“Did you ever find out why he gave up the Alpha position?”
“He still claims it has nothing to do with Mom, so it’s not my business.”
“And that pisses you off?” Steel asked.
“He’s keeping a secret, just like he kept my mom a secret,” Jackson growled. “That’s a problem for me. How can I advise Fionn if I don’t know everything…well, everything important about his mate?”
“You know, I’ve been thinking about that,” Steel said. “Hunter was raised to be the Alpha so everyone in his pack would have expected him to become it when his father died, right?”
“Right. The only way it wouldn’t happen is if he was challenged and lost. But according to Dylon, that didn’t happen.”
Nodding, Steel said, “Exactly! So what would make him walk away? It had to be something important and, aftermeeting Hunter, the only thing I can think of is a threat to his family.”
Pausing for a moment before responding, Jackson said, “But what could it be?”
“Maybe the question should be who…who threatened his family?”
“Makes sense, but it doesn’t help me. Hunter made it clear the subject is off limits.”
“Maybe it’s that he doesn’t trust you right now.”
“Shit, the feeling is mutual…how can I trust him when he kept Mom a secret all those years, only to spring it on me when he arrived. What kind of person would do that?” complained Jackson. “And his excuses weren’t convincing—to me, anyway. He just rubs me the wrong way.”
Chuckling, Steel replied, “I think the feeling is mutual, babe. As for keeping your mom a secret, I thought he gave some pretty legitimate reasons why he did that, but maybe you’re pissed off because he didn’t trust you enough to tell you earlier. And maybe that’s why every time you’re with him, you turn into someone else.”
“I know, I know. Fuck!”
“Well, maybe when Fionn returns, things will get better.”
“I hope so, but…” Jackson said.
~/~/~/~/~
Crawling out of bed at the crack of dawn wasn’t what Mason thought he’d be doing after what had gone on yesterday, but Hunter’s text woke him up; his brother said it was urgent they talk. Slipping on sweatpants, he padded out to the motorhome’s living room, flopping down on the sofa. He needed coffee but was too tired tomake it—Hunter could do it if he expected Mason to be coherent. Tilting his head back, he closed his eyes, hoping to get some more shuteye before his brother showed up.
Surprised that Mason was awake, Hunter was nevertheless relieved, knowing he’d be able to pick his brother’s brain about what to do next. The great room was empty at this early hour and Hunter hurried through it to the front door. Slipping outside, he stood on the porch inhaling the morning air, feeling it infuse his soul and calm his disquieting thoughts. When they were finally in order, he headed for the motorhome.
Mason groaned as the cool air hit him when the door opened, knowing his chances for more sleep were gone. “Make coffee,” he ordered, his voice raspy.
“What?” asked Hunter.
Cracking one eye open, he stared blearily at his brother. “Make some fucking coffee if you want me to be awake for whatever you have to tell me that can’t wait for later.”
Snorting at his brother’s order, Hunter complied. Leaning against the counter, he glanced at his recumbent brother who’d been his confidante for so many years—that was, until he refused the Alpha position after their father died. When Mason confronted him privately, he should’ve explained why he’d done it, but he couldn’t take the chance the rest of his brothers might find out. So he kept quiet, driving a wedge between the two of them until the closeness they once shared was all but gone.
Looking back, Hunter now clearly saw he was wrong; he should’ve trusted his brother. He’d thought many times about making amends, but any hope of repairing their relationship ended the night their mother died. Grief isolated each from the other and Hunter watchedhelplessly as Mason chose to suffer alone, rebuffing all attempts by Hunter to comfort him.
Sighing, Hunter poured the coffee into two mugs, setting them on the dinette table. Loathe to wake his brother who’d dozed off again, he kicked himself for being so thoughtless; Mason deserved better. Even after Hunter shut him out, he was always at his side, always helping, always providing the counsel he needed. Shaking his head, he headed for the door, deciding to let his brother sleep.
“Where in the fuck are you going?” growled Mason.
“I was going to let you sleep,” Hunter replied. “We can talk later.”
“Fuck you!” Mason sat up, rolling his head, in an effort to get the kinks out of his neck. “Sit your ass down. I’m up and obviously whatever you have to say is important, so go ahead.” Rising, he made a beeline for his coffee, deciding to drink it black, knowing he needed a maximum caffeine fix. Grabbing the steaming mug, he took a mouthful, savoring the heat and the flavor. Then he sat down at the table. Looking at his brother through clearer eyes, now, Mason said, “Now tell me what happened last night with Jackson.”
Hunter took a sip of his coffee, before setting the mug down as he thought about where to begin. Finally, he said, “Fionn’s father tried to kill him and would have been successful if Logan hadn’t saved him in time. According to Jackson, even though the High Council gave guardianship of Fionn to Cody and his mate Dylon, my mate’s father continued to pursue him.”
“Cody is the guardian of Fionn? I don’t understand, Hunt,” Mason said. “Is your mate underage? If so,shouldn’t you be talking to Cody instead? You know, getting his permission?”
