“Oracle, please come in,” Jackson said. “Cody, Dylon, please leave…babe, you stay.”
After she took a seat, Oracle said to Dakota and Slate, “Now since you have completed your mating, I am sure you have some questions.”
Slate looked at Dakota, then turned to his mother, “I…we…want to know what happened to us last night. Has it to do with Dakota’s gift from the Fates?”
“Wait…what happened last night?” asked Jackson.
Oracle began to explain. “As Dakota and Slate know, their claiming wasn’t a normal one. In response to your question, Slate, yes, it does concern his gifts. Dakota is the only shifter to possess both empathy and Shadow Voice. Therefore, the Fates want to protect him from all who would seek to do him harm or to use him for nefarious purposes. So they have joined your life forces together and each of you now has part of your mate insideof you. Among other attributes each of you now possess, the most notable one for you Dakota, is Slate’s physical strength and for you, Slate, the Fates have given you Dakota’s mental ability to tolerate pain. But there are also other abilities and you will discover them as time goes on.”
“Does this change my gift at all? I’ll still be able to block other’s feelings, right?” asked Dakota.
“Yes. Your gift of Shadow Voice remains as I described it yesterday,” answered Oracle.
Slate exchanged looks with Dakota, then asked, “Will it affect our pup?”
“It will not affect your pup, but it will make it easier for Dakota to carry a Dire Wolf pup to term because he now is physically stronger.”
“Lucky you, bro,” Jackson chortled.
“I guess,” Dakota said, “I haven’t even focused on that yet.”
“Trust me,” Jackson said, smiling, “you will appreciate it.”
“Any other questions?” Oracle asked.
“No…I don’t think so. Wait, what other endowments did we get?” asked Slate.
“Sweetie, that would take all the fun out of it for you, but I recommend your wolves take a nice long run in the woods,” Oracle said, her eyes twinkling as a wide smile graced her face.
Slate grinned at Dakota as he got up. “Fancy a run?”
“Sounds like fun,” Dakota said. “See you later, guys.” Taking his mate’s outstretched hand, he rose and followed Slate out of the study.
“Mom, would you take Daniel up to his bedroom for his nap? I have a couple of things to cover with Jackson before my meeting with Dad.”
“With pleasure!” Oracle exclaimed, taking Daniel from Jackson. “Come here, sweetie, I have three new books to read you.”
Snorting, Jackson said, “At this rate, he’s going to need a bigger room.”
“Or maybe, a playroom where the overflow of toys and books can be kept so Jessica, Jake, and the three new pups that are on the way can all enjoy them,” suggested Oracle.
“That’s not a bad idea, Mom,” said Steel.
Smiling, Oracle said, “Wave bye-bye, sweetie,” and after Daniel waved to his daddies, Oracle left, crooning sweet words to her grandpup.
“C’mon, babe,” Steel said, grasping Jackson’s hand, “let’s go cuddle on the loveseat while I bring you up-to-date.”
“Okay, but this won’t take the place of what you promised me for later.”
Snorting, Steel said, “As if!” Then he sat on the love seat sideways, placing one leg on the cushions and stretching out the other on the floor. Patting the place between his legs, Steel asked, “Works for you?”
“Perfect,” Jackson said, sitting in the spot Steel pointed. Leaning back against his mate’s chest, Jackson relaxed. He’d been worried since Oracle told Dakota about the future use of his Shadow Voice gift and even with Oracle’s assurances, it just wouldn’t go away. Closing his eyes, he drew a deep breath, letting his mate’s scentsoothe him. After a while, Jackson murmured, “Thank you babe, I really needed this.”
Chuckling, Steel replied, “My pleasure.”
Tension faded into calmness; Jackson was ready to listen. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“Mom felt it was time to hire PAs for me, Slate and Dad. Actually, it’s perfect timing since I want to spend more time with you and Daniel.”
