“Hey, are you okay?” asked Mason.
Clenching his jaw, it took a few seconds before Hunter growled, “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Mason knewthatwasn’t true but he wasn’t going to challenge his brother. “Well,” he hesitated, “that’s good because there’s more.”
Snapping his face back to his brother, Hunter couldn’t believe how anything more than he’d already read couldbe worse—until he saw how tense Mason had become. “Tell me, what else is there.”
“My source said their uncle filed a counter-complaint against them claiming they killed everyone in their pack because Jackson wanted to be the Alpha.”
“Bullshit!” Hunter exclaimed, jumping up and pacing while opening and closing his fists. “Jackson isn’t like that. If that’s what he wanted, he could’ve just killed his father. What the fuck is the matter with those assholes at the High Council? Do they really think Jackson would also kill his younger brothers and sisters? That’s fuckin’ unbelievable!”
“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger,” Mason said, holding up his hands. “I’m not saying I think he did it, but the uncle says so and the High Council has to investigate every complaint, no matter how far-fetched it seems.”
“Sorry, it just pisses me off that a false complaint can be filed against our cousin without any consequences.”
“I didn’t saythat, bro. If Jackson can prove they didn’t commit the crime and their uncle knew that when he filed his complaint, then the High Council will prosecute the uncle for knowingly filing a false report.”
Hunter sighed. “You’re right. This clears up why I haven’t heard anything from our cousin,” he said.
“Time is running out,” said Mason. “We need to go soon. Driving is going to be hard…and will take a lot longer than flying. So, what are you going to do?”
Before he could answer, Hunter heard the soothing sounds of Robin’s guitar floating through the air. Cocking his head, Hunter said, “Isn’t it a bit early for that?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Mason said, “It helps…but less each day.”
“Fuck.” Leaning back against the porch railing, Hunter thought about his options. “Get ready to go,” he said to Mason. “If I don’t hear from Jackson in three days, we’ll leave, and I’ll deal with him when we get there.”
~/~/~/~/~
At Kieran’s request, Brian remained after everyone left the suite. He wasn’t sure why the Shaman wanted to speak to him alone, but sensed it probably had something to do with his mate.
Once they were alone, Kieran sat down next to the sea serpent, placing his hand on Brian’s arm before asking, “Why do you think you don’t deserve a mate?”
“Shaman, I’m to auld and set in my ways to change for a young mate. And besides, what do I have to offer him? Nothing…that’s what. I dinna have a house or a lot of money. And I bet he’s young, so do ye think he’ll really want to hang out with an auld fucker like me? No, dinna bother denying it. My mate will want to go clubbing, spending the nights dancin’ and drinkin’ and that’s just nae me anymore.”
“Why are you trying so hard to find him then?” asked Kieran softly.
Looking down, Brian shook his head, “Honestly? Because he needs me for somethin’ and I dinna want to let him down.”
“Any idea what it is?” Kieran asked.
“Naw…do you?” asked Brian.
“Unfortunately, no, but you’re right…your mate’s life is being threatened. When he’s out of danger, what will you doif he does want to claim you? Will you still reject him?” Kieran asked.
Brian’s heart ached at hearing Kieran’s blunt words.Rejectmy mate? No!But can I survive the pain of seeing the disgust on his face when he realizes how old I am?“Shaman, I can’t answer yer question because I dinna know. Do I want to reject him? Absolutely not! But I won’t force my mate to claim an auld shifter.”
“Fair enough. But you should know I have complete faith the Fates chose the right mate for you,” Kieran said, sending a burst of love into his friend and, after rising, added, “and I’m sure everything will work out.”
Standing, Brian responded, “Maybe. Thank ye for yer help, Shaman.” Several loud knocks on Kieran’s door had Brian chuckling as he walked towards it. “Sounds like someone is impatient.”
Giggling, Kieran said, “I think you’re right.” Opening the door, he found a very disgruntled Fionn glaring at Theo and Norm. “Hey, did you finish your questionnaire?”
“We did,” answered Theo, “and we worked out all the potential issues but Fionn isn’t happy with us. Hi, Brian.”
“Hi Theo, Norm, Fionn. Excuse me, I was just leavin’,” Brian said, walking out and over to the elevator.
“See ya,” Theo said. Then taking Norm’s hand, he pulled him into Kieran’s suite with Fionn trailing behind.
