“Good morning,” Oracle said, sitting down, facing the newly mated couple. “Hello Fionn and Hunter. Congratulations to both of you. The Fates and gods send you their wishes for your continued happiness.”
“Hi Oracle,” Fionn said, shyly.
“Hi, you’re the first Oracle I ever met,” Hunter said. “I’m honored.”
Smiling at Hunter, Oracle said, “And I am very honored to meet the one the Fates and gods deemed a worthy mate for their white dragon.”
Hunter’s cheeks reddened at Oracle’s praise. “I sure don’t know what I did to deserve that, but I’m glad I did it, because I consider myself the luckiest shifter in the world. Fionn may betheirwhite dragon but he’smyperfect mate.”
“Hunter is perfect for me too,” Fionn said, smiling at his mate.
“Yes, indeed, the Fates did a fine job,” Oracle agreed. “Now, before I talk to Fionn and you, Hunter, I must ask if either of you objects to Jackson being present during our meeting.”
Looking at his mate, Hunter said, “It’s up to you, pet.”
“I don’t mind,” Fionn replied.
“Go ahead, Oracle,” Hunter said.
“Good. I will begin with you first, Hunter,” she said.
“Me? Why do I have anything to do with my mate receiving his gift?” asked Hunter.
“Because,” Oracle smiled, “the Fates have also given you a gift.”
Stunned, Hunter looked at Jackson. “Did you know about this?”
“No, but I’m not surprised. Remember, Fionn’s a white dragon. A very rare white dragon.”
“Mate? Is there a problem with you getting a gift from the Fates?” asked Fionn, now becoming somewhat concerned about it.
“No, not at all, my pet. I’m just a little shocked, but Jackson’s right. If the Fates have given me something to help me protect you, then I’m happy to have it,” Hunter replied, kissing his mate’s forehead.
“Before I discuss your gift,” Oracle said, “let me tell you why the Fates picked you, Hunter, to be Fionn’s mate. In a nutshell, your heart is pure and you have not been tempted by greed, power, or any other evil. You resist everything that is bad in the world. From an early age, you always put others first even if it meant giving up something you desperately wanted. During your childhood, there were many instances when you put the welfare of others above your own, especially when it pertained to Quin…”
“You don’t have to go further,” Hunter interrupted, not wanting Oracle to reveal any details about his brother, “I understand.”
“Well…yes. But when you refused the Alpha position in the Rolling Hills Pack just to keep your brother safe…the position you trained for…that you wanted more than anything else in the world…that’s when the gods gave final approval to the Fates regarding your selection as Fionn’s mate.”
“The gods? I thought the Fates picked mates,” Hunter said.
“Normally, they do, but in this case, because Fionn is protected by a goddess, his mate had to be approved by the gods,” Oracle explained.
“Wow!” Fionn exclaimed, gazing at his mate. “I never knew any of this.”
“Me neither,” Jackson said. “Oracle, why is it important that Fionn’s mate be pure of heart?”
“Many times a white dragon’s mate faces choices, and the gods, determined to protect this white dragon at all costs, needed to make sure his mate would choose wisely. As you know, neither the gods nor the Fates can directly interfere with events on earth,” replied Oracle.
“I passed their test?” asked Hunter.
“Yes, with flying colors,” Oracle said, smiling. “Throughout your life, there will be constant temptations crossing your path…evil trying to take over your heart…greed trying to find a foothold…power seeking to tempt you…all those and more, constantly looking for a way to hijack the powers of a white dragon. Only someone pure of heart…a heart that doesn’t seek, want, or need anything other than love…will be able to resist the assaults.” Oracle paused to give her words a chance to sink in before continuing. “Remember this: the choices you make are yours alone, but your pure heart gives you a huge advantage…to always choose the right one.”
“I will always put Fionn first and protect him no matter what temptations lie before me,” Hunter said.
“Of that, I have no doubt,” Oracle said, smiling.
Fionn, who’d been quietly taking this all in, then asked, “Is the gift Hunter’s getting the wings my dragon gave his wolf when I claimed him?”
