Thinking for a moment, Dakota said, “That’s why he didn’t want to put Max down…he was afraid.”
“Yes…as long as Max was in his arms, he could protect him…keep him safe from all the imagined harm he felt could befall him.”
“But that’s impossible…he can’t be with Max every moment of the day…and besides, even if he could, that isn’t good for our son to be so protected he can’t learn how to make decisions on his own. Learning is part of childhood.”
“I finally figured that out, babe,” Slate said, suddenly appearing in the kitchen doorway. “After your mother and mine read me the riot act about my behavior.”
Staring at his mate, Dakota was stunned when he realized his son wasn’t with Slate. “Where’s Max?”
Walking slowly into the kitchen, Slate stopped in front of his mate. “He’s with your mother for the morning and then my mother is taking care of him this afternoon. And I was told I could not return until after dinner.”
Steel rose and offered his seat to his brother. “As usual, mothers are lifesavers…in more ways than one.” Shifting his gaze to Dakota, he added, “I’ll take care of the meals today. You go and have that talk with my stupid brother.”
“Hey, I’m not stupid…maybe a little misguided…but not stupid.”
“As I said…that remains to be seen. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes and expect to see both of you gone.” Grinning, Steel walked out of the kitchen, deciding to spend some time with his mate before tackling the breakfast routine.
Chapter 19
After booting up his computer, Jackson glanced out the window at the early morning light before turning back to his screen. Opening his email program, he scanned the list of new arrivals, finally finding the one he’d hoped would be there. He clicked on it and, when it opened, studied the information Zane had sent him about Heath Morrison, Tristan’s mate. “Fucking perfect!”
Sticking his head in the open door, Logan asked, “What’s got you so excited this morning?”
Looking up at the sound of his twin’s voice, Jackson grinned. “What the hell are you doing up so early?”
“Uh-uh, I asked you first.” Sauntering in, Logan claimed a chair in front of his brother’s desk.
“So we’re pretending to be twelve-year-olds this morning?”
“Nope…it’s just you sounded happy, and now that Josiah’s out of the picture, I realized how much I missed that about you. Now tell me…what’s so ‘fucking perfect’ as you put it?”
“Heath Morrison…our cousin’s mate. His father is the top Alpha of all the English wolves and he would make an ideal ally for the Blackwood Pack, especially since we’re already allied with the Scottish wolves.”
Shrugging, Logan said, “Makes sense…but why are you looking for allies?”
“I’ll explain in a minute, but first, tell me why you’re here and not in bed with your mate.”
“Kieran and I have to go to Scotland right away and I need your help in getting us there as quickly as possible.”
“Oo…okay,” Jackson said, chuckling and shaking his head. “Good try…but I’m not buying it.”
“No, it’s true. Kieran promised Brian and Reif he’d be there when their eggs were ready to hatch and it appears now’s the time.”
“Oh shit…you’renotkidding.”
“Nope…trust me. Kieran was nearly in tears thinking he wouldn’t get there in time to greet the new Nessies.”
“Nessies…I don’t know if the world can handle more Nessies,” Jackson muttered, frowning.
Surprised at Jackson’s reaction, Logan studied his twin before asking, “What’s going on? Does it have to do with you needing allies?”
Leaning back in his chair, Jackson paused for a moment before explaining about the incursion of humans and the threat they posed to the paranormal world. “Dylon’s done some research and it’s a bigger problem than I originally thought. Even with the help of Cain, it’s more than our pack can handle, even with all of our gifts. That’s why I’m looking for allies…packs I can trust to stand with us. Your trip to Scotland gives me the perfect opportunity to reach out to Heath’s father and get a feeling for what kind of man he is.”
“So you want me to see him while we’re there?”
“Yes…but I also want Kieran to be with you because he’ll know if there’s hatred in Morrison.”
“And if there is?”
