“Well, that’s what I need to determine first,” Mac replied. “And if that’s the case, then Theo would be in a better situation. But even so, stress of any kind is not good for Theo.”
“You’re saying keeping a secret this big…”
“Is the worst kind of stress there is,” Mac said. “Regardless of what Theo thinks, he won’t be able to hide it from Norm for long. Those two are so in sync, I’m surprised they don’t have a stronger mind link.”
“I didn’t realize…” Steel muttered. “Although it does explain how Norm always knew when Theo needed him.”
“I only know,” Mac continued, “because Ki mentioned it when I asked him about their time in Arald’s prison. They were in separate cells, but Norm used their mind link to keep Theo’s spirits up. From what I’ve been able to surmise, Norm’s link with Theo is stronger than the other way around.”
“That’s why Norm was here so quickly,” mused Steel.
“Yes…and it’s also the reason he’ll know Theo is keeping something from him. And no matter how hard Norm tries to conceal it, Theo will sense the turmoil inside his pooh bear.”
“Which will produce more stress on him. What a clusterfuck.”
“You got that right,” Mac murmured. “The only way I see out of it is for Theo to tell Norm what happened. In the meantime, I have more research to do…and a meeting with Ian to discuss what he recommends as the best way to proceed with Theo’s pregnancy.”
“When do you plan to do the ultrasound?”
“Maybe this evening.”
“Fine…hopefully it’ll be good news,” Steel said. “I’m heading upstairs to meet the man Theo thinks is his mate.”
Surprised at the way Steel phrased it, Mac asked, “You think Theo is mistaken?”
Shrugging, Steel said, “I didn’t’ originally, but after finding out Theo and Norm share a mind link, it makes more sense that Theo might have been wrong.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Chapter 23
Sitting in his study, where he’d asked Smokey to join him, Jackson noticed his guest had begun to pace—his bear was growing more and more agitated. Not that he could blame the animal for feeling that way after finding his mate, but he figured it was only a matter of time before he would try to overpower Smokey again. And that could not be allowed to happen. Amping up his Alpha power slightly, he flooded the room with it, knowing it would help Smokey’s efforts to keep his bear in check. The effect was immediate and Jackson breathed a sigh of relief when Smokey finally claimed the chair in front of his desk. “Better?”
“Yeah,” Smokey muttered. “That’s some kind of a fancy trick you have.”
“So do you,” Jackson replied. “Healing a gunshot wound is no easy feat, yet you did it. Where did you learn that?”
“My grandfather…where’s my mate?”
“Currently he’s under Mac’s care.”
His animal bared his teeth, roaring, unhappily at the news their mate was with another man. Rubbing his hands on his thighs, Smokey tried to reason with his bear, agreeing with his displeasure, but pointing out they had no other choice but to play it Jackson’s way or be shown the door. “Who’s Mac?”
“He’s the pack’s doctor.”
“Doctor? My mate is ill?”
“No…but before I go further, there are a few questions you need to answer.”
“Fine. Then can I see my mate?” asked Smokey.
“No…at least not until I speak to Theo; however, I will tell you about his history and how he came to be a member of my pack. Then I hope you’ll understand why I’m so protective of him.”
Frowning, Smokey felt whatever Jackson was going to tell him about his mate, neither he nor his bear would like. Pushing that thought aside for the moment, he returned Jackson’s gaze. “Go ahead…but if the questions are about my character, you should speak to Glenn’s mother. She can attest to my honesty and trustworthiness.”
“You’re referring to Willow?” asked Jackson.
“Yes. She’s known me since I began working with Snow White in the field.”
