

As he lay on the guest bed, staring at the ceiling, he couldn’t help but wonder how long this would go on. How long before she recognized the bond, before she accepted him? And more importantly, how long before the pack found the answers they needed to the threat looming over them?

Sleep didn’t come easy that night.