“Good,” said Jackson. “I know Ian will appreciate having you close by. Now, what do you think about this whole thing with my cousins and mother?”
Samuel squeezed his mate’s hand and, when he felt her response, he said, “We’ll go along with whatever Ian and Colton want.”
“Have Colton and Ian given you an opinion yet?” Cody asked Jackson.
“No, not yet. They were busy taking care of Mom and Kieran,” Jackson answered.
“An opinion about what?” Ian asked as he and Colton walked into the great room.
“How’s Kota?” asked Zane.
“Resting comfortably. Slate is with him and I assured both of them their pup is fine,” Ian replied.
“Why did Dakota faint?” asked Jackson. “Did he say anything?”
“Yes, he did, but I think it’s best if he tells you directly. Now what did you want to ask us?”
“About Mom and the cousins. The main concerns are the whens, hows, and whys it took them so long to bring her to us,” Jackson answered. “I wondered if you had any thoughts or concerns.”
Colton exchanged glances with his mate, then said, “I think it’s important to hear from our cousins. They obviously have answers we need and it will help Ian decide on a course of treatment for Mom.”
“Okay. Is Dakota up for a visitor?” asked Jackson.
“Yes, but keep it short. I want him to rest,” Ian replied. “We were just heading to the motorhome to check on Kieran and your Mom.”
“Will do,” Jackson said, standing. “Cody, will you keep an eye on Daniel while Steel shows Sofia, Lili, Samuel, Adam and Fionn to their rooms in the north wing? If I invite our cousins to stay in the pack house, they will be housed in the south wing along with the enforcers. Dylon and Carson, please help with the luggage. Zane, you can take David to your room along with his luggage and help him settle in. Theo, please make a light snack and some coffee for everyone…Norm can help you.”
“What are you going to do about the cousins?” asked Fionn.
“I’ll make that decision after I speak with everyone else,” Jackson replied and, after seeing there weren’t any more questions, he headed downstairs to visit with Dakota at the hospital.
~/~/~/~/~
After leaving Quin, Mason had gone searching for Hunter, hoping this time his brother would tell him what was happening. Finding him standing outside, leaning against the trunk of a huge, leafy, oak tree, he asked, “What’s going on, Hunt?”
“Jackie is telling his other brothers about Aunt Hope.”
“Jackie?” Mason snorted. “No, that wasn’t the Jackie we knew. Where did he get all that Alpha power from?”
“Not a clue,” Hunter responded, keeping his eyes on the Blackwood Pack House.
Perplexed by his brother’s response, Mason turned his head, trying to figure out what was holding Hunter’s attention but seeing nothing unusual, shifted his focus back to his brother and asked, “How’s Aunt Hope?”
“Mac said she’s better.”
“Really? I thought he said she was near death. What happened?”
“I’m not sure.”
Thoroughly pissed at Hunter’s evasiveness, Mason stepped closer, blocking his brother’s view, determined to get his full attention.
“Hey, move aside!” snarled Hunter.
“No, not until you tell me what’s really going on. Why are you fixated on their pack house? What’s going on in there that you aren’t telling me about?” Mason growled. “Dammit, I have a right to know!”
“No you don’t, cause it doesn’t concern you. Now, move aside!”
“Bullshit it doesn’t concern me! Quin is in his room, shaking in fear because he knows something happened between you and Jackson. Robin and Sawyer can feel the tension and they are wondering if we’re going to be attacked by our cousins. You aren’t helping matters by standing out here, staring at their fucking house instead of inside, calming everyone down. You have an obligation to your brothers. They’re here because you asked them to come. So, man up and stop being an asshole. Now, what’s going on?”
