One Month Later:::::::::::::

" Alpha, how was the meeting with the King?" James asked Arnav.

He entered his house with such anger and irritation, that James preferred to be quiet. But, being a Beta of South Goddess Moon, he knew he had to gather courage and ask his Alpha about the meeting. It's not casual when the Alpha king summon someone at such a short notice.

"Fine." Arnav replied. His voice, as usual came deep and strong. He made his way to the massive sofa in his living room and sat on it with a thud. His Beta, however didn't dare to sit at his equal, as that was the place for his Luna.

" The officials are eager to know, about the reason why the Alpha King summoned you!" The beta asked hesitantly.

Arnav took a deep breath to calm his anger. He knew it would be wrong to throw away his anger on his Beta- who was nothing but loyal to him.

" The king called me so that he could remind me that, I have only two years more to search for my mate. If during these years, I fail to present the luna to the South territory, I shall be asked to resign from the Alpha position." Arnav said. He wasn't upset about leaving the position, but the mere thought of not being able to find his soul mate was eating him from inside.

A casual werewolf can recognise his/her soul mate, at an age of eighteen. Whereas, Alphas and Betas can sense their soul mate at around sixteen years of age. But, he was twenty eight years old and had still not found his destined one.

"That's not fair! There is no better person to rule the South territory, than you, Alpha! " James confessed.

It was true. Arnav was everything, a good Alpha should be. He was powerful, disciplined, sharp and no wonder he was a pure blood. His mere presence can make all werewolves except the King, submit to him. He was ruthless and cruel, no doubt- because these negative qualities come as an additional package if you are an Alpha. He had everything, except his soul mate. And, he needed her- not just for himself but for his territory too! A luna- the soul mate of Alpha- gives internal strength to the werewolves, and without her, this strength would be gone!

Arnav chuckled at his Beta's comment.

" I am glad you think like that, James. But, the King isn't wrong. He has full right to guide me. And without my mate, I would eventually fall apart. And then, who will look after the territory? I am sure you don't want an insane wolf to command you." Arnav said. His voice should have been sarcastic and comical, but his voice said the other thing. His face was still serious as if he was discussing how to win a war! His Beta was aware of this. He knew what he was going through. Absence of soul mate can do this to the wolf. He himself was going insane when he couldn't find his soul mate. But, when he did, he knew he was safe. All he could wish for his Alpha was, for him to find his soul mate as soon as possible.

"I would like to be alone now, James. I'd be glad if you could leave now. " Arnav said.

" Sure, Alpha. But, I needed your signature on some document."

"What documents? "

" The medical college of Jaipur and Girija (A/N: I've made up this word, so kindly don't Google it... ) had organised their final semester exams here. The venue isn't far from the head quarters. So, they needed your permission to organise the exam here. "

"Why can't they organise the exam on their college itself or somewhere near the place they live? "

"Alpha, it's a rule of the educational institutions, to organise exams outside the city they live. In this way, the students can see more area of the South territory. "

"I know that..... Ask them to choose some other place. Haenden (city where the headquarters of South territory is located.) is not for these stuff."

" Actually, Alpha, I.....I already gave them the permission on your behalf. "

"And who gave you that power?" Arnav asked furiously, as his wolf thought his Beta was trying to get above him.

" I am sorry Alpha! I thought..... maybe.... Just maybe, one of them might turn out to be your soul mate! " James replied hesitantly.

Arnav calmed down as realisation hit him. He was glad his Beta cared for her. But, how could he tell him that, he had almost lost all hopes of finding his soul mate! Almost!

"Fine. Give me the papers." Arnav signed the papers and threw the pen on the table lazily.

" So, will you come with me to the venue of the exam?" He asked.

" Do I have any other option?" Arnav said with closed eyes. His head rested at the back of the sofa. No doubt, he was tired.

James smiled. He had this feeling, that his Alpha would find his soul mate soon. After all, the Moon Goddess can't be that cruel to not give him one!

James left the Alpha's house, but not before saying:

" I know you will find your soul mate soon, Alpha. I know we will get our Luna soon!"

Arnav laid still. He didn't open his eyes or say him good bye. But his last words rung in his head.

Soul mate.

Words couldn't explain how much he wanted to meet his soul mate. The lonely house and empty bed at night, made him more upset and desperate. He was jealous of other werewolves, as they had their soul mates in their arms, but he didn't. He didn't have anyone to hold him. He didn't have anyone to hold to.

