Blinking his eyes quickly, Lucius fought back the tears of relief at the news. He missed Brady terribly, more than he ever thought he would, and all he wanted was to feel his arms around him again. The comfort he got from that simple act always chased away the memories of his previous life.
Sensing the power the older vampire had, Jackson looked at Brady’s friend, briefly wondering if his Alpha power would affect him. “You must be Vasile…Brady mentioned you would be accompanying Lucius.”
Lowering his head as a sign of respect, Vasile said, “Thank you for helping Brady and Lucius.”
Jackson descended the steps, stopping in front of his visitors, then his eyes settled on Vasile again, noting the kindness there. “I can say the same to you. I know how much it means to Brady that his mate is protected while he’s away. Are you…”
Interrupting, Lucius asked, “What happened to your power?”
“Shh,trayhor…” Vasile murmured, his eyes watching the Alpha’s reaction to what could be viewed as a very rude question.
Grinning, Jackson waved his hand. “I still have it but I’m practicing how to conceal it…but hey, thanks, I wasn’t sure if it was working, but you answered that question for me.”
“Cool,” Lucius said. “I’m glad you still have it ‘cause…”
A furrow appeared briefly between Jackson’s eyes before his forehead relaxed. “Hey…nothing to worry about…Zane isn’t here so nothing’s gonna happen…but just in case, I got your back if you need me…okay?” After seeing Lucius nod, he continued, “I’ve given you the bedroom next to mine…is that all right?”
“Thank you…” Lucius replied, pausing. Then glancing sideways at Vasile, he asked quietly, “Will I see you again?”
Exchanging glances with Jackson, Vasile said, “Of course…don’t forget you promised to invite me to dinner. But for now, I plan to stay here with you until Brady returns…if it’s all right with the Alpha.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Jackson said, giving Vasile a warm smile.
Chapter 32
Smokey refused to get his hopes up. His mates were only trying to make him feel better, especially since neither of them really understood what his powers could do. That meant he couldn’t gloss over his abilities; he had to reveal exactly what they were capable of doing so his mates could make an informed decision. Smokey just wished that when they finally found out, there’d be a different ending than the one he feared.
Smokey used his hands on Theo’s shoulders to gently push him down until he was sitting. He needed some distance. Then looking at his two mates, Smokey said, “There’s more you should know before making up your minds about me.” He smiled wanly at the protestation that fell from Theo’s lips, but as much as he wanted to believe the outcome would be positive, he couldn’t allow himself that luxury. A lifetime of concealing his true identity had left its indelible mark on him—one he hadn’t been able to shake since he’d overheard his father and grandfather talking about him. Even to this day, the pain in his father’s voice was still as clear in his mind as it was that day long ago.
“What will happen when others find out about him? He’s safe now but we can’t keep him here forever.”
I don’t know,” his grandfather sighed. “All we can do is make sure he has the tools to deal with what the future brings.”
“That’s not good enough,” his father protested. “Once the world finds out about him, my son will be hunted by those who seek to use him for their own gain…and the rest will shun him because they will view him as a freak.”
“He’s not a freak! The Great Spirit chose my grandson for a reason.”
“Yes…and what is it? So far, the only thing it has done is to put my son in danger by the very people he was meant to protect!”
“We have to trust that the Great Spirit knows what he is doing,” his grandfather said, resolutely.
Shortly after that conversation, his grandfather had him promise to tell no one who he was and, more importantly, what his powers were. Looking back, Smokey realized that was the moment his life took a dark turn. Guilt became his persistent companion as he realized the cost his parents had paid because of him; he began to begrudge what the Great Spirit had done to him and his family. So much so, he’d avoid his grandfather’s lessons by often sneaking out of his bedroom window before the sun rose and spending the day hiding in the mountains until dinner time.
His streak of rebellion ended after his mother gave him an ultimatum: Smokey would do his lessons each day or he would no longer be allowed to spend time with his friend. It took him less than a second to make his choice—he would not give up Kevin. So day after day, he dutifully attended his grandfather’s lessons and did whatever was required of him, but his heart was no longer in it. The desire to escape the yoke that had been placed around his neck at birth only grew stronger each year.
When his grandfather died, Smokey mourned him but was also relieved that there would be no more lessons to remind him daily about the freak he thought he was. As the months passed, his life settled into a new routine and he was able to enjoy the freedom and good times he was having with Kevin—which ended all too soon when his parents died unexpectedly.
Without any hesitation, Elen and Harte took him in, consoling a grieving boy who was now alone in the world. Smokey owed them so much, not only for the home they gave him, but for the guidance he received, helping him navigate an uncertain future. With their love, Smokey not only survived but thrived in his new normal. Proof of it was sitting in front of him now. Two gorgeous mates, given to him to love and protect for the rest of their lives together. But before that could become a reality, Smokey owed them the truth about his abilities as Lord Manetu, which he now hesitantly began to reveal.
“The world is filled with many different spirits, but the most common are good and evil. There are more good spirits than evil ones, but evil is like a cancer; its mission is to destroy good and expand its hold in our world,” Smokey explained. “A Manetu is the fountainhead of good spirits. The Great Spirit created Manetus to generate enough good spirits to assure that evil cannot grow unchecked. That’s how my spirit magic controls or balances our world, making sure it will continue to survive.”
“Ohhh, so that’s why your mother’s tribe would be doomed if there wasn’t another Manetu to take your place,” Theo exclaimed.
Nodding, Smokey replied, “Exactly. Without me to control the evil spirits, they would easily wreak havoc on the tribe, making them all miserable.”
“Stupid assholes!” Norm muttered.
“Eagle Feather is right,” Theo said, frowning. “The group who planned on killing you may end up destroying themselves, very dumb if you ask me.”
