Alpha's search for his Luna

Chapter: The Promises

Tanishq walked downstairs, his thoughts still tangled with everything he'd learned. The Rinnay pack had just left, and his mind was reeling from the weight of their words. Priyal's past, the Hemis pack's secret, and the threats from the Xian pack had all been revealed in a few short hours. And now, as Dun's Alpha, it was his responsibility to protect her, not only as his Luna but as the heir of a bloodline too powerful to fall into the wrong hands.

"I have personally trained her and the other kids," Alpha Rinnay had said, his eyes filled with pride. Tanishq respected that. Priyal wasn't just another werewolf in his life-she was a trained fighter, raised to lead and protect. But the weight of her heritage now lay on his shoulders too.

He clenched his jaw, thinking of the Xian pack. They were always the enemy lurking in the shadows, and now they had reason to come for Priyal. But she was his mate now, and no one would take her from him.

As the last members of the Rinnay pack disappeared from sight, Tanishq heard Arav behind him.

"Congratulations," Arav said, a smile tugging at his lips.

Tanishq nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind his beta's words. The congratulations weren't for the new alliance or the handshake with Alpha Rinnay. They were for Priyal-his mate, his Luna. Tanishq allowed himself a brief smile before heading upstairs to find her.

As he approached their room, voices carried through the door. He paused when he heard Priyal speaking with her aunt, Tara.

"But I always wanted to become a doctor," Priyal's voice was soft, but he could hear the edge of frustration in it. "And you supported me before."

Tanishq's chest tightened. He knew how important her dreams were to her. Priyal had always been fiercely independent, with goals beyond the responsibilities of a Luna.

Tara's voice came next, firm and maternal. "I wanted to keep you away from Ladakh because of the Xian pack. They've always been looking for you. You are too important to be out in the open where they could find you. Now, with Tanishq as your mate, it's time to focus on your new family and your pack. You need to be Dun's Luna, not a college student."

Tanishq's heart sank. He understood where Tara was coming from-Priyal was vital to their survival, and her role as Luna wasn't one she could ignore. But hearing her aunt dismiss her dreams so easily made him uneasy. He knew how much Priyal wanted to complete her MBBS. It wasn't just a career for her; it was a part of who she was.

"You should focus on your mate. The college is done," Tara said decisively. "Anyone else can become a doctor, but there is only one Luna."

Tanishq could feel Priyal's distress through the bond. She was torn between the role she'd been born into and the life she wanted to live. And now, she was being told to give up her dreams for him-for the pack. But that wasn't what he wanted for her.

He pushed open the door gently, stepping into the room. Priyal and Tara turned to face him, both startled by his sudden presence.

"Priyal," he said softly, walking toward her. "You don't have to choose between being my Luna and being a doctor. I promised to protect you, and that includes helping you achieve your dreams."

Tara stood up, concern flickering in her eyes. "Tanishq, it's not that simple-"

"Yes, it is," he interrupted. "I won't let Priyal give up her dreams because of a threat that I can handle. She will complete her MBBS, and she will be Luna. I'll make sure of it."

Priyal looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't expected him to say that, and the relief that washed over her was palpable. Tara, on the other hand, looked conflicted.