He was jealous of his Beta. He was jealous of his warriors. He was jealous of the regular wolves. Hell, he was jealous of the Alpha King too! Just because, they had their Love by their side and he didn't!

Right from the moment he turned sixteen, he had demanded his father to build a separate house for him, so that he and his soul mate can live there together. Naturally, his father didn't agree to it. How would the children survive alone by their own!

But, exactly after he became the Alpha, he fulfilled his promise. He built his dream house where he would live with his Love forever- until death. He waited, waited and waited, but his wolf never caught the scent of his soul mate. Years passed by slowly, as if teasing him of his inability to find his destined one.

He had arranged for everything. He had made sure that when he finds his Love, she would get everything she wanted. He had designed the wardrobe of his room in such a way that, both their clothes would be kept side by side. But, for years, he had to see the empty side of the wardrobe where his soul mate's clothes were supposed to be.

He even kept two pillows on the bed and imagined his mate sleep by his side. But, again, looking at the empty pillow for years, had made him mad. Sometimes, the desperation increases so much during night that, he kicks the pillow out of the bed and growls in frustration. But, then again, he would bend down and kiss the pillow and keep it back to its right place.

Yes, he was already in love with his soul mate whom he hadn't even seen! He wasn't a special case. Every werewolf loved their mate from the moment their wolf makes appearance.

He imagined how she would look like. He imagined how she would look when she would laugh. He wanted to hold her in his arms. But the problem was, there was no one to quench the desire and lust he carried for her.

If he wanted, he would have taken any woman he wanted. He was an Alpha for God's sake. Any woman would love to be at his side- ofcourse not the mated ones. But he never took any woman to his bed through out his life. He didn't want to betray his soul mate. This is one of the qualities of werewolves- that they love only one person through out their existence.

Was the Goddess testing his patience? Had he done something bad in his life to deserve such a fate? Was he not good enough to atleast deserve a mate! All these questions use to come into his head whenever he gets spare time from work. To avoid thinking much about his inability, he tried to immerse himself into the pack work. But, no matter how much he tried, he just couldn't get her off his mind- his soul mate!

Where are you? He sighed loudly. And as usual, he stood up and went to his room to do the routine work.

But as the saying goes, we preserve the thing most when we get it after a long time! Same is the case with Arnav too. He had sworn to love and keep his mate forever!

.
.
.
.
.

Shraddha and Jay's house:

" Can you believe, we have our last exam tomorrow! " Aadhira spoke happily.

" I know." Shraddha replied.

"Why don't you sound happy? I mean..... it's our last semester exams. And, then we can easily apply for jobs! Think of independence! " Aadhira raised both her hands dramatically.

They were sitting on the comfy sofa of Jay's house, talking about this and that. Firstly, they were meant to have a group study at Aadhira's house, but Jay denied by saying that her house was not good enough for his mate to live in.
So, they had to change their plan and thanks to Shraddha that she convinced her mate to let Aadhira come in their house. Jay didn't like the attention his mate was giving to her friend. He wanted Shraddha all to himself. They could have done so much without her friend inside the house- something like trying for a baby. But, instead of that, his mate asked him politely to make fries for them. And, him being a love sick wolf, couldn't deny her request. But, that didn't prevent him to not eavesdrop into their gossips.

" He don't want me to work after college." Shraddha replied straight.

That son of a *****! Aadhira cursed internally, as she didn't have the guts to speak that aloud.

" Here." Jay laid the fries and sauce in front of the women. He himself took a seat beside his mate as close as possible. Shraddha wanted to smack him on his head with her books, but refrained herself. If she wanted to make Jay agree on what she wanted to say, she will have to make him happy.

He specifically made her eat, to which Aadhira wanted to vomit.

Did he forget she has hands? She thought.

" Umm.... Jay, I was thinking.... If Aadhira can stay here for tonight. And then we can, together leave for the venue of the exam in the morning. " Shraddha asked with a big smile which made him melt. How could he say no to that face?

" Anything for you love!" He said.

" she can take the guest room. It's free anyways." He said.

Shraddha wanted to spend the night with her friend, but she knew it will be too much to ask him.
.
.
.
.

