“Hmmm. Why do you think that?”
“One, too many possibilities of one of them letting something slip. And two, my uncle would be afraid that one or more would make a deal with the High Council for a light or even no sentence if they became a witness against him.”
“That’s mass murder,” Steel said, and then realized how ridiculous his statement was. “Right, your uncle would have no problem ordering their deaths. In for a penny, in for a pound, as the saying goes.”
“Exactly. He’s already killed my family and the rest of the pack so what would it matter if he killed a few more wolves?”
“How many enforcers did he have?”
“I’m not sure. I never really paid attention to the Silver Point enforcers. And besides, most of my family interactions occurred on our land. All I can tell you is I wasn’t comfortable around my uncle’s enforcers…I felt they were just like my uncle…cruel.”
“Why?”
“One day when he was visiting my father, my uncle decided to wrestle with me. I was about eight years old and I wasn’t eager to do it, but my father pushed me saying it would help me toughen up. At one point my father left the room and that’s when my uncle put me in a headlock and started choking me. I cried out for him to stop and he laughed and called me a wannabe Alpha plus some other crap. I nearly passed out before he heard my father returning and released me. After that, I made sure my siblings and I stayed away when he came over unless my mother was around.”
“Why your mother?”
“I always got the feeling she didn’t like him; at family gatherings she’d assign some of the older girls in the pack to stay with us, so no harm would come to us.”
Steel mulled over this piece of information about Jackson’s uncle.What a fucking piece of shit!“If Dylon starts asking questions, it might get back to your uncle. What do you think will happen?”
“I’m not sure. Frank delivered a message he had for Dylon from my uncle today…a job offer of becoming the Silver Point head enforcer.”
“What the fuck!”
“Exactly. It tells me Josiah doesn’t know…or didn’t know at the time he made the offer…that Dylon joined the Blackwood Pack. But he probably knows now.”
“Agreed.”
“I also think Josiah had no idea Dylon got beaten or he’d be shitting in his pants, worrying about what the High Council would do to him. But his second, Rudy knows, and I’ll bet he’s the one who ordered it and then had his men dump Dylon by the side of the road to die.”
“Holy Shit!”
“The good thing is Frank believes my complaint is valid and, according to Dylon, his father will look at it very carefully and start collecting information. In the meantime, Dylon thinks Cody is getting better.”
“That’s good news. Did Dylon say anything…” Steel stopped as the cries from Daniel announced he was awake and wanting to be picked up. “Well, hello there. Did you have a good nap?” Steel crooned as he picked up his son. “Uh-oh, does someone need a new diaper?”
Jackson smirked. “Time for Poop patrol.”
Chapter 22
Cody was sitting gingerly at the breakfast table in their quarters the next morning. True to his mate’s word, his ass was bright red and painful after his morning spanking. Eating his scrambled eggs and steak as the stillness of the morning enveloped him, Cody felt happy in the world Dylon created for him. Thinking about it, he realized it was a long time since he could say that, although it was impossible to pinpoint just how long. Suddenly, he heard his mate.
“How big is the Blackwood Pack land, my pet?”
“200,000 acres, sir.”
“Good. Today we are going to shift and spend the day exploring. I’ll make arrangements. When you are finished, I want you to assume your position while I speak to Jackson. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Cody smiled. A day’s run in the woods sounded like heaven; he wouldn’t have to fear the return of the visions. His wolf would protect him. Not long ago, Cody had seriously considered shifting and remaining so for the rest of his life. It was the only way he could end the pain and suffering and still remain in this world. Setting his fork on his empty plate, Cody drank the rest of his coffee as he looked at Dylon. Smiling at his mate’s wink, he felt his body flooded with love, causing him to break out in laughter.Gods, what a great feeling!
“Now off you go, my pet. I’ll be back shortly,” Dylon said as he stood and pulled his mate up, “I won’t be long.” Dylon watched as Cody walked to their bed and knelt. He waited a few minutes before leaving, then headed to Jackson’s study. He’d come up with a plan last night while his mate was sleeping and he owed Dakota a huge debt for pointing him in that direction. Today andmaybe even tomorrow, he and Cody would shift and explore the woods together. Dylon hoped Cody would heal faster without the constant fear of falling into his vision hell.
He was willing to try anything. Time was growing short and soon it would be time to leave for Tajikistan but unless Cody had bitten him, the whole mission would have to be scrapped. He knew if that happened, Cody would blame himself for its failure. And that would have tragic consequences. Knocking on the door in front of him, he vowed he would not fail his mate.
~/~/~/~/~
Dylon and his mate were standing at the edge of the forest after everything had been arranged, including a picnic lunch. “Are you readyto have some fun todayma moitié?”
