As Zane heard his brother talk about running into a Silver Point pack member, his body started to shiver. Logan move close to him, putting his arm around him and murmured in his ear, “Zane, calm down. Steel and his family won’t let anything happen to us.”
“I know, but this just brings back feelings I had when I found out about the massacre, even though I’ve worked hard to bury that,” whispered Zane.
Jackson looked over with a raised eyebrow at Logan. His brother was talking softly to Zane, probably trying to reassure him that everything would be all right. Damn his uncle! Damn him for making Zane worry about every change in his life when he should be footloose and fancy-free, having a good time. As Logan talked to Zane, Jackson could see some of the tension leave his brother’s body; he was obviously reassured by what Logan was saying.
“When are we going to move?” asked Carson.
“Within the next few days,” said Jackson.
“Can we take our stuff with us?” asked Cody.
Mind-talking to his mate, Steel asked if he could answer this one, and after receiving approval, he answered Cody. “Yes, you can. Pack a bag with only the items you need for a couple of days and pack the rest of your things in boxes. After all of you are at my house, I’ll have a moving company pick up your stuff.”
“Okay, one other thing,” said Jackson. “Steel’s brother will be staying with us indefinitely at our new home in order to help with security.” He looked around and, seeing no more questions forthcoming, said, “Okay, goodnight then. I’ll see you all in the morning.”
Steel took his mate’s hand, pulling him toward him for a kiss. “Goodnight, everyone,” Steel said, ushering his mate out of the den and up to their bedroom.
~/~/~/~/~
Khan watched his father pace the room, anger radiating off him in waves. Josiah suddenly stopped in front of him. “Do you know for sure the wolf you scented was your cousin Jackson?”
“Yes, Dad, I’d know his scent anywhere. He’s with a guy I met for a date named Steel. But I told you, I don’t know where either of them went after they left the store. When I first met Steel in the store, I didn’t realize another wolf was there because Steel’s scent is so strong. But after he left the store, I could pick up the faint scent of Jackson. Both scents ended at the same spot in the parking lot,” explained Khan.
“I must find him because his brothers will be with him. At least we know he is still alive. Thanks, son, I’ll take it from here,” said the Alpha of the Silver Point Pack.
~/~/~/~/~
The complaint had been filled out by Steel and was awaiting Jackson’s signature. Reading it over several times, he hesitated signing it, because once he did, everything would change. But would it be for the better? That was the question Jackson kept asking himself.
His brothers would be endangered because the document stated they were living. He and his unborn pup would be exposed to the evilness of his uncle, the one who ordered his death and the deaths of his brothers. Inhaling deeply, Jackson reached for his pen. In the end, there was no choice; he owed his brothers a chance at more than living a half-life, because when he thought about it, that wasn’t any life at all.
His mate came in just as Jackson put down the pen. “Is it ready to fax off? I want it to get there before the end of the day.”
“Yup, just signed it, so here you go,” replied Jackson, handing the sheaf of papers to Steel. “When will you hear back from the High Council that the Alpha of Silver Point has been notified?”
“Hopefully, later today if they can reach him, otherwise probably tomorrow. Do you want to start packing now? My muscles are available for you to use any way you want,” said Steel with a leer.
Jackson laughed. “Sure, let’s pack. The sooner that’s done, the sooner we can move and get settled in our new home.”
~/~/~/~/~
Josiah angrily drummed his fingers on the desk while waiting for Rudy, his second in command. A series of staccato knocks on his door had him shouting, “Come in!”
Rudy entered, walking almost casually over to his Alpha’s desk. He didn’t have to wait long to find out why he was summoned. “Khan got a bead on Jackson but lost him in North Ridge. He was at a supermarket with a wolf named Steel but by the time Khan figured out his cousin was with the wolf, they’d both left in a car. I need you to find him and his brothers fast because I need the title to that land.”
“Did Khan know in which direction they went?” asked Rudy.
“No, but they can’t be far. I want all of them dead by next week. This fuck-up has to be fixed and I’m running out of patience,” snarled Josiah.
“I need more men to search in order to meet your deadline,” said Rudy.
“Use any many as you need. Just get the job done,” barked Josiah.
~/~/~/~/~
It was moving day and Jackson was eager for everyone to get on the road. Steel organized a caravan of all the different vehicles the Blackwood Pack owned. Even Oracle and Maximus were enlisted to help. Jackson looked around his bedroom, remembering how he’d felt when the pack house was finally built and they were no longer living in tents.Yeah, that was an experience but we all came through it and my pack is stronger for it.
Picking up his suitcase, he headed downstairs only to be met by Steel who promptly took the suitcase from him. Jackson sighed; his mate was becoming more protective each passing day. Walking into the dining room, he was immediately assaulted by the smells of cooking bacon. He stopped short, feeling his stomach do a quick roll andthen right itself. That was weird, thought Jackson, continuing to his chair at the head of the table.
