After a while, I decided it was time to head back. As I was walking back to Ziva's apartment, Matt's promise kept turning in my head. I wasn't in a rush to mate, but I didn't want to suffer either. From what Elston told me, the second day of my heat would be brutal. But what had me worried was Matt's reaction. He didn't even act this way hearing about Gibbs, so what was the issue? What had happened between him and Elston? From what I recall, they haven't seen each other in years.

'Maybe I should ask Elston.'

'What you should be focusing on right now, is hiding your scent.'

I jumped around, baring my teeth at the sudden voice. 'Who was that?!'

'Are you ever not angry?' Hotchner broke from the tree line, trotting towards me. 'It's not very attractive.'

'The last thing I want is to be attractive to you.'

Hotch chuckled, sitting down about three feet from me. 'Did I do something to make you dislike me so much? I don't recall saying anything to you offensive.'

I stopped myself from responding, he was right. The man hasn't done anything to me, and I in return have been nothing, but a bitch to him. Had my alpha seen or heard me, I'd be getting a lovely reprimand right now. 'Forgive me, I haven't been in the best mood these past months.'

'And you're going into heat.' Like Matt, he moved to sit away from my scent. 'I mean no disrespect, but I rather not have the temptation.'

'Temptation? But aren't you mated?'

Hotch nodded. 'Yes.'

'How can you be tempted if you have a mate?' I was really getting confused by all of this. 'I thought being with your mate is all you would want and need.'

'It is. I love Kate and would give my life for her. But we are still animals in a way.' Seeing my confusion, he chuckled. 'Yes, mates are rare and precious when you find them. But that doesn't tame the animal in us. Your scent still drives us crazy with lust. No matter if we are mated or not. Of course, a mated male, if truly with their mates, would never betray them. I simply moved to avoid any issues in a way.'

Now that made scenes. 'How were-are you able to communicate with me? That's only reserved for packmates.'

'You don't go out much do you?'

'How am I suppose to?' Between the office and the house changing, I haven't had time to myself.

Hotch sighed, with a slight shake of his head. 'You are your own person. Now from what Matt told me, you have found your mate.'

'Yes, it happens to be Gibbs.'

'Human.'

I cocked a brow. 'Aren't you mated to a human?' That earned me another chuckle.

'Yeah, I am. Kate is human.' Hotch got a little sparkle in his eyes as he spoke of her. 'But I got lucky with her. She accepted me and my pack. In fact, she is the alpha female of our pack. If they really love you, they will accept you and all your shedding.'

'Have you met Gibbs?' I scoffed. 'For crying out loud the man didn't even flinch when he saw you. And until now he nor the others have said anything.' Not even Tony and I had bet he would be the most talkative one. 'Is that even normal? Should I be worried?'

'When something as shocking as that is revealed, you must let things take their course.' Hotch said. 'I have seen many take it in different ways. Some will accept it with no issues. Others will need space and time. Some have even gone to the point of insanity. But I have a feeling, their true reaction will come when you reveal yourself to them.'

I frowned, glancing away from him. 'What makes you think I will ever reveal myself to them?'

'For one your mate.' He stayed in the most obvious tone. 'Or are you planning on never showing yourself to them?'

'I don't know. When I first found out Gibbs was my mate, I was ecstatic. I have found the one thing many don't. But he is happy with someone else.' The simple thought of Gibbs and that woman, caused my blood to boil. She had what was made for me. 'Besides what kind of life would we have? My pack is nowhere near here. His life is here with his team and human mate. I will not be the one to break what he has.'

'Even if it killed you from the inside?' Hotch asked. 'Even if it meant never truly being happy? Because that is what will happen. You will mate a wolf, have your pups and live a life. But you will never love that man, not as you do this one.'

'I know. I can already feel it.' It was true. The thought of mating with Elijah had me both excited and terrified. I knew that once I went through with this, there was no going back. I was mated for life, till death do us part.

Hotch frowned. 'Then you might want to look for another possible mate.' Seeing the look of confusion, he explained. 'You shouldn't feel this hurt if you have found your secondary mate. In fact, you should want nothing, but to be with him.'

Okay, these damn wolves needed to stop making up new things every day. It was starting to hurt my head. 'Secondary mate?'

'You really haven't been around your kind too much.' Hotch chuckled. 'Every wolf has a secondary mate. It's like a backup destination created for those that have lost their one true mate. If your mate dies or rejects you, there is a chance you can rebuild your life again. Of course, should that one person have a mate or is mated to someone else, there is nothing you can do.'

'How do you know when you have found them?'

'It's like...' He tilted his head to the side, searching for the perfect words. 'It's getting the feeling that everything is going to be okay. That you have found some of that happiness taken from you. Safe and loved.'

'I-I mean I feel safe with Elston, but-'

'But that's it.' Hotch stated.

'Yes, that's it.'

Hotch stood up, stretching himself. 'Then you might want to listen to your brother. Rethink the whole mating with him. Enjoy the few days you have to shift back. Don't rush into it, who knows you might just find what you need.'

I watched him disappear back into the woods. He really was a shadow disappearing within the shadow of the night. I didn't move from my spot, too lost in my own thoughts. 'Secondary mate. So there was a chance I could live happily with someone else.' I couldn't help, but allow my hopes to rise. I could actually live a life without ever having to break Gibbs's heart. Because of that, I am sure, his heart will get broken when he finds out the truth. I have seen many, starting with my own father. His life falling apart due to his human mate, but then there are those like Hotchner. His mate was a human and she was fine. 'Why couldn't the universe just give me a wolf?!' Looking up I found myself in front of Gibbs house. I haven't realized where I was walking.

Trotting over towards the back sliding doors, I laid down at the sudden movement in the kitchen.

Popping my head up, I caught sight of Gibbs. He was currently grabbing a beer from the fridge. 'Should I say hi to him?' Mustering up all the strength I had, I made scratched the glass door. Gibbs stopped what he was doing, his eyes landing on me. A slight shiver ran through my body.

He quickly placed the bottle on his counter and opened the door for me. "No longer mad at me?"

'Never mad, just hurt.' Stepping into the kitchen, I sat down. 'I mean you yelled at me. Locked me in a kennel. Voted to get me spayed. And left me behind multiple times.'

"I know I haven't been the best these past few days." Kneeling down in front of me, he gently scratched my neck and chest. "I have no idea what is going on. Just been getting these mood swings."

I head-butted his chest, laughing on the inside. 'Yeah, that is my fault. I may or may not be affecting your moods. Still not to clear on the details on that.'

"I am sorry Luna." Gibbs chuckled. "Why am I talking to you as if you can understand me."

'Because I can, you just don't know it.'

"Jethro who are you talking to."

I jumped back as Lisa stepped into the kitchen. The fluff ball at her heals. 'Of course, you'd be here.'

"Luna." Gibbs stated.

Lisa raised a brow, grabbing the dog into her arms. "Wasn't she staying with your teammate Ziva?"

"Yes."

"And she just lets her wander around the city?" Lisa scoffed. "What if she attacks someone?"

'Woman you have a bigger chance of running over the president than I do attacking someone.' I growled, stopping as Gibbs scratched my ear.

"Luna wouldn't do that Lisa." Gibbs sighed.

"She's a wild animal." Lisa grumbled, placing the dog back in the living room. "She staying here tonight?"

I could sense her annoyance waving off her. 'Gibbs has picked you as his mate, therefore I will back down.' Walking back towards the door, I trotted out. I could hear Gibbs call out, only to hear Lisa stop him. 'This really was the worse.' To make matters worse, rain began pouring. 'Great, just great.'