Oracle leaned over, laying her hand on Dakota’s arm, and said gently, “I can go to them and tell them your decision, but before I do that, will you listen as I explain everything about the gift they wish you to have?”
Dakota nodded, relieved that he could refuse the gift.
“The Fates never intended for you to suffer the way you did, but unfortunately each one of us is free to choose how we live our lives…whether it is with love, as your mother did, or with the hatred that consumed your father’s life. We are each given a finite time on this earth, and how happy we are totally depends on our choices. Your father chose poorly and because of it, in the end, it cost him the love of his mate. And that is the worst thing that could ever happen to a shifter.
“We all are born as empaths but as we grow, the ability to feel the emotions of others fades until only a tiny fraction remains, but your empath ability grew until you could feel the emotions of everyone at once. That is very rare, as usually an empath can only feel the emotions of the person closest to them. Do you know why your ability grew Dakota?”
“Bad luck,” he muttered.
“No, my dear, it was because you care so deeply for everyone around you. How many times did you tell your mother one of your siblings needed her? But that was only the beginning, wasn’t it? No matter how much hate your father spewed out, you absorbed it, kept quiet about it while trying to figure out a path forward for yourself. Dakota, your past is strewn with countless examples of good choices you made.
“Given that, the gifts the Fates have given you are a reward for all the suffering you had in your childhood. First the Fates gave you the gift of pups so you may experience the joy that children bring. And the gift of Shadow Voice will free you from the burden of being an empath for much longer periods of time.”
Dakota was sitting up now, listening attentively to Oracle. “How would I be free? Does that mean I’d finally be rid of my empath ability?”
“Not quite. The Shadow Voice gift gives you the ability to hear thoughts; however you must consciously choose to use it so you can go days, weeks or even years without it impacting your life in any way. Knowing the price you paid as an empath, the Fates tweaked this gift. If you decide to accept it, Shadow Voice will join with your empath ability to create one gift that you can choose to use only whenever you want to.”
At first, Dakota didn’t understand Oracle’s words until they finally settled in his brain causing his wolf to howl with joy.Oh shit! No more! Never Again! I will be free of my curse…my pups…oh my gods!“Really? All I have to do is to accept the gift and that will be the end of my curse? Babe, can you believe it?” Dakota said, grinning at his mate.
“Mom, you are saying my mate will never be forced to feel another’s emotion if he doesn’t want to, correct?” asked Slate, hoping he understood his mother correctly.
“Yes, I am.”
“Oh thank you so much Oracle! Yes, yes, I’ll accept the Fates’ gift of Shadow Voice,” exclaimed Dakota. “Oh my gods, I can’t believe it after all these years, I’ll finally be free of my curse! Free at last! How do I do it?”
“In your mind, you decide whether you want to feel emotions and hear thoughts or not…basically the same way you would block emotions. Go ahead and try it, Dakota.”
Dakota complied and the results were instantaneous—he no longer could feel anyone’s emotions.
Jackson smiled at his brother’s joy, but something didn’t seem right.If the Fates can alter my brother’s empath ability why not remove it completely? They know he can choose never to use it again so why are they giving him Shadow Voice?
Chapter 19
“C’mon mate, time to make me yours,” Dakota grinned, rising and tugging on Slate’s arm, urging him to get up.
“Jackson, are you finished with us?” asked Slate.
“Oracle, do you have anything else to say before they leave?” asked Jackson.
“Dakota, would you please give me a moment; I have a few more things to go over,” Oracle said, “but first your protection spell must be removed in order for Slate to claim you.”
“Of course, I’m sorry, I should have asked if you were finished but I was just so excited…” Dakota’s voice trailed off as he looked at Oracle and saw the seriousness reflected in her face, then felt his mate pull him back down to his lap. Dakota saw Mystia materialize in Jackson’s study and walk over to him.
“Do you have a problem with me removing the spell?”
Dakota shook his head. “No, go ahead.”
She raised her hands, held them over Dakota’s chest and chanted so quietly Dakota’s wolf hearing was of no use in understanding the words. Mystia stepped back and smiled at Dakota. “It is done. Congratulations on finding your Fated Mate, Dakota.”
“Thank you, Mystia,” Dakota said, before she disappeared.
Smiling gently, Oracle began, “I know you view the gift of Shadow Voice as a means to silence your empath ability permanently but that is not what the Fates intended. Shadow Voice was given to you because the Fates have faith in you to make the right choices about using it and not letting the evil that it attracts convinceyou otherwise. There will be a time when you are grateful for Shadow Voice and thank the Fates for your gift. Regarding your empath ability, always remember it is part of you, part of what makes you special and unique, so safeguard it because you will have need of it in the future. Dakota, be proud of who you are…the Fates are, very much so.”
As Oracle’s words flowed over him, Dakota was at a loss at what to do. It was obvious she was cautioning him about misusing his gift but he needed a break from all the turmoil in his life. He wanted to claim his mate by himself, feel only his mate’s love and to know there were only two of them in their mating bed.Certainly the Fates would not begrudge me that?Deciding he would use it when his mate claimed him and then talk to Slate about Oracle’s cautions afterward, he said, “Thank you, Oracle. I appreciate your advice and promise to be careful with my gift. I can’t thank the Fates enough for giving me control over my empath ability…just a day, free from the constant barrage of emotions, means more than I can ever say.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie, now go claim your mate.”
Dakota rose with Slate and, grasping his mate’s hand said to Jackson, “Bro, you know where to find me but unless the house is on fire and there’s no hope of putting out the blaze, I don’t want to see you or anyone else for a couple of days.”
