“That is in the past,” Oracle said. “Let us move on. When Cody has a vision, he enters another realm…”
“No, he doesn’t,” said Steel, “I know because I saw him when he was meditating or whatever it is called. He was in the forest.”
“What you saw was a projection of his body…a hologram. Every time Cody has a vision, he leaves this earth. It is important that you understand this. The light you see is the projection beam. When the vision is over, Cody returns to us.”
“Okay,” said Jackson, “if I accept what you say, that still doesn’t explain why Dylon chained Cody to the bed.”
“I am getting to that. The last few months, Cody has been having visions every day, and during the night he experiences the pain he saw in his visions. This has caused him to get very little sleep. He has become erraticin his behavior, acting out in a manner totally unlike him.”
“That’s true, babe, I noticed that in Mexico,” said Steel.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Jackson.
“It slipped my mind because of the multiple health crises with you and Daniel,” Steel responded.
Oracle resumed speaking. “Now Cody’s mind replays what he has seen over and over. The relentless pain and suffering Cody feels is forcing him to a breaking point in his mind and soul, making it harder and harder for him to return from the realm at the end of each vision.”
“What do you mean?” asked Jackson. “I thought after his vision is over, he automatically returns to earth.”
“Not exactly. Cody returns only if he wants to. So far, he has wanted to because of his love for you and the baby. But it is becoming harder to find a reason to return when he knows the life he is returning to will be filled with pain and suffering. Not so in the other realm. You can see the lure of that for Cody.”
Cries of torment pierced the room as Cody broke into sobs as the pain from the visions once more filled his mind. He wanted this to end.No more—I can’t take it anymore!A glow enveloped him as Cody’s body started its journey to the other realm.
Jackson rose to go to his brother, but Oracle held up her hand to stop him. “Watch.”
Dylon shifted Cody so he was cradling him in his arms. “Cody, I’m here. You are safe. Give me your pain…right now!” he demanded. “My pet, I order you to obey. Do you hear me?” Not hearing an answer, he repeated his order, “Give me your pain…NOW!” It took a moment before he felt Cody send the pain in his soul to him through their life thread. He absorbed it and sent back love, hoping it would be enough. Finally, the cries died down and Cody finally came back to him. Rocking his mate, his anguished eyes looked at Jackson and said, “The chains have a spell on them that prevent Cody from leaving this world.”
Jackson sat with a thud, looked at his broken brother with anguish and then, quietly, he asked, “What can I do to help Cody?”
Oracle spoke again. “When Dylon was born, the Shaman told his mother her son needed special training, so he would be able to help his Fated Mate when they found each other. When he was fifteen, he was sent to live with the Shaman to be trained and spent months learning everything his mate would require. The Shaman told Dylon that his Fated Mate would be very fragile and in need of his skills as a Dom.”
“Dom? You mean like ‘Dominant’…like in BDSM? That kind of Dom?” asked Steel.
“Yes, exactly. Dylon has given Cody a safe place in this world where the only thing he focuses on is pleasing his mate,” Oracle said. “He gives Cody a reason to want to be in this world. Being the submissive, gives Cody the freedom from having to make decisions…free from the fear of another vision occurring. The chains give Cody security, so he can sleep pain-free. He no longer worries about waking up suffering.Being in a dom-submissive relationship allows Cody to reclaim his soul and heal. Even in the short time Dylon and Cody have been in that relationship, you can see the difference in your brother.”
“Yes, Ihavenoticed it,” said Jackson. “One more question. What happens if Cody loses the will to return to this world?”
“He will die.”
Jackson gasped at Oracle’s answer. The final piece of the puzzle had fallen into place and he knew what needed to be done. “Cody? Is Dylon helping you? Do you want him to continue?” asked Jackson softly.
Cody nodded.
“This investigation is closed. Dylon, you have my deepest appreciation and thanks. If you need anything at all, tell me and I’ll take care of it. Understand? Anything at all.”
“Yes. You should also know Carson was not acting alone. Cody told me Zane was researching me in an effort to find something to get me expelled from this pack. Cody is very worried about it.”
“I will take care of it. What do you want to do now?”
“I’m taking Cody back to our room. This was a setback and I need to reestablish his safe zone. Would you please make our excuses at lunch?”
“Certainly. I’ll have Dakota bring you something.”
Dylon got up, still cradling his mate, and said, “Thanks, and you too, Oracle,” before heading back to their bedroom with Cody.
Jackson turned to Oracle. “I really appreciate your help. I only wish I’d known about Cody’s problem before it got so bad.”
“Sweetie, one of the hardest things I learned as an Oracle is to let go of what happened in the past. Concentrate on what is going on right now and make decisions that will lead to a better future. It is really all you can do, otherwise you will miss out on all the important events in your life…like Daniel saying his first swear word,” Oracle said, trying to inject some lightheartedness into the room.
