“Fussy? Who’s fussy? Just because I like my steak very rare doesn’t mean I won’t eat it if it isn’t,” Frank said. “By the way, Dakota, my steak is perfect, so if you don’t mind teaching Lizzie how to make me a very happy man, then tell me the time and I will personally escort my wife to your kitchen.”
“Then it’s settled,” chirped Lizzie. “I can’t wait to work with you, Dakota.”
Conversation was sparse as dinner was eagerly consumed. After Jackson had finished, Steel handed Daniel to him before getting up to warm a bottle. Playing peek-a-boo with his son, Jackson hoped the rest of the evening would go as smoothly without too many questions asked. He could feel Frank scrutinizing him and his brothers and had no doubt it had to do with their complaint to the High Council. But he didn’t plan on discussing that with him while Frank was visiting. While feeding Daniel the bottle Steel had brought, he listened with half an ear to Frank chatting with Maximus. Suddenly, he heard a small sound that sounded like a cry.What the fuck is that?Looking around, he saw Carson talking quietly to Zane… Dakota, Lizzie and Oracle were comparing recipes and Cody was staring down at his empty plate while Dylon had his arm around him. Seeing nothing alarming, he turned his attention back to the conversation.
“Well,” Frank was saying, “I heard Dire Enterprises was finally successful in setting up a Peace Conference in Tajikistan. Do you think you’ll be able to broker a peace treaty?”
“I’m not sure. It depends on the three leaders,” said Maximus. “My son, Slate, is over there now getting everything set up.”
“Are you going? If I remember correctly, the conference starts soon.”
During his father’s conversation, Dylon felt Cody react to visions filling his mind again. Dylon saw them through their mind link and they were devastating. He needed to do something and quickly.
“Mom, did you manage to find the trunk I wanted?”
“Yes, sweetie,” Lizzie said. “It’s with our luggage.”
“Thanks. Come on, Cody, let’s get it.”
Jackson’s eyes narrowed as he watched Dylon and Cody get up and leave the room, heading for the front door.Now what’s that all about?Looking back at Daniel, he saw the bottle was just about empty and his son had fallen asleep. “Excuse me everyone, it’s bedtime for someone.” Setting the bottle down, he lifted his sleeping son against his shoulder, got up and left the room. As he left, he sent a message to Steel through their mind link.
Frank’s eyes followed Jackson’s exit from the room.Now if that isn’t the damnedest thing I ever saw. An Alpha, of a pack, no less, acting like an Omega. Of course, his mate was a Dire Wolf, but still. None of this is making sense.When he first met Alpha Blackwood, he was taken aback at the raw Alpha power he felt radiating from Jackson. It was like nothing he’d ever felt before from a Timber Wolf.Very puzzling.Frank didn’t like puzzles. He needed to dig deeper.Was this the real reason Jackson’s uncle put an illegal kill order out on him? Tomorrow, I’m going to demand some answers. After all, if my son’s life is in danger, I have the right to know.Frank received a squeeze on his leg from Lizzie and realized he’d been asked a question. “I’m sorry, Maximus. I drifted off there for a moment. It’s been a long day.”
“I understand. Maybe we should pick it up tomorrow?”
“If you don’t mind, I would appreciate it.”
Steel had been following the conversation and knew Frank was tired but preoccupied with Jackson.Shit, not good. I better talk to Mom tonight. Maybe she can steer him in a different direction.
“Carson and Zane, please take Frank and Lizzie’s luggage to the suite next to my parents. Dakota, I’ll help you get everything put away,” offered Steel.
“Colton and I can do that,” said Ian.
“Good.” Then Steel turned to Oracle. “Mom, Dad, I’m going to check on Daniel. Jackson and I will meet you and the Royds in the great room in a few minutes.”
“Do you mind if I go outside to smoke my after-dinner cigar?” asked Frank.
“That’s a great idea,” said Maximus. “Mind if I join you?”
Oracle turned to Lizzie. “Come on, Lizzie. Let us leave them to their cigars. I have to show you the latest pictures of my grandson.”
~/~/~/~/~
Dylon dug through the pile until he found the small trunk. It contained the rest of the items his Shaman had given him. Heaving it onto his shoulder, he grabbed Cody’s hand and quickly walked to their bedroom. They were finished with his parents tonight. His mom would take care of any problems his disappearance might cause with his father. He shepherded Cody inside their suite, set the trunk down on the floor and then locked the door. He waited to see what his mate would do.
Getting him out of there was the only thing Dylon could think of. He recognized the moment Cody was in distress because their life thread started to turn black—something he knew was very bad. Now standing in their bedroom, he watched as it became lighter.Okay, so far so good.Then he saw Cody slowly pull the t-shirt over his head and drop it to the floor.Thank the gods!When his mate was fully undressed, he observed Cody slowly walkingover to the foot of the bed before kneeling in his position. Finally, Dylon could let out the breath he was holding.
I’m safe, I’m safe, I’m safewas the litany Cody was repeating to himself. He knew his mate had seen what was happening to him and took charge immediately. Now he was in the place where his only mission was to please his mate.Yes, I can do that.Inhaling and exhaling, Cody concentrated on slowing down his breathing and heartbeat. Now he could focus on himself and start the tiny movements that would cause shots of pleasure for him.
Dylon kicked off his boots, picked up the trunk and padded over to his mate. He was pleased with what he observed—Cody was relaxed and now involved with finding his pleasure. Their life thread was silver again but not as bright as before.
Time to change that.Opening the trunk, he picked up the chains the Shaman had given him.
Magical chains. Cody would not suffer the pain his visions produced nor would he be drawn into the other world to escape his suffering while the cuffs were around his wrists. The chains would allow Dylon to sleep without fear of losing Cody. But even more important, the chains would give his mate the security he needed. Cody wouldn’t have to fight to stay awake in order to prevent a night vision episode. “Pet, which side of the bed do you prefer to sleep on?”
“Left side, sir.” Cody answered softly.
Dylon stretched the chains out on the bed and eyeballed how long they needed to be. He could always adjust them later if needed. Locking the ends to the bedpost, he opened the cuffs before setting them on the bed. It was time to remove the plug and the cock cage. But first, “How do you feel my pet?”
