He knew his mother, as Oracle, could only speak the truth about the welfare of Jackson’s brothers. Steel gave a deep sigh, and then asked, “Will you let me know if the Fates tell you about any danger?”
“I promise.”
“So, can they all the bear pups like Jackson? Or does each have a different power?” asked Steel, curious about the brothers’ gifts.
“I haven’t been told that yet. All I know is they have been selected by the Fates for reasons known only to them at this time. We will have to wait and see,” Oracle said.
Steel sat back. “Okay, but you know waiting is not my strong suit.”
“Oh, I know,” laughed Oracle.
Chapter 30
Colton was waiting for Jackson and Steel in the examining room he’d set up for the ultrasound. Steel certainly hadn’t skimped on equipment for the mini hospital. Everything was the best money could buy.
He was pleased Steel allowed him to pick the rooms he wanted for the hospital. This room was painted in a soothing light aqua, complimented by beautiful beiges and warm wood doors, giving it a sense of tranquility. He knew it would help alleviate any anxiety Jackson might have during subsequent examinations.
It was hard to believe he was once more working in a hospital, even though it was a private one with only one patient, but still, Colton was doing a happy dance in his mind. When his family was killed and he went into hiding, Colton felt his goal of being a nurse died the same day. Now, it was a different world and he was walking on cloud nine because he had a real patient to care for.
“Hi, Colton,” Jackson said, entering with Steel on his heels. “Wow, this is so cool! Did you do this?”
“Yeah, I chose room colors so everything would be perfect for you.”
“Well done. I love it. So, do I need to undress for this test?”
“No, just lie down on the table and open your jeans so I have access to your belly. Raise your t-shirt, too.” Jackson complied as Colton rolled his chair over along with the ultrasound machine.
“This test won’t hurt. First, I’ll rub some gel on your belly,” Colton said, squirting and rubbing the emollient on Jackson’s bump.
“What’s that for?” asked Steel, who stood at Jackson’s head.
“The gel creates an airtight bond between the wand and skin so the sound waves pass directly to what we want a picture of—in this case, Jackson’s baby,” explained Colton, pleased to be using his medical knowledge at last.” Then he said, “Steel, would you please lower the lights?”
“This switch?”
“Yeah, just move it to the middle,” replied Colton, turning on the ultrasound.
“Then if you stand on that side of Jackson, you’ll be able to see the screen.”
Once at Jackson’s side, Steel reached out to hold his mate’s hand. Jackson turned, smiling at Steel while softly mouthing the words, “I love you.” Grinning, Steel squeezed Jackson’s hand as Colton lowered the wand to his mate’s belly, slowly moving it until suddenly, a loud thumping sound was heard. “That’s your pup’s heartbeat. Nice and strong,” Colton announced.
Jackson knew his pup’s heartbeat because he’d heard the low, soft, muffled thumps for a while now—they’d lulled him to sleep many a night and the sound comforted him. Still, it surprised him now how much he loved hearing it amplified, drumming out a steady beat.
Colton continued moving the wand as he fiddled with the machine. Then he said, “There’s your pup.”
“Where? What are we looking at?” asked Steel “I don’t see anything.”
“Here, see? Here’s the baby and there’s its heartbeat,” said Colton, pointing to the screen. “I’ll print out a picture for you.”
“Can you tell whether we’re having a boy or a girl?” asked Jackson.
“Nope, the baby is not cooperating today. Maybe next time. I just need to do some measurements for Dr. Wallace and you’re finished,” Colton replied.
Steel and Jackson looked at the first picture of their pup, smiling at each other. “I guess this is the real deal, huh?” said Jackson.
“As real is it gets,” answered Steel.
“All done for today,” Colton said, wiping the gel off Jackson’s belly.