Aadhira laid on the bed of Jay's guest room. It was already midnight. Their late night study would have longed for more hours, but Jay pulled Shraddha in their room saying she needs rest. She stared at the ceiling. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't stop worrying about her best friend. She knew her friend's life was over now. With a soul mate by side, even breathing could be dangerous. Atleast, that's what she felt.

She never thought in her life, that their life could turn like this. She remembered Jay's words.

Her house wasn't good enough for his mate to live in!

The bed she was lying on was very comfortable. Atleast comfortable than the cot she had in her house! Being human, it was common for her to live in poverty. There were very few humans who were living a life of luxury- very few. Since her parents death, her grandmother raised her till she turned fourteen. But, then due to cancer, she lost the last family member of hers. Since then, she lived on by herself. The neighbours were good enough to let her sleep with them at night, but as she turned seventeen, they considered it better for her to stand on her own feet.

She knew, what she had to do to get out of her miserable life. Education became her passport to live a life she has always desired. She has always been jealous of all the werewolf kids who used to come by cars and wore fancy dress which she knew she could never afford.

But gone are those days of dreaming and fantasising about these things. She now wanted to live the things she desired. This is why she chose to become a doctor. Even though, she had no interest in becoming a doctor, she knew this was the best profession for her. Doctors for human were very rarely available. And, due to some werewolf getting human mates, it raised the demand for human doctors. Wolf doctors couldn't attend to humans properly, as they rarely knew anything about human body.

Just few more days, and then I'll be as free as ...... she thought.

Suddenly, the thought of her friend and Jay came into her mind again. She knew her friend had somebody behind her to hold her back now. Shraddha has somebody who loves her insanely. She will one day have kids.....or better frame it....pups. Werewolf and human mating is not easy. It is very difficult for a human woman to conceive a werewolf's child. Maybe, some DNA change or something. But, frequent mating leads to pregnancy and the delivery becomes normal. Only the fertilisation period is difficult, rest all is normal. This was something she learnt from her books. The most interesting thing is, humans become more and more strong physically, when she or he mates with a werewolf. Why? She didn't know!

But, that brought her back to the question in her mind. Will she ever live a normal life? She wanted to fall in love. She wanted to have someone who would love her insanely- just like Jay. But, she didn't want a werewolf mate. No never!
She wants to fall in love with a human. But, according to one of the laws of werewolf world, humans are not allowed to indulge in any kind of relationship before the age of thirty five- as they could be someone's mate.

This is insane? She concluded.

She was ready to wait for ten or fifteen years more for someone she actually fell for. But seems like God was against her wishes.

Kabir! She sighed!

Kabir, her high school classmate, and a very close friend, proposed her secretly. She didn't pay attention to him at that time, as she thought it was just a crush and nothing else! But later, she found him too sweet and caring that without her realising, she too started feeling something for him. They were coming home after watching a movie when everything crashed, and the little world that she had made in her mind was gone like there was nothing at all.

On their way home back, a female werewolf sensed Kabir as her soul mate, and them she ordered him to look at her. No matter how much he tried to avoid looking into her eyes, he failed and then, the impossible happened. He was indeed her soul mate. She fell in love with him at that instant itself and begged him to take her right there. Kabir begged to let him go, but she wasn't having any of his excuses. Werewolves can go to any extent to keep their soul mate by their side. Anything includes everything!
The she - wolf threatened him to go with her or else she would kill Aadhira right then and there. He had no other option to go with her. But, before leaving, he asked the wolf to let her hug Aadhira one last time. When she denied, he asked it as first promise. And she had to let him do it.
Kabir hugged Aadhira dearly, and whispered the words she still hold dear to her.

Maybe, in next life, we will be together. I love you, Aadhira. I love you so much! He had said.

And just like that, her little love story, ended before beginning.
She snapped herself out of past and mentally slapped herself. It was no time to think and wail over past. It was time to think about future.

Somehow, she had this feeling that tomorrow would change her life forever. She closed her eyes and prayed to God, as she did every night.

God, keep my parents safe wherever they are. Let my grandma be at peace. And, please eliminate these monsters from our world. If you can't do that, then it's okay. But, please don't let me be someone's soul mate. And lastly, please let my exams go awesome. I'll literally fall on your feet when I become a doctor. I swear! She winked at her imaginary God and relaxed herself.

.
.
.
.
" Anything left?" Shraddha asked in haste.

