Chapter Two

Five Years Ago

Zenia didn't know where to look. The annual gathering of the packs was like a huge carnival with rides, games, and food. This was the first time she and her best friend, Layton, were able to attend. Zenia's parents didn't allow her to attend for fear she'd find her mate at fourteen and leave them.

There was an acre of vendors, selling everything from homemade preserves to fur-softening cream. Tattoo artists, barbers, face painters. Anything or everything one could want was there. She and Layton walked through the rows, staring wide-eyed at the fanfare. Wolves from all over North America gathered to form alliances, settle grievances, and find mates. Zenia had this feeling she was going to find hers, so she made sure to keep her senses open and her eyes roving over everyone.

"Who needs a stuffy old mate?" Layton asked.

"I do," Zenia replied. "Can you believe all this? It's amazing!"

"They are amazing," Layton purred, staring at something. Zenia followed her gaze and saw two big, extremely handsome men who seemed just as into her as she was with them.

"Layton," Zenia hissed. "They're old."

"So? That just means they know what to do with their dicks."

Zenia scrunched up her nose. "Must you be so vulgar?"

"Don't get your panties in a twist," she said, rolling her eyes. "You'd be a lot less stuck up if you let a man stick it up. If you know what I mean. Okay, this vendor thing is boring. Want to come and introduce yourself?"

"No, thanks."

Layton shrugged. "Your loss. See you later."

She wiggled her fingers goodbye.

"Layton," Zenia called out to her friend, but she was already gone.

Biting her lip, she continued checking out the vendor stalls, smiling at people and getting samples of all kinds of food. Layton was fickle, always looking for something wild and fun. She was always chasing after boys or doing something reckless. But that was Layton, and Zenia never judged. When her friend got tired of the men she'd be back and they'd laugh and have fun.

As she turned to walk down another aisle, a sweet scent drifted to her. Cedar with hints of vanilla. It made her mouth water and she looked around for the source, but the breeze carried it away. Eyes wide, she went hunting for it again. It became an addiction, because in the back of her mind she knew this was her mate's scent. She walked faster, almost frantic, letting his scent lead her like a beacon in the night. And then, just ahead, stood a man. Tall, muscular, with dark hair, he talked with a vendor. Zenia stood there, unable to take her eyes off him. She had hunted him and now she was afraid to move.

A cooling breeze lifted her hair, and a moment later, her mate suddenly snapped to attention. He glanced around, frantically looking, and when their gazes met everything seemed to disappear. They were all that existed in their little bubble. Then the man marched toward her, determination on his face. Zenia did the same, rushing forward, and then they came to a stop in front of each other. He bent his head and ran his nose up the side of her neck. A little moan escaped her lips and he answered with a growl.

"You're my mate," he said in a husky voice.

"Yes," she acknowledged. "My name is Zenia."

"I'm Greyden." He reached for her hand and threaded their fingers together. "Come on. Let's go sit and talk."

She nodded her acquiesce, and he tugged her through the crowd and past vendors until they reached a hill where the branches of a tall tree shaded them from the burning sun. As they sat across from one another, she studied him just as he studied her. Her heart hammered in her chest, excitement causing butterflies to dance low in her belly.

"I'm Greyden James," he said softly. "From the Kaudiff Pack in Idaho."

"I'm Zenia Zierdan. Sheridan Pack in Colorado."

"ZZ." He grinned down at her. "Is this the first time you came to this gathering?"

She nodded. "I turned eighteen a couple of months ago. My parents didn't let me come when I was younger in case I found my mate. Which is you. So, I guess they were wise to be cautious."

He grinned. "I'm two years older than you."

"Are you in college?"

"Not anymore," he replied. "Took online classes since attending wasn't an option. Now I train under my father, who's the alpha. My hope is to expand our pack by creating jobs and affordable housing. Bring in any lone wolves who want to return to pack life or anyone wanting a change of scenery."

"I'm kind of that second one," she admitted quietly. "The alpha we have is awful."

He reached out and lightly caressed the back of her hand. "You have a new home now. With me. And my dad is awesome."

She ducked her head, smiling. Greyden lifted her chin with a finger.

"You don't have to be shy with me," he murmured, pushing some hair behind her ear. "You're so beautiful. I'm a lucky man."