“What about your job here?” asked Jackson.
“I’ll keep it for now, but I’m reducing my workload to allow me to work from our new home in California and I’ll only have to commute for Council meetings,” Frank replied.
“I know Dylon and Cody will be happy to hear…” Jackson started to say.
“We haven’t told them yet… Lizzy wants it to be a surprise, and I wanted to wait until everything was settled with Josiah. We’ve sold our house already, so right now Lizzy is at the house packing up because the movers will be coming next week.”
“Have you bought another place yet?” asked Oracle.
“No, everything will be in storage until we decide on whether to build a new house or buy an existing one. I’m in favor of starting from scratch so Lizzy can have everything she’s always wanted, but it’ll depend on finding the right piece of land,” Frank said.
“Lizzy will be happy no matter where you two live,” Oracle smiled.
“I know. She never complained during all our years of moving and making do with whatever house we could find. Now it’s time to give her a home that has everything she’s always wanted…her dream home,” smiled Frank. Then, changing the subject, he frowned as he said, “I understand you want to speak to one of my prisoners.”
“Cain Foster,” Jackson replied.
“Then youaregoing ahead with this hare-brained scheme,” Frank growled, “and there’s no way I can persuade you to do otherwise? The man’s a menace to our world and could be a real danger to the young pups in your pack.”
“I can assure you no decision has been made,” Jackson said, calmly. “But whatever it is, it will be made by me alone.”
Feeling Jackson’s Alpha Power once again, Frank tilted his head in acknowledgment. “Sorry,” he mumbled, “no disrespect meant.”
“I know that,” Jackson said, pulling back his power, “and your concern regarding the safety of the youngsters in my pack is noted. It is one of the reasons I requested to speak with Mr. Foster before consenting to the Fates’ request. Be assured, though, whatever decision I reach will certainly take into consideration the safety of every member in my pack.”
Nodding, Frank said, “That’s all I ask for.” Then turning to Oracle, he continued, “As you requested, Foster is not shackled, nor is the camera on.”
“Also no audio, right?” Oracle asked.
“Correct. Jackson will have complete privacy when he’s in with him.”
Nodding, Oracle asked Jackson, “Would you prefer to speak to Cain alone or with me present?”
“Alone.”
Frank spoke up. “I feel I must warn you that if Foster attacks you, I’ll have no way of knowing.”
“I understand,” Jackson replied. “Now, if you’ll please show me to his cell…”
~/~/~/~/~
After getting into the SUV, Reeve checked his phone, grinning at the photo Heath sent him. Rudy and his cohorts were aboard the plane, shackled and chained to the bulkhead. The conspicuous absence of Josiah did not, in the least, make Reeve feel that he’d failed somehow by not capturing the Alpha alive. In fact, it had avoided a long and contentious trial and he knew justice had been done—Smokey had meted out exactly the sentence Josiah deserved. Before starting his car, he hit the button on his phone to speak with Heath.
“Hey, did you like your present?” asked Heath, answering the call.
“Which one?” asked Reeve.
“Uhh…the photo. Shit! Did you also finally tell him? Did he kick your ass for not telling him sooner? What did he say?”
“I assume you are referring to my mate, who by the way, was quite happy to find out about us.”
“No shit! He wasn’t mad you kept it a secret? You live a charmed life, my friend. My brother had to get down on his knees and beg his mate for forgiveness when he fucked up,” Heath said.
“I’m fuckin’ lucky, that’s for sure,” Reeve said, smiling. “We haven’t claimed each other yet…mainly because he’s dealing with his family and what to do with Josiah’s remains. I’m on my way to the pack right now, but he agreed to stay at the safe house for another couple of days. By that time, I hope to have my report done and turned over to the High Council.”
“Was I right?”
“About what?”
