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Ducking his head into Jackson’s study, Carson asked, “Hey, are you coming? Zane said they already landed.”
“Yeah, go ahead. I’m coming.” Jackson looked down at his baby belly, sighed, stood, and then proceeded to waddle down the hall to the front door. Steel would be surprised at his girth, because in the few days since he left for Mexico, their pup had put on a growth spurt. Jackson was continuously hungry and at this rate, they’d have a 30 pound pup.
He was eager to see Colton just to make sure he was okay, even though Steel and Cody assured him he was. But he had a hard time believing it after Dr. Luna described Colton’s injuries as “near death.” Giving permission for Ian to bite him sounded more like a “Hail Mary pass” than any expectation it would work.I’llbelieve it when I see it.If he had his way, none of his brothers would ever go anywhere again.Yeah, right.Jackson knew his brothers wouldn’t agree with him.And I don’t blame them. Nope, my brothers have the right to live their dreams. Steel better figure out a better way to protect them. I’m not going through this shit again.Seeing Oracle and Maximus entering the great room, Jackson joined them on the way to greet everyone.
“Hi sweetie, you look great. How is my grandpup?” Oracle asked.
By this time, Jackson was huffing. “Fine, but I can’t believe I have another month to go. I didn’t believe Colton when he told me how big I’d get. And don’t even get me started on the amount of food I’m eating. Poor Dakota, I’ll have to figure someway to pay him back for his work on keeping this pup fed.”
“You don’t owe me anything, bro. This is my nephew you’re talking about who I’m feeding. So chillax,” Dakota said as he walked past them on the way to greet his brothers.
Jackson grinned at the man who filled the doorway. He felt the pup’s heartbeat double time as he reacted to his other daddy’s presence. For the first time since his mate left he was calm, deeply inhaling Steel’s unique scent. Then before he waddled another step, his mate was in front of him, scooping him up in his arms and burying his face in Jackson’s neck. His hands found Steel’s hair and pulled his mate’s face to his for a kiss. All the love possessed by the two of them was conveyed in endless kisses. Jackson only broke the connection when there was a collective clearing of throats.
Swiveling his head, Jackson’s eyes landed on Colton. He pushed against Steel’s chest, “Put me down, babe.”When he was standing on his feet, he held out his arms. “Welcome home, Colton. Am I ever glad to see you.”
Colton took his brother’s hands and looked at his baby belly. “Holy shit! What the hell are you feeding my nephew?” He pulled Jackson into a hug, trying to avoid the pup’s belly bump.
“Don’t I know it! You never told me I’d be this big. Colton, I’m waddling. ME! WADDLING! And I have another month to go. How big am I going to get?”
Laughing, Colton answered, “I think Oracle will have to answer that question. But seriously bro, how are you? Any problems?”
“Not now. But you better never pull another stunt like this. I don’t think I could take it.”
“No, that we can agree on. I’ve had enough adventure for a while. Thanks for sending the cavalry.”
Jackson saw Ian standing close to Colton. “Ian, welcome to the Blackwood Pack. And we owe you a big debt of gratitude…our brother’s life,” he said, taking one of Ian’s hands and pulling him into a side hug.
“Thanks.”
“Hey Jackson, if you really want to thank my mate, then how about letting me claim him properly. We can talk later.”
“Right. Ian’s on the first floor, so all of your stuff has already been moved there. We can get together tomorrow.”
Oracle spoke up, “Colton, may I have a word with you first?”
Colton looked at Ian who nodded and said, “I need a shower, so go ahead.”
Pulling Ian to him, Colton devoured his mouth with his tongue before slowly backing up and giving his pouty bottom lip a small nip. “Be there shortly.”
Colton watched Ian walk away before turning to Oracle. “Can we speak in private?” He had a pretty good idea what Oracle was going to talk about and the last thing he wanted was for anyone else to know.
After they were seated in Oracle’s sitting room, Colton waited for her to speak, trying to control wanton thoughts of his mate.
“Congratulations on your mating, Colton. I am quite fond of Ian and he has the same passion for medicine as you.”
“Thank you. If you don’t mind, could we get down to the reason why I’m here.”
“Of course. Do you remember anything while you were unconscious?”
“Are your referring to the angel who healed me?”
“Yes. Do you have any questions about the gift you received?”
“Yes. I’ll get to that in a minute. But, please understand this is the first and the last time I’ll speak about what happened to me. My mate thinks he’s responsible for saving me and I won’tdeprive him of that happiness. Do you promise to keep this conversation confidential? Telling no one…not even your husband, Steel or Jackson?”
“If that is your wish, I promise. But may I ask why?”
