Wrong Turn, Right Path

Chapter 5 - Nate's POV

Just when it felt like my legs were about to turn to jelly we saw the break in the tree line ahead of us. We paused to shift back to human form and get dressed. We made our way up to the door but before we could knock it was thrown open and arms were wrapped around my waist.

"Nate! I'm so glad you guys made it before the storm. We were worried you would be caught in it and we would have to send a rescue party." The voice of Amber, my cousin's mate and Luna of the Crater Pack greeted me.

I hugged her back looking down at her medium brown hair that was in one of those bun things women do and her warm brown eyes. She's one of the sweetest people I have ever met. "Amber, it's good to see you. Yeah, We ran through the night to make sure we made it safe and sound."

There was a playful growl from behind her before she was gently pulled back against the chest of my cousin Jackson, "If I was even somewhat insecure I may have been tempted to rip your throat out for hugging my mate." He says as he places his hands on her belly that is starting to show that their second pup is on the way and kissing the top of her head.

"Well lucky for me you're so secure." I say while laughing.

Amber giggles while slapping his arm, "You men are ridiculous. Come on Nate you have enough time to throw your bag in your room and take a quick shower before breakfast." She stepped aside making room for me and my warriors to walk through the door.

"I don't like that you are suggesting a shower to another man, even if he's more like a brother than a cousin to me." Jackson scowled at her playfully.

"Oh stop it! He has been running all night and.... well..." She was struggling on how to say what she was thinking without hurting my feelings.

"Are you suggesting that I.... Stink?" I ask feigning hurt.

"No! Well.... Your scent is a little... strong?" she says with a smile that kinda looks like a grimace.

I couldn't hold back any more and I laughed hard at how uncomfortable she looked trying to tell me I stink without saying those words. I knew I smelled bad, I had just ran for almost 18 hours. No one would smell good after that. "You're right I'll head up real quick." I kissed her cheek and ignored the growl from Jackson. Wolves are very possessive of their mates, Alphas even more so, and throw in the fact that she's pregnant and I'm surprised he didn't snap at me, literally. I like to push his buttons, always have, he's just so fun to rile up.

After taking a nice hot shower that eased my aching muscles and washed away my 'strong' scent I felt reawakened. I took my time to dress carefully and make sure I looked nice just in case my mate was at breakfast. I never sensed her here before but that doesn't mean that she wasn't here now.

I made my way down the stairs and into the dining hall where everyone was already seated and eating. As I walked along the table I kept sniffing to see if I could sense her but she wasn't at breakfast. I took my seat to the left of Jackson. "Sorry I'm late" I said as I scooted my seat in and reached for the platter of sausages.

"I would rather you be late then to have tried to eat around your stink" He said with a smirk.