Nathan stood in the middle of the yard, staring into the woods. Hearing footsteps coming from behind him, Nathan wiped his hand across his face to remove the tears flowing down. He felt someone slap him on the back and heard the familiar voice, “It may not be what you think. My cousin is most likely exacting some revenge for your behavior.”
Nathan cleared his throat, “What if she is in love with him, Kane? I do not, for one moment, believe that little performance we just witnessed.”
“If Katia has chosen to be with Lucifer, then you fight for her and change her mind. I know Selene is just as angry with you, but she chose you for her sister for a reason.” Kane exclaimed. “Don’t you dare give her up?”
“I don’t think I have it, in me, to hurt her again. I will gladly give her what she wants if it makes her happy.” Nathan said dejectedly.
“Look Nathan, the girls are angry, it is new for them to express that particular emotion. They are testing the limits. The other women are watching to see if these actions will be acceptable.” Kane tried to make Nathan understand.
“I want to go get her, Kane. I am tired of everyone telling me to wait. Katia needs to come home and begin living the life she deserves.” Nathan repeated for the thousandth time since they discovered his Luna was alive.
Kane understood the turmoil that his Alpha was feeling better, now that he had his mate. He knew how powerful the mate bond and the feelings that went along with it could be. Linking Alpha Mark, “Everyone needs to gather at the bonfire. It is time to bring Katia home.” Kane ordered.
Nudging Nathan to follow, Kane headed in the direction of the area of the bonfire. Since they weren’t far, they arrived as Dalia, Evelynn, Rose, and Gammy were chasing the little ones inside the packhouse. Some of the older children wanted to know why Leo was allowed to stay. Gamm said something in her language, and the children took off to the packhouse. He noticed his mate Amara laughing at Gammy along with her twin Talon. Kane wondered if the fact that the mystics and the moon goddesses were twins had anything to do with their friendships. Knowing his cousins, he was sure there was some far-out explanation of how they found one another. He would have to remember to ask someday, but right now he needed to his friend and Alpha.
Once everyone was seated around the fire, Kane began, “I believe it is time we go get Katia. She has obviously contacted some of you. She has brought all of you here for a reason. Except for you night-walker.”
Bob, the vampire addition to the group, just shrugged while saying, “I still would like to help if I may. This Alpha Luna sounds to be very special, and I have nothing better to do." Bob had very little accent when he spoke. He had informed them it was because he had spent the last four hundred years in the Americas, and not many Romanian-speaking people live here.
Selene jumped up shouting, “No, this is not your decision to make Kane. You do not know what kind of danger it would put Katia in.”
Nathan yelled back, “Why don’t you tell us then since your sister communicates with you.”
Lucifer was lounging against a tree just outside the circle of people, he launched himself forward shoving Nathan back and growling, “Watch it Alpha boy. I will not tolerate your disrespect of my little goddesses.”
“Oh, so they are both yours? My mate is not enough for you. You must steal someone else’s mate also.” Nathan snorted at Lucifer.
Lucifer’s eyes were glowing red, he was so angry. Breathing heavily, “Not exactly little Alpha man, I can only take what is freely given. Otherwise, I have made it my job to protect them for the rest of my life or theirs. I can guarantee they will live longer than you.”
Kae bellowed, “Enough! I am making this decision, Selene. There will be enough of us to keep anything happening to Katia. However, Katia needs to explain what is going on, and why she is bringing so many powerful beings together in one place.”
Selene grabbed onto Lucifer’s arm saying, “Warn her Lu.”
Lucifer wrapped his arms around Selene and held her close while his eyes glazed over trying to knock through the barrier placed by Uranus. Shaking his head back and forth he responded, “I can’t get through the barrier, and she won’t attempt a breach again today.”
Selene started crying, “What if Uranus is with her when we appear? He will kill her.”
“Shush, little goddess I will not let that happen,” Lucifer assured Selene.
“Neither will we.” Her parents and Uncle said shimmering into the center of everyone else.
Hyperion’s voice boomed across the circle of people, “I agree with them daughter, it is time to get your sister out of there.”
Selene was shaking her head frantically, “No, Father, you don’t under. " Cronos cut Selene off, telling the witch to transport them to Katia.
The witches started chanting their language and weaving signs in the air. Everyone started shimmering like the gods do when they appear and disappear. When they were solid again, they were in a cave and in cages. Nathan spoke first, “What is this? It is not a paradise island of magic. Where is Katia?”
Dalia was in Kelp’s arms when she whispered, “This must be some mistake. Maybe one of you made the wrong sign.”
Talon was shaking her head, “We did everything right. Someone must have known we were coming.”
Nathan asked again through gritted teeth, “Where is my mate?”
A sweet, soft voice replied, “Right here. Get comfortable. Now we wait."