NATHAN
I AM COING FOR YOU , FLOWER.
I shove my hands deep into my pockets, staring up at the gray sky as if the clouds might give me the answers I need. The information in the file still churns in my mind, refusing to settle. Beside me, Lex and Tyler stand equally lost in their thoughts, their faces mirroring the quiet storm raging in my own head.
We’re all waiting for Elder De Santos to return from the safe room.
Malachai Draven Thorne of the Silvercrest Pack. The werewolf king no one in my generation knows about. No pictures, no sigtings in decades. A man who sacrificed everything when his daughter was stolen. A king who gave up his title, his pack, his entire existence.
Could that daughter be Jessica? The file mentioned powers—the Shakuna. A blessing from the goddess for waging war against the mad hybrid wolves. Every Alpha learnt that in Alpha school and we always wondered why they never mentioned the name of the pack. That part was usually ignored.
Powers that are passed down as long as they’re used for the good of the pack and others. Just like Jessica’s powers had helped my pack, and me, in times of need.
“What do you think, man?” Alex’s voice breaks the heavy silence. His gaze meets mine, searching. “You think Luna could be the missing daughter?”
I let out a breath, long and slow, my chest tight. “I won’t know until I get there,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, but there’s a flicker of hope I can’t quite suppress. I need her to be there. The thought of her alone somewhere, suffering, twists my gut.
Elder De Santos reappears, a flicker of relief playing across his lined face. “Any more questions?” he asks, though the slight edge in his tone makes it clear he’s ready to see us gone.
I wince, catching the sarcasm. “I owe you an apology, Elder,” I say, keeping my tone respectful despite the tension in the air.
“You think?” he replies, arching a brow. His eyes are sharp, scrutinizing.
Scratching the back of my head, I link the men stationed around the building, ordering them to fall back and return to the vehicles. “My men are leaving,” I assure him.
“As they should,” he says, the tension easing from his shoulders. “I trust you’ll be on your way soon as well?”
I nod, his meaning clear. “As soon as you give me the directions. How long will it take?”
He hands me a folded piece of paper, and I open it to reveal a map. A pencil mark circles an area with coordinates. “You’ll need to shift into your wolf at some point and leave your vehicle behind,” De Santos says.
Alex and Tyler peer over my shoulder at the map, their eyes scanning the unfamiliar terrain.
“Once you notice changes in the air and on the ground, you’re getting close,” De Santos continues, his voice even. “It will take almost six days, depending on how fast you drive or run.”
“Are there any packs along the way or anything else we should be cautious of?” I ask, folding the map carefully. The route is littered with dense forests, the kind that rogues or other creature could hiding inside.
I wasn’t asking out of fear.
He shrugs, a smug smile tugging at his lips. “Nothing an alpha like you can’t handle. Just watch out for rogues and don’t cross any other alpha’s territory without permission. Keep to your path, and you should be safe.”
I nod, absorbing the advice, but my mind is still stuck on the larger question. “What really happened?” I ask, my voice dropping low. “Why did the king abandon his throne and title?”
Elder De Santos turns fully to face me, his gaze turning introspective as he sighs deeply, lips pursing. He tilts his head, eyes following the line of the horizon as if searching for something lost. “Let’s see… why are you undertaking this journey?” he finally asks.
“To find my mate,” I say without hesitation, my voice firm. It’s the only answer that matters.
“And why are you searching for her?” he presses.
“Because she’s my mate. We’re supposed to be together,” I answer, feeling the impatience simmer just beneath my skin.
“But you don’t even know where she is,” he counters, stepping closer, his gaze unrelenting. “Or if she’s even alive.”
“She’s not dead,” I snap, my wolf stirring restlessly beneath my skin, teeth bared in defiance.
“And how do you know that?” he challenges, his voice calm but piercing. “How do you know she’s even your mate? What if she’s found someone else where she is? Or if another man has claimed her…”
“Then I’ll kill that man!” I snarl, my voice a low growl as my canines extend. My vision blurs at the edges, the fury roaring through me like wildfire.
De Santos nods, unflinching, his expression softened with understanding. “Because that’s what we do when our mate is missing. We don’t give up on them, especially when it’s not their fault.”
I force my anger to simmer down, my breaths slowing as I step back, regaining control.
“Just like forces beyond your control separated you from her, he faced the same choice,” De Santos says, his voice gentler now. “He chose his family over his position, over his pack—just like you’ve left your pack to find her.” He pulls a small phone from his pocket, “You’ll need this to show your mate the video from the night of the ball” he says, handing the phone to me.
A rush of gratitude fills my chest. I hadn’t even thought that far ahead, about how I’d explain everything. “Thank you, Elder. I owe you.”
“Oh, you do,” he replies, his smile thin. “My pack still needs your help. Some of your members are refusing to leave with their mates. I suppose this matter with your own mate has been taking all of your attention.”
I throw a sharp glare at Alex and Tyler. They shift uncomfortably under my gaze.
“We didn’t want to disturb you,” Alex mumbles, rubbing his chin.
De Santos raises a hand, his expression softening slightly. “They’re right, Alpha. Our Lunas are as important to us as our pack—especially one who hasn’t yet shifted and isn’t fully yours,” he says, defending my men’s actions.
“I’m sorry, Elder,” I say sincerely. “I’ll handle it before I leave.” I take the hand he extends, shaking it firmly.
“Thank you, Alpha Hunt,” he says, inclining his head towards Alex and Tyler. “Beta, Gamma.”
“Elder,” they respond in unison, following me back to the cars.
De Santos stops us once more, a mischievous glint in his eye. “One more thing,” he says, his voice laced with mystery. “Her real name isn’t Jessica.” He turns away but stops again, glancing back with a wry smile. “And I’ll be calling the king to tell him what I know. Hopefully, I’ll reach him before you do.” With a wave, he disappears back into the building.
We make our way to the cars, the weight of his words still settling in. I turn to Alex and Tyler. “Alex, you’re in charge of Kizziah’s pack. Tyler, you’re in charge with Mom and Cara.”
“You’re going alone?” Alex asks, concern shadowing his eyes.
“I need you both here,” I say, trying to ignore the tug of camaraderie pulling at me. “I need the two of you in charge while I’m gone.”
“We can’t let you go alone,” Alex insists. “You don’t know what might happen out there.”
I suppress the flicker of warmth at his words. “Nothing’s going to happen to me,” I say, keeping my tone steady.
“Still, you’re not going alone,” Alex says firmly. “I’m your Beta. It’s my duty to be with you, wherever you go. And I’m coming, whether Ty does or not.” He finishes by holding the car door open for me.
I glance at Tyler, hoping for support, but he simply shrugs. “Yes, you’re the Alpha,” Alex continues, unyielding. “But let me do my job. Besides, I want to see Jessica. I’ve missed pulling pranks on you with her.”
A reluctant smile tugs at my lips as I slide into the car. The truth is, I didn’t want to ask him to come—I’ve never been one to impose my burdens on others. But there’s comfort in knowing I won’t be facing this alone. Alex isn’t just my Beta; he’s my brother in all but blood. And Tyler’s no different. They’re strong, loyal, and steadfast—everything I need by my side.
“Fine,” I concede, my voice softening. “The warriors will stay with Kizziah’s pack until we return.”
As Alex closes the door behind me, I let out a slow breath, steeling myself for the journey ahead. Clutching the phone in my hand.
Flower, I am coming for you.