“What if I’m not at fault?”
“Then the other person would be punished.”
“Even if he’s a shifter?”
“Of course…my rules apply to every pack member…no one’s exempt.”
“You said I have to contribute, what does that mean?”
“Each member has a job in addition to regular chores. Since you enjoy working with plants, I’ll assign you to help Theo. He’s just started a garden and could use some help.”
Everything Cain had heard so far wasn’t even close to what the guys who sent him to the auction told him about wolf shifters. If only a fraction of what Jackson said was true, then Oracle was right—he was one lucky fucker. But that was the catch. All he had to go on was Jackson’s word. “What if I get there and decide it’s not for me?”
“You will be sent back here,” Jackson said. “Cain, you always have a choice. That’s a simple fact of life. But when you give the power of choice to other people, that’s when bad shit can happen…like when you tried to buy shifters. I doubt it was your idea, so that means someone made that decision for you, and I suspect it wasn’t the first time it happened.”
“I don’t have much of a choice right now, do I? I either agree to go to your pack or face death…that is, if I’m lucky according to Oracle.”
“Digging yourself out of the shithole you’re in won’t be easy, but if you’re successful, the reward will be worth it—a new life, free of the past to weigh you down. The choice is yours. Are you willing to take the chance the Fates have given you?”
Cain looked down at the floor in an effort to avert his eyes from Jackson, who’d seen through his bullshit. During his time in foster homes, he’d learned it was always better if someone else made decisions since they’d be punished more severely ifcaught. The trouble was that he’d continued that behavior into adulthood.Look where that got me…paying for someone else’s decision.Raising his eyes until they met Jackson’s, Cain said, “I’m not sure I know how to do that…make my own choices, I mean.”
“You did when you agreed to see me,” Jackson replied.
“Yeah…but I really didn’t have a choice, did I?”
“You keep saying that, but you’re wrong. You decided by yourself to take a step that could have life altering consequences for you. Was it hard? Sure. But the more choices you make on your own in life, the easier it becomes.”
“I guess,” Cain muttered, doubtfully. Then, remembering one of Jackson’s questions, he asked, “What’s with the question about kids?”
“My pack also has members who are children. Right now, there are seven who are wolf shifters—we call them pups—and three who are magic users…you’d call them witches or warlocks. Children are protected above everyone else in a Wolf pack, but you will not be obligated to put your life on the line for them. However, you should know if you hurt one of them, you won’t have to worry about your future anymore because I’ll have you executed. Understand?”
Cain’s eyes grew round. “Can they turn me into a frog…the kids with magic?”
“No, they’re too young. Just a word of warning however, their brother is the most powerful witch in our world and, if you harm one of his brothers, you’ll wish that all he does is turn you into a frog…at least then you’ll be alive. Have I made myself clear about what will happen if you harm one of the children in my pack?”
“Clear as glass. I don’t want to be a frog.”
“Any other questions?” asked Jackson, chuckling.
“I don’t think so…” Cain muttered. “But what if…”
“Let me put it this way…if you have doubts about whether you should or shouldn’t do something, come see me first.”
“Okay…I can do that.”
“Good. After everything I’ve told you, it’s time for you to make a choice…do you want to join my pack or not?”
Startled, Cain thought it was a trick question. Oracle told him Jackson would decide his fate but now it appeared it was up to him. Shaking his head slightly, he said, “It’s not up to me.”
“Itisup to you Cain. In order for us to work together, you have to be a willing partner and that can’t happen if I treat you as if you have no rights. I need to know that you, yourself, choose this opportunity to gain your life back and get rid of all the baggage you’re currently saddled with.”
“Does this mean you’ve decided I can join your pack?”
“No, it means I need to know if youwantto join my pack, because if your answer is no, then the matter is closed and there’s no decision I have to make.”
“And if I say yes? Then what happens?”
“Then I go back to my pack and think over our conversation and talk to my mate before I decide. When I do, I’ll tell Oracle and she’ll handle the rest.”
