He sighed in relief to see the healer’s truck parked next to Jett’s outside his father’s house. Bursting inside, he was about to call for his brother when Jett stepped into the hallway.
“Calm your tits, Dax. He’s going to be okay.”
“What happened?”
Jett put a hand on Dax’s shoulder and pegged him with a look. “You’re not going to like this, but I swear... Dad asked if you were serious about taking a mate and I said — “
Dax opened his mouth to interrupt, but Jett slammed a palm over Dax’s mouth.
“I said that you had a woman you were trying to win over. A good woman. One you were dead serious about.”
Dax twisted his face out of his brother’s grasp and slapped his hand away. He didn’t care what they’d been talking about; he just wanted to know what was wrong with his dad. He hated to think his fears over his father’s advancing age coming true.
“And?”
“He started to feel dizzy, like he had to sit down. Luckily, I was standing right beside him, so I caught him before he hit the floor.”
“Well, what the fuck does the healer say caused it?”
A sly grin lifted Jett’s lips. “Shock.”
“What?”
“Dad was so surprised that you’re actually thinking about meeting the deadline for a mate, he went into shock.”
Dax narrowed his eyes and steeled his jaw. He sensed an air of jest in his brother’s tone, but with Jett, it was hard to tell. He wasn’t sure what to think. Yes, his father had been after him for a long time to do his duty and take a mate, raise a family. But...was it possible the, still uncertain, news could make him react like this?
A light chuckle came from the hallway. Trinity Ralston, the pack’s healer, slipped his glasses into the front pocket of his button down as he came to join them. Patting Dax on the back, the elder healer shook his head.
“Not shock like what you’re probably thinking. He’s doing well, boys. What happened is perfectly normal, and given the news, expected.”
It was Jett’s turn to look confused.
Too impatient to wait this out any longer, Dax pushed past the two men and went to his father’s room. He rushed in but paused when he saw his dad lying like death on top of the covers. His face was pale and relaxed as if in sleep. Lines dug from the corners of his eyes, as if he’d been clenching in pain. His hands, so huge and gnarly from years of shifting between human and bear, were eerily still. Even like this, Rowan was broad, hard and imposing—too robust and rugged yet to be declining.
And this crap about being shocked over Dax’s possible mate was a load of shit.
“Son.” Rowan greeted without opening his eyes.
Dax gave a breath of relief. “I’m here, Dad.” He went to the side of the bed, about to take his father’s hand when Rowan began to slowly push himself into a sitting position. Dax hurried to help him. Rowan sat and waved his son off.
“I’ll be fine.”
Dax sensed his brother and Trinity as they stepped just inside the doorway.
“He’s moon-downing.” Trinity came to stand beside his patient.
He was familiar with the term but had never seen it happen. Not once had he even considered it happening to his father. Alpha males often started a stepping-down phase when their oldest son took a mate. It was a handing over of power, so to speak. Physically, Rowan would lose some of his intense strength and the natural drive of an Alpha to oversee, direct and lead. He’d slowly weaken, losing his exceptional strength and heightened senses until he was basically human again. His ability to shift would remain, but the bear inside him would be a weaker, more placid version.
Rowan would essentially become less so his son could step into the lead Alpha role.
“But... I haven’t taken a mate. Dad, I haven’t mated her yet. You can’t do this, not yet.”
Rowan gave another dismissive wave of his hand. “I believe the pain of losing your mother kick-started this process years ago. The possibility of a serious mate for you turned the switch up. I can’t help the hopefulness in my heart, Dax. My body took it as a sign.”
Just days ago, his father had threatened to cut him out of the business if he didn’t take a mate by the Pairing. He still had to convince Allie to be his. His father’s biology was jumping the gun.
“There’s one risk here,” Trinity said pointedly at Dax. Jett came to stand beside them, his arms crossed and expression intent. Apparently, he didn’t already know about this.
