“Because he is mated to Slate, a Dire Wolf and, according to Oracle, the Fates promised her that her sons would find their mates and have pups so the Dire Wolves wouldn’t die out. Holy shit balls, I can’t wait to see if I’m right but I bet I am. That’s why he had lemonade instead of ale the night I met you.”
“If I understand you,” said David, “Kota received the same gift from the Fates Jackson did?”
“I think so. I bet he said something at dinner but I wasn’t really listening since I was thinking only about you.”
“Are you okay with Kota having a pup?”
Zane paused, thinking about his brother, then beamed, “Yup, I am. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“What if it’s a girl?”
“That’s cool too. I don’t care as long as Kota and the pup are healthy.”
“I’m proud of you, love,” smiled David, love and respect showing in his eyes.
“Thanks,” said Zane. “I wanted you to know everything about me, even when I acted like a complete asshole. In looking back at all the shit my father shoveled at me, Irealized it was all wrong. Taking someone’s rights away because he’s gay is not the sign of a good alpha. I’m just grateful Jackson forgave me.”
“Your brother sounds like a good guy,” said David.
“He is. Wait till you meet him. Jackson always has my back and he’ll have yours too.”
“That sounds lovely. Nobody ever had my back other than my mother but there was stuff even she couldn’t protect me from.”
Seeing sadness fall on David’s face, Zane quickly responded. “Babe, I can’t change what happened to you in the past, but I can guarantee you I’ll always be here for you no matter what happens in the future.”
David searched Zane’s face and found the truth of his mate’s words reflected there.But will my mate feel that way when I tell him about who I am?Chewing his bottom lip, David took a moment to decide. Then, knowing he had to be as brave as his mate and tell Zane everything before they claimed each other, he took a deep breath before saying, “I think it’s my time for confession.”
~/~/~/~/~
A soft, misty rain fell from the black velvet sky onto the hotel roof where Logan was standing several yards away from Kieran, Slate and Dakota. After a quick look around, he spoke the words and felt his body shift into a black dragon. Bowing down, he snorted for his passengers to clamber aboard.
“Slate hold onto Dakota,” said Kieran, as he felt the powerful muscles of his mate’s dragon lifting them into the air. After circling the hotel, Logan headed to LochNess.Macushla, our spirit is saying Zane and David are in trouble.
I know. I hope Brian can help us because I’ve run out of ideas. I wish our spirit knew where they were.
Me, too!
Logan flew swiftly to the clearing he’d used before, knowing time was of the essence if there was any hope of saving his brother and David. Spying his landing site, he carefully descended, setting down without a hitch. After everyone had dismounted, Logan shifted and, grabbing his mate’s hand, said, “Let’s go, guys, Brian’s boat isn’t far.”
Double-timing it, the group reached their destination quickly. Standing on the dock, Logan called out, “Captain Crannach, the Shaman is here and needs to speak with you.”
After a few moments, a voice boomed up from down below, “Aye, come aboard, I’ll be right up.” After pulling on some jeans and a t-shirt, Brian appeared topside, knowing exactly what the Shaman wanted.
“Hi Brian,” Kieran said, “I brought Dakota and Slate with me this time because Dakota’s very worried about his brother.”
“Shaman,” Brian said warmly, giving a slight bow of his head, “how’s the pup?”
Breaking out in a smile, Kieran said, “The squirt is growing like a weed.”
“Guid,” Brian said, then, turning to Dakota. “Tis’ an honor tae meet you, Empath. What can I do to help ye?”
“I’m worried about my brother Zane and his mate David. They’re in trouble and need our help. Do you know where they are?”
“Ay.”
“Thank goodness!” exclaimed Dakota.
“Where?” asked Logan.
