Colton sighed. “I’m sorry brother. Please chalk my behavior up to my lack of food.”
Dakota chuckled and said, “Sure bro, lack of food…uh-huh.” His chuckle morphed into loud endless laughter as he left their suite.
Ian stared for a few minutes at the door before turning to his mate. “I think it’s time you and me have a chat. That display of possessiveness doesn’t work for me. I’m a doctor and I touch many wolves each day while I’m treating them. I receive thanks and sometimes hugs from the patients and their family. If you plan on going all-Alpha on me every time it happens, you better rethink it. Practicing medicine is important to me not only because I help people but because it makes me happy. And from what I’ve heard, it’s the same for you.”
Colton’s jaw dropped at Ian’s tirade.Holy Crap! What the fuck has happened to me!Taking Ian’s hand, he tugged at it a little before his mate gave in and followed him to the love seat. After sitting down, he looked up at Ian and said, “Will you join me so we can talk? I’m really very sorry about my reaction. This is all so new to me and I think you’re right, we need to clear the air.”
Ian looked at his mate, searching his face to see the truth of the words and, finding them, he sat facing Colton. He regretted his outburst not because of what he said—as it was the truth—but for the way he said it. Medicine was his life and when he discovered his fated mate was alsoin medicine, he was overjoyed. Being a doctor or a nurse was a hard life—it meant long hours, roller coaster emotions at successes or failures and devotion to your patient even if it meant personal sacrifice. That’s why he never wanted a mate.
“Ian, I’m truly sorry. I know you’re right. The only explanation I can offer is that my wolf is so dammed possessive right now. I’m hoping he’ll settle down after a while. I’m going to talk to Jackson or maybe Steel, about how they handled it and get some suggestions. I absolutely will never stand in your way of practicing medicine. Being a doctor is part of you and I love all of you.”
Colton’s declaration of love brought tears to Ian’s eyes. He was loved—something he never realized was missing from his life. Looking back, he clearly saw how lonely his world had been. His parents loved him, but his wolf was right all along, he was alone in the world. Finding Colton changed him—and his world—in ways he was still discovering.
Ian launched himself into Colton’s lap. “I love you so much. I never knew what I was missing until I found you. You complete me and make me so happy. You’re my world!” he said, nestling into his mate’s arms, kissing his chest, while grinding his ass into his mate’s groin. “I’m sorry I was angry before. This is all new to me, too, and I growled in Mexico when you were hugged as you said good-bye. I never thought I’d have a mate and now I do and I’m all mixed up trying to sort out my feelings.”
Colton lifted Ian’s face and looked into his eyes. “Darling, we both are going to make mistakes so let’s promise to always talk about issues when they arise. Why don’t we start with breakfast and enjoy my brother’s mating gift. Then afterwards, I’d love to find out moreabout you and your life before we met.” After Ian nodded, Colton lifted his mate and carried him over to the small table in the sitting room. Setting Ian on one of the chairs, Colton grabbed the food cart, rolling it over. As he passed each fantastic-smelling plate of eggs, bacon, sausages and steak to Ian, Colton’s stomach growled so loudly it sounded like his wolf. Red-faced, he murmured, “Sorry about that. It’s been a while since I ate.”
Ian burst out laughing. “Babe, if there was ever an understatement that was it. C’mon, sit. I can serve myself.” He took the dishes from Colton’s hands and shoved him toward the chair next to him. Then he filled his mate’s plate, relishing how it felt to take care of Colton. Soon only the sounds of knives and forks scraping against the china filled the room.
~/~/~/~/~
Steel called his brother, eager to get some answers about Colton. He thought back to when he was in the hallway and Ian was in the hospital room. Suddenly, he gasped—he remembered seeing a flash of green light under Colton’s door. He had turned to Dr. Luna but was distracted by Cody, fighting to see his brother. After giving Cody permission to peek in to check on Colton, everything that followed had brushed the incident from his mind.
He snorted.That was it!Colton was sitting on the edge of the bed, all signs of injuries gone. Steel slammed his fist on the desk—of course. That’s when he received his power and Oracle is in the middle of this.
The phone rang. “Hello? Hello? Steel is that you?”
His brother’s voice pulled him back from his thoughts. “Yeah Slate, I’m here. How’s everything down there? Have the attacks stopped?”
“Yes, thank goodness. According to Pablo, he worked alone. And since no further incidents have occurred after we arrested him, I believe him, at least so far.”
“Well, that’s a relief. Did you get any other information out of him? Like who hired him?”
“You still think Silver Point’s involved?”
“Yes, but damned if I know how or why. Killing one of the brothers to get the Fox River Pack’s land doesn’t make sense, especially since the title is in Jackson’s name.”
“Maybe he wanted it to be a message…you know, like if Jackson retracts his complaint, then he won’t go after the other brothers.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t sound right either. Have you gone through Pablo’s house and belongings yet? Anything connecting Josiah to Pablo?”
“Yes I did…but nothing.”
“How did Pablo get his instructions?”
“By cell phone…but it was a throw-away and the number he called has been disconnected.”
“Do you still have the phone?”
“Yes. All the evidence collected will go to the Universal Paranormal High Council investigative unit. I’ll be turning him over next week. I wanted to wait to make sure there weren’t any more attacks.”
“Listen, send the phone to me. Zane is a computer and technology whiz of the first order and maybe he can find something.”
“Will do. I don’t think he’ll find anything because our men have gone over it thoroughly.”
“Yeah, I know. But Zane found the auction of Colton and I’m telling you bro, he’s scary smart with that shit.”
“Okay, I’ll send it up today. Anything else?”
