Chapter 10
Oracle hesitated and then, looking Jackson in the eye, said, “You, as an Alpha/Omega hybrid, have the ability to bear children. That is why the Fates have chosen you to be Steel’s mate.”
Jackson was flummoxed!What, I can have children? No, that can’t be! She is wrong, oh so very wrong!Then a hopeful thought entered his mind—a picture of his own pups, frolicking around his feet with Steel’s dark straight hair and melted chocolate brown eyes. And then it hit all at once—the need, the desire and the absolute rightness of his mating with Steel.My own family!Something he never imagined he’d ever have—at least not since he realized he preferred men. Why didn’t his mother tell him? She knew he always wanted kids.
“Why didn’t my mother or father tell me this?” he asked. “They must have known.”
“No, Jackson, neither your mother nor father knew you would be able to bear children. This would only surface after you found your mate.”
Jackson’s mind was spinning. This was unbelievable! He wanted it to be true—much to his own surprise—but it just couldn’t be; he’d never heard of this happening before. Dammit! He was an Alpha and they didn’t bow to any wolves.
But then he remembered his wolf bowing in submission to Steel’s wolf and his wolf had never done that before. So, did he trust his wolf in this matter? Humph, well, his wolf didn’t seem inclined to object to the news they could get pregnant. No, his wolf was busily cleaning himself as if he were getting ready for a date.Great, well, then it is up to me to figure this out.
Jackson sat there, trying to get his thoughts in order. First, did he believe this to be true? His heart and wolf were telling him yes—his mind might need more convincing. Second, why him—and if he was special, could the rest of his brothers also have children?Whoa, that won’t go over well with some of my brothers.
Third, does Steel know this and, if so, what does he think? Does he even want kids? Jackson knew he couldn’t bring a child into this world unless both parents could love it, no matter what the child turned out to be. The damage his father tried to inflict on him wasnotgoing to happen to any child of his. Fourth…
“Jackson, I am sure you have questions I can answer so please ask them. I can hear the wheels turning a mile a minute over there,” Oracle said with a kind, gentle smile.
Oracle startled him out of his deep thoughts but he realized if she had some answers to his questions, it would help him sort this out faster. “You said I was a hybrid, are my brothers also hybrids? All of them or just some of them and, if some, which ones?”
“Only your story is being written right now. Each of your brothers will have to wait to see what the Fates have in store for them. I can’t give you any other answer than that.”
“Does Steel know about my ability to have children?”
“Yes, he does.”
“Does he want them?”
“I think it best if you ask him that question.”
“Mystia said I had a choice as to whether I wanted to mate with Steel. I have scented him and, as I understand it, if I don’t claim him, then I will be in intense pain. So, if I choose not to mate, how do I get rid of the pain?”
Oracle bowed her head; tears filled her eyes and, as one slowly made its way down her cheek, she paused for a minute before answering, “Steel will die so you will be free of the pain.”
“What??? NO FUCKING WAY!!!” Jackson roared, quickly standing as he looked around to see who would threaten his mate. His wolf stopped grooming and was now standing with his hackles up, growling and snarling. Jackson’s heart was pounding so fast, he thought it would explode!
An intense pain of sorrow swept through his body and he wailed “Nonononooo” as tears ran down his face. He could never sentence Steel to death by refusing to mate with him—he would sooner die than cause his mate harm. As he watched his tears fall to the floor, he realized his choice was made. And just like that, his mind cleared, his wolf stood down and Jackson knew he would claim Steel—the sooner, the better.
He sat down; calmed now by what he knew he was going to do but he’d have to disclose the danger his pack was in and, by association, Steel.
“I do want to claim Steel as my mate,” he said strongly, “and I’m really very happy with the gift the Fates have given me. I love children and have always wanted them but never felt that dream would come true. To find out it can happen is truly amazing. My brothers will be surprised but happy also.”
Then, in a more serious tone, he said, “I must tell you, though, about the danger my pack faces. That’s the reason I never said a word to Steel when I first met him. I could not and would not put him in danger if I could prevent it.”
Oracle gazed at Jackson, her eyes still moist with tears. “I’m aware of the danger your pack is in; however, I havenot told Steel. But he has sensed it and has told me so. Talk to him about it, let him make his own decision as he has let you make yours,” she said, reaching out for Jackson’s hand. “But I can assure you on behalf of my husband and myself—and I believe Steel as well—that the Blackwood Pack will enjoy our full protection from now on. Do you have any more questions or would you like me to send Steel in?”
Jackson stood, still holding Oracle’s hand, and drew her up. As she rose, Oracle pulled him into her arms, hugged him, and whispered in his ear, “Welcome to the family.”
Momentarily taken aback, he returned the hug, with a fervent, “Thank you.”
Jackson stepped back. “Would you give me a few minutes first before you send Steel in?”
“Of course,” she smiled.
Oracle left the room and Jackson moved over to his desk, sitting down heavily.Oh, my gods!His mind was in complete disarray.A mate who is a Dire Wolf…unfuckingbeleivable! The extinct is alive again! What a mind blower! That alone is mind-boggling, but no—it’s even crazier because a Dire Wolf is my fated mate, picked by the Fates to be exactly who I need. He had to do some research about Dire Wolves so he’d be able to help and protect his mate.
Those thoughts led Jackson to his other discovery this afternoon—children!I can have children!!! How can I be so accepting of this bomb dropped in my lap?Even as he questioned Oracle, he knew she was telling him the truth about his ability to have pups.