" Oh stop it already. We have our admit cards and pen. What can be left? It's already late because of your lovely mate!" Aadhira scoffed.

They quickened their pace as they were already late for the exam. Jay had dropped them in front of the school where the exam was to be held. But, he didn't leave Shraddha until only ten minutes were left. Aadhira had to literally beg Jay to let them enter the school. Other students who were no doubt werewolves were facing no problem in reaching the examination room within five minutes. Thanks to their inherited speed!

But Aadhira and Shraddha were facing hard time finding the room they were assigned. When they finally spotted it at the end of the hall on the first floor, they didn't waste time in entering the class. They took their assigned seats.

" Okay, so if I want to ask something, I'll double tap my pen on the desk. Okay?" Shraddha ordered her friend to which she laughed.

" I am sure that that circumstance won't arise!" Aadhira said with a smile.

" Oh, this time I terribly doubt it. I haven't been able to study properly. Thanks to my sweet mate and his desires at night." She blurted out attracting the attention of other werewolves sitting near her. They beamed at her as they thought she was happy with her mate. Oh, if only they knew the truth!

" Students, after the first warning bell, you will be given your question papers. And after the second warning bell, you can start writing. Remember, any kind of malpractice would not be tolerated. Lastly, it's our great honour that our Alpha will be giving a visit to the venue today. He specifically wants to see the type of education system we have. So, be at your best today. And do not provoke the Alpha. " the invigilator announced.

The examination proceeded and Aadhira realised she knew all the answers except one. She smiled and after an hour, she saw someone leave the room. But, she didn't dare to raise her head and see the person. It wasn't allowed to look here and there while writing exam.

It was very quite but natural. But, suddenly she felt the mood of the room change. It became terribly silent as if possessed by some powerful person. She ignored everything, and continued writing the essay on cisplatin .

A growl resonated in the examination room and she instantly recognised it as an approval kind. Still she didn't turn up to see for the source. After few seconds, another growl was heard. And this was more like a command to seek attention. But Aadhira could care less.

Has this dog gone mad? She thought sarcastically.

And then, she heard a psst sound. She instantly recognised it to be her friend's.

Maybe she needs some answer! She thought.

She slowly started turning her head around to look at her, but instead met with some thing else. Her eyes fell on a body which obviously appeared to be a man's.
Did I do something wrong? She asked herself, as she thought the man was the invigilator.

Out of curiosity, her eyes started moving up slowly, to prove that she wasn't guilty of any charge. Now, at normal circumstances, she would have directly looked up. But, the man in front of her radiated so much power that she couldn't dare look at him directly.
Her eyes followed the crisp black suit that the man wore. He was definitely well built. Well, every werewolf were well built- no doubt! Her eyes travelled further up to notice the broad shoulders and she was about to look at his face when her friend shouted - literally.

" Aadhira NO!" Shraddha screamed.

At first Shraddha thought, the man was upto ask her friend something. Suddenly, her mind threw her the information of who that man was. She has obviously seen his picture a lot of times, but never paid heed to it. Nor did Aadhira gave any. She called her friend in order to warn her, but it was late. He had already reached by Aadhira's side, by using his supernatural speed. The way the man was looking at Aadhira, brought suspicion into her mind. She knew that this man didn't have a soul mate yet. This enhanced her suspicion more. His eyes were purely zeroed at Aadhira, exactly how Jay's eyes are when he looks at her. She knew he was waiting for Aadhira to look at his eyes so that he can confirm whether she was his destined one or not. And, she knew she had to stop her friend from doing exactly that. So she stopped her by calling No, but that came out as a shout.

Aadhira stopped her gaze where ever it was. Her eyes lingered on his shoulder as she dared not to look up any further. She could make out the face of the man, but she couldn't guess who it was! Her heart beat accelerated to the speed she never thought it could catch. She knew the urgency of the situation as she understood what her friend wanted to say.

I can't be any body's soul mate! She recited in her mind again and again to console herself.

Aadhira couldn't think properly, as her mind was occupied with fear- fear of getting a mate.

No, god can't be that cruel to me! What did I ever do to receive this? She thought, tears threatening to come out.

It was good for her that it was still not confirmed whether she was really his mate or not! But, somebody else was getting restless due to Aadhira's resistance to face him.

" Look at me." His clear voice demanded. If it was possible, the class became more silent.

