Nodding, Theo said, “In my heart I know that…it was the reason I was so upset with myself after I found out he was my mate.”
Chuckling, Jackson said, “I’m sure Norm felt the same after he had a chance to think over his reaction.”
“Yeah…probably.”
“Definitely. Norm would do anything for you.”
Nodding thoughtfully, Theo finally understood how Smokey must feel after discovering the tightness of his and Norm’s bond. He knew how that felt since it had happened to him when he was younger. No matter how hard he tried to be part of a clique of kids he admired in school, they kept him at arm’s length, only allowing temporary access when he could be useful. He lost count of the number of times he cried himself to sleep over their cruelty. It wasn’t until he was older that he realized how the pain they’d inflicted had affected him. He’d resolved never to treat anyone like that and now, with Smokey, it was time to act. Catching Jackson’s eye, Theo said, “Normdoesknow I’d do anything for him, and it’s time Smokey knows I’d do the same for him.”
Chapter 28
Smokey was right, much to Norm’s relief. He wasn’t sure what to expect when he knocked on Mac’s door but the familiar voice was warm and friendly. And then, when he tried to apologize for his behavior, Mac told him to forget it because he would have done the same if Theo was his mate. “I appreciate that,” Norm murmured, “but I’m still sorry I yelled at you.”
“You aren’t the first father-to-be who did that, and trust me, you won’t be the last,” Mac said, smiling. “I also owe you an apology because I was wrong…as the cub’s father and Theo’s mate, nothing should have been kept from you.”
“Thank you,” Norm replied. He felt some of his tension ebb, but not all. There were still some questions he needed to ask and even though he worried about what the answers would be, he knew they had to be asked. “Will you come back…as Theo’s doctor?”
Mac studied Norm before his eyes shifted to the man standing slightly behind him. Smokey’s face was devoid of any emotion, but Mac wasn’t fooled. The man’s bear shone in Smokey’s glowing eyes, and if Mac had to hazard a guess, the bear was in full protective mode. He was impressed and pleased because Norm and Theo would benefit from Smokey’s additional support when he told them what his research had uncovered. Shifting his gaze back to Norm, Mac nodded, “Consider me on board as Theo’s doctor. I also have some information to report about Ghost Bear pregnancies before I do the ultrasound.”
“Thanks,” Norm said, with relief. Then glancing up at Smokey, he said, “I don’t know if anyone told you, Mac, but Smokey is my mate along with Theo. He’s accepted the cub as his own so he also has the same rights I have as the father-to-be and as Theo’s mate. Do you have a problem with that?”
The corner of Mac’s mouth lifted up before he was able to keep from smiling at Norm’s declaration of his and Theo’s new relationship and Smokey’s sudden acquisition of parental rights. “Nope, Theo will need the support of both of you during this time so I’m all for it.”
Grunting softly, Smokey kept his thoughts to himself but suspected there was a problem with Theo’s cub the doctor was keeping a secret. He would bet anything on it, but other than a gut feeling, there were no facts that could support his suspicion. It was for that reason, he kept silent. For the moment, he was content to let Norm take the lead but if his gut feeling turned out to be true, then he and the Doc would have a littletête-à-têteabout keeping secrets.
“Uhm…okay…good,” Norm replied, glad Mac understood. Then, with his bear pushing him to hurry up, he asked his final question. “Theo wants to return to his job…are you…will you…Jackson will need your approval before honey bunch can work…do you intend to give it?”
“I already have,” Mac said quietly. “But I reserve the right to change my mind depending on Theo’s condition and that of the cub’s. I won’t allow anything that would put either in danger. Okay?”
Norm glanced at Smokey and, after seeing his nod, turned back to Mac. “That’s what we want, too.”
“Then we’re on the same page,” Mac said, rising from his desk chair. “Do you think Theo is ready for me to do an ultrasound on him? It should give us a better idea of when the cub is due.”
“Yup,” Norm replied, smiling as his eyes found Smokey’s.
Grinning in return, Smokey grasped his mate’s hand, wanting and needing to have some physical contact with him. It had been hard for him to let Norm take the lead in the discussion with Mac, but instinctively he knew it was an important gesture to build trust between them.
Smokey knew Norm was an Alpha, but Smokey’s bear was an apex predator, much higher on the list—and much larger—than a gentle Ghost Bear. Just that fact alone could and would breed resentment if Smokey wasn’t careful. He was well aware of that from assignments at the agency when he’d been paired up with lesser predators on a job, and it taught him some valuable lessons he’d never learned when growing up.
It also explained why he, Glenn, and Ghost had a bond that couldn’t be broken by anyone, and also why, as equal apex predators, their tigers and grizzly bear never allowed enmity to take root in their relationships. But as that was not the case with his mate; he decided that, for the moment, it was best to let Norm take the lead and he would follow.
As their fingers touched, Norm again felt warmth infusing his body along with a sense of rightness. It was something he was quickly coming to crave and he worried about it a bit because it differed from what he felt with Theo. Then a thought hit him—he wondered if Theo felt the same when he held Smokey’s hand. If so, he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not since those feelings never happened between him and Theo—at least he didn’t think so. Following Smokey out of Mac’s office, he decided to ask Theo later. In the meantime, it was time to see his…their cub.
~/~/~/~/~
In the darkened examining room, Smokey stood next to Norm, still holding his hand, watching Mac squirt gel on Theo’s belly. Sensing the nervousness of his mates, he forced himself to remain calm, drawing on one of his abilities. Briefly closing his eyes, he asked one of his spirits a question, smiling at the answer he received. His bear roared at the news and he could feel Norm’s eyes on him. Glancing over, Smokey squeezed his mate’s hand, murmuring, “The cub is fine.”
While he appreciated Smokey’s assurances, Norm still had his doubts, especially after Mac had explained the risks posed to the cub by Theo’s youth. Norm immediately assumed the responsibility for putting Theo and their cub in danger. Realizing his mate was taking needless blame again, Smokey posed some pointed questions to Mac. After hearing his answers, Norm realized it was really the fault of his parents for not teaching him about the mating habits of Ghost Bears and, while it did help him somewhat, he knew his guilt would remain until Theo gave birth to a healthy cub.
Keeping his eyes on the screen, Theo couldn’t wait until the image of life inside him appeared on it. He needed to see for himself that he really was pregnant and that his cub was healthy, especially after seeing the reaction of his pooh bear when Mac discussed his findings with them. He’d be lying to himself if he said he didn’t feel nervous, but he couldn’t allow his mates to see it. That wouldn’t help anyone so the only option left was to put on a brave front and, hopefully, neither of his mates would call him out on it.
Mac glanced up, his eyes seeking Smokey’s and, after seeing permission to proceed in them, he lowered the wand onto Theo’s belly, slowly moving it until suddenly, a loud thumping sound was heard.
Alarmed, Norm asked, “What’s that?”
“That’s your cub’s heartbeat…nice and strong,” Mac murmured, staring intently at the screen. “That’s a good sign.” Continuing to move the wand as he fiddled with the machine, he finally found what he’d been hoping to see. Pointing to the screen, he said softly, “There’s your cub.”
“Where?” asked Norm. “I don’t see anything.”
