“Is that like the magic Mystia has?” asked Theo.
“No. A Manetu uses thepowerof spirits to control or balance our world, making sure it will continue to survive.”
“That explains why your name is Golden Sun!” exclaimed Theo.
“At least the sun part,” Norm added.
“Yeah…well…” Smokey muttered. Then, rubbing the back of his neck, he realized that so far, his mates didn’t seem to have a problem with what he said, but the true test would be what was to come next.Well here goes nothing.“Uhm…the Great Spirit gave me more than just spirit magic…uhm…I also received the power of life-force.” Not able to bring himself to look at either of his mates, he kept his eyes on the ground, expecting negative reactions from them.
Wide-eyed, Theo looked at Norm, his mouth forming a perfect ‘O’. He didn’t understand exactly what Smokey’s power could do, but it sounded amazing. Shifting his gaze back to the grizzly, he exclaimed, “That’s so freaking cool!”
Snapping his head up, Smokey stared at Theo, searching his face, finding only love. Giving his head a slight shake in disbelief, he had to ask, “You’re okay with everything I am?”
“Duh…of course I am,” Theo replied smiling. “Norm is too, right pooh bear?”
“I don’t really get what it all means, but I don’t have a problem with it,” Norm said. “I’m guessing not all Manetus have the life-force ability.”
“Yeah, you guessed right,” Smokey replied. “According to my grandfather, I was the only one on which it was bestowed.”
“Did he tell you why?” asked Theo.
“Nope. All he said was the Great Spirit had made me lord of every Manetu.”
“As in leader? How many Manetus are there?” asked Norm.
“I don’t have a frigging idea how many there are in the world because I never sought them out. My grandfather made me promise to keep my identity a secret. But I felt it had to be disclosed to my mates before they claimed me…just in case…”
“Oh no!” Theo cried. “You thought we wouldn’t want you, didn’t you? That’s why you’ve been so nervous this whole time!”
“Is that true?” asked Norm.
When Smokey remained silent, Theo knew he was right and his heart hurt with the knowledge. Rising, he knee-walked over to Smokey, reaching out and placing a hand on his mate’s shoulders. He waited until his eyes connected with Smokey’s, before saying softly, “We are so honored the Fates chose us to be your mates. I love you…Norm loves you…exactly the way you are. It doesn’t matter what abilities the Great Spirit gave you because the only thing that’s really important is that you’re our mate.”
“Shining Star is right,” Norm said. “You should never be ashamed of the gifts the Great Spirit gave you because he only picks the purest souls to receive them…and that’s you, Golden Sun.”
~/~/~/~/~
Lucius wasn’t eager to return to the Blackwood Pack; he was still embarrassed at the blood rage that had overcome him the last time he was there, but Brady’s letter had assured him there wouldn’t be a problem. All he could do was trust his mate about that and, in a few moments, he and Vasile materialized on the grass outside the pack house.
“Holy hell!” Vasile exclaimed, looking up at the enormous structure in front of him. Then glancing down at Lucius, he asked, “Are you sure we’re at the Blackwood Pack?”
Lucius froze at the tone in Vasile’s voice. Whenever his master used it, he’d learned quickly that punishment would soon follow. Unable to reply, he simply nodded, hoping that would suffice.
Cursing himself when Vasile saw fear in Lucius’ eyes, he acted quickly to dispel it. “That didn’t come out right…what I mean to say is I didn’t realize a wolf pack would have such a big house.”
“Have you seen many pack houses?” asked Lucius, relaxing slightly.
Vasile’s boom of laughter echoed off the house. “No…in fact, this is the first one I’ve seen in a very long time. Compared to the previous one, this is a palace.”
“Not quite,” Jackson smiled, as he stepped onto the front porch. “My mate built it in anticipation of finding his fated mate. The first time I saw it, my reaction was very similar to yours. Hi, I’m Jackson, Alpha of the Blackwood Pack.” Shifting his gaze, he added, “Lucius, good to see you again. I’ve been expecting you.”
“How did you know I was coming here?” asked Lucius, clearly confused.
“Brady’s letter,” Jackson replied. “After you opened it, I received a message from Brady, letting me know you’d be arriving shortly. I intended to be out here before you arrived, but was detained by my son who thought it was funny if he hid to avoid bedtime.”
Lucius’ eyes brightened at the mention of his mate. “Is Brady…is he coming back soon?”
“He’s fine,” Jackson said softly, seeking to comfort the vampire. “It shouldn’t be too much longer before he’s back with you.”
