“Good, I’m not late,” Cody said, moving next to Jackson. “Dylon’s with Jessica, Jake, and Daniel. We thought it would be better if Galen and Eamon initially saw only me.”
“Makes sense,” Jackson murmured just before he saw a shimmer in the air. Smiling at the people that appeared, his eyes went first to Carson holding the hands of two small boys before taking in the rest of the members of the group.
“Hey, Jackson,” Carson called out. “We made it without any problems. You already met my mate Remy…”
“Alpha.” Remy bowed his head for a moment before looking up. “This is Mrs. Beasley…and this here, is Rune…”
“So you must be Galen…and you’re Eamon…did I get that right?” Jackson asked softly, looking at the two young boys.
Peering up at Jackson, Eamon nodded, hiding quickly behind Carson. “Gally,” he whispered, “is he gonna hurt us?”
Galen slowly shook his head, all the while keeping his eyes firmly fixed on Jackson. The powers coming from the man reminded him of those his parents had hidden him and his brothers from, but there was a difference. He could sense the man meant them no harm, unlike the men who attacked his parents while he huddled with his brothers in the dusty space under the floorboards. Having made that assessment, he nevertheless decided to be careful. Raising his sword, he asked, “Who are you?”
Chuckling, Cody murmured, “Pull your power back, bro…or prepare to be slayed.”
“Galen!” Remy’s voice betrayed his embarrassment at his brother’s behavior.
Slowly walking down the steps with his hands held high, Jackson approached Galen, falling to his knees in front of him. “I’m Jackson, Carson’s brother…and you are?”
Studying Jackson for a moment, Galen was satisfied he and his brothers were not in any danger. Lowering the sword, he replied, “I’m Captain Galen…and I’ll make you walk the plank if you hurt Carsso or Remee.”
Nodding, Jackson looked into the young captain’s eyes before holding up his hand. “I swear, I’ll never do anything to hurt Carson, Remy, your brothers, or you.”
Satisfied that the man had taken his threat seriously and meant him and his brothers no harm, Galen asked, “Are you a wolf shifter like Carsso? Me and Eamon are warlocks but Remee won’t let us do any magic.”
Smiling, Jackson replied, “I’m a wolf shifter just like Carsso…and so is my son, Daniel.”
“Can he become a wolf like Carsso can?” asked Galen.
“Yup…do you want to meet him?” asked Jackson.
Nodding, Galen asked, “Can I now?”
Peeking out from behind Carson, Eamon exclaimed, “I wanna, too!”
Rising, Jackson held out his hand. “Then let’s go meet Daniel.”
Hesitating, Galen glanced up at Carson, and after seeing him give a reassuring smile, took Jackson’s hand. “Can Eamon come too?”
“Of course,” Jackson replied, holding out his other hand for Eamon. “Is it all right if Remy and Carson come with us also, Captain?”
“And Mz. B and Rune?” Galen added.
“Right, everyone should meet Daniel.”
Letting Jackson lead him up the porch steps, Galen kept a tight grip on his sword, keeping it handy in case it was needed. Regardless of what Jackson promised, Galen knew better than to give his complete trust to any adult except Remee and Carsso. He’d learned that lesson the hard way, especially after hearing the cries of his mother as he tried to keep Eamon and Rune from making any noise. The memory of soothing his brothers for hours after his mother’s cries had ceased, while hearing nothing but silence above them, had been the scenario in many of his nightmares. And when hunger finally drove them out, Galen found his mother and father dead, leaving him to care for his brothers until Remy showed up.
After entering the house, Galen paused, his eyes searching the room. Spying three kids playing near the couch, he grinned at them, letting go of Jackson’s hand as he headed straight for them. “C’mon Eamon…we got a wolf to meet.”
Following his mate into the great room, Remy found the source of magic he felt the last time he’d visited. Slowly advancing towards the trio of children, he murmured to Carson, “Why didn’t you tell me there’s a magic user in the pack?”
Over hearing the comment, Jackson said, “Are you referring to Daniel’s ability to conjure?”
“He has magic, too?” asked Remy, doubtfully.
“I don’t know about magic but he’s conjured up a rabbit a couple of times,” replied Jackson. “We were worried he might conjure up an animal who could hurt him so Mystia cast a spell to keep him from doing any magic…at least until we can figure it out.”
“Interesting,” Remy mused. Then holding out his arm, he closed his eyes, while his hand began to glow.
