Sitting in the SUV’s back seat, Fionn’s gaze shifted from the Courthouse to Dylon who was behind the steering wheel. “When are we leaving?”
“Soon.” Dylon watched as Eideard MacDùghlas left the building, noting the smug smile on his face.What afucking asshole!Shifting his gaze back to the courthouse, he smiled as his mate shoved the door open, and descended the steps. Jumping out, Dylon circled the SUV, opening the front passenger side door, giving Cody a kiss. “Well done, babe.”
After buckling his seat belt, Cody turned around, grinning at Fionn. “Happy?”
“That would be a big fucking ‘yes’. I can’t thank Oracle or you guys enough. I was fucking furious when my uncle was up on the stand lying and if it weren’t for you two, I’d have blown it.”
“You’re welcome. That’s what we were here for.” Cody shifted in his seat, searching the surrounding area. “Did your uncle leave already?”
“Yeah, just before you came out.”
Dylon climbed in on his side, kissed his mate, then glanced back at Fionn. “Jackson wants to meet you before Mystia takes you back to Scotland. Okay?”
“Yeah, fine, as long as it doesn’t take long because I don’t want to miss the treasure hunt.”
“Does this have to do with Brian’s mate?” asked Dylon.
“Yeah, we’re searching for a humongous green diamond called Serpent’s Teardrop. This is going to be so much fun. I’m on Theo and Norm’s team.” Excitement filled Fionn’s face, anticipating they’d be the ones who found it.
“Shouldn’t take too long, Jackson just wants to welcome you to the pack.” Dylon pulled into the below-ground parking garage. “C’mon, the helicopter is waiting for us up top.”
~/~/~/~/~
Flying in a helicopter was almost as good as flying as a dragon Fionn discovered and, on the way back from the Courthouse, he decided to buy one as soon as the estate was settled. Imagining the fun he and his friends would have flying to San Francisco for a night out, Fionn texted Penn, asking him how soon the probate case to get his late father’s assets would be over.
After landing, Fionn followed Cody through the Blackwood Pack house and the power he’d felt earlier grew stronger as he walked.
Stopping at the door to Jackson’s study, Cody knocked, then entered. “How were the twins?” he asked, looking over and seeing them playing with Daniel on the soft chenille rug Logan had picked out.
“Very good. I was even able to get some work done.” Jackson stepped out from behind his desk. “Hi Fionn, Welcome to the Blackwood Pack. Glad to hear everything worked out for you.”
Speechless, Fionn stared at Jackson. The power he’d felt in the house came from the Alpha—his Alpha—and it was more powerful than anything he’d ever sensed.
“Fionn, are you all right?” Jackson exchanged glances with his brother who shrugged his shoulders. Wondering what was causing Fionn’s deer-in-the-headlights freeze, Jackson waved his hand in front of the young dragon’s face. “Fionn?”
Blinking his eyes, Fionn focused on his Alpha, voicing the first thought that came to mind: “Are you going to hurt me with your power?” Then his eyes widened at his faux pas. “S-s-s-sorry, I didn’t mean that.”
Keeping his eyes on Fionn, Jackson asked, “Cody can you take care of the pups so I can speak with Fionn alone?”
“As soon as Dylon gets here…he’s on his way.”
Guiding Fionn over to the loveseat, Jackson said, “Have a seat. Do you want something to drink?”
“Water, please.” Fionn leaned back, trying to gather his thoughts so he wouldn’t embarrass himself again.
After Cody and Dylon left with the pups, Jackson sat down kitty-corner from the young dragon. “Fionn, the Fates have sent you to me for safe keeping and to answer your question, my power will only protect you. My goal is for you to live your life, free from those who want to use you because you’re a white dragon. From what I know of your life, there haven’t been many people you could trust, but that’s now changed. Everyone in the Blackwood Pack will protect you and fight anyone who threatens your well-being.”
His Alpha’s words were a balm to his wounded soul but he’d been fooled before. Hoping it was true, Fionn said, “No offense, but others have promised me that, too, and I found out they were liars. Shit, sorry. I’m not sayingyouare, but…”
“That’s all right Fionn, I didn’t take it that way. Why don’t we start at the beginning? Trust takes time to develop and it helps if you know about the other person. I know only a tiny part of your life story, but if you’re willing, I would like to know all of it.”
“What about your story?”
“I’ll tell you first and you can ask any questions you want, okay?”
Nodding, Fionn listened carefully as Jackson began to speak.
~/~/~/~/~
