“In each stage, Cody was being tested,” Oracle said, holding up her hand to forestall any questions. “Most people who receive foresight ability fail at some point along the way for many different reasons. Cody did not…he kept it secret, did not exploit it or use it to gain an advantage even in the face of great pain. So, the Fates gave him one of the greatest gifts the gods allow.”
“Which is?” asked Jackson.
“Invisibility,” answered Oracle, “to be used with his foresight for a very special purpose.”
Jackson leaned forward in his chair and took a deep breath before asking, “What special purpose?”
“Shortly it will become clear. As you see, a shifter with foresight and the gift of invisibility is one of the rarest beings in this world and that makes Cody a target. The Fates gave him a shifter who is as honest as Cody, one who has unshakable loyalty and one who possesses the skill to protect Cody from harm,” Oracle said, before turning to Dylon. “The Fates also have a gift for you.”
“A gift for me? Why?”
“For several reasons, mainly because of Cody. Your mate is the rarest of the rare and the Fates want him protected by the best…and that is you. Your strength of will was demonstrated when you refused to bow to the beatings. Your strength of character was your refusal to do your old Alpha’s bidding when you knew it was wrong. Your sense of right was demonstrated in your childhood when you stood up for those who could not.” Oracle paused, then said, “Dylon, the gods have decreed that you shall be given the power of Hercules.” At that moment a dazzling beam of light from the heavens enveloped Dylon.
Three stunned faces stared at him, bathed in the glow. When it faded, Cody grabbed his mate’s hand. “Oh my gods, are you all right?”
Sitting still as a statue, Dylon tried to absorb what just happened to him. A gift? The power of Hercules? Squeezing Cody’s hand, signifying he was all right, Dylon’s gazed shifted to Oracle. “I don’t understand. What does this mean?”
“I am sure you know his story, so I will not repeat it here. But what this gift gives you is extraordinary strength first and foremost, so you will be able to defeat any foe who threatens Cody. Next, the courage to walk where others fear to tread, and finally, cunning…to solve any problem presented to you. You possessed all these traits but not to the extent you do now. Cody will always be safe with you.”
Jackson leaned back, thinking about everything that had been said. Turning it over in his mind, most of his questions had been answered but not all. “Why does my brother have to submit to Dylon if he has all this power?”
Cody answered. “Jackson, I can’t begin to describe the turmoil my mind is in without Dylon. At least not so you could possibly understand, even a little of what I go through every day. Submitting to Dylon gives me theone thing I need desperately…peace. Dylon is my Peace Maker. He creates a world where my mind is free of turmoil and pain…a world where the only thing on my mind is pleasing him. And that, my brother, is what gives me a life worth living.”
Nodding his head, Jackson said to Oracle, “I have one more question. You said the Fates had a purpose for my brother. What is it?”
“Cody’s visions are of wolf shifters that he and Dylon must save.”
“Save? How?”
“Their first assignment is in Tajikistan and they must leave in a day or they will be too late to save the innocent.”
“What the fuck? Tajikistan? No way!” exclaimed Jackson. “Cody, I just got Colton back in one piece from Mexico, how can you ask me to let you go to some place halfway around the world?”
“Mainly, because you don’t have a choice in this, bro. I must do this. I don’t have any options regarding my mission any more than I have a choice of whether I can take a breath. It’s part of me and who I am now. And when I am successful in saving lives, I will be happy. Happy, Jackson! Do you understand that?Would you want me to suffer knowing I had the power to save someone and I turned my back? What kind of a person would that make me?”
Cody took a deep breath as Dylon sent him love. Then continuing in a calmer voice, “I understand your worry about all of us. But bro, really, you have to let us go and find our way in the world. You’ve focused on keeping us safe after the massacre, but please don’t use that as an excuse to keep us in jail.”
Jackson knew his brother was right. But it was hard to let go after years of fighting for their survival and safety. Thinking back to the moment in Las Vegas when he found out their parents and siblings were dead, he sighed. It had been a long journey, but Cody was right. He remembered Cody supporting him when he received his gift from the Fates.Can I do any less for my brother?Resigned, Jackson said, “You’re right. I won’t stand in your way. What do you need from me?”
Cody grinned. “If Steel could arrange transportation for us and let Slate know we’re coming, that would be a big help.”
“Done. What about your parents, Dylon? They’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I’m telling my father I have an assignment I must do and I’m going to suggest he look into who the enforcers were in the Silver Point Pack at the time of the massacre. I won’t have time to contact my friends before we leave but I figure my father might have some answers about who they are and where they were by the time I get back.”
“Good. I like that plan. I’m also going to ask Zane to see what he can find out. Right now, he’s trying to find who controls the corporations that paid Pablo to kidnap Colton. If we can find positive proof of my uncle’s involvement, then Steel can challenge him under the Dire Warning Josiah received. Otherwise, we’re back at square one, so finding an enforcer who was there at the time of the massacre is important to give us the eye-witness we need to present an airtight case to the High Council.”
Steel finally spoke, “Congratulations to both of you. I know I speak for my parents and brother when I tell you Dire Enterprises will provide any support you require in saving wolf shifters. I’ll draft an executive order today, have my father sign it and give you a copy to carry with you. If you need information, transportation, supplies, assistance or anything else, all you have to do is call a special number and the person who answers will make sure you get it.The order will identify you to Dire Enterprises’ personnel.”
“There is one request I will make of you, Cody,” Jackson said, “please speak with Carson and Zane before you leave. They both are…”
“Very sorry… I know, and I planned on it. I don’t blame them. I know they were just looking out for me,” Cody said.
“True, but there are rules and they need to know the consequences of not following them,” Jackson said.
“What punishment did you give them?” Dylon asked as he heard Cody snicker.
“Zane has 30 days helping in the kitchen along with his other chores and Carson will do Cody’s chores for six months,” Jackson replied.
