“My brother did that?” asked Steel incredulously.
“Uh huh…until Dakota made him stop,” Jackson said, chuckling. “Anyway, my brother enlisted the aid of Mac to help convince Slate that it’s actually good for Max to sleep alone.”
“Did it work?”
“Nope, not at all, but then Mac told Slate if he refused to follow doctor’s orders, he’d be banned from his mate’s room and…since Maxwell is sleeping in Dakota’s room…”
“Oh…sneaky…I like that.”
“When Slate complained, Dakota made him promise to toss every baby book he bought and pointed out if he had any questions, there were numerous resources in the pack he couldconsult with—like Hope and Oracle. Speaking of daddy duties, do you know where Danny is?”
“With my father.”
“Uh huh…well, your father took him to see Max, and Danny has now taken up guard duty. No one can enter Dakota’s room without first getting the okay from our son.”
“Dad allowed him to do this?” Steel asked.
“I don’t think he had a choice. Danny refused to leave and your father didn’t think it was a good idea to force him.”
“You’re okay with this?” asked Steel frowning.
“Honestly…no. While I understand what Maximus told us, I still think Danny’s too young to be acting as an enforcer. Playtime is important to a child because it helps to develop their social skills. Plus, have you thought of what might happen if Danny fails to protect one of us? It’s hard enough for an adult to handle the emotions that come with failure, but he’s just a pup and it might be too much for him to handle.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Steel muttered.
“Well, I have, and I’ve decided to limit the time Danny can stay in his wolf form. I spoke to my mother and she told me that stage doesn’t last long.”
“Did she have any suggestions?” asked Steel.
“She said to be patient,” Jackson replied, “but I don’t think I can…it’s too risky for Danny, so I decided to take your father’s advice. When I return, Danny’s and my wolf are going for a run where I’ll set out the rules our son must follow. First and foremost is when he’s allowed to shift.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Steel asked.
“No, I’m not…but I have to start somewhere. Danny has to learn to control his wolf and along with it, his Alpha Power…young as he is.”
“Do you think I should come along?”
“I considered it, but decided against it since this won’t be a family outing. I’ll be going as his Alpha. Besides, he has you wrapped around his little finger.”
“No, he doesn’t!”
“Uh…yes he does. All he has to do is look at you with sad eyes and you fold like a house of cards,” Jackson said chuckling. “I can hear it now…‘papa, daddy’s being mean’. ‘Don’t worry son, I’ll speak to him…in the meantime, go ahead and shift.’ Come on…admit it. Our son has your number.”
Overhearing the end of the conversation as she entered Jackson’s study, Oracle couldn’t suppress a smile. “Steel and Slate certainly had Maximus’s number…like father, like son.” She laughed. Then looking at Jackson with a playful twinkle in her eye, she asked, “Are you ready to go to prison, dear? Mystia is here.”
Chapter 35
“Frank, good to see you again,” Jackson said, shaking his hand.
“You, too. How are my grandpups doing?”
“Good…Jessica has a crush on Eamon but I don’t think it’s mutual. As for Jake, he’s having fun chasing after Daniel.”
“A crush? I knew she was going to be one to watch,” Frank said, chuckling.
“Dylon said you might be visiting soon?”
“Actually, Lizzy and I plan to move out there so we’re closer to the grandpups.”
