Nathan's POV
"Explain to me one more time, Miller, why exactly I have to travel all the way to the southern territories for this Alpha gathering?" I lean back in my chair, watching my closest friend through the video call.
"Simple. We need those southern Alphas to understand that the northern packs still hold the real power," Miller replies with that familiar smirk of his.
"And how exactly did you manage to avoid this diplomatic nightmare?"
"My mate's carrying our pup and she could go into labor at any moment. I'm not leaving her side when our child could arrive any day now."
Miller had assumed control of our fallen friend's pack after the devastating attack that wiped out most of his bloodline nine years ago. Being a second-born Alpha son made him the logical successor. I couldn't step in to lead that pack myself since I was destined to inherit my own father's territory within the year.
The three of us - Miller, his brother Maverick, and myself - had transformed the northern packs into a formidable alliance. While Miller faced the challenge of rebuilding Lance's pack from nothing, I'll acknowledge my path was smoother. Still, my pack now surpasses even Maverick's well-established territory in both size and strength.
Thinking about Lance always brings Krysta to mind. We never recovered her body. Part of me still hopes she wasn't captured by the attacking forces. After our victory, I led my warriors straight to the enemy Alpha's lands. He barely managed a plea for mercy before I separated his head from his shoulders. I searched every corner of his territory - the dungeons, his private quarters, every hidden corner - desperate to find her. She was nowhere to be found. Eventually, I had to accept the bitter truth that she was gone forever.
The guilt eats at me. When my time comes and I stand before the Moon Goddess, how will I face my friend? How do I admit that I failed him, that I couldn't protect his baby sister?
Sometimes I wonder if that failure is why I remain mateless. At twenty-six, I've been searching for eight years since I turned eighteen. Nothing. Maybe this gathering will finally bring me face to face with her. But honestly, I'm starting to believe the Moon Goddess is punishing me for my failure with Krysta.
"Listen, Nathan. Every unmated Alpha female from the southern territories will be there, all hoping to find their destined mate. This is your best shot at finding her," Miller says, reading my thoughts.
"You're absolutely right. Fine, I'll make the trip. When I return, hopefully I'll have my Luna with me." I hear his mate calling in the background.
"I need to go handle something," he says.
"Give her my regards," I say before ending the call.
I spend the evening packing for several days away, then meet with my Beta, Louis, to review everything he'll handle in my absence.
"Think you'll finally find our Luna on this trip?" Louis asks. He's a few years my senior and found his mate nearly eight years ago. They have two pups now, a daughter and a son.
"Goddess knows I hope so," I respond, though doubt gnaws at me. I've been selective about my encounters with pack females, never allowing anything serious to develop. I won't have my future mate feeling uncomfortable, and I refuse to give any she-wolf false hope about becoming my chosen mate. While I might consider a chosen mate eventually, I'm not ready to give up on finding my fated one. Every mated Alpha I know who found his true mate radiates a contentment that chosen mates never seem to achieve.
The next morning, I begin the eight-hour drive south. The journey gives me time to mentally prepare - reviewing which Alphas will attend, identifying valuable connections to pursue, and anticipating who might seek alliances with me. After all, my pack stands as the strongest among all territories. We're larger than any other pack, I've never lost a physical challenge to any Alpha, including Miller and Maverick, and our wealth continues to grow from generations of smart investments.
By the time I arrive, exhaustion weighs on me and my bed calls temptingly. But tonight's meet and greet is mandatory.
Stepping out of my car, an intoxicating scent hits me and Warren, my wolf, instantly goes on high alert.
'Warren, what is it?' I've learned to trust his supernatural instincts completely.
'Track down that scent,' he commands urgently.
My heart races. 'Is she here? Is it our mate?'
'I need to see her to be certain, but my instincts are screaming yes,' he responds. I inhale deeply, memorizing the incredible combination of green tea, white ginger, and vanilla. The scent is clean, pure, innocent, and makes hunger stir deep in my chest.
"Alpha Nathan, welcome to my territory," Alpha Holt approaches, interrupting my focus on that mesmerizing scent.
"Alpha Holt, thank you for hosting this gathering. Alpha Miller sends his apologies, but his mate is expecting their third pup any moment and he won't leave her side."
"Completely understandable," he nods. Holt is among the older Alphas who found his mate later in life, giving me hope that mine might still be coming of age somewhere. He's in his early forties with an heir who's only twelve.
"I'll have an omega escort you to your room. The cocktail reception begins at six. Food and drinks will be available then. Please let me know if you need anything at all."
"Much appreciated, Alpha," I follow the omega into the packhouse. Inside, that incredible scent grows stronger and I realize she belongs to Holt's pack.
Warren purrs with satisfaction in my mind, and I become certain my mate is somewhere in this building.
All traces of exhaustion vanish instantly. In my room, I carefully select appropriate attire for tonight's event. Checking my watch, I have exactly one hour before the reception. I decide to track down that scent and hopefully find her before the formal introductions begin.