Chapter 20
“Stay with him, dear, and I will be back soon with his Fated Mate,” Oracle said as she rose. Looking down at Lucius, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze, before saying, “Do not give up.” Leaving the room, she headed downstairs to brief Remy on what they needed to do.
“Are you sure I can’t break the spell?” asked Remy.
“Positive. Only his Fated Mate can do it,” Oracle said.
Nodding, Remy looked at Carson. “Call your brother, Jackson, and let him know Oracle and I will be there shortly.”
“I will but you might be there before I can reach him,” Carson said. “Don’t worry, though, you won’t have any problems since Oracle will be with you.”
Beckoning Oracle to him, Remy swung his hand in an arc, sucking them both through a black hole before emerging in the great room of the Blackwood Pack House. He instantly sensed magic somewhere close by, but failed to find its source.
“This way, Remy,” Oracle said, heading to a hallway. “Jackson should be in his study.”
Following Oracle, Remy asked, “Where is everyone?”
Oracle said, “Around…oh, here we are.”
Waiting in the doorway, Jackson greeted Oracle. “I just hung up with Carson and according to him, time is of the essence.”
“It is,” Oracle said, giving Jackson a hug and a kiss on his cheek before continuing. “Jackson, this is Carson’s mate, Remy…Great Warlock, Keeper of All Magic, Ruler of the Mystic Realm.”
Extending his hand, Jackson smiled. “I’m so happy to meet you, Remy. Welcome to the Blackwood Pack.”
Shaking Jackson’s hand, Remy replied, “Likewise.” Following Jackson into his study, he saw the magic wards and spells surrounding the man, meant to hide his Alpha power, but none of it kept Remy from feeling its full force. Deciding not to point that out to Jackson, he sat down in one of the chairs facing the desk as Oracle took the other one. His eyes roamed the room before settling on Jackson, noting both kindness and strength in his face. He found himself intrigued by this man who possessed such enormous power yet seemed to be so unfazed by it. Now seeing firsthand what Carson had told him about his Alpha, Remy was not surprised to see how quickly Jackson had gained his trust.
Sitting down in his desk chair, Jackson’s eyes landed on Oracle, shocked at the tension in her face; he’d never seen her flustered like this, even in the midst of chaos. Glancing at Remy, he found an emotionless face, giving no clue as to the reason for their impromptu visit. Since there wasn’t time for Carson to explain much before Jackson’s wolf informed him of Oracle and Remy’s arrival, it left him the only clueless one in the room.Definitely time to change that. “What’s up, Oracle?”
“I must speak to Brady.”
“Brady? Why?” asked Jackson.
“Lucius needs his blood,” Remy said.
“Blood?”
“Brady is the Fated Mate of Lucius, a vampire, who has a death spell on him and the only one who can save him is his Fated Mate,” Oracle explained.
Jackson’s eyes narrowed. “Oracle, no one is going to force Brady to accept his Fated Mate, not even the Ruler of the Mystic Realm, so if that’s what you were hoping for, sorry, can’t help you.”
Laying her hand on Remy’s to stop him from responding, Oracle replied, “No one is suggesting that, Jackson. Nor would the Fates send me here to do that. Whether or not Brady wants his Fated Mate is up to him…and you know the Fates have always supported free will regarding that. Surely, you are not standing in the way of Brady learning he has one, are you?”
“Of course not. But the Fates’ definition of free will and mine don’t always match. I just want to make clear it’s Brady’s decision…whateverhewants to do,” Jackson said.
“I understand and agree that he will decide,” Oracle said.
Tilting his head in acknowledgement, Jackson said. “Steel and Brady will be here momentarily.”
Remy was gobsmacked. Challenging an Oracle was unheard of, but Jackson had done it, standing up for someone who wasn’t even a member of his pack, at least, he didn’t think so, since Brady’s name had never come up in discussions with his mate. Thinking about it further, Remy wondered if Brady might be a new member who joined after Carson left for France. If so, it would explain Jackson’s position. Curious to know for sure, Remy asked, “Is Brady a member of your pack?”
“No, he’s not, but he’s under my protection,” Jackson said. “Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering,” Remy answered, impressed by Carson’s brother’s insistence on giving Brady a choice. That was something he hoped to impress upon the Witches’ Council; that before passing laws, the rights of low level magic users must be considered.
“Hey, babe,” Steel said, stepping to the side as he entered, blocking Remy and Oracle from Brady’s view.
Brady was perplexed. Why had Jackson asked to see him since there wasn’t any indication yesterday there’d be another meeting today. Taking a tentative step into the room, his eyes suddenly landed on Oracle, bringing forth a smile. Hurrying to her, he said, “Oracle, I thought you were in France.”
