You make it easy. TTYL.
Dad and Papa both sent supportive texts, so Paxton must have communicated with Papa about the bomb threat. He kept working and tried not to stare at the clock on his wall. He even changed the settings on his computer so the time icon disappeared. Minutes passed too damned slow, and he could only imagine the anxiety plaguing Jeuel.
Will he get to say goodbye to his sire?
The thought only just occurred to him. Charles Alder was in a coma and unlikely to wake up. Had Jeuel already said his final goodbye? Would he want to before leaving Sonora? The courage it took to completely uproot your life left Branson in awe of his youngest brother. Branson wasn’t sure he’d ever be so brave, but he also knew he’d never have to face that sort of choice. The kind of huge decision no teenager should ever have to make.
It left Branson doubly glad that Jeuel had Trei by his side, supporting him until he could reach his Sansbury family.
He had no idea what time it was when his mobile rang with an unknown number, Sonora exchange. Cautiously optimistic, he answered. “Hello?”
“It’s Owen Paxton. I’m calling from a secure line at the courthouse, rather than my mobile.”
Branson squeezed the phone. “Was there another threat?”
“No, I’m being overly cautious. I’ve grown quite fond of Mr. Jeuel over these last few weeks, and I want to make sure he stays as anonymous as possible, seeing as he’s a minor, and we’ve been able to protect him in the news thus far.”
Okay, that made sense. “What happened at the hearing? Did the judge make his decision?”
“Judge Juarez has granted you full legal guardianship of Jeuel Alder until he officially mates an alpha, and he has permission to move to Sansbury Province to live with your family.”
Branson released a pent-up noise that was part sob and part laugh, and coated with bright shades of joy. “Goddess, I’m so relieved. How is Jeuel? Is he happy about this?”
“He’s absorbing. I don’t think the scope of his move across the territory truly hit him until the judge made his ruling. His entire life is making another dramatic shift.”
“Crap, is he changing his mind?”
“No, nothing like that. As I said, he’s absorbing, and Trei is with him.”
“Good. They’re good together?”
“They are.” He could hear the smile in Paxton’s voice. “They’re as close as any blood brothers I’ve seen. The judge has also recommended counseling once Jeuel is settled, and I suspect Trei could benefit from it, as well.”
“Of course. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of our Light House Resource Centers, but they offer excellent counseling programs for both traumatized omegas and betas. My own omegin helped found them. I promise, Jeuel will get the help he needs. Trei, too.”
“Good man. Do I have permission to share this information with your lawyer?”
With my law—oh, Papa.“Yes, of course. When do you think you’ll arrive in Sansbury?”
“There’s still a bit of paperwork to complete that will take most of the day, but I did manage to get three train tickets on an express that leaves at four-thirty tomorrow morning. It’s nonstop, so we should arrive in Sansbury two days later, around eight-thirty.”
That gave Branson whole two days, plus the rest of today, to prepare for two houseguests in a one-bedroom apartment, for two more weeks. He’d talk to Tarius tonight; they’d come up with something. “Does Jeuel have any favorite foods? Snacks? He can text or email me, if he wants.”
“I’ll ask him. That you’re even thinking about snacks means you’re really thinking ahead to how things are going to change. I look forward to meeting you in person, Branson.”
“Thank you, sir. Please, keep them safe until you get here.”
“I’ll do my best. He won’t be going back to that halfway house. I’ll pack up his and Trei’s possessions myself.”
“That’s above and beyond.” Branson hesitated, but he was curious. “With all due respect, sir, are you mated?”
“I am, for fourteen years, and we have three children. Why?”
“Because you remind me a bit of my father. Of Ronin, I mean. The way he takes care of his friends’ kids and looks out for people who need help. You seem a decent man, Mr. Paxton, and I’m glad Jeuel and Trei have you in their corner.”
“That’s very kind, Branson. I’ve followed Mr. Cross’s career for many years, so I appreciate the compliment. My own omega mate had a rough childhood, and when we first met and realized we were bondmates, he didn’t trust me. I had to earn his trust and love, and it was worth it.”
“Your mate sounds like my Uncle Braun. I’m glad your family is happy. Thank you for helping mine.”
