“So you were anticipating a fight with Hunter.”
“Yes…and I didn’t want that. The Fates picked Hunter to be the mate of the White Dragon and I’m pretty sure they got the gods’ approval before they did it,” Jackson said.
“Do you know if your cousin will get a gift?” asked Steel.
“Not a clue. But if he does, then Oracle will…”
“What will I do, sweetie?” Oracle asked, gliding into Jackson’s study.
“Right on cue,” murmured Steel.
“…want to speak to the newly mated couple.” Jackson said, smiling at his mate’s mother.
“Right you are,” Oracle said, as she sat down across from them. “Any idea when Hunter and Fionn will be available?”
“I’m not sure,” Jackson said. “Your son said they’re fuc…”
“They are busy right now, Mom,” Steel interrupted when he saw the devilish grin on Jackson’s face.
“Hmm, yes, I imagine they are,” Oracle said, smiling. “Maybe this afternoon?”
“I’ll text Hunter and let him know you want to speak with both of them,” said Jackson.
“Thanks, sweetie,” Oracle said. “In the meantime, I will be with Daniel.”
“He’s in the playroom with Jake and Jessica, Mom.”
“Oh good, I have presents for all three.”
Jackson watched Oracle leave, then, turning to his mate said, “You know your mother is spoiling our son.”
“Uh-huh…and I expect your mother will do the same,” Steel replied with a grin.
Pain sliced through Jackson at Steel’s words. The only hope for his mother to enjoy spoiling her grandpup rested with Kieran, but that came with its own risk—one he still wasn’t sure he wanted to take. Despite Ian’s assurance that Kieran could attempt another session as long as Logan was there to help him—and even though he’d set strict conditions to assure Kieran and his pup’s safety, Jackson was still worried about allowing another attempt to help his mother. He tried to be optimistic, but the fear of losing her again gnawed at him. All his brothers were now spending time with her each day, hugging and talking to her about anything and everything and, while he accepted Ian’s medical opinion that it would help her, Jackson wondered what would happen to his brothers if she never came back to them.
Hearing Jackson’s concerns through their mind link, Steel pulled his mate onto his lap. “Babe, your mom is going to wake up. Trust me.”
Jackson’s eyes teared over as he tucked his face under Steel’s chin, trying to draw strength from his mate’sconfidence. He wished he felt the same way—knowing without a doubt his mother would wake up and that everything would be all right—that Daniel would get to know his grandmother, the one Jackson thought was gone forever. But only time would tell if his wish would be granted.
~/~/~/~/~
“Wow!” Fionn exclaimed, setting down his fork. “I don’t ever remember eating this much.”
“Feeling better, my pet?”
“Yup.” Leaning back in his chair, Fionn rubbed his stomach. “So, what’s next? More hanky panky?”
“Hanky Panky?” Hunter chuckled. “Is that what we’ve been doing?”
“Ki calls it that,” Fionn replied.
“You’re talking about Kieran, right?”
“Yeah, he’s the first friend I ever had, but now I also have Theo and Norm. I’m part of their family,” Fionn said. “Have you met them?”
“Yes, I have,” Hunter replied. “They seem like nice guys.” Hearing his phone ding, he removed it from his pocket, read the message and said, “According to Jackson, Oracle wants to meet with us this afternoon.”
“Shit.” Fionn knew what was coming. Oracle was going to tell him about his supernatural power—something he neither wanted or needed. But as he’d found out throughout his life, his wishes didn’t matter. Worrying his bottom lip, he wondered if there was a way he could reject the power without his mate finding out about it.
