“Of course I have, “Jackson growled. “It’s a risk I have to take if the Fates’ plan will ever work, because not only do I have to trust Cain, but so do the pack members who’ll be working with him to end the threat facing our world. And that won’t happen if they judge him by his past record.
“After speaking with him, I agree with Oracle…Cain has good in him, but he’s been forced to ignore it in order to survive in a world that was cruel to him. I have the opportunity to give him a new beginning—one that includes a home—and I believe he wants that more than anything else.”
“I would too, if I were facing what he is.” Steel said, dryly.
“You’re cynical,” Jackson snapped.
“No, I’m a realist.”
Sighing, Jackson said, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, babe,” Steel murmured. “The Fates have put you in a very tough position…I’m just playing devil’s advocate. No matter what you decide, I’ll support you, as always.”
“That means a lot,” Jackson replied. “So…any suggestions about what to say to Cody, Dylon, and Slate? I can’t ignore that they captured Cain at the shifter auction, but I want them to give him a fair chance.”
“Have Remy wipe their memories,” Steel said, grinning.
Laughing, Jackson shook his head. “That’s a big no.”
“Then how about this: Start your discussion with them about the problem we’re facing with some unsavory humans and their growing involvement with our world. Then tell them we’re not on our own to solve this because the Fates are sending us a human who will go undercover to get the information we need to bring down the operation.”
“That’s good…really good, but what do I say about Cain?” asked Jackson.
“Tell them the truth…he comes with the Fates’ stamp of approval because of his previous association with members of the criminal group involved. Then you can bring up Cain attending Arald’s auction and his subsequent arrest. Finally explain that you want them to give you their word not to tell anyone else about Cain’s previous attempt to buy shifters. All of that’s true so you won’t be lying to them, but…”
“I’m just not telling them everything,” Jackson finished.
“Well, I look at it more like ‘a need to know’ basis until you decide otherwise,” Steel replied.
Nodding, Jackson agreed with his mate’s suggestions, but he was walking a very fine line. He hoped Cain wouldn’t give him a reason to regret it.
Chapter 40
Reeve parked in the safe house garage and climbed out of the SUV. Thinking about the unexpected arrival of Josiah’s oldest son, he whistled a nameless tune while tossing his keys in the air. He was feeling good. It was more than a happy coincidence that Tristan showed up, right when Reeve was out of options. And he was sure the Great Spirit had something to do with it.
Entering through the back door, his senses were immediately assaulted with delicious aromas, reminding him it had been a long time since lunch. After taking a quick peek in the oven, Reeve’s mouth watered at the roast he saw.Yup…things are definitely looking up.But as good as everything looked, he needed his mate more. Following the voices he heard, Reeve walkedinto the living room, stopping abruptly when he scented the presence of an unknown shifter.
A low growl behind him slithered down Kahn’s back to his cock, hardening it instantly. Snapping his head around, he grinned at his mate, his eyes traveling down until they found Reeve’s bulge. Smiling, he reached out and took hold of his mate’s hand, pulling him next to him. “Mom, Patty, meet my mate, Reeve Nicolet.”
“Oh my, Elenor never mentioned you had a mate,” Patty said. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks. I just found out today,” Kahn replied.
“Nice to meet you, Patty,” Reeve said.
“Reeve, I’m so pleased for you and Kahn,” Elenor smiled, before giving him a quick hug.
Touched by the woman’s kindness—considering his unpleasant involvement with her husband’s death—Reeve murmured, “Thank you, I promise I’ll always do right by your son.”
“I have no doubt,” Eleanor replied. “You’re a good man and my son is lucky the Fates gave you to him.”
“Sorry to disagree, but I’m the lucky one,” Reeve said, smiling tenderly at his mate.
Heat flooded Kahn’s cheeks at the love he found in his mate’s face. No one—not even his long-time college boyfriend—had ever looked at him like that. With just one look, Reeve made him feel cherished and important, and suddenly Kahn was ready for his mate to claim him.
“Kahn?”
Bending down, Reeve whispered in his mate’s ear, “Pay attention,cariño…”
