Sitting down, he listened to his brothers’ chatter floating over the table, most of which pertained to their new home. The only two that seemed a bit restrained were Carson and Zane but for very different reasons—Carson, because as an Alpha wolf, he was heading into a much stronger wolf’s territory, and Zane because he just didn’t like changes of any kind. But today, at least, both of them showed some excitement for what was about to happen.
Dakota brought in the rest of the food and everybody dug in. For the first time since he could remember, Jackson didn’t take any bacon. In fact, every time he got a whiff of it, his stomach did the roll thing. Desperate for some meat, he heaped his plate with sausages instead, hoping his stomach would like those better. As a wolf, he never got sick, but something was off today. He managed to finish his breakfast, but just barely. He wondered if the move was causing his anxiety, and then huffed—of course it was. His brothers were going to be out in the open for the first time since they’d gone into hiding.
Once the stores of food were packed up and put into one of the cars, Jackson and his brothers stood in the den, surveying their home.
“I’m going to miss this place,” said Cody, his brothers all murmuring in agreement.
“Well, I’m looking forward to my new kitchen,” Dakota said excitedly, “Steel told me whatever it didn’t have, I could get for it.”
“Huh, I had to make that promise if I wanted to keep enjoying your delicious meals,” joked Steel.
“Well, let’s get this show on the road,” said Jackson, moving to the front door. He felt sad his pup wouldn’t beraised in the home he and his brothers built; it was a happy place because of the love they shared between them. He locked the door, giving the key to his mate.
Each brother got into the vehicle assigned to him; Jackson’s was the one behind the truck Steel was driving. Maximus and Oracle were driving behind Jackson. The way his mate organized the caravan, Jackson had a Dire Wolf in front and two behind as protection. He considered it overkill but there was no way to dissuade Steel.
Chapter 24
Jackson’s brothers got a look at their new home as the caravan drove through the security gate at Steel’s compound. One by one, each brother parked his vehicle and got out, looks of amazement and wonder on their faces as they saw the size of their new home.
Smirking, Jackson understood completely, remembering how he’d felt when Steel first brought him here for their claiming. While Steel was giving his brothers a quick overview of his land, Jackson suddenly bent over, clutching his belly and throwing up his breakfast while moaning in pain.
Steel was at his side instantly, along with Colton. As his mate started to fall, Steel lifted Jackson up in his arms, rushing inside. Placing him on a sofa, Steel knelt down next to his mate and, holding his hand, asked, “Mo chroí, what’s the matter? Are you in pain?”
Colton put his hand on Steel’s shoulder. “Steel, let me see him.”
Steel felt Colton trying to move him from his mate, but he wasn’t going anywhere. Finally, Cody, Carson, and Dakota managed to shove Steel to the end of the sofa where he could continue to touch Jackson.
Colton knelt down, putting his hand on his brother’s belly and pushing in on different spots. “Logan, grab my medical bag out of my car for me. Dakota, bring Jackson a glass of water and a cool wet towel.” By this time, Oracle had joined the group and Colton turned to her. “How long is a Dire Wolf pregnancy? I tried to research it but found nothing.”
She leaned over the back of the sofa, put her hand on Jackson’s belly and answered, “It runs about six months—faster than a human pregnancy because thefetus grows more rapidly. Jackson is about a month into his pregnancy, and…” she said, continuing to examine him, “everything feels as it should.”
“That’s my conclusion,” Colton said, turning to Steel, “has Jackson experienced any morning sickness yet?”
“I don’t know, I don’t think so,” answered Steel.
“Colton,” rasped Jackson. “I can answer your questions.”
Dakota came back into the room with a glass of water and a wet towel at the same time Colton’s medical bag arrived with Logan. Colton grabbed a thermometer from his bag, sticking it into Jackson’s mouth. “Don’t talk,” he ordered, taking the water and towel from Dakota. Removing the thermometer from Jackson’s mouth, he looked at the reading, pronouncing, “Your temperature is normal,” and pushed Jackson down when he tried to sit up. “First, I need some answers, bro, before I let you get up,” he said. “Have you vomited since you got pregnant?”
“No, but my stomach felt queasy at breakfast this morning,” answered Jackson.
“Babe, why didn’t you tell me?” Steel asked.
Jackson heard the hurt in his voice. “Because it passed and I didn’t want to worry you about it.”
“But I need to know everything you feel during your pregnancy so I can be prepared,mo chroí, that’s my job,” said Steel.
Jackson knew his mate was right, but damn, it would be hard since he was so used to handling everything by himself. “I promise from this point on, you’ll know everything, even the unpleasant stuff,” Jackson said, lifting his mate’s hand to his lips and kissing it. Then he looked at his brother. “So, what’s your diagnosis?”
Colton smiled. “I think you’ve had what is commonly known as morning sickness but it can happen at any time during the day. Oracle and I agree your pup is fine and all you need to do is take it easy for the rest of the day.”
Steel pushed Jackson down when he started to sit up. Growling, “‘Rest today,’ is what your brother ordered and I will handle everything else. I only want to see you on your feet when you need to use the bathroom and then only with me by your side. Got it?”
Jackson loved it when his mate went all dominant on him in the bedroom but now it seemed he liked it at other times as well. “Got it. Do nothing and bathroom breaks only if you accompany me,” he said, smiling.
“Okay then, good to know you can follow instructions,” smirked Steel. He stood up and looked at everyone else. “I’ve assigned all of you bedrooms. After you see them and want to switch with anyone, go ahead. If there’s a problem with a particular room, let me know. We’re all in the North Wing on the second floor. I saved the South Wing for the enforcers,” he said, handing out room assignments. “Mom and Dad, I gave you a downstairs guest suite with its own sitting room so I hope that’s okay.”
The brothers studied the map Steel had drawn for finding their bedroom assignments.
