His Captive Mate.

A light drizzle had begun outside the window. The soft tapping of raindrops against the glass was breaking the silence of the room. Ahana Roy sat at her large wooden desk, moving her pencil across a sketchbook. Her waist-length, flowing black silky hair kept slipping over her shoulders, and she would gently tuck it back with her slender fingers. At 21, Ahana’s eyes held a rare innocence and carefree charm. Her lips were as red as rose petals, her features sharp and delicate, and her warm wheatish complexion glowed even in the faintest light. She didn’t need makeup or adornment—her simplicity was her greatest identity. “Ahana! You’re still working?” Riya entered the room as she pushed the door open. Riya was Ahana’s only best friend and flatmate. The two had been each other’s support through every joy and hardship since childhood. Ahana placed her pencil on the table and turned back with a deep breath. “What can I do, Riya? Until this sketch is complete, I won’t feel at peace.” Riya came and sat on the corner of the desk. A faint worry showed on her face. “Did you read today’s newspaper? Those builder company people came to the colony again. They’re saying a notice to vacate this entire land will be issued very soon. That Rathore Empire… they want to buy this place at any cost.” Ahana’s eyes paused for a moment, but then a stubborn determination settled into her expression. “This house is the last memory of my parents, Riya. They spent their entire lives building this small home. No matter how rich or powerful someone is, they can’t buy our memories with money. I will not sell this place at any cost.” Riya gently caressed Ahana’s soft cheek. “I know you’re strong… but I’ve heard the head of Rathore Empire isn’t an ordinary businessman. He’s like a shadow the entire city fears. People are scared even to take his name.” Ahana tried to smile, though an unknown fear crept into her chest. “There’s no need to be afraid. If we haven’t done anything wrong, why should we fear anyone?” Little did she know, the very man Riya was talking about had already set his eyes on Ahana’s world. In the most elite area of the city stood an 80-story glass building—Rathore Towers. The main office on the 80th floor looked like a luxurious palace. Expensive Italian marble flooring stretched across the space, dim lights glowed softly, and massive glass walls revealed the entire city below, looking like a tiny toy. The man standing in the center of the room carried such a heavy, terrifying aura that even the air around him felt dense. Six feet four inches tall, with a solid, muscular build. He wore a dark black three-piece Italian suit that perfectly highlighted his broad chest and powerful shoulders. His deep black eyes were so cold and lethal that anyone who looked directly into them would feel a chill run down their spine. On the right side of his neck, starting just below his ear and extending to his collarbone, was a dark, terrifying Beast Tattoo—a roaring predator etched onto his skin like a dangerous mark. This was Devansh Rathore. The uncrowned king of the underworld and the most ruthless name in the business world. A man whose single gesture could change destinies—and whose anger could destroy empires. Just then, the heavy wooden door of the office slowly opened. Devansh’s most loyal chief assistant, Vikram, entered. Vikram bowed his head as soon as he stepped in. His voice carried deep respect—and an unspoken fear. “Boss…” Devansh stood facing the window, his back turned. Without turning around, he spoke in a deep, rough voice, “Is it done?” A thin drop of sweat appeared on Vikram’s forehead. Suppressing his nervousness, he said, “Boss… the South Avenue property deal has stalled. We offered the owner ten times the market value, but… she clearly refused.” For a moment, silence filled the room—like the stillness before a storm. Devansh slowly turned. His black eyes locked onto Vikram. “Ten times?” His voice was low, but it carried a sharp edge that pierced through the air. “Who has the courage to say ‘no’ to Devansh Rathore’s offer?” Vikram immediately stepped forward, extending a leather file. “Boss, it’s not a big builder or businessman. The land belongs to a 21-year-old girl. She lives alone… her name is Ahana Roy.” “Ahana…” The moment the name reached Devansh’s ears, something pounded violently in his chest. A strange, burning wave rushed through his veins. The Beast Tattoo on his neck seemed to twitch along with his tightened muscles. The savage presence hidden within him stirred sharply. Without saying a word, Devansh snatched the file from Vikram’s hand and flipped it open. A casual photograph of Ahana was attached to the first page. Dressed in a white kurta, standing near a window, smiling as she adjusted her long hair with her fingers. Her innocent eyes… her soft pink lips… Devansh’s gaze froze on the image. His steady heartbeat suddenly turned erratic. His pupils expanded until they were completely black. A strange, unknown, lethal pull gripped his entire being. His broad chest rose and fell rapidly. His fingers moved on their own, tracing Ahana’s cheeks and lips on the photograph. He gripped the file so tightly that the edges of the paper began to bend and tear. “Ahana