“Oh, shit. Say no more. I don’t think there’ll be a problem since I know Sawyer won’t pack much, especially since it’ll be a short visit,” Robin chuckled.
“The motorhome Mason bought has two bedrooms. One is for Mac and I’m giving Quin the other one. He can pack as much crap in it as he can and that’ll have to do.”
“It’s only for three days, right? It should be fine,” Robin said.
“Yeah...have you seen it yet? It’s pretty cool. I never knew how fancy these RVs were. A full kitchen, living room with a table that pulls out, two bedrooms and two full baths.”
“Please tell me Quin will have his own bathroom.”
“Yeah, I’m giving him one all for himself,” Hunter chuckled.
“Whew…no offense but three days with our brother nagging us to pick up after ourselves is…well, you know. Don’t get me wrong, I love Quin, but, c’mon, the trip will be tough enough, without that shit.”
“I know, but it’ll be fine,” Hunter said, standing, “Hey, I’m heading out to take another look at what Mason brought home last night. Want to check it out?”
“Sure, I have a few before I have to get back.”
Chapter 24
Sighing, Jackson read another email from his cousin, then dialed Zane’s number. Everyone had signed off on allowing their cousins to visit except for his youngest brother.
“Hello?”
“Zane?” Jackson asked, not recognizing the voice and checking his phone to make sure he’d punched in the right number.
“Uhh, no, this is David. Zane’s in the bathroom. Who is this please?”
“Hi David, I’m Zane’s older brother, Jackson. We haven’t me…”
“Oh, my goodness, I’m so sorry Alpha. Forgive me for not giving you the respect you deserve. I meant no disrespect,” David said in a subdued voice. When Zane asked him to answer the call, he was sure it was Kieran, letting them know what time they planned to go to the pet shop. David’s body began to shake as he anticipated harsh punishment for his behavior—that’s what the High Priestess had always done.
Zane was just leaving the bathroom when he felt David’s distress. Rushing to him, he scooped him up in his arms, crooning words of love while settling his mate on his lap. Taking the phone from David, he ended the call concentrating on fixing whatever had happened to his mate.
Increasing his Alpha power, Zane immersed his mate in it, hoping it would chase away the fears causing David’s shivers. Humming David’s favorite song, he gently rubbed his mate’s back while waiting for him to speak.
Burrowing into Zane’s chest, David gulped in his mate’s scent of black figs, blood orange, and cypress, hoping to avert a panic attack. Slowing his breathing he basked in the sense of security Zane always gave him and his fears receded.
“Babe, can you tell me what happened?” asked Zane after he felt his mate relax.
Nodding, David remained silent for a minute, trying to explain what sin he’d committed and praying for forgiveness. “Uhm, I questioned the Alpha.”
“Alpha…you mean my brother Jackson?” asked Zane.
“Uh-huh. The Alpha called and I asked who it was. I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was the Alpha. Really, it was a mistake. I won’t ever do it again, I promise! Please don’t let him punish me. I know how to be respectful I promise…and I promise I will never question him again especially now that I know his voice. I promise, I won’t do it again…” David’s voice trailed off, his fears rising again.
“Hush,tesoro mio, that’s all right. You haven’t done anything wrong…” Zane crooned, sending more Alpha power to his mate. “Is that what nearly caused your panic attack? You thought my brother was going to punish you because you asked who he was.”
Nestling deep until his head was under Zane’s arm, David nodded. Regardless of what his mate said to allay his fears, David knew the Alpha would make the final decision, just like the High Priestess always did. He knew an explosion would be forthcoming as soon as Zane called his brother. His shame at failing his mate consumed him, along with fearing the Alpha now wouldn’t let his mother live with them.
Finally understanding David’s anxiety, Zane knew no matter how much he reassured his mate Jackson wasn’t offended, the words had to come from his brother. Entering his brother’s number, Zane waited for Jackson to answer.
“Zane? Is everything all right?” asked Jackson, with concern.
“Just a little misunderstanding,” Zane replied.
“Ahh, let me guess. David’s worried he did something wrong.”
“Yes, how did you know?” asked Zane.
