“Why not?” asked Maximus. “Isn’t this something only witches can do?”
“Yes, but I think it’s connected to the legend. If I’m right, then books that provide more details about myths and legends would be my best bet,” Mystia said. “The spell Iput on Daniel to keep him from using that power will be wearing off soon, so an answer must be found quickly.”
Nodding, Oracle said, “Unfortunately, the Fates were unable to help me about this.”
“I expected that,” replied Mystia. Then, seeing the worry on her friends’ faces, continued, “I’m sure I’ll find the answer shortly.”
“How about if I go with you,” suggested Maximus. “Two pairs of eyes and hands might make the search go faster.”
“Darling,” said Oracle, “I think that is an excellent idea…if it is all right with Mystia, since I will be involved with Fionn when we get back home.”
“I welcome your help, Maximus,” Mystia smiled.
“Good, then it’s settled, but tonight I’m taking my two favorite ladies out for a great San Francisco dinner,” Maximus grinned. “I’ve been eager to try several places Steel told me about when they returned from Jackson’s babymoon. So, ladies, please don your best apparel, because tonight will be special.”
~/~/~/~/~
“Mase,” yelled Sawyer, watching two men approach the motorhome. “We got visitors.”
“Who aretheseguys?” Robin asked. “They aren’t our cousins. Mac, do you know?”
“Hell if I know, but… wait…is that a fucking picnic basket?”
“Sure looks like it,” said Sawyer. “Do you think there’s food in it?” A knock was followed by the sound of the door opening.
Climbing in first, Norm met the questioning stares of the men sitting at the dinette table. “Hi, I’m Norman. This is Theodore, my fiancé.”
Smiling broadly, Theo said, “Hi, I brought some roast beef sandwiches and chips, water, cola, and juice. I wasn’t sure what you like, but if you want something else, just let me know and I’ll see if we have it.” Then, sniffing, he turned to Norm, “Boy, something really smells good in here, doesn’t it, pooh bear?”
“It does indeed, honeybunch,” Norm said, setting the basket on the counter.
“Thanks pooh bear,” Theo said, lifting the lid and beginning to unpack the basket. “Do you guys need plates? I’m afraid I don’t know where they are so if you do, you’ll have to tell me where to find them. Or…maybe you’d like to eat outside? It’s a beautiful afternoon and you must be tired of being cooped up in here.”
Sniffing their visitors, Mac exchanged glances with his twin before asking, “You two aren’t wolves, right?”
Giggling, Theo answered, “Goodness no. We’re Ghost Bears.”
“Bear shifters? In a wolf pack?” asked Sawyer.
“How did that happen?” asked Mac as he took a sandwich and some chips from Norman and thanked him.
“Cody and Dylon rescued us…well they rescued a lot of shifters, but they all had families who wanted them back.” Lowering his voice, Theo continued, “Ours didn’t.”
“Fionn wasn’t wanted by his family, either, honeybunch,” said Norm, trying to mitigate his fiancé’s painful memories.
“True,” agreed Theo, recovering his composure. “Anyway, Cody and Dylon were starting a home for gay boys whose parents don’t want them and after they told their Alpha about us, we were invited to become part of the Blackwood Pack, that is, if we wanted to. My very smart pooh bear negotiated joining on a trial basis and, long story short, we decided to stay,” Theo explained, as he handed out bottled water. “Does anyone want cola or juice?”
“No, this is great, Theodore,” Robin replied. “You said you were rescued…from where?”
“From a prison in Tajikistan. Ki was there too,” replied Theo.
Mason was in Quin’s bedroom when he heard Sawyer shout about some visitors, and was sure it was the doctor and his mate coming back to speak with Mac…until his nose twitched at the scent of roast beef—very, rare roast beef—his favorite. Eager to know where it was coming from, he said, “Honey, I’m going out to see what’s up.”
Waving his brother out, Quin continued to read, fascinated by the happenings in his book.
Shaking his head and smiling, Mason left the bedroom, stopping short when he saw the backs of two strange men chatting with his brothers. Taking a discreet sniff, he tensed up.Two fucking bear shifters!Eyeing them carefully, he wondered who they were. They seemed friendly enough, but Mason was wary; just one of them, if he shifted, could easily kill any of his brothers. His father always warned him to stay away from bear shifters—they were dangerous. Trying to get Mac’s attention, Mason raised his arm, wriggling his fingers, hoping his brother would notice him.
“Holy cow! Robin’s right, this sandwich is freaking fantastic! What’s on it?” asked Sawyer.