Roy…” He spoke her name like a starving predator calling out to its prey after centuries. There was an intensity in his voice that could shake anyone’s soul. Vikram stared at his boss in shock. He had never seen Devansh look at anything—or anyone—like this before. Devansh’s face had turned red, and his eyes held a dangerous gleam. “Boss… should I send men to throw her out of the house?” Vikram asked cautiously. “Silence!” Devansh’s roar made the glass walls tremble. Vikram immediately stepped back and lowered his head. Devansh didn’t take his eyes off the photograph. His finger rested on Ahana’s smiling lips. “Don’t even dare to look at her,” he said in a voice so low and venomous that it sent chills through Vikram. “I want every detail about her—when she sleeps, when she wakes, who she meets—on my screen within the next 10 minutes. And get the cars ready.” Vikram nodded quickly. “Yes, Boss!” It was 9 PM. The rain outside had now turned into a heavy downpour. The sound of thunder made Ahana’s small house tremble again and again. Riya had gone out for some work and still hadn’t returned. Ahana had the living room lights on and was in the kitchen making tea for herself. Suddenly, the sound of several heavy vehicles cutting through water echoed in the street. SCREEECH… The sharp screech of brakes reached Ahana’s ears. She immediately turned off the gas and looked toward the window in shock. Four large black SUVs were parked outside. Their bright headlights shone directly onto her window. Several tall, broad men dressed in black stepped out and spread around the area. Ahana’s heart began to race. Her hands turned cold. Who are these people? Where is Riya? Before she could think further, the sound of heavy boots echoed on the staircase. Each step felt like a heavy weight hitting the floor. Tap… tap… tap… The sound stopped right outside her door. The silence in the room grew so deep that Ahana could hear her own rapid breathing. Tiny beads of sweat formed on her neck. Knock… knock… knock… Three slow, heavy knocks sounded on the door. It wasn’t a nervous knock—it was the kind of knock that felt like someone was knocking on their own property. Ahana ran her tongue over her dry lips. Her legs trembled, but she gathered courage and slowly moved toward the door. “W-who is it?” her voice trembled slightly. There was no response from outside. Only a heavy, cold silence. With shaking hands, Ahana unlatched the door and pulled it open slightly. The moment the door opened, a cold gust of air rushed in—but Ahana’s breath froze. A massive man stood there, completely filling the doorway. Six feet four inches tall, dressed in a black suit soaked with rain, his wet hair falling over his forehead. The terrifying Beast Tattoo on his neck gleamed clearly under the dim light. Devansh Rathore. His deep, lethal black eyes were fixed directly on Ahana’s face. There was a deadly pull in his gaze that made it impossible for her to look away. Ahana’s heart began pounding at an insane speed. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. A strange, unknown shiver ran down her spine—this wasn’t just fear, it was a heavy, overwhelming pressure she had never felt before in her life. She tried to step back, but her feet felt rooted to the ground. “W-who are you… and why are you here?” her throat had gone completely dry. Devansh gave no answer. Without permission, he stepped inside with one heavy boot. There was such authority in that single step that Ahana unconsciously staggered back two steps. Devansh entered and shut the door behind him with his long arm. Thud… With the sound of the door closing, it felt as if the remaining air in the room had vanished. Devansh began walking toward her with slow, heavy steps. Without saying a word, he moved like a hungry predator closing in on its prey. The gleam in his eyes was the same as a hunter watching an innocent bird get trapped. Ahana kept stepping back in fear until her back hit the cold wall behind her. There was no escape left. Devansh stopped right in front of her. His massive frame loomed over her like a dark shadow. The intense heat radiating from his body and the sharp scent of expensive perfume filled her breath, making her feel suffocated. He placed one heavy hand against the wall beside her face. The tight grip of his fingers made it clear he was restraining something violent within himself. His other hand slowly lifted. The warm, hard tips of his fingers touched Ahana’s chin. Her eyes widened in fear. She tried to pull her head back, but his grip was as firm as iron. He tilted her face upward slightly, forcing her trembling eyes to meet his burning black ones. Devansh leaned down a little. His warm, heavy breaths fell directly against her cheeks and lips. “Ahana…” His deep, slow voice sank into her ears like poison. His gaze dropped to her trembling pink lips. The Beast Tattoo on his neck pulsed even harder, as if the devil inside him was desperate to claim her. “You made me wait too long…” he whispered, pressing his thumb firmly against her lower lip. Ahana’s chest shook violently with fear and an unknown dread, while a dangerous, deadly smile spread across Devansh’s face—making one thing clear. There was no way out of this room anymore. (To be continued…)