“Ian is running tests to see if Jackson has a problem with his pregnancy,” Cody said.
“Is he going to be okay? What about our pup?” Zane asked.
“We’re waiting for word this morning. Dakota brought breakfast to all of them and he said Jackson was sitting up and eating,” Logan said, “so we’ll have to wait.”
“I’m sure Steel will let us know as soon as he can. He knows we’re all worried,” Cody said.
Zane resumed eating, reflecting on what he’d learned. He said a quick prayer to the Fates and gods, asking them for their protection of Jackson. He glanced up and saw Logan watching him and gave a small smile. Zane decided he wanted to be strong for Jackson this time instead of being the brat he’d been in the past. Whatever his brother needed from him, Jackson would get; it wasan opportunity to repay his brother for all Jackson had done for him.
~/~/~/~/~
Colton looked at the results of the tests before taking them in to show Ian. It had been a long night and the news this morning wasn’t what they’d been hoping for. After a quick knock, Colton opened the door to Ian’s office and saw him at his desk, reading a medical book.
Glancing up and seeing his mate, Ian sighed and said, “The results aren’t good are they?” After seeing the concern on Colton’s face, he continued, “I figured as much. I’ve been reading everything I could get my hands on about this condition last night and came to the conclusion Jackson has it. Fuck!”
“I read about it too,” Colton said, “and I spent some time figuring out how to tell Jackson. I also think I can try my natural healing abilities. It fits all the requirements…not life threatening, at least not now, can be treated with medicine, and I could remove the excess protein he has in his blood. At least I think it’s worth a try.”
Ian smiled, “I came to that conclusion also. But I want to prepare Jackson in case it doesn’t work by stressing there is medicine he can take which will help get him through the rest of his pregnancy.”
“Agreed. I’m ready when you are.”
“Then let’s go see them.”
Chapter 29
“Good morning, guys,” Ian said, entering Jackson’s hospital room, “how are you feeling, Jackson?”
“Okay,” Jackson answered. “I’m ready to supervise my mate when he attempts to put the crib together.”
“Attempts? Really? You wound me,” Steel said, placing a hand over his heart and sighing dramatically, “so little faith my mate has in the father of his pup.”
Jackson giggled. “Well, when our pup is sleeping in our bed instead of in his crib, I’ll explain why.”
Steel playfully charged at his mate and gathered Jackson in his arms. Nipping at his mate’s neck, Steel said, “You,” nip, “will not,” nip, “say anything,” nip, “of the kind.” Then his fingers found Jackson’s sides and tickled him until he heard his mate plead for mercy.
Breathlessly, Jackson said, “Okay, okay, babe, I promise I’ll tell our pup only how great you are.”
Steel ceased the tickling and feasted on his mate’s lips.
“Do you want us to come back later, bro?” Colton asked, wanting to kiss Ian after watching the sexy scene playing out in front of him.
“No, no, no,” Jackson said, pushing Steel away. “Come on babe, let them finish up and then we can have some special time.”
Steel reluctantly pulled back but kept his arm around his mate’s back. “Is that a promise?”
Jackson winked lasciviously at his mate and said, “Absolutely.”
Steel smiled at Jackson before looking at Ian. “Okay doc, what’s the diagnosis?”
“All the test results are in and Jackson has the wolf form of preeclampsia. We caught it early and there’s medicine that will control it for the rest of your pregnancy,” Ian said, holding his hand up to stop any questions from Steel or Jackson as he continued, “however, I agree with Colton that he should try to use his natural healing abilities first. Since you’re in an early stage we may get the best results from his efforts.”
“Great, what do I have to do?” Jackson asked.
“Before Colton starts, I want to stress there’s no guarantee it will work. But remember there’s always medicine. Okay?”
“I thought a natural healer can cure everything except a dying person,” Steel said.
“That’s correct and Jackson’s condition fits those parameters,” said Ian. “However, there’s very little written about the abilities of a natural healer; most of what I’ve found are word of mouth accounts. This will be the first time Colton uses his ability to treat a disease...and not a physical injury.”
