Colton glanced at Ian and, from the tightness around his eyes sensed worry. It was unusual that Jackson would be tired at this stage of his pregnancy. Everything he’d read, including the material Ian sent him, described the last month of a Dire Wolf pregnancy as one of enormous energy. He knew Ian would want to examine Jackson as soon as possible.
“Why don’t I give you a quick look after dinner and then we can do a more thorough exam tomorrow along with an ultrasound, okay?”
“I don’t know about tonight; Logan is going to unveil the nursery after dinner.” Jackson protested.
Steel interjected, “Babe, Ian can check you over after we see Logan’s fantastic creation.” Turning to Ian, he asked, “Is that okay with you and Colton?”
“Works for us,” Ian said before changing the subject. “While I have everyone here, I want to apologize for shifting and causing such a ruckus. The only explanation I have is my extreme need to protect Colton. Maximus was kind enough to explain that all fated mates go through this. Hopefully, I won’t do it again now that I know what it’s about.”
Laughter erupted around the table.
“You should’ve seen Steel…”
“Remember the time Jackson…”
“Don’t worry about it, Ian. We went through that with Jackson and Steel.”
“Colton, did you tell Ian about the time Steel tackled his fath…”
“Enough!” declared Jackson. “Ian gets the picture and we don’t need to hear our history recited tonight. Suffice tosay, don’t worry about it Ian. Everyone understands. Let’s eat. I can’t wait to see Logan’s work.”
~/~/~/~/~
After dinner everyone meandered up to the nursery. Steel seized the opportunity to speak to Ian while Jackson was talking to Logan.
“Is it normal for Jackson to be so tired now?” Steel asked in a low voice, not wanting Jackson to hear. “I thought his tiredness ended after the first two months?”
“No, it’s not. Let me examine him first and then we can talk.”
“All right,” Steel said before hurrying to catch up with his mate who was on his way to the nursery. Joining Jackson, Steel heard Logan talking about the need to assemble the delivered furniture, and that Steel had volunteered to do it.
Jackson chuckled. “Boy I want to see that.”
“What? You think I can’t do it?”
“No, I didn’t say that. I want to see you follow instructions.”
“Follow instructions? What instructions? We’re putting together a crib not building a rocket.”
Jackson and Logan burst out laughing. When he could finally speak, Jackson said, “No shit. I think a rocket might be easier. I think we should come and watch him right, Logan?”
“Absolutely! This, I have to see.”
“Fine, you just wait. My father and I will have the furniture put together in no time flat and then I’ll be the one hooting,” Steel said, pouting at his mate who was laughing at him.
“Oh babe, you know I love you. I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job,” Jackson said, stopping at the nursery door. Once everyone arrived, he said, “I’m ready to be wowed, Logan.”
“Yes, right. I wanted the nursery to be a special magical place for the newest member of the Blackwood Pack. This pup represents the future we never thought we’d have after the massacre. I’ve always viewed him as a gift from the gods because he’s lifted our spirits out of the darkness. Jackson and Steel think they know what’s on the other side of the door but I kept one part of the design a secret because it’s my gift to the pup. Is everyone ready?” Logan asked. Seeing the eager nods, he opened the door and switched on the lights.
Jackson gasped and tears ran down his face as he saw what Logan had done. For there in front of him was one continuous mural covering the four walls, telling the story of the brothers. Logan had painted everyone in their wolf form, beginning with their parents and all the siblings, running and tumbling through the woods of the Fox River pack lands and morphing into the forests surrounding the Blackwood pack house built by the brothers that summer long ago. Jackson held Steel’s hand as they walked slowly around, his eyes taking in the beauty of Logan’s artwork.
His brother’s mural included Jimmy, Mystia, Steel, Maximus, Oracle and even Ian as the story unfolded. Logan ended it at the birth of the pup, securely nestled between Jackson’s paws while Steel stood guard over both of them. Reaching out to touch the pack house the brothers built after the massacre, Jackson realized the mural wasn’t flat. Looking at his brother, he asked, “How?”
Logan’s cheeks reddened as he sheepishly said, “I used joint compound to create relief sculptures on the walls and combined it with the mural painting. I did the relief technique selectively…on all the wolves, of course, the pack houses and then a few trees and mountains.”
“I’m overwhelmed by it, Logan,” Jackson said, hugging him. “Thank you, bro, I love it.”
When Logan drew the mural, he wanted it to embody the love between the brothers and their arduous journey to this moment—the birth of a new life. It took him a long time, especially once he decided to add the relief work to the painting, but seeing Jackson’s reaction, it was worth it. Now for the final surprise. Logan moved over to the door and put his hand over the light switch. “The last part of my gift was inspired by your favorite song.”
