“As the Alpha of this pack, I have to consider everything before I make a decision. I’m well aware of our father’s lessons on being an Alpha of a pack but sometimes rules need to be broken. What I mean by that is they’re only guidelines when I make a decision. Did the fact Dylon worked for our uncle cause me concern? Of course, it did. But once Cody stated he was going to claim Dylon…”
“But that’s just it! Cody hasn’t bitten Dylon. If he wants Dylon so much, why hasn’t he done it?”
“Cody has assured me today he wants Dylon. That’s his right and Iwillrespect it as I expect you to do, also.”
“But why is Cody chained up? That doesn’t seem right.”
“That’s none of your business. Cody is going through a difficult time right now and he needs Dylon. That’s good enough for me and youwillaccept my decision on this matter.” After pausing, Jackson added, “If you love yourbrother, pray to the gods to help him. He needs our support and love. Let’s make sure he gets it. Now, this subject is closed. If Cody wants you to know what goes on in his and Dylon’s bedroom, he will tell you.”
“Yes, Alpha. I’m really very sorry. I never meant to hurt my brother. I thought I was saving him.”
“I know. But next time, if you don’t understand my decision, talk to me first. Now, about involving Zane in this mess…Carson, you are older than your brother and I expect you to set an example for him on how to be an Alpha. That doesn’t include disobeying an order, sneaking around or asking him to lie to me. You are better than that. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Alpha. I’m sorry for that too.”
“Stand, please,” Jackson said, and, after his brother rose, continued, “Carson, you disobeyed my order, invaded Cody and Dylon’s privacy and encouraged your younger brother to join in disobeying your Alpha. Do you deny any of this?”
“No, Alpha.”
“As punishment you will do all of Cody’s chores for six months along with yours. Is that understood?”
Carson blinked.Six fucking months. Fuck!“Yes, Alpha. I’m really very sorry, Jackson. Very sorry for hurting my brother. I hope he can forgive me. I don’t know what came over me. I heard Silver Point Pack and just saw red. I promise I won’t ever do this again.”
“That’s up to Cody as to whether he wants to forgive you. I don’t want you going anywhere near his and Dylon’s quarters until I give you permission. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Alpha.”
“Finally, Carson, you should know that Dylon came up with an idea of how I can find a witness who would verify that our uncle ordered the massacre. And he offered to use his contacts to help us. Don’t be so quick to judge him. You can go now, and send Zane in.”
~/~/~/~/~
After talking to Zane, Jackson went to find his son. This was a morning where it sucked being the Alpha. Power plays, secrets, and handing out punishments weren’t what he expected to face when he woke up today. Hence the need for some loving time cuddling Daniel.My boy is growing so fast.He heard his son’s giggling coming from Maximus and Oracle’s suite, so he turned and headed there. Giving a short rap on the open door, Jackson entered just in time to see his son roll over. “Oh, my gods, did you see that?” asked Maximus to no one in particular. “Come to grandpa, sweetie. Such a big boy you are.”
“Did I see what I thought I saw?” asked Jackson. “He rolled over. Wow, he is growing up so fast!”
“They do that,” said Oracle. “And before you know it, he will be walking and talking and telling you ‘no’. One day, when he’s a teenager, you will wonder where the time went because it will seem like it was only yesterday when he was born. Enjoy it, dear, it is really the best time ever.”
“Oh, I will. Do you mind, Maximus? I need some loving from my boy.”
Chuckling, Maximus handed Daniel to Jackson. “No, not at all. I think he’ll give you exactly that. He has a way about him. He seems to know just what a person needs and gives it. Has he shifted yet?”
“Not all the way. So far, we’ve seen his hands turn to paws and his tail sprout when he was getting a bath, alongwith his wolf in his eyes. But that’s all we know of,” Jackson said, snuggling Daniel in his arms. “Steel and I hope we are with him when he shifts all the way.”
“It won’t be long,” said Oracle. “Dire Wolf babies grow very fast in their first six months. He is a little ahead of schedule so it safe to say that it will happen soon.”
“You hear that, sweetie. Your grandma said you are an overachiever…just like your papa.”
Steel snuck up behind Jackson and said, “Who’s an overachiever?”
“Your son…just like you.”
Steel snorted. Gathering his family in his arms, he kissed Jackson and then his son. “And we know how much you liked that last night,” he snickered.
Chapter 19
Frank sat at the dining room table, expecting his son to appear for lunch. He’d waited all morning, but his son was either busy with Jackson or in his room with Cody. That was the thing that didn’t make sense. From what he could figure, Dylon left his enforcer’s job three weeks ago and there wasn’t a trace of him until his son called him from here the other day.So, where was he?According to the report of the High Council enforcement arm, Dylon’s last paycheck had never been cashed.
For three weeks, nothing—no charges on his credit cards and no calls on his phone—three fucking weeks, nothing until the phone call about finding his Fated Mate. The lack of communication was what led him to call Silver Point’s Alpha. But after Dylon’s call home, he figured his son was holed up with his mate, biting and claiming each other. That theory went out the door when he saw the fresh bite mark on Cody’s neck last night—and the lack of one on Dylon’s. He’d never heard of a mating of two wolves where only one wore the scar.
