Alpha's search for his Luna

Chapter : Sweet Love

I drove the car toward Priyal's villa, the tension from earlier slowly dissipating with each passing moment. She sat beside me, a picture of calm, while Vyom settled into the back seat. I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt about the thread I’d tied around her wrist. It had made her vulnerable, and I had been stupid not to remove it. Anything could have happened tonight, and the thought gnawed at me.

As we pulled up to her villa, I stole a glance at her. She was staring out the window, her hair catching the wind, and for a moment, the weight of the world fell away. I stopped the car, and Vyom hopped out, but Priyal seemed a little distracted.

“Uh… Yes?” she replied when I asked her to come out.

Vyom took my keys to park the car while I stepped into the cool evening air. I recalled how her ankle had been burnt by those chains last time and hoped she would never have to endure such pain again.

Once we crossed the garden and reached the main door, Priyal's aunt slid it open almost instantly.

“Oh my baby!” she exclaimed, engulfing Priyal in a warm embrace. I noticed Daksh standing off to the side, signaling me that Priyal hadn’t mentioned her encounter with the rogues tonight.

“I missed you too,” Priyal replied, her voice muffled against her aunt’s shoulder, but I could see her eyes sparkle with joy.

I sensed Priyal mind-link something to her friends, and I caught Maya and Daksh giggling. I felt a pang of jealousy—without a formal mating, I couldn’t listen to her mind links, nor could she listen to mine. It was frustrating, but it was also a reminder of how much I wanted her to be a part of my pack officially.

Her aunt beckoned me inside, and I was surprised by how cozy the villa felt. The loud bell from a nearby monastery echoed in the distance, reminding me of the time. It was already 11 o’clock.

“Does this bell ring at random times?” I asked.

“It has a fixed schedule, with the latest being nine o’clock at night,” Priyal explained. “But sometimes, it can ring at other times.”

“What does that mean?” I queried, intrigued.

“Someone is praying,” Daksh replied, his tone serious.

“Come sit,” Priyal’s aunt invited me, leading me to the couch.

As I settled down, my senses were flooded by the aroma wafting from the kitchen. “Is that…?” Priyal began, unable to finish her sentence.

“Your favorite Thukpa!” her aunt said with a proud smile.

I had never tried it before, but Priyal’s excitement was contagious. “It’s a Ladakhi dish,” she explained, beaming.

“You’ll love it,” Maya chimed in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Her aunt gestured for me to join them at the dinner table. Priyal hesitated, her expression guilty. “Aunty, I had dinner in the hostel mess,” she said quietly.

Her aunt’s face fell with disappointment. “Didn’t you tell her?” she asked Vyom.

“I…,” he stammered, glancing at Priyal. “Who the hell has dinner in a hostel?” he said, his incredulity making everyone laugh. I watched as they shared this camaraderie; it was clear they were all very close, and it felt good to be part of it, even if just for a moment.