Colton knew the protection spell had been lifted when he heard Ian inhale deeply, mumbling how much he loved Colton’s scent.
“Yeah?”
“Most definitely,” Ian whispered as his wolf did a happy dance after scents of malt whiskey, heather, and summer rain filled his lungs and brought back long forgotten memories of Scotland.
Mystia cleared her throat and said, “Ian, I had the pleasure of knowing your parents…King Duncan and Queen Eleanor…and would be happy to tell you about them and answer your questions, if you have any.”
“Thanks,” Ian said, melting into Colton, “but maybe later. I’m still trying to understand everything.”
Colton could sense his mate’s distress and said, “Ian just found out yesterday and, well, he’s been busy taking care of Jackson. We haven’t even discussed it yet. Do you mind if Ian takes a rain check on your offer?”
“Of course, anytime,” Mystia said as Jimmy came over to her.
“Colton, Ian, congratulations on your mating. I hate to run, but I have to get back to the gas station. Training a new guy,” Jimmy said, “I just don’t want to leave him alone for too long. Hasn’t learned how I like things done yet.”
“Thanks for coming over. We haven’t seen too much of you guys lately. Any problems? You know Jackson would want to know,” Colton said.
“Nope, we’re fine aren’t we darlin’?” Jimmy crooned to Mystia.
“Yes, we are, lover. I promise we’ll try to come more often,” Mystia said. “Well good-bye, and get some rest. You both look exhausted.”
“How about we follow her suggestion and get some sleep, Ian?” Colton asked.
“Sounds good.”
“That is, of course, if Jackson and Steel agree to not disturb us this time,” Colton said chuckling,” before adding, “unless, it’s an emergency.”
As they left the great room, Colton heard Steel answer his phone and say “Hi, Slate? Guess who has the most beautiful baby?” Holding Ian’s hand, Colton snorted as they walked down the hallway to their bedroom.
Steel was trying to hear his brother over the noise level in the great room, but it was impossible, maybe, in part, because he was staring at Colton’s back as he left theroom. He still needed answers from Colton about how his mate made a complete recovery from death’s door. Finally, his mind registered Slate’s voice screaming at him. “Just a second, I need to go somewhere I can hear you.” After telling Jackson he needed to take the call in his office, Steel left.
~/~/~/~/~
Rudy answered Loki’s call from Mexico on his throw away phone, “Well?”
“It’s done. I’m at the airport…I’ll be home in a few hours.”
“Anyone see you?”
“Nope.”
“Any witnesses?”
“Sure, but they won’t have anything to tell.”
“Okay.”
Rudy clicked off and destroyed the phone.
~/~/~/~/~
Steel dropped into his chair, all the worry and lack of sleep catching up with him. “Okay, Slate, what the fuck are you screaming about?”
“He’s dead. One bullet. Shot through the head.”
“What the fuck are you talking about? Who’s dead?”
“Stay with me man. Pablo…Pablo’s dead.”
