“You’re worried about Max,” Jackson said.
“Yeah, I am,” Slate murmured, looking down at his big hands. “He’s so tiny and fragile. One swipe of a paw could kill him.” Then, looking at Jackson he asked, “What if I fail him? What if I don’t…”
“Stop right there,” Jackson said. “Every parent plays the ‘what if’ game but it’s an exercise in futility. No matter how hard you try to protect Max from harm, you’ll never be able to do it a hundred percent of the time. And while you are trying to do that, you’ll miss all the important moments in your son’s life.”
“Dakota said the same thing,” Slate muttered.
“Listen to your mate, brother,” Steel replied, grinning. “I always do with my mate.”
Snorting, Jackson shook his head. “Now that’s a bunch of bullshit.”
“Jackie’s right,” Cody said, smirking at Steel. “Have you forgotten the time when…”
“We aren’t talking about me right now,” Steel said, stopping Cody from reminding him of times he’d rather forget.
Jackson’s smile faded as he grew serious. “Max is tiny right now, but he’s going to grow—and fast. And before you know it, he’ll be shifting and playing with the rest of the pups. Don’t let your fear of what might happen in the future keep you from enjoying the present with your son.”
Steel rose and walked around Jackson’s desk to his brother. Leaning down until they were face to face, he said, “Max is lucky to have you as his father.”
“That remains to be seen,” Slate replied, the corner of his lips lifting.
“Nope…I know it because remember, your big brother is always right,” Steel murmured, pulling Slate into a tight hug. “You’re going to be a great father.”
“Thanks,” Slate murmured.
Letting go of his brother, Steel grinned at Slate. “Remember, even if you do fuck up, our father will never let anything happen to his namesake. So stop worrying.”
“Gee, thanks…that makes me feel so much better,” Slate said wryly, before punching his brother’s arm.
“Ouch!” Steel exclaimed, rubbing the spot as he looked at Jackson. “Are you going to let him get away with that?”
Chuckling, Jackson said, “Sit down, both of you.” Then, he added, “Max has a slew of protectors in the pack, so I can’t think of a safer place for him to grow up in than here.”
Sighing, Slate replied. “You’re right…sorry for…”
“No apology necessary,” Jackson replied. “Now, what about Cain? Will you treat him the same as you do every other pack member?”
“I’ll try,” Slate replied. “But I have one request…can his bedroom be in a different wing?”
“Done,” Jackson said. “But remember this…the success of the mission the Fates have given us depends on trust among all of us…and that includes Cain. There may be a time when Dakota’s abilities are needed and if you harbor reservations about Cain, Dakota will know it.”
“I understand,” Slate murmured. “I won’t put my mate in danger, even if it means accepting a human into the pack.”
Chapter 2
Shaking his head, Tristan said, “My mother always knew when something was wrong too.”
“It’s a superpower they have,” Pete chuckled. “Your mother never could hide anything from your grandmother and it used to piss her off something awful.”
“Pete! Watch your language!” Kathy scolded.
“Grandma, I’m not a child, anymore,” Tristan said, grinning. “I’ve heard much worse.”
“I’m sure you have but at my table, we don’t use that kind of language…as your grandfather well knows,” Kathy replied, giving her husband an admonishing look before turning back to her grandson.
Well here goes nothing.“Last night, when I was in the office, a man walked in and claimed to be my mate.”
Kathy’s eyebrows shot up, and a broad smile creased her face. “Tristan, how wonderful! Who is he? Do we know him?”
