Lahat ng Kabanata ng Hide and Seek: Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

I’ve been getting text after text from Jacob all day. He’s finally figured out that JoJo is with me—though he still doesn’t know where here is. It’s exhausting trying to get him to leave me the fuck alone while also trying to convince JoJo to at least say something to him. Even if it’s just to tell him she wants nothing to do with him.I still can’t believe Jacob did this. Not only did he and JoJo reject each other, but he tore apart their trio. For what? Because he was in love with someone else? He had to know that no relationship formed before the mating bond is ever worth it. Even chosen mates don’t have the same connection that fated ones do. That’s why most wolves will wait years—shit, even decades—to find their mate.But ever since the war, that’s changed. We’ve been a single pack, and every wolf aged 16 to 25 is required to attend the academy in Arcadia. It guarantees that fated mates meet fast. Plus, the supernatural council ensures we cross paths with all kinds of supernatural

It’s about three hours before the Riding Hoods are supposed to enter the fae realm. I made sure I was “chosen” for guard duty earlier today so I could get my warding materials out to the entry point and start the spell prep. I had to be careful not to do too much. The Red One would definitely notice if any part of the spell was activated or if the ingredients started to hold a charge. That’d be a problem.Then again, she’d be even more pissed if she realized how many of her witches liked to go into battle stoned out of their minds.We each had plots in the Ether where we cultivated whatever herbs and plants we needed for spells. I dedicated an entire acre to growing weed—mostly so I could use it to barter. These witches really believed it helped them tap into their power. What it actually did was dull their senses and kill their fear response. Sure, they were relaxed, but they were also slow and easy to ambush.Not my problem. I’m not going into battle with them. I want every one of th

The second I hear her voice in my head, relief slams into me so hard I have to steady myself against the wall. My knees nearly give out.We’re standing on the plane, waiting to find out where to go. Everyone on board seems chill about the delay—except Kanati and Kamama. It’s obvious the god and his translator don’t do planes. Judging by their tense expressions, they aren’t convinced this metal bird is getting off the ground, let alone staying up there.Are you okay, Kayla? How are the pups? They didn’t hurt you, right? The questions pour out of me in a rush. I can’t stop them. I haven’t spoken to my mate in two weeks. My pregnant mate. My newly mated pregnant mate. I need to see her. I need to hear our pups’ heartbeats. I need her in front of me because my wolf hasn’t let me rest since she was taken.Brandon grips my arm, and I don’t know if it’s to steady me or because he’s the one struggling to stay upright. Probably both. Kayla’s voice is softer than usual, like she’s worn thin—and

The second Kayla told us they were out, the pilot started takeoff procedures. We had just been told to sit and buckle up when Nyx shouted out where they were. One quick G****e search later and I had the directions to the Diana Pack. They’d get there before we did, but that was fine. As long as my mate—and my son-in-mating—were safe, I could breathe again.What do you guys think we should do about Nyx? Zak asks through the mindlink.Do we completely trust her?He’s got a point. She is the heir to the Red One. She’s stupid powerful and has every reason in the world to hate us.Charlie and Xander trust her, Arya says.So do Kayla and Esteban, I remind them.I get that. But no one can stop her until one of these two planes arrives. Zak’s voice is steady, but sharp. We’re the only ones with enough power to match her. It might be a good idea to put her in iron until we get there. Just in case. And we need to get that coin off her so she can’t communicate with the witches.Kayla or Esteban co

Esteban had mindlinked me about two hours ago, saying they were finally on their way. And now... they’ll be here any minute.My fathers insisted Kayla get checked over by none other than Dr. Hazel—who, thankfully, has been staying in Diana Territory while we figure out the whole Riding Hood situation. I’m all in for that plan. I just hate that it means Esteban’s arrival is delayed.It’s nearing midnight. I should be exhausted, but instead, I’m bouncing off the walls like a caffeinated toddler at a sleepover.“Chris, I love you. You’re amazing and all that crap. But if you don’t sit the fuck down, your mate is going to find you tied to a chair,” Uncle Dev says.I cross my arms and cock an eyebrow. “He might enjoy that.”“Ugh! Shut up, shut up, shut up!” Uncle Dev yells, covering his ears like I just read smut out loud in church.Meredith, Sandra, Bhakti, and Thomas lose it, laughter echoing around the cabin.The only thing that dims the room’s energy is the fact that JoJo moved to the b