Jackson suddenly perked up. “Your wolf has wings?”
“It would appear so,” replied Hunter.
“That’s sooo freaking cool!” Jackson said. “Have you tried using them yet?”
“Nope, my mate has promised to teach my wolf how to fly,” Hunter responded.
“Maybe this afternoon,” suggested Fionn.
Oracle who’d been listening with amusement, said, “In answer to Fionn’s question, the wings were a gift from the Goddess of the Moon.”
“Then what’s my mate’s gift from the Fates?” asked Fionn.
“Hunter,” said Oracle, “you are receiving the power of the Archangel Michael.”
“Hunter’s a White Knight?” exclaimed Jackson.
“What’s a White Knight?” asked Hunter, throwing his cousin a quizzical look.
“That’s what Archangel Michael is…a defender and protector of all that is good…and in this case, I’m assuming it’s Fionn,” Jackson explained.
“Is that right, Oracle?” asked Fionn. “I never have to worry about anyone trying to hurt me again?”
“As a White Knight, your mate has the ability to call on a number of powers depending on what is needed at any time. No one will be able to approach you or touch you without Hunter’s permission as long as he is by your side.”
“Is that why I have this need to be with my mate all the time?” asked Hunter. “Not that I mind, but I’ve been wondering about it.”
“Yes,” affirmed Oracle. “You received your gift when you claimed Fionn,”
“Wait, if that’s true,” said Hunter, “then how come my brothers, Ian, his friends, hell, even you, Oracle, are able to be close to Fionn…even touch him, after I claimed him.”
“Simple, your wolf does not perceive them as threats to Fionn,” Oracle replied. “Until your wolf tells you otherwise, you have nothing to be alarmed at.”
“What do you mean, ‘until his wolf tells him’?” asked Jackson.
“Hunter has the rare ability to have conversations with his wolf,” Oracle said. “So whenever his wolf sensesFionn is in danger, he will tell Hunter about it so action can immediately be taken to remove the threat.”
“You actually talk to your wolf?” Jackson asked Hunter.
“I do. Not often, and sometimes my wolf will start the conversation, but my mother told me I should always listen,” Hunter said.
“She was right,” Oracle agreed. “Your wolf is the first line of defense against all who wish to harm Fionn or his white dragon. This allows you to live without the constant feeling of having to be on guard at all times.”
“Oracle, you said I can call on a number of powers as needed. What powers?” asked Hunter.
“Any and all powers that exist in the world. But there are two things you should know. First, they are only defensive powers…meaning they cannot be used to attack unless there is an immediate threat to Fionn, and, second, when you call upon any power, you will shift into an angel…well, technically, you will be in your human form with white wings, holding a sword and surrounded by a golden aura.” Oracle smiled, as she envisioned Hunter in that persona.
“Why the shift?” asked Jackson.
“To give fair warning to the evil residing in the person who wishes to harm Fionn or his white dragon. The Fates insisted on it and the gods agreed,” Oracle said.
“Hunter, are you all right?” asked Jackson, seeing how stunned his cousin looked.
When his mate didn’t answer, Fionn jabbed Hunter. “Mate, everything okay?”
Blinking at Fionn’s voice, Hunter realized everyone was looking at him. “Huh?”
“I asked if you’re okay,” Jackson said. “You look a little shook up.”
