Theodore looked at Norman. Kieran knew they were mind talking. Again tapping his foot impatiently, he was a teeny bit disappointed his friends didn’t jump at this chance. But he tried to be understanding.
“Okay, can we meet Cody now?” asked Norman.
“Yes, yes. Get your shoes on and let’s go,” Kieran said excitedly, hopeful that, at least, his friends were open to the proposal.
Leading them back to the presidential suite, Kieran watched his friends’ eyes widen as they took in the luxurious surroundings in the hallway. Reaching the door, he turned and looked at them, “Be nice. These people rescued us and as far as I can tell, they don’t expect anything for it.”
“We promise,” they said in unison.
Kieran opened the door and escorted the bears into the living room where he introduced them to Cody, Dylon and Slate. After exchanging hellos, Kieran indicated where they could sit.
“Hi guys. I assume Kieran told you about my offer. Do you have any questions?” asked Cody.
“Cody, right?” Norman asked, then continued when it was affirmed, “Let’s say we go to the Blackwood Pack. What happens if we don’t like it?”
Cody spoke, “My brother, Jackson, is the Alpha of the pack and he’s mated to Slate’s brother Steel. He is a good guy and can be trusted. If you don’t want to stay, then I promise that Jackson will find somewhere else for the three of you where you’ll be safe and well-funded. Nobody will be forced to stay if you don’t like it there. But, I hope you’ll give my pack a chance to show you not all wolf packs are like Arald’s.”
Theodore gave Norman a side eye before asking, “Will Norman and I be able to share a room?”
“If you want, sure. Do you want Kieran to share with you also?”
Answering before his friends could open their mouths, Kieran said, “No way! The deal is off if I have to share a room with them. I need my beauty sleep and they snore.”
Laughing, Cody said, “No, you don’t have to share if you don’t want to. There are plenty of bedrooms to pick from.”
“Can Kieran go to school? He wanted to be a teacher. Who’s going to pay for that?” asked Theodore.
Mortified, Kieran said, “Stop it, Theodore. I can pay for it myself. I just need to get a job first.”
“Dire Enterprises has a scholarship fund for circumstances just like this. None of you will have to worry about paying for your schooling, whether you stay with the Blackwood Pack or decide to move elsewhere,” Slate said.
Theodore and Norman stared at each other as they once again communicated through their mind link. A smile slowly formed on both faces as they came to an agreement. Theodore spoke, “If Kieran’s willing to go, then we are also. But, we want a guarantee of the funds for Kieran’s schooling and proof of the money you spoke of if we don’t want to stay. We don’t need the money right now, but we want to know it’s there for us without waiting for it if we decide to leave.”
“Done. I’ll have it set up in your names tomorrow and there will be a separate account for your schooling. You don’t have to make a decision right now, but when you get settled, then you can think about what your plans are for the future,” said Slate.
Shaking hands with Slate, Cody and Dylon, Theodore and Norman left for their room while Kieran lingered.
“Do you have something you want to say, Kieran?” asked Cody.
Straightening up and stretching his five foot seven inches to look the tallest he could, Kieran said, “Uhmm…yes. If you fuck over my friends, I will kill you. They have been hurt enough and I won’t let anyone or anything hurt them again. They have agreed to come with me to your pack because they trust me. Don’t make me a liar.”
Cody saw Slate’s mouth drop open and he heard Dylon’s growl at the threat against his mate, but he ignored them, for here in front of him, stood a shifter that was worth his weight in gold. Holding back a smile at the young man’s bravado, Cody spoke first, “You’ll have no need to killme or anyone else. No one will hurt them. Your friends will be treated as full members of the pack and will enjoy the protection of my brothers and their mates. But thanks for the warning. I’ll pass it on to my Alpha.”
Satisfied, Kieran nodded briefly and left to join his friends.
Cody then let loose a wide smile.
Chapter 41
Dylon was up first this time, taking care of their pups when a flustered Cody joined him.
“I’m so sorry, babe, I guess everything just caught up with me,” Cody said. “These last few nights I’ve gotten some of the best sleep I’ve ever had…well, except when you used the chains…and I feel so much better, but I’m not doing my fair share with our pups.” Cody quickly changed Jake and picked up the bottle Kieran had left for him.
“Stop it right now,ma moitié,” replied Dylon. “You have nothing to apologize for. Jake was fine, Jessica is fine and to make sure they stay that way, you need to be fine too. Stop with the guilt and just enjoy our pups.” Dylon smiled at Jessica and looked at Cody feeding Jake his bottle. “Hey, I think we’re doing great. I can’t wait for my mom to see these two.”
Giggling at the attempts of his son to grab his finger, Cody said, “We have to be sure to take some pictures when your mom meets these two. Oh, my gods, babe, we haven’t taken any pictures yet! We have to do that.”
“When we get back today, I promise. Is Jake finished? Slate will be waiting for us.”
