“Of course, it was just the seven of us older kids and we had a secret clubhouse and everything. We passed coded messages at the dinner table and even developed a secret language so no one would know what we said,” explained Jackson.
Steel stood up, gently pulling out of Jackson. He tucked his cock back in his jeans, watching Jackson carefully do the same, taking care to make sure no cum dripped on them. When Jackson saw Steel smirking at him, he frowned, “What?”
“Afraid your brothers will smell your cum?” Steel asked, smiling.
“No, not my brothers, but I certainly don’t want your parents to smell it and then have to look them in the eye as we sit down to dinner,” Jackson retorted, watching Steel blanch.
Steel took his mate’s hand, leading him to the car door. “Do you feel better now? Are you ready to meet your brothers as a mated wolf?”
Jackson nodded, getting into the car. Leaning over to buckle his mate in, Steel kissed Jackson’s jaw, licking down to his mating bite which he nipped gently. Jackson shivered from the after effects of the action and a smiling Steel rounded the car, got in and started the engine. Linking his hand with Jackson’s, he pulled onto the road and headed for his parents and new brothers.
Jackson was amazed again that Steel knew what he needed even when he didn’t. That hard pounding fuck settled his nerves and gave him the peace he needed before facing his brothers. A whirlwind of thoughts swirled through his mind as he tried to figure out how to tell his brothers the impossible had happened: he was pregnant.
Part of his uneasiness came from the uncertainty of how his brothers would now view him…will they think I’m not Alpha enough to lead the Blackwood Pack? Will they view me as an oddity with no right to be around them?He really didn’t think so, but one never knew how someone would react when faced with something out of the norm.
And I am so far out of the norm, it’s not even funny. Unconsciously, Jackson’s hand cradled his belly in a protective manner; he hoped his brothers would welcome his pup with the joy he and his mate felt.
Steel heard his mate’s thoughts though he was sure Jackson wasn’t aware of it. But they confirmed he was right about what was bothering his mate and that’s why he’d decided to stop and give Jackson something else to focus on. It worked because Jackson, while still concerned about his brothers’ reactions, was now much calmer.
He just hoped they’d accept what he was and even show joy at the coming addition to the family. Gods help themif they rejected Jackson or viewed him as less than the wonderful Alpha he was. If that happened, Steel knew he wouldn’t hurt any of them but it didn’t mean he’d ever forgive them.
Jumping a little bit, Jackson realized Steel was turning onto the road leading home.Shit, it was going to get real, very fast.He hoped Mystia would still be there to help him answer his brothers’ questions about what it meant to the pack. Driving up, Jackson could see his brothers, Mystia, and Steel’s parents on the front porch waiting to greet them.
Chapter 16
Stopping in front of the porch, Steel turned off the engine. He looked at his mate, who was nervously biting his lip. Reaching over and grasping Jackson’s hand, he brought it up to his mouth, kissing it softly. “Remember, I’m here by your side and my parents and Mystia will help by answering any questions and smoothing the way with your brothers. It’ll be all right.”
“I know,” Jackson said, “let’s just get this over with so we can move on.”
“Stay there,” commanded Steel, leaning over to give Jackson a kiss on his cheek. Leaving the car and walking around to his mate’s side, he opened Jackson’s door, and helped him out. Heading for the house, Steel saw several brothers looking at them with narrowed eyes, not at all happy with what they saw. He wrapped his arm around Jackson’s waist to support and comfort him.
Logan bounded down the steps, smiling, holding out his arms to hug Jackson. Steel could feel his mate’s relief at the warm welcome he was getting from his twin and, as he caught his mother’s eye, he knew she’d already told Logan about Jackson. So at least he had one ally and Steel could only hope the other brothers were as open to the news as Logan seemed to be.
His twin’s unexpected welcome surprised Jackson and as Logan held him tight, he heard him whisper, “Oracle told me everything. I’m so happy for you and the pup-to-be. You can count on my support with our brothers.” Tears filling his eyes, Jackson murmured, “Thanks, Logan. You always have my back and your support means more than you’ll ever know.” Slowly pulling apart, the twins gazed at each other with love in their eyes.
Logan turned to Steel. “Welcome to the family!” Steel reached out to shake his hand but Logan used it to pull him into a hug, whispering into his new brother-in-law’s ear, “Congratulations on the mating and the baby but if you ever hurt my brother, there will be no place on this earth you’ll be able to hide.”
Steel smiled, whispering back, “Duly noted.” When they separated, Steel’s arm went back around Jackson, leading him up the steps with Logan following.
Stepping onto the porch, Mystia engulfed Jackson in her arms, squeezing him close to her, “Congratulations on your mating,mon petit loulou.How are you feeling?”
Jackson felt himself blushing but smiling shyly at Mystia, he said, “I feel great but a bit tired.”
Oracle clucked a “tsk” sound before saying, “Why don’t we get everybody inside—I think Dakota has dinner ready.”
Jackson laughed as Zane, hearing her comment, rushed past him and made a beeline to the dining room. “According to Zane, he’s a ‘growing’ boy who needs lots of food. Best if we all stand out of his way in situations like this,” he cautioned. As the rest of the brothers filed in, Steel’s mother and father approached the new mates. Oracle spoke first. “Congratulations to both of you on your mating. I am so happy you found each other. May your life be joyful and blessed with children, as they provide the purpose for everything in life.” She reached out to Steel, hugging him close, kissing his cheek.
Then turning to Jackson, she said, “You are a very special person—not only because the Fates bestowed a gift on you but because you are able to put love in my son’s heart, a sparkle in his eyes, and a purpose to his life. I promise you this, I will be whatever or wherever you need me to be and more important, the protector of youand your mate, your children, and your brothers. Welcome to our family.” By this time, Jackson was in tears. He pulled Oracle to him, hugging her tightly and in a broken voice said, “Thank you so much for everything.”
Oracle stepped back and Maximus gave Steel a one-armed hug along with several thumps on his back, “Congratulations son, I’m proud of you.” Then, extending his hand to shake Jackson’s, Maximus said warmly, “Welcome to the family, son. If you ever need anything, just ask. It would be a privilege to help another Alpha.”
Jackson was an emotional mess; his breath hitched, trying to stop his tears.Crap, I’ve never been this emotional before—is it the pregnancy or all the words of support that are helping to erase some of my fears?
Steel gathered him in his arms, drenching Jackson in his scent, and he could feel his mate relax and calm down. When the tears stopped, Steel licked off the remaining wetness on Jackson’s face before bending down to give his mate a gentle kiss. Then, he asked, “Are you okay now?”
Embarrassed at his show of emotion, Jackson ducked his head into Steel’s neck, mumbling, “I’m fine. Let’s go in now—if that’s all right with you.”
Steel took Jackson’s chin between his forefinger and thumb, pushing it up so he could look at his mate’s face. Jackson didn’t know what Steel was searching for but he must have found it because he replied, “Sure, let’s go feed our baby.”
