His Missing Luna

CHAPTER 87

NATHAN

TALK WITH DE SANTOS

My men don't flinch at my instructions or the reason we're heading to the Council today. Beneath their skin, their wolves stir—fur bristling with the anticipation of what might unfold. We stand at the heart of Kizziah’s pack, where Tyler and Alex have already established the new order. Kizziah’s mate, Luna only in title, draws sighs of relief from the pack members, revealing a silent, simmering disdain. But her fate isn't my concern right now.

I'm going to the Council to demand answers. And if they don’t give me what I need, there will be no holding back. Not until I find Jessica.

“As you all know, my mate…” I pause, the words catching like thorns in my throat. Jessica. My chest tightens, the wound of her disappearance still raw. “…your Luna went missing, and I have exhausted every option to find her,” I continue, my voice hardening against the echoing silence. “Every wolf here understands the pain of a missing mate. I also know that every one of you is missing your Luna.”

I see their eyes darken with shared grief, the faces of the pack's children flashing through my mind—innocent, desperate for their Luna's return. And I, desperate for my mate.

“We need to find her. And we need to do it fast.”

“Yes, Alpha!” they respond in unison, slamming fists to chests, baring their necks—a vow of loyalty. Matt steps forward, his expression set like stone.

“We will follow you anywhere to find our Luna,” he says firmly.

“Thank you, Matt.” I meet his gaze, then sweep my eyes over the others, finding the same fierce resolve reflected back at me. “I won’t lie—there will be casualties. If there’s a way to avoid it, I will. But remember: fight smart. Disarm, incapacitate. Don’t kill any of the guards or the wolves the Council might call for help.”

They nod, and I press on, hoping my words will hold even in the heat of battle. “Use your strength wisely. Only do what is necessary—when it is necessary.”

We can't afford to lose anyone today. Not when every life counts.

“Move out,” I command, turning away. Alex and Tyler fall in step beside me as we head to where our vehicles are parked.

The car door is already open when I arrive. Alex slides behind the wheel, and Tyler takes the passenger seat. As the engine roars to life, my phone rings. Elder De Santos' name flashes on the screen.

“Elder De Santos.”

“Alpha Nathan, hello,” he greets, his tone guarded. “Can we talk?”

“Yes.”

“In private. When will you be free to see me?”

“Are you at the Council building right now?”

“Yes. Why?”

“I’m on my way to meet the Council.” Better to get it out in the open now.

“Do you have an appointment with us?”

And that’s why I’m storming the place. “No, it’s impromptu. And urgent. I’ll see you soon, Elder,” I finish, hanging up. “Drive faster, Alex.”

I lean back in my seat, my mind racing. The memories of what happened at the Council a few weeks ago replay in fragments—none of them good. Except for one: leaving with Jessica.

When we arrive, I wait for my men to assemble before linking them. “You know what to do.”

“Yes, Alpha,” comes the synchronized reply. They disperse, taking positions around the building with the precision of a well-trained unit.

Alex and Tyler flank me, the rest forming up behind us as we head for the entrance. The receptionists are already watching, smiles strained. Their eyes dart from me to my men, measuring our intent.

“Alpha Nathan Hunt,” they greet.

“I’m here to see the Council,” I state flatly.

“Do you have an appointment?” one of them asks, right as the desk phone rings.

I don’t answer. I suspect it's De Santos. The man picks up, his gaze locked on me.

“Yes, Elder,” he says, relief breaking across his face as he hangs up. “Elder De Santos will meet you in his office.”

“Thank you,” I nod, moving past him, only to hear him call after us, “He wants to meet you alone.”

I stop. “Tell him I’m coming with my Beta and Gamma,” I reply over my shoulder, linking the rest to stay back.

We climb the stairs in silence, tension thickening with each step. At the top, I scan the names on the office doors until I find the right one.

Before I knock, a voice calls from inside. “You can come in, Alpha Hunt.”

Tyler opens the door, stepping aside to let Alex and me enter.

“Morning, Elder,” I greet, my eyes locking onto the man standing by the window, his gaze on the compound below.

“You didn’t come here for a meeting, did you, Alpha?” he asks, turning to face me.

“Is that a question or a statement?” I reply, keeping my voice steady.

“You tell me,” he says, nodding towards the window. “Bringing this many men... one could think you were preparing for war.”

If only he knew. “That can be avoided if I get what I came for,” I say, my tone firm.

His eyes narrow, a flicker of his wolf’s spirit flashing in them. “Any attack on the Council is an attack on all werewolves. Are you ready for that, Hunt? Ready to lose your men, your lands, your pack?”

His words are sharp, sinking in like teeth. He's right—there's a lot to lose. But the thought of doing nothing, of waiting and hoping, is far worse. I need answers. Now.

“My men understand the risks,” I reply, meeting his stare. Tyler and Alex stand solid at my sides, unyielding.

“All this... for your mate?” he asks, his voice tinged with disbelief.

“You’ve met your mate. You’ve built a family with her. You know what it’s like.”

He studies me, a long, searching look. “And what would she think of this? What if she finds out about what you’re planning?”

“I hope she’d be proud—knowing I did everything to find her,” I say, a quiet certainty settling over me. “Now, will you tell me about this mysterious werewolf pack and this so-called Alpha King?”

De Santos’ face remains unreadable as he takes his seat. “Your man has been speaking to some disloyal wolves.”

“Blame me for that,” I say. “But I had to know.”

He leans forward, eyes dark. “Are you prepared for the truth?”

I clench my fists. “The truth about my mate’s origins? About this mythical king?”

De Santos slams a hand down on his desk. “Don’t speak of what you don’t understand! Not all of us have it easy.”

I hold his gaze, unflinching. “I just need the location of the pack.”