“How is Dakota?” asked Maximus.
“According to Ian, he and his pup are doing fine which is a relief after yesterday,” Jackson said. Seeing their puzzled looks, he explained, “When my brother found out our mother was still alive, he fainted. After making sure he and the pup were fine, Ian kept him in the hospital overnight.”
“Is Slate with him?” asked Maximus.
“Of course,” Jackson said, grinning. “The pups will be happy to see both of you again.”
“As we will be to see them,” said Oracle, smiling. “Are you happy everyone is home again?”
“Very much so. It was a bit of a mess yesterday when our cousins arrived but eventually everything got sorted out.”
“I can imagine. How is your mother doing?” asked Oracle.
Jackson frowned. “She’s still in a coma…Ian doesn’t know if she’ll ever come out of it.”
“Sweetie, your mother survived for a reason,” Oracle said softly. “You must believe everything will turn out fine.”
“I hope so,” Jackson said, thinking about what would happen to his brothers if she didn’t. Then he stood up. “I better check on Daniel. Hopefully he hasn’t gotten into any trouble.”
“Just a moment, sweetie,” Oracle said, “Steel asked if I knew a doctor who could fill in for Ian while he was on paternity leave.”
“Right. Did you find one?”
“Yes, he just joined Frontline Doctors, so he was free to accept the job.”
“Who is he? Can he be trusted with our secrets?” asked Jackson.
“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” said Maximus, “since all medical information is confidential and he’d lose his license if he disclosed it to an unauthorized party.”
“True, and Ian and Kieran are Omegas so that’s not a problem. The only one would be Dakota, who’s like me,” said Jackson. “When will the doctor arrive?”
“He’s already here…your cousin, Dr. Mac Evans.”
Gobsmacked, Jackson stared at Oracle. “Mac? He’s going to replace Ian?”
“No sweetie, not replace…substitute…he only agreed to nine months,” Oracle clarified.
Sitting back down with a thump, Jackson began shaking his head, remembering Ian’s anger yesterday. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” asked Maximus. “If you’re worried about his skill, don’t be, Frontline Doctors vetted him thoroughly.”
“I don’t doubt that…it’s just that…well, Ian doesn’t like him,” murmured Jackson.
“That doesn’t sound like Ian at all,” Maximus said.
“No, not at all,” agreed Oracle. “Let me speak with Ian about it and if he does not feel comfortable with Dr. Evans, then I will try to find someone else.”
Rising, Jackson said, “Fine. I’ll ask Ian to see you as soon as he’s free. In the meantime, please keep this to yourselves.”
“Certainly,” replied Maximus. After Jackson had left their suite, he turned to his wife and said, “So, Mac hasn’t said anything to anyone about accepting the job.”
“No, obviously not,” Oracle said, smiling.
~/~/~/~/~
Stalking into the great room, Jackson was trying hard to keep his anger under control. Not finding who he was seeking, he headed into the kitchen, pushing the door hard, slamming it against the wall. “Where is he?” Jackson growled.
Startled, Theo jumped at the noise and then, seeing the fury in his Alpha’s eyes, whimpered, moving closer to Steel in an attempt to hide.
