“I bet they’re excited,” said Lizzie, “I know I would be. Scotland is a beautiful place. I remember the time we visited there when Frank was a High Council representative. I fancied myself as a Scottish lassie walking among the heather in the highlands while the sounds of bagpipes echoed through the hills. Oh, it was so romantic. Frank, we should go back there again but let’s stay longer this time. Maybe we can take Cody, Dylon, and the grandpups. Wouldn’t that be a great trip? Oh, say yes, Frank, please?”
Forestalling any objections from his father, Dylon responded, “Mom, that sounds great, but we can’t go right now. Jake and Jessica need to get settled after what happened to their parents and, besides, we are working with Logan right now on the renovations needed for the home for boys. Maybe we could plan a trip for next year when Jake and Jessica will be older and can enjoy it more.”
“Miss L?” said Kieran, “I bet you would rock as a Scottish lassie. I can see you now dressed in a beautiful plaid dress with shades of blue, purplish heather woven into a circlet of flowers intertwined in your gorgeous blond hair.” Then, after hearing from his spirit, he said, “Wow, I have a great idea…I could go with you if Frank didn’t want to go. You know, just as a traveling companion. Frank would be happy to know you wouldn’t be traveling by yourself and it would be perfect for me, too.”
“Ki, we want to go too,” said Theodore, looking at Norman for reassurance. “Isn’t that right?”
“Theo’s right, Ki. We haven’t been anywhere other than a dungeon. We talked about this last night and decided we want to experience life before we start school. I know you’re eager for us to go, but come on Ki, can’t we have some fun before that?” asked Norman.
“Of course, you need some fun. And a trip to Scotland sounds lovely. I can see us all in kilts and creamy linen shirts…you know we don’t have to wear anything under the kilts…isn’t that right, Miss L?” asked Kieran.
“Nothing? Really?” Theo asked Ian.
Chuckling, Ian replied, “That’s right. Traditionally, Scottish men are commando under their kilts.”
“Wait a minute, guys,” Cody said, “before you start packing, we need to talk. How about right after breakfast? There are some other matters we need to cover also. Lizzie, will you watch the twins while Dylon and I meet with the boys?”
“Certainly,” said Lizzie. “Kieran, can I get back to you on your proposal? I want to talk to Frank.”
“Absolutely Miss L,” Kieran beamed, happy to see his idea hadn’t been rejected outright. As soon as he said it, he knew it was the right thing to do. Why Scotland was calling to him, he didn’t know, but then he’d been taught never to ignore messages his spirit sent him. So, one way or another he was going to go to Scotland and if he went with Theo, Norman, and Miss L, so much the better.
“Oracle, would you mind watching Daniel?” asked Jackson, “My morning suddenly became busy.”
“Of course,” Oracle said, “take your time. Maximus and I will enjoy spoiling our grandpup.”
After burping Daniel, Jackson rose and brought him over to Steel’s mother who reached up and took him. “Oh, look at you…so big,” Oracle crooned while cuddling Daniel in her arms. Smiles, spit bubbles, and giggling were her only responses.
“Come on guys, let’s talk to Jackson,” Cody said to Kieran, Theodore, and Norman as he and Dylon rose from the table. Leading the way, Cody thought about what the boys said, and he had to admit, he didn’t blame them. Especially, in the case of Theodore and Norman whose teenage years had been stolen from them by their misguided parents.Now they were free…or were they? If I refuse them about what they want to do aren’t I keeping them prisoners too? Just because I want to protect them. Oh shit, is this how Dylon and I will feel about our pups when they grow up?
Through their mind link, Dylon heard his mate’s thoughts and agreed. He’d become quite protective of their boys, even Kieran, who tried his patience repeatedly.Ma moité, we will figure this out together.
I know, but our boys have suffered so much. How can I let them go off to another country when they know nothing about the world?
My pet, they know more about the world than you or I did at their age. Our boys have seen the evil that can be found in some shifters and they paid an enormous price for learning that lesson. Why don’t we start by listening to them with an open mind and then see what we can do about it.
I know you’re right, but I’m telling you now, I can’t agree to them going by themselves. Reaching Jackson’s office, Cody gave a brief rap on the door and then entered. When everyone was seated, Cody looked at Jackson, waiting for him to speak.
“Cody, how about you start?” asked Jackson.
“Okay. Let’s start with the trip to Scotland,” Cody began. “Why Scotland? Because of Ian and Colton’s plans?”
Theodore and Norman looked at Kieran before Theodore answered. “Because we want to go with Kieran and he wants to go to Scotland.”
“That makes sense,” said Cody. Then looking at Kieran, asked, “So why do you want to go there?”
“My spirit told me I needed to go,” answered Kieran.
“Your spirit? What do you mean…your spirit?” asked Jackson.
“My spirit. My Shaman taught me never to ignore what my spirit told me to do. I only did it one time and that was a disaster,” Kieran said.
“I don’t understand,” Cody said. “What is a spirit? You mean your subconscious?”
“No, not my subconscious. DUH! My spirit! You know! A spirit! My guide! Jeez!” exclaimed Kieran.
Dylon spoke. “I haven’t ever heard of a shifter having a spirit, only a wolf inside that can alert you to danger and such. Is that what you mean? Your wolf is telling you to go to Scotland?”
Kieran rolled his eyes at Dylon. “No, if I meant my wolf, I would have said my wolf. I’m talking about my spirit. My Shaman taught me how to find it and how to listen to what it was saying.”