No, don't look at him Aadhira! Don't you dare...... how is it possible? How can she be the Alpha's soul mate? Shraddha thought with pain evident in her heart.

His deep commanding voice brought chills down her spine and she wanted to do nothing but run- run as far as possible.

When she didn't look at him, Arnav, got irritated. An Alpha's patience is not a good thing to check. He has been waiting years to meet his mate, and it was difficult to wait anymore when he could already sense her. The moment he came out of his car to do the inspection, he felt her presence- her soul mate. He knew he was already an hour late, but what does it matter! His wolf went crazy as he felt her close proximity. Without thinking anything, he followed where his instinct told him to go. And, that brought him to the last room of the corridor of the first floor.

Without wasting anytime, he entered the room and a growl escaped his throat involuntarily. His wolf gave out a sigh in relief after realising that his mate was indeed in this room. His eyes scanned the room of students to catch the person whom he was looking for. And, indeed he found her sitting at the middle of the long row. The werewolves looked up to see the Alpha as soon as they sensed him. But, their Alpha was not interested to demand submission now. He wanted her to look at him, and so this time he voluntarily growled to ask for attention. All the werewolves instantly did what their Alpha wanted. On seeing him, everyone became as quite as possible- not wanting to rage or provoke the Alpha.

When she still didn't look at him, he restlessly walked towards her seat and faced her only to see that she was looking at his lower half. Her eyes were travelling up when out of no where some one shouted something. But, he didn't pay any heed to it as his mind was totally concentrating on his mate. Well, he himself wasn't sure whether she really was his or not, until their eyes meet. He noticed that the woman had indeed stopped looking up. His patience got the best of him, and he ordered her to face him. When she still didn't look at him, he asked again.

" Look.at.me." Arnav ordered painfully slow. He could feel her fear now.

Aadhira got goosebumps just by hearing him again. She slowly stood up and dropped her head down to look at the ground. She wondered why this man possessed so much power over her. Her hands started shaking as she thought of various possibilities. She didn't want her life to become like Shraddha's. She wanted to be free.

She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and gathered strength to speak.

" I....I.think there is s.some mistake!" Aadhira managed to speak.

Her voice felt as smooth as silk to him. But, he wanted to look in her eyes, and nobody can stop him now.

He raised his hand and brought it to her chin. She flinched a bit, whereas he felt the inevitable pleasurable tingles.

No no! Please don't. She begged internally.

He raised her head and involuntarily her eyes met his. Their eyes locked. Where hers were full of fear, his were totally dilated. Aadhira still couldn't make out who the person was.

But, Arnav was out of world by now. It was only her eyes that he could see now. The whole world disappeared for few moments. He could see his future in those eyes. They stared at each other for a full minute. Nobody dared to disturb them, as one of them was an Alpha.

When Arnav came out of his trance, he couldn't help but smile.

"Finally, I've found you...... mate." Arnav spoke after what felt like eternity. But, the last word was enough for Aadhira's world to crash into pieces. All her dreams and wishes that she had preserved for so long had sunk into a single word- mate.

All she could say was,

"No!" Aadhira whispered in disbelief, but it was enough for a werewolf to hear.

Shraddha wanted to save her friend from further problems. She wanted to tell her to not resist him or else the consequences would be worse. She knew all the things werewolves could do if their mate refuses their affection or do not wish to be with them. She had been the victim of all those things.
Please, Aadhira don't do anything stupid. Don't run....Just don't run..... Shraddha kept on praying for her friend. But, seems like her friend wanted to do the exact opposite of it.

"What did you say, mate?" Arnav asked her with little seriousness as his smile fell a little by hearing her rejection. He knew by now, that he was blessed by a pure human mate. And he didn't regret it a bit. Instead, he loved the feeling of having an upper hand over her both physically and mentally.

Aadhira had had enough hearing mate word again. All the fear she had for werewolves escaped her mind as adrenaline pumped through her body. She couldn't let her dreams go into gutter. She won't let this werewolf dictate her life. She won't let him get her. But, she forgot the fact that he wasn't any ordinary werewolf. He was an Alpha and they are notoriously famous for their possessiveness and obsession for their soul mates.

" I am not your mate!!!!" Aadhira screamed out of fear and pushed on his chest with everything she had. Arnav stumbled back a little as he wasn't expecting that. She made her mind and did something which she shouldn't have done.....ever.

She ran.....