“You’re probably right but whether she’ll tell us is another matter.”
“Yeah, well…changing the subject…aren’t you upset because I’m in your mind?”
Pausing for a moment, Dakota was trying to figure out how to describe it to his mate. “No, in fact it’s the opposite. See, the negative emotions of my father were so strong I felt like they were devouring me…all of me…and it was frightening so I fought it with everything I could. Then when it got too much and all I could find was a tiny bit of myself, I knew I needed time alone to block out everyone else so I could reassemble the pieces of me. The number of times I had to put myself back together eventually made me gun-shy of being close to anyone. I figured it was easier that way.
“Then you came into my life and I had to rethink my decisions because I was drawn to you, so very much it was hard to even consider you wouldn’t be in my life. But when I woke up after our claiming, I felt something missing in me and I thought it was because I wasn’t feeling the emotions of others. When I found your wolf in me it was a shock, but only because being free of all emotions was just as overwhelming as being shackled to them. Then I saw how happy my wolf was with your wolf in me and it made me rethink my decision about wanting your wolf out of me.
“Just now, when I discovered you in my mind, the first thing I felt was happiness…so much fucking happiness…because you were the part missing from me. All these years, I always knew something was wrong with me so I blamed my curse but I was wrong. I know this sounds strange but I finally feel whole. I hope you understand and feel the same way because I’m never letting go of you.” Dakota dropped his eyes, afraid of what his mate would think of his explanation.
“Babe? Look at me please,” Slate murmured, and when Dakota did, he continued, “I do understand because I feel the same way. Your presence in my mind is not intrusive, it also completes me. You truly fill my heart, soul and mind and I have never been happier…I love you, babe.” Slate leaned in and gently licked Dakota’s lips before kissing them softly, then his tongue was inside, dancing with his mate’s.
~/~/~/~/~
“What are you grinning about, darling?” asked Maximus, watching his wife walk over to him.
“Grinning? I do not grin, I smile, dear.”
“Okay, what are you smiling about?” Maximus asked, taking Oracle’s hand and giving it a gentle tug before pulling her onto his lap and giving her a little love bite on her neck.
“Our youngest son’s claiming of Dakota is complete.”
“Complete? What does that mean? Was it different from what usually happens?”
“It was. It was necessary because the gods have given them a gift in addition to the one the Fates gave Dakota.”
“Isn’t that unusual?”
“Yes, it is, but Dakota is a very special shifter. Are you ready to be a grandfather again?”
“You mean Dakota’s pregnant already?”
“Yes, but no one knows so when they announce it, please act surprised.”
“Of course, my surprise face is fool-proof.”
“Really? Show me.”
Maximus made a number of funny faces that left Oracle laughing. “See, I will fool everyone. Now which one should I use?”
Still chuckling over the silly faces her husband made, she said, “None of them! They were terrible and will not fool anyone. I think you need more practice and I know exactly what will help you.”
Maximus smirked. “Does it have to do with a certain body part of mine?”
“It does, now put away your work and come to bed with me.”
“Absolutely, lover.”
~/~/~/~/~
They left their magical place after several bouts of laughter as Slate tried to locate the clothes Dakota had thrown helter-skelter in his haste to fuck his mate. When Dakota was finally dressed, Slate stood toe-to-toe with him, giving his mate one last kiss. Then looking around, he said, “Babe, let’s keep our magical place a secret, okay?” After receiving a nod, Slate led Dakota down the path to the house, both enjoying the sounds of the forest at night.
When they finally arrived, Dakota was so sure no one would still be awake, he was surprised when he found Jackson in the great room. Concerned, Dakota asked, “Bro, is everything all right?”
“It is. I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I head to bed.”
Smiling broadly, Dakota said, “I’m fine but that might change when I see my kitchen.”
“It better be perfect,” Jackson said, “or Steel and Zane are going to answer to me.”
