Jackson thought about his mate’s plan, before saying, “I see two problems with that idea, babe. One, Cody and Dylon just got back and, two, how would they explain investigating David? Especially to Zane? I know my brother…he’d look at it as an attack on his mate and force him to take a position against us, and I refuse to open that door. However, I do agree we need more information about David.” Eyeing Maximus and Mystia, Jackson said, “I think you two are the best ones to investigate who David is. Maximus, don’t you think it’s time you and Oracle have a vacation? Join Lizzie and Ian’s parents for some sightseeing in Scotland? You, showing up in Scotland, wouldn’t raise any red flags with Zane.”
“How does Mystia fit in?” asked Steel.
Smiling, Jackson answered, “Bynotshowing up.”
“By keeping my presence hidden,” Mystia concurred.
“Exactly,” Jackson said. “What we know so far is Zane found David working at the Wolf Pack Pub so that’s a starting point. Where did he come from? When was he hired? Who are his friends? That’s the kind of information that will help Maximus.”
“Are you going to tell Logan?” asked Steel.
“Yes, and I’ll tell him why I’ve decided to do it,” Jackson said. “But, this investigation is limited to one thing and one thing only,” he insisted strongly. “Finding out if David is a danger to the world…if his soul is filled with evil. No more than that. He’s Zane’s Fated Mate and I have to accept the Fates knew what they were doing when they gave him to Zane. It’s a very fine line I’m walking but I have to assume the Fates gave this pack gifts so we can protect the world…not destroy it. Is that understood?” After everyone nodded in agreement, Jackson turned to Steel. “Babe, please make arrangements for your father’s trip.”
“I’ll be ready to go shortly,” Maximus said, standing and offering his hand to Mystia.
As she rose, Mystia said, “Once I tell Jimmy where I’m going, I’ll get started on my research over there, too,” adding, “Actually, why doesn’t Maximus come with me instead of flying. That way, he’ll be there when Oracle arrives.”
“Protection for Oracle?” Jackson asked.
“Yes,” Mystia said. “Your enforcers should also be alerted to a possible threat.”
“I’ll make that decision after I speak to Logan,” said Jackson. “I want to know his take on David. Raising the threat level with the enforcers will only tip off Zane and David that something’s up. If that happens, Zane’s going to want to know the details and I can’t very well tell my brother his Fated Mate is the threat…at least not yet.”
“When will you talk to Logan?” Maximus asked.
Jackson glanced at the time on his phone. “It’s three in the morning over there, so in another four hours or so. I’ll call you, Maximus, as soon as I’m finished speaking with him. Oh, one other thing, coordinate everything with Logan.”
“Will do,” Maximus said, and ushered Mystia out of Jackson’s study.
Steel looked at his mate. “What a clusterfuck.”
“No shit! I don’t like going behind my brother’s back but after what I read about David, it’s a risk I have to take. I’m just worried if Zane finds out we’re snooping, he’ll take his mate and leave the pack.”
“Maybe, maybe not. If you tell him why and show him the story, he might understand.”
“Would you?” Jackson mused.
“I don’t know. I hope so…when I realized you did it to protect the pack.”
“I think Zane is too young to see that.”
“Are you going to tell Cody and Dylon?” asked Steel.
“No, not yet…at least not until I have proof David’s a threat.”
Steel picked up the picture of David, staring at the face that might be capable of bringing death and destruction to the world, then said, “I’m praying it ain’t so. I don’t know his story, but whatever it is, it’s not a happy one ‘cause there’s lot of sadness in those eyes.”
“I know,” Jackson said. “I know.”
~/~/~/~/~
The early morning light coming through the unshaded portholes in the cabin fell across David’s face, waking him. Surrounded by his mate’s scent and encircled by his mate’s arms, he smiled; a strange, calming feeling had settled in his soul. David didn’t immediately recognize it because the last time he savored it was when he was still with his mother. His feeling of contentment, though, was soon replaced by the sadness of remembering what happened to her.
Renewing his vow to destroy the shifters who’d hurt her, David knew it was time to tell Zane everything, and then ask for help to fulfill his pledge. Placing one hand over his mate’s arm, David felt the energy connecting them as one now, wondering if that meant they were mated. He cursed his ignorance of Fated Mates, damning his teachers who refused to tell him what to expect. The little he now knew came from Kieran last night—he should have taken advantage of the opportunity and asked more questions.
Hoping there’d be another chance to talk to Kieran alone before the claiming ceremony took place, his mind pondered questions ranging from what ceremonial robes were required to what he had to memorize so he could recite it without stumbling. The back of his legs still bore scars from canings received for messing up in the past. Hopefully, Zane would overlook his mistakes since he wouldn’t have a lot of time to learn his part. Overwhelmed by the enormity of what he had decided to do and, knowing the risk he was taking by claiming a Fated Mate, David’s body began to shiver, his worry giving way to sheer panic as he thought about what would happen to him if the High Priestess ever learned of it.
Zane had been feigning sleep since David had awakened, keeping a watchful eye on him. He and his wolf knew their mate was in serious trouble, but Zane wasn’t going to push David to talk about it until he was ready. In the meantime, even though his body was yearning to touch every part of David, Zane did everything a mate should—except become intimate. Though he didn’t understand why, he was sure David not only was a virgin, but also had no idea how sex between two men wasconsummated. If his hunch was correct, then taking everything slow was the best choice he could make.
