“That’s what a pack is…a family. So your family just got bigger. The Blackwood Pack is about love, loyalty, and trust for each other, exactly what a family is,” replied Jackson.
“What happens if we fight? Theo, Norm, and I disagreed on stuff.”
“That’s normal. So what happened?”
“I was being a dick so I apologized.”
“And did they accept it?” asked Jackson.
“Yeah.”
“Fionn, that’s part of being in a family. Shit, I can’t tell you how many times my brothers and I quarreled growing up, but you know what? At the end of the day the love we had for each other got us through. Right now, you love Ki, Theo, and Norm but give it time and I’m pretty sure my brothers and their mates will grow on you too…well, some of my brothers. Don’t tell them I said that,” Jackson chuckled.
“My mother told me to trust everyone in the pack. She said they would protect me.”
“Smart lady.”
“Yeah, she was. I miss her terribly.” Lowering his eyes, Fionn fought back tears. He didn’t think he’d ever get over her death.
The dragon’s sorrow was palpable and spoke to the omega in Jackson. Rising, he pulled Fionn up and hugged him, murmuring reassuring words, hoping they’d help temper the young dragon’s pain.
Jackson’s love flowed through Fionn, helping to rein in his grief. After moving out of his Alpha’s arms, he stood there, unsure about what to do next.
Watching Fionn surreptitiously brush the tears from his eyes, Jackson stepped back, giving the dragon some space. “Mystia is here for you,” he said, “but when you come home, I have a favor to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“You and I have a special connection, forged by the gods and Fates, so please let me be your big brother. By that, I mean, confide in me, tell me what’s bothering you, what issues you have solving problems…stuff like that, so I can help you. I promise to always respect your decisions, but before you make them, I might be able to give you a different perspective to consider.”
“You mean like a parent?”
“No, absolutely not,” laughed Jackson. “I see my role as helping you learnhowto make good decisions,notmaking them for you. Making them is the part of maturing you have to do yourself.”
And that was the part Fionn was most unsure of now that he was an adult. His father had never been around, nor cared to give him counsel about anything, least of all about decision-making. Now, with Jackson’s offer, his fear could be assuaged. Nodding to his new Alpha and mentor, he replied softly, “I’d like that very much.”
“Good. Now go find that green diamond so everyone can come home. This house is too empty.”
~/~/~/~/~
After Fionn had left with Mystia, Jackson joined his brother and Dylon in the great room. Smiling at the pile of sleeping wolf pups, Jackson sat facing Cody and Dylon. “What do you think? Will Fionn’s uncle leave him alone?”
“Well, it depends on what you mean. The judge told his uncle to make up some phony claims against the estate, so Penn will still have to fight that.” Dylon then played the recording for Jackson who pursed his lips as he listened.
“What about going after Fionn personally?” asked Jackson.
“We don’t know.” Cody glanced at Dylon who shrugged his shoulders. “The uncle never mentioned anything about a white dragon to the judge or his attorney.”
“We can only hope he doesn’t know,” said Jackson, “but we can’t count on it. What about the bogus claims? What are you going to do about that?”
“I’m kicking around a few ideas, but it would help if you could find out from Penn when the hearing on the assets of the estate will be,” Dylon said.
“I’ll call him this afternoon.” Then, glancing at the pups, Jackson turned to Cody and Dylon and smirked, “Hey guys, if you want, I can watch the twins for you. You know, in case you want to work on your relationship goals.”
~/~/~/~/~
Thanking Mystia, Fionn grinned as she disappeared from his bedroom at the hotel. Rushing into the living room in the suite he shared with Theo and Norm he found it empty so he headed to Kieran’s. Bursting in, he stoppedshort. Balloons and streamers festooned the living room and a huge cake sat on the coffee table.
“Congratulations, Fi!” Kieran shouted, popping up from behind the sofa.
