Priyank’s expression turned to confusion; he didn’t understand the politics within the pack.
“On one side, they say Priya is the heir and the next ruling queen, but then they already have someone who is ruling.”
“Though I can understand the process of voting and selecting a new king if the current one dies and a successor needs to be found.”
“But then again, what’s the issue? Now that a real successor has come, why should it be difficult? That’s not hitting a nerve.”
“It’s difficult because the current ruler won’t easily step down. Priya needs to prove she’s worthy of the position, and you already know how worthy she is,” Jackson interjected.
Priyank narrowed his eyes, not liking the sarcastic undertone in Jackson’s comment. “I know she is worthy enough. It’s just that she didn’t even know about all these things her whole life, so you can’t expect her to be the best all of a sudden.”
“He can insult her as much as he wants, especially when it’s just the two of them, but he won’t let other people walk over her.”
“But what fault does Priya have in this? For eighteen years, she was living a false life. Her whole life she thought something, and now she’s finding out it was all a lie. There’s no way she will accept it all in just two days.”
“Leave aside accepting it, how will she gather the power to prove herself when she didn’t even do it before? So how does that make her ‘not worthy’? She didn’t even try, so judging her before she has done anything is clearly not necessary.”
“His blood boils. He wants to snap, but he knows he has to keep his control.”
“In our world, everyone gets a wolf mostly after eighteen, so don’t you think this, this reason for her not knowing is not gonna work? Here only power screams, not the reasons of why or for what it happened,” Jackson stated nonchalantly.
“I don’t know about your wolf, but at least you all grew up in the world you knew before you got it. Her wolf is cursed by her own mother, even if it’s for protection. Still, that makes a huge difference when she lived with humans. So how is it justified to put the blame on her?” Priyank’s eyes flared up as he glared hard at Jackson.
“Get your ass calm. I am not blaming her. It’s just for now it’s going to be very dangerous and difficult until she gets her powers. Even if she gets them, it will be hard for her to control them,” Jackson sighed.
Priyank rolled his eyes. “So what do you want from me?”
“As you know, in the hospital, we even told you that you have to mate with her so she can get her wolf. After that, we can help her in training,” Maya intervened.
“How many times do I have to repeat that I am not going to have sex with her when she wouldn’t want it? There is no way it’s going to happen. Give me some space, and I think if you already have a ruler, then why do you need Priya here?” Priyank asserted.
“Because she is of royal blood and the real ruler of our pack. Just because someone else has the position temporarily doesn’t mean it will change the fact that Priya is meant for this. She was born into this lineage. Her destiny was written the day she was born,” Maya’s words boomed louder than before.
“But Maya, I get that she’s the rightful heir and all, but she is not ready. Expecting her to understand and control all of this right away is unrealistic,” Priyank argued, his voice edged with concern.
“You think we don’t know that?” Maya shot back, her tone softer but firm. “Priya needs time and guidance, and you’re a crucial part of that process.”
Priyank sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I get it, Maya. But forcing her into something she’s not ready for isn’t going to help.”
“We’re not trying to force her into anything,” Jackson chimed in, his voice calm. “We just need to find a way to help her unlock her wolf and control her powers.”
Priyank frowned. “And you think that mating with me is the solution?”
Maya nodded. “It’s the tradition, Priyank. It’s how we transfer the wolf’s power. And this will cure her curse too. Besides, the bond between mates is strong, and it will help her control her wolf.”
“I’m not doing it,” Priyank stated firmly, crossing his arms. “Not unless Priya wants it too.”
Maya sighed, clearly frustrated. “You both have to understand, this isn’t just about personal choices. It’s about the future of our pack.”
Priyank’s expression softened slightly. “I know that, Maya. But Priya’s been through so much already. She needs time to process everything.”
“I’ll talk to her,” Maya said finally. “But we don’t have much time. The longer we wait, the more unstable things become.”
Priyank nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility thrust upon them. “Fine, talk to her. But give her time to decide. She’s been thrust into this, and she deserves a say in her own future.”
Maya nodded, her expression reflecting the seriousness of the situation. “Agreed. We’ll wait for her decision.”
“To be honest, I don’t know much about your world, and Priya is mine. But when it comes to having sex with her, that’s a line I won’t cross. It’s reckless, and she already has so many grievances against me. I don’t want to add to that,” Priyank stated, his eyes showing concern and sincerity.
“Okay then, but for the time being, we’ll have to protect Priya. I’ll talk to Lima so she can cast a spell on her. That way, no one can detect her royal blood until she gains her powers and things come under control,” Maya said.
Priyank nodded in agreement, feeling that this was the right decision.
“Tomorrow, we need to go and meet the Alpha because he might already be aware that you all came here. Maya, you need to show your presence and greet him. Levi and Rish need to be there too. No one can stay here without the Alpha’s permission,” Jackson spoke with seriousness.