Once Nathan realized she was not coming back and explaining her last statement, he went in search of her. As he walked into the game room, he saw Kane and his sister watching a movie. Kane looked at him and said, “She went out the back door saying she was going to play with the children. She said she would be back for dinner.”
Seeing the frown on Nathan’s face, Kane continued, “Nathan, I know it is confusing. Katia is a goddess, but she did not get to grow up like she should have here. She is finally getting a taste of a normal life as Zeus wants her too, and she is going to be like a child. Not to mention, she did not have a childhood when she should have. You need to have patience with her.”
“How can I have patience with her when she put herself in danger? Plus, your grandfather or his minions are out there looking for her.” Nathan growled. “Did you see how small her wolf is? She looked like a little black chow leaping toward a 600-pound bear.”
Kane laughed, “Yes, she did, but did you see how ferocious and cunning her wolf is? She knew she would have to show strength. That is why she allowed the bear to injure her. The bear understood how far Katia would go to protect the child then. Nathan, do not think you know everything about your mate. She is more than you know.”
Nathan gave up and joined them to watch the movie. The movie ended and Katia had still not returned home. Kane told him to stop worrying. She and the children were probably just having fun. A little later, Katia sent him a link, “The children and I are camping out tonight and will be home in the morning.”
Smirking Nathan knew the parents would not allow that and decided he would not argue with his mate about not coming home. She was obviously not happy with him earlier, so he simply inquired, “Did you okay this with all the parents?”
“Of course, I did. I would not just take the children without their parents’ permission. All the parents are fine with it,” she responded.
Nathan gritted his teeth and responded, “Katia, you bring those children back and get your little rear home this minute. You should not stay out with those children by yourself all night.”
Katia huffed, “See you tomorrow morning, Nathan.” And put her block up, so he could not speak with her any longer.
Two days later, Nathan and half the pack were out looking for Katia and the children. Katia had contacted the parents and let them know that they were staying longer. She was teaching the children about hibernation, and they were fine. The parents were not upset; however, Nathan was furious. He had not heard from his mate in two days and had no clue where she and the children were.
As they walked through the woods calling their names, Kelp spoke up, “Alpha, you need to understand she is testing the waters. She does not know how to be free and thinks that eventually she will do something to make you punish her.”
“Kelp, what am I supposed to do to reassure her that I am not like the other Alphas she has known?” Nathan asked, frustrated.
“Just show her patience, understanding, and love.” Was the answer Nathan received.
They had come to the waterfall and one of the warriors noticed smoke coming out of a cave. They raced to it and when they entered the cave, Katia and the children were sound asleep in sleeping bags. Which meant someone knew where they were the whole time and was supplying them with things they needed. Nathan wanted to put his mate over his knee and give her the spanking she deserved, but knew she would view it as he was just like the other Alphas she had the privilege to know.
He motioned for everyone to back out of the cave they camped outside, ensuring the safety of his luna and the children. What was she thinking? Bringing the children all the way out here in the cold and with no weapons. Why would parents allow this? She was not going to be happy when she awoke and saw them there.
Nathan jumped awake and noticed everyone else was still asleep. He went into the cave to wake his mate, and they were gone. Katia and the children were gone. She took the children and left them asleep there. When she saw him and the men, she would have known why they were there, and yet she just left. No protection and no weapons. Where is she taking the children now?
Nathan woke the others and headed back. When they got close to the packhouse they could hear some of the children playing in the playground. Two of the mothers were sitting on a bench watching them. Seeing their Alpha, they raised their hands in greeting and said, “Good morning Alpha, the children had a ball on the camping trip with our little luna. We were a bit skeptical at first, but she assured us nothing would happen and that she and her wolf would protect them with their lives.”
“She did, did she? I am happy they had fun with their luna and, hopefully, I may join in for the next camping trip.” Nathan replied.
One of the children named Mikey piped in, “Luna says we don’t want anyone else to join in our games. They are just for children and adults who are not afraid to act like children or did not get to be a children.”
Nathan was surprised by that. What had he done to make Katia so angry? Kalen his wolf said, “You have not done anything. She is not mad at you. She is seventeen and experiencing freedom she has never had. She is afraid of losing it. To her, you are sounding like a parent not a worried mate.”
Nathan sighed back, “Wonderful, how am I supposed to deal with that?”
To which Kalen responded, “Patience my dear man. I must deal with the wolf side of her, who is even more immature than her human. The forced shift and the torture they have lived through is hard for them to deal with. All of this is a lot for anyone to deal with, but they are also a goddess trying to stay alive and live normally.”
“I did not like her not coming home the last few nights. I want her in my arms, in my bed where I know she is safe.” Nathan revealed it to his wolf.
“Nathan, that is the other problem. She does not know what is like to be mated. What she and her wolf believed fated mates to be was not what she got from Alpha Lorn. Now she does not know what to think or believe. She wants to follow the mate pull, but she is afraid if you decide you do not like her you will reject her also.”
Nathan shook his head, “Why did she ask to mate then? She does not know how long she has in this world again. She cannot always choose to come back. If she should die at the hands of one of the grandfathers minions, her grandfather himself, or another god, she stays dead until the next time it is her turn to come back again.”
“Nathan, maybe you should try talking to her. Most of it is that she is scared. This world has been harsh to her and her sister for many lifetimes, and they remember them all. Fear can make a person act in many ways. Add in her age, hormones, and the responsibilities on her young shoulders. How would you react?” His wolf pointed out.
“I will try, but I think I need to give her some time right now.” Nathan told Kalen.
With that Nathan headed inside and up to their room. Inside he found Katia asleep. He undressed and climbed into bed. Wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back against his chest, he kissed her head and closed his eyes. Katia sighed, relaxing with him and muttering something he could not understand. Then she smiled in her sleep and snorted.