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“We strip off our clothes and dance naked in a circle while the females toss acorns at us to symbolize fertility.” When Lucian realized that Lakota actually believed him, he belted out a laugh. “Sucker.”

Lakota socked him in the shoulder. “Seriously though. You’ve seen all the females in this town and haven’t shown interest. You’re not going to find your kindred spirit sitting at home. Maybe you’ll have better luck in a different city.”

The Gathering took place every three years locally, five years nationally, and then six years globally.

The national events were harder to coordinate, and not everyone attended.

It was a well-organized event that lasted several days and gave Chitahs the opportunity to search for their kindred spirit.

Only males knew their match immediately by scent.

From there, they would have to prove their worth to win her love.

Lucian spied Catcher running across the meadow on the left. “What makes you think I care about a mate?”

“I don’t know. Maybe you’re feeling left out again.”

“Again?”

Lakota halted. “Look, I know it wasn’t easy living in a house where people found their life partner and raised kids.

And I know that because it was never easy on Uncle Levi.

The only difference between you two is that he talks about his feelings and you stuff them inside a tomb and lower them into the Baltic Sea. ”

“Tomb is the wrong word. You mean a burial vault or a coffin. I knew you weren’t paying attention in class.” Lucian quirked a smile before resuming their walk.

“I suck at history and all that garbage about Vampire burials. Look, I’m serious.

We can travel to any city you want that’s holding a Gathering.

The global one’s coming up next year in Paris, France.

I know how they’re not all in sync, so that means you have better chances of finding your soulmate if you go to enough of them.

Even if you don’t find her, Chitahs settle all the time.

No shame in that, and I’m sure there are plenty of great gals who would love themselves a nerdy guy who watches cartoons and obsessively takes apart everything to see how it works.

Mel can come, and we’ll make it a road trip. ”

“No, thanks. Too much to do around here.”

“Right. Like sitting in a tree all night. You weren’t this reclusive when I was little. I figured it had something to do with the soulmate thing. You can’t sit around and sulk about it if you’re not actively trying to find her.”

An owl hooted from a nearby tree as if complaining about their presence.

Lucian wished Lakota would drop the subject, but arguing might open up a can of worms, and he wasn’t ready for that can to open.

Lakota flipped his hair back. “When I was about ten, I asked you if you believed in magic. Do you remember what you said?”

“No.”

“You told me that science is magic. I believed you.”

“Would you rather I lied and told you that aliens make crop circles and fairies live in the woods?”

“You were wrong.” Lakota searched for his eyes in the darkness. “Love is magic. It’s the thing we can’t explain.”

“Pheromones, arousal, and alcohol.”

“That’s sex or infatuation. I’m talking about love. It hits you over the head when you least expect it and flips your life upside down. It makes you do crazy shit.”

“Like modeling your mate’s failed Speedo line?”

“Exactly. And I would have walked through town in that marble sack if she had asked me. You deserve that too.”

Lucian snorted.

“You know what I mean. All I’m sayin’ is you’re a smart guy with a respectable job and a phenomenally handsome nephew.” He put his arm around Lucian and gave his neck a squeeze. “You deserve a little magic.”

The conversation was wearing thin for Lucian, who wanted nothing more than to flash off. But if he did that, Lakota would never drop it.

“When are you and Melody having kids?”

“Damn. Going right for the jugular.” Lakota stepped back and grumbled. “That’s between us.”

“Is it? As often as you two have sex, I figured that’s what you were aiming for.”

“Kids aren’t the only reason people have sex. You do know that, right?” Another playful punch to the arm. “Mel and I aren’t in a rush. We can put off a family for a few hundred years if she wants.”

“What about what you want?”

Now Lakota was in the hot seat, and Lucian could scent his discomfort.

“I don’t want kids now either, not until I get settled in my new position as beta wolf.

I’m also thinking about a side career. Obviously I can’t work full time since my commitment is to take care of the pack, but it would be nice to work again.

Starting a family can wait. We’re young, and we’re having too much fun. ”

Lucian scented the truth before the breeze carried it off.

“I get your point, Uncle.” A gust of wind blew Lakota’s long hair forward, and he threaded his fingers through it.

“I don’t like getting into people’s personal business, but I’m not going to sit around and ignore warning signs.

It’s my job to look after my packmates, but you’re also family.

That means I’ll check on you when I think something’s up.

It’ll take time for you to warm up to the pack, but I’m always here for you.

That means I’ll ask when I think something’s wrong.

It means I’ll be your wingman. It also means I’ll beat you back to the house. ”

Lakota shifted, and his large silver wolf bounded up the drive.

Lucian gave him a head start. He’d known that wolf since Lakota’s first change, and he wasn’t as fast as he thought. After what seemed like a minute, Lucian took off running at Chitah speed and shot past him like a bullet.

When he arrived at the front porch, he sat down and watched the wolf loping up the driveway. “What took you so long?”

Lakota’s animal approached, and Lucian wondered if Lakota was still conscious. When the wolf lifted his leg to pee on him, Lucian knew he was definitely awake in there.