Ian said, “I’m sorry, Alpha.”
Waving the apology aside, Jackson asked, “When did you know Colton was your fated mate?”
“About five minutes ago. I knew my wolf was unsettled about Colton but I really didn’t know why. He and I reached an agreement a long time ago about me taking a mate. I didn’t want to because a mate would interfere with my practicing medicine. So, we made a deal, you could call it, about me never taking a mate which I thought he understood and accepted…but, obviously I was wrong.”
“My brother will also have a problem about mating. He has spent his whole life in pursuit of a single goal and will fight against claiming you. But it is imperative he does.”
“Why should he have to if he doesn’t want me?” Ian could feel his wolf growling.
“For two reasons. Firstly, he’ll be in pain which will only grow stronger the longer he waits to claim you, and secondly, the Fates…”
“Wait, are you telling me he’s in pain?” Ian was upset at the thought of his mate hurting.
“No, he isn’t yet because he hasn’t scented you. But once that occurs, Colton will start to feel pain in his chest and it will grow stronger until the claiming occurs.”
“Why can’t I smell him? I know he’s a timber wolf but there’s no scent of him in your mini hospital.”
“Colton has a protection spell cast by a friend of the family to prevent Silver Point Pack from finding him. They had a kill-on-sight order for me and my brothers.”
“What’s the other reason Colton and I must mate?”
“My brother will acquire a power the Fates have decided for him, the same way I became an Alpha/Omega hybrid when Steel and I found each other. And no, I don’t knowwhat gift Colton will have once he mates, but there’s only one way the Fates allow the mating call to be broken.”
Ian was suddenly hopeful. Ignoring his snarling wolf, he asked, “What is it?”
“One of you must die…and I’m telling you right now, it won’t be my brother,” said Jackson in a very cold, hard, Alpha voice.
Oh my gods!Ian agreed with his wolf who was now howling in despair. There wasn’t any way Ian would allow his mate to die and would never hurt his mate by choosing to end his own life. Hewouldfind a way for this to work. He knew the Fates never made mistakes in picking mates, so he trusted them. He and Colton would figure a way forward.
“Alpha, I won’t reject Colton and I’ll find a way to convince him to claim me.” And then it happened—a feeling of peace and serenity slowly washed over his body and Ian knew he would be claiming his mate as soon as possible. For the first time in his very long life, Ian felt hopeful about his future.What a strange thought. He should have felt this way when he achieved his dream of becoming a doctor—and he did feel something—but nothing as all-encompassing as now. He checked his wolf and found him curled in a ball, tranquil at last.
“Since we have that settled, why does your wolf feel Colton is in danger?” asked Jackson.
“I can’t tell you. All I know is when we touched down, my wolf felt Colton was in danger but didn’t know anything specific. It was just a feeling.”
“Well that’s good enough for me. Steel, please call your brother and warn him about the possible danger. But don’t tell Slate about Ian being Colton’s mate since nothing can be done about that while my brother is stilldown there. Just remind him that Colton should never be left alone.”
“Will do. Anything else? Otherwise, I’ll call him now.”
“Go ahead. The sooner Slate is put on notice, the better it will be.” Jackson watched his mate leave the room, then turning to Oracle, asked, “You are sure Colton will be safe and return home?”
“Yes, nothing has changed. Colton will return home.”
Jackson then turned to the doctor, “Thank you. Dr. Wallace…”
“Please call me Ian.”
“Ian, my brother is safe and protected by a Dire Wolf…Slate…who is with him 24/7. The only time Colton is alone is when he sleeps in their apartment which has a military-grade security system. Even the surrounding apartments are occupied by other bodyguards. Knowing the steps I’ve taken, will you now be able to control your wolf?”
Ian checked his wolf and found him content, watching and listening. But he could sense his wolf would respond in an instant if he felt his mate was threatened. “Yes, my wolf’s now under control. How long will Colton be in Mexico?”
“About a month but I asked Slate to get him back here as soon as his work is finished, so it might be sooner.”
“Good. I also have a few questions about Colton…do you have the time right now?”
“Shoot,” Jackson said as his mate rejoined them. Steel sat down, and Jackson leaned over to kiss him while asking through their mind link if Slate had been warned. After receiving an affirmative, Jackson said, “Babe, Ian hassome questions about Colton,” and nodded at Ian to proceed.
But before he could, Oracle stood. “I believe I am no longer needed, so if you would excuse me,” she said, as she rose to leave.
