Chapter 2 - Nathan

I’ve been on the road with Kanati and Kamama for the past six months—first trying to find where the Riding Hoods were keeping the supernaturals they’d kidnapped, and then trying to track down where those same supernaturals scattered after escaping.

Let me back up. Give you the whole story.

About twenty-one years ago, there was a massive civil war between the werewolf packs in the U.S. The trios—where Selene, our Moon Goddess and creator, mated three wolves together instead of the traditional two—were making a comeback after being hunted nearly to extinction. And plenty of wolves weren’t happy about that. Civil war broke out. We won. Trios were allowed to exist again.

But right on the heels of that, a group of witches showed up—called the Riding Hoods. Yeah, as in Little Red Riding Hood. Turns out the old story was true. The original Red was killed by a rogue werewolf. Her sister got revenge, then decided her new life mission was killing every werewolf on Earth. She built a cult of twisted followers, and now we’ve got a bunch of mummified witches coming for our throats.

We beat them back in America, sent them crawling back to Europe. But they didn’t stay quiet.

I was five when all that went down. My mom, Naomi, had been mated to Julian, one of the alphas who led the war. He hated her because she was half-human, but that didn’t stop him from knocking her up and using her whenever he felt like it. Grade-A asshole.

During the war, she was captured by the trios and their allies. They offered to get me out if she helped them. She agreed. That’s how I ended up part of this pack.

Before the war with the witches ended, Mom found her second-chance mate—Slade. My stepdad. I also found out I’m part witch and somehow tied to a prophecy that says I’ll be the one to destroy the Riding Hoods.

So yeah, killing those bastards has kind of become my life’s mission. I’m part of the Elite fighting force led by the demi-gods Arya and Devin Vegter. I’m also a priest in Bella Martin’s coven, training young witches in combat magic.

Since the U.S. victory, the Riding Hoods haven’t gotten a foothold back on American soil. We've been going global—helping supernaturals in other countries stay out of their path. They’re still strong in Europe, but we’ve held them back from spreading.

Last November, the legacies—the children of the original trios—saw their first members take on leadership roles. Chris and Jared Loup became the Lune and Beta of our national pack.

I know, I should be an alpha by now. My parents won’t shut up about it. And it’s not like I don’t feel the pull—my wolf wants that title like it’s oxygen. But I can’t do it. Not yet. I’ve got a job to finish. I have to see the Riding Hoods wiped off the map. I can’t do that if I’m stuck running a pack.

When Chris and Jared ascended, all hell broke loose again. A new prophecy from Selene dropped: the Riding Hoods were kidnapping different supernaturals in an attempt to create the most powerful witch of all time. They even took Chris and Jared’s stepmother and Chris’s mate.

So we called in the cavalry. Gods. Wolves. Supernaturals. Everyone. I’ve been riding with Kanati—the first Apache hunter turned god—and his translator, Kamama, ever since. We’ve had backup from two other Elite: Micah Laoch, son of Carl, Richard, and Lauren Laoch from the Artemis area, and Jai Vlk, son of Liam, Bhakti, and Sandra Vlk from the Blood Moon area.

At first, our mission was to find the kidnapped supernaturals. But that changed fast when one of the Riding Hoods turned traitor, helped kill almost all the others, and freed the captives.

Too good to be true? Yeah, we thought so too. Especially since the Red One—the head of the Riding Hoods—“conveniently” disappeared just before the attack.

So our mission shifted: find the scattered supernaturals. Many were injured, terrified, or just completely lost. Some knew how to get home. Others didn’t.

One dragon shifter had been vacationing here when she was taken. Didn’t even know what continent she was on, much less how to get back to her people. And as much as dragon shifters are arrogant, territorial assholes, we still had to help.

Now, we’re down to one last supernatural—and finding them has been like chasing mist in a thunderstorm. But we’ve been doing this for months, and it’s time for some fresh blood. Enter the twins: Alexander and Rowen Vegter, sons of the Elite demi-gods, and next in line to lead.

“I can’t believe you’re seriously skipping Alex and Ro’s ascension ceremony,” Jai says for the hundredth time.

“Well, my nephews—but same thing,” Micah laughs. He loves bringing that up, probably because he’s younger than Alex and Ro but technically their uncle.

It’s complicated. Carl, Richard, and Lauren were a trio who rejected each other back in the day because being gay was taboo. Richard and Lauren stayed together and had Devin—Alex and Ro’s dad. Carl had Brandon, who fathered Chris and Jared. Eventually, the trio reconciled and had Micah and Aubrey.

So yeah—Micah and Aubrey are the aunt and uncle of Chris, Jared, Alex, and Ro… who are all older than them.

Welcome to the supernatural soap opera.

“And you might find your mate while you’re there,” Jai teases. “I’ve heard the sex is amazing—and I know you haven’t gotten any since Micah and I have been with the only two chicks in this group. Unless you’ve been sneaking after Kamama for a little demi-goddess tail.”

“Fuck off,” I mutter, swatting him away. “Not everyone has to keep his dick wet 24/7. Some of us have self-control.”

“Yeah, but is that even natural for a wolf?” Micah asks, dead serious. “An alpha wolf? Are your balls permanently blue? Fossilized maybe?”

“Just because some of us have more important things to do doesn’t mean I don’t get any,” I say, shoving him—harder than necessary.

He just laughs. But the joke stings.

Because they’re right. I have been on edge. Restless. Short-tempered. And every time I’ve tried to hit up a bar or find a one-night stand, my wolf loses his damn mind. Refuses to let anything happen.

I mindlinked my dad about it. He thinks I’m about to meet my mate.

Most people would be thrilled by that. Me? Not so much. Mates are all-consuming. I’ve watched it happen over and over. And I can’t afford that kind of distraction. Not while the Riding Hoods are still out there. Once they’re gone? Sure. I’ll find my mate. Claim her. Build a life.

But not now.

Maybe I should invest in some sex toys. Blow off some steam solo.

I must’ve been really lost in thought, because I didn’t hear a word Jai or Micah were saying until one of them nudged my shoulder.

“You in there, Nate?” Jai asked, waving a hand in front of my face. “ET phone home?”

“What?” I blink, pushing his hand away.

“We just want to know if you’re really not coming to the ceremony,” Micah said, quieter now.

They’re right. I should be there. This is a big moment for my brothers. But I also know who’ll be there—her. The Riding Hood that Kayla adopted.

And I can’t. I just can’t be in the same room with her. Not without losing it. Not without ruining everything.

“Nah,” I say. “I’m staying here to help Kanati find that last fae. See this through. Maybe get some more intel on the Riding Hoods.”

They both look at me—disappointed, but understanding.

“Well, Primrose will still be here,” Jai says with a smirk, referring to the fae warming his sleeping bag these days. “She could definitely help you relax before the meeting next week.”

I laugh as he launches into a story about Primrose’s ability to... resize things during sex. It's impressive, honestly. But my mind keeps drifting—to what that might mean for my mate.