“Slate, bring Dakota downstairs so I can make sure he and his pup are okay,” Ian ordered. Leading the way, he hurried to the hospital to help Colton prepare another room for his newest patient.
Zane finally spoke, “Is Kota going to be okay?”
“I think he just fainted, but Ian is erring on the side of caution,” Jackson replied.
“Yeah, I get that. But what I don’t get is how our mother escaped, fled across the country, lived all these years with our cousins and we knew nothing about it? You do see how fishy this sounds, right? Why didn’t they look for us? How come mom didn’t search for us? What’s wrong with her? And what about Hunter? He’s supposed to be the Alpha…why didn’t he do a better job keeping her healthy? When can I see her?” asked Zane, his voice, by this time, almost rising to a shout.
“Zane,” David murmured, stroking his mate’s arm, trying to give him comfort.
“Zane’s made some very good points,” Dylon said. “What are we talking about here…a number of years after the massacre? Why wait so long? And more importantly, why didn’t Hunter’s father or even Hunter file a complaint with the High Council about what happened to your family. Your cousins sure as shit had to know what your uncle did; otherwise, why would their aunt abandon her family and go clear across the country. I have to say, I don’t like this at all. What if they are in cahoots with your uncle and this is just a ploy so your uncle can spy on us.”
“I agree with Zane and Dylon,” Carson said. “There are way too many unanswered questions for me to feel comfortable with our cousins staying in the pack house. For gods’ sake, we have pups to think of and our uncle has already tried to gain control of them.”
“Cody, what about you? Do you agree?” asked Jackson.
“These are all really good points,” Cody replied, “But I don’t think we have enough information to make a determination about our cousins’ motives. To do that, we need Dakota’s Shadow Voice, so until Ian gives him the all clear, I say we should be careful.”
“David, what’s your opinion?” asked Jackson.
“Me?” asked David, surprised at being asked.
“Yes, you,” replied Jackson. “You’re a member of the Blackwood Pack and I want to know what you think.”
Looking at Zane, who nodded encouragingly to him, he thought for a moment before saying shyly, “I think it’s a miracle your mother escaped and found her way back to you. I think it’s important to find out how it happened.”
“I agree,” Zane said. “That’ll answer a number of my questions.”
“Theo, what about you?” asked Jackson.
“Is Ki okay? Why isn’t he here?” asked Theo. “If he’s still with the cousins, I think pooh bear and I should be out there protecting him.”
“Kieran is much better, Theo, and while I appreciate your offer, it’s not necessary because Logan is with him. If there are any threats, their spirit will alert Logan in time for him to protect Kieran,” Jackson assured him. “Norm, how about you…any comments or questions?”
“Yeah, two questions. If you’re so sure Kieran isn’t in danger out there with the cousins, why don’t you want them in the pack house? And, two, if no one wants your cousins in the pack house, then why can’t honeybunch and I guard Ki just to be on the safe side?” asked Norm.
“Thanks pooh bear, that’s what I was trying to say,” Theo murmured.
“Very good points, Norm, but before I answer them, I want to hear from Fionn, Adam, and Sofia,” replied Jackson. “Fionn?”
“I don’t trust the cousins,” Fionn spat out. “And I don’t want them around.”
Nodding, Jackson then looked at Adam. “I’m sorry this happened on your first day with us but you’re a full member of the Blackwood Pack and I want to know your thoughts about this.”
“Thank you, Alpha, that means a lot to me,” replied Adam. “It seems to me the problem comes down to a matter of trust…or lack of it, actually. My suggestions are as follows: first, invite the leader…I believe his name is Hunter…and only him into the pack house so you all can hear how your mother ended up at your cousins’. Then he can also explain why it took so long to bring her back…as well as what connections your cousins have to your uncle. That one is important because if Hunter lies, you’ll be able to know it. If all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction and no other devious reasons are detected, then I would invite them to stay in the pack house so you all can develop stronger family ties.”
“Now I know why the gods picked you to help my mate,” Zane said.
“Thanks, Adam. Sofia? What’s your opinion?” asked Jackson.
“What about Ian’s parents, Lili and Samuel? Aren’t you going to include them?” Sofia asked.
“I am, but first, what do you think?” asked Jackson.
“I don’t really know about any of this, but I’m thankful they brought your mother back to you. Everyone needs one,” Sofia answered, looking down, her hands nervously twisting in her lap. She wasn’t used to being in a pack and she hoped she hadn’t angered the Alpha with what she said, but it was how she felt. It was why she’d searched so long for her son David, until she found him. Now his mate, Zane, also had a mother again.
“Thank you, Sofia,” Jackson said, gentling his voice. Looking at Ian’s parents, he continued, “Welcome to the Blackwood Pack, Lili and Samuel.” Holding up his hand when he saw Samuel was about to speak, he continued, “I know we haven’t had a chance to discuss your plans but whether you stay or choose to go back to your home, you will always be members of the Blackwood Pack.”
“Thank you, Alpha. If it’s not too much of a bother, me and Lili would like to stay…at least until our grandpups are born,” responded Samuel.
