“You think you know everything, don’t you? Well, maybe someday I won’t have your back”
“Never, brother, never.”
“Yeah, yeah. You’re right. I’ll always have your back. So, kidding aside, what about baby clothes?”
“I haven’t a clue so I’m hoping you’ve been on top of this,” said Jackson.
Handing Jackson a list, Logan said, “I’ve included everything you need for the pup from birth to about six months. You might want Oracle to look at it because I’m not sure how fast a Dire Pup grows.”
Jackson’s eyes widened, looking at the list. Jerking his head up, he eyed Logan. “Shit, you’re kidding me, right? Why all these clothes? How the hell is a pup going to need twenty onesies? What the hell is a onesie anyway?”
“You’re going to be a father and you don’t know what a onesie is? Jackson, you need to get your head on straight. I’ll tell you what. Instead of bitching to me about the stuff on the list, ask Mystia or Oracle. Then follow their advice. But no matter who you talk to, we need to do something about getting ready for your baby.”
Jackson knew his brother was right, but had avoided thinking about it until he knew the baby was okay. No longer having that as an excuse—because his pup was doing well—it certainly was time to talk to Mystia or Oracle about it.
“You’re right,” sighed Jackson. “I’ll take care of it. Hey, you want to see a picture of the pup Colton took when we did the ultrasound last week?”
“Absolutely! You had it and never told me? Bastard! You owe me,” said Logan, smiling while taking the picture from Jackson. “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?”
“No. Colton thinks maybe we’ll know this week.”
“What do you want?”
“Me? Just a healthy baby. This is all so new to me I still worry about it, even though Mystia assures me it’ll be okay—but…”
“Hey dude,” Logan said softly, “I’d believe Mystia if I were you. She knows stuff—if you know what I mean.” He handed the picture back to Jackson.
“Yeah, I know,” Jackson said quietly, “but it’s still hard to be strong every minute of every day. I worry about everything. I never thought I could get pregnant. Then I found out I could have a pup. And now I’m worried as hell I’ll lose him or her, as the case may be. Crazy, right?”
“You know, Jackson,” said Logan softly, “I’d feel the same way. Have you talked to Steel about your feelings?”
“I haven’t because they seem so foolish. You know—like I should be able to deal with them because I’m Alpha. I just don’t want Steel to think less of me.”
“Bullshit. Talk to him, Jackson. Steel would never make you feel anything except important to him,” said Logan.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I know it inside my heart but I can’t seem to wrap my head around it.”
“Your pregnancy hormones are ruling you, bro. Talk to Colton about how you feel if you don’t want to talk to Steel,” urged Logan.
“Okay, okay. I see Colton tomorrow and I’ll ask him then.”
“Good. Let me know what Steel says about my decorating requests,” said Logan. Standing, he looked at Jackson for a moment and then left the study.
Jackson knew Logan was right. He needed to talk to someone and he’d feel more comfortable with Colton right now. Ever since he saw the ultrasound picture, Jackson had fallen in love with their pup. He wondered if Steel felt the same way.
“Yes, I do,” said Steel, walking in to hug and kiss his mate. “And what is this I heard about you worrying about something happening to the baby?”
Jackson kissed his mate back, “Who told you? I only mentioned this to Logan a few minutes ago and I know he didn’t tell you.”
“Mo chroí, you have been broadcasting your thoughts to me for the last few minutes. That’s why I came to see you so we could talk about your worries.”
“Oh,” Jackson turned a deep shade of pink. “I didn’t realize I was doing it.”
“I’m happy you did. Babe, talk to me. What are you worried about?”
Steel lifted Jackson up from his desk chair, sat down in it, and pulled his mate onto his lap so they were face to face
Bending his head down so it was against Steel’s chest, Jackson was embarrassed he’d inadvertently mind-linked his worries to his mate. Now, talking to Colton seemed pointless because his mate already knew.
