“Yes, it is,” Oracle said, smiling.
“Anything else?” asked Jackson.
“Yes, his mother insisted Fionn be given time to love, to enjoy life, to fulfill his dreams before he takes up the battle.”
“My mother? When did she do this?” asked Fionn.
“Before the goddess made her decision to send another white dragon, she searched for the right parents who would give the child unconditional love…”
“Uhmm, I’m sorry,” Fionn snorted, “but she fucked up big time. My father never loved me, much less unconditionally, and…”
Raising her hand to stop Fionn from going further, Oracle continued, “…and the only person she found worthy was your mother. Concerned about the evil that was invading your father’s soul, the goddess was torn, but after another search failed to provide suitable candidates, she decided to visit your mother on earth and talk to her, hoping to find that she, at least, was capable of giving you unconditional love, even if evil overcame your father.”
“My mother always loved me, no matter what trouble I got into, she always loved me,” Fionn whispered.
“Yes she did…and after their meeting, the goddess was satisfied,” Oracle said.
“But why did she have to die, then?” asked Fionn, his voice choking up.
“As harsh as it sounds Fionn, it had to happen so you could find your way here, to Jackson and Hunter, your two protectors who the goddess of the moon swore to your mother you would have,” Oracle said. “I’m so sorry about everything you went through, but you should know that after the goddess watched you struggle with the aftermath of your mother’s death, she decided you deserved a second gift.”
“What is it?” asked Fionn, wiping away the wetness from his eyes.
“Remember what your mother told you before she died?” asked Oracle.
Nodding, Fionn said, “She said I would be able to speak with her and she taught me how to summon her spirit. But I could do it only five times.”
“The goddess has changed that to…as many times as you wish.”
“Really? You mean…like there’s no limit anymore?” asked Fionn, raising his eyebrows in disbelief.
Smiling, Oracle said, “Yes, just like that.”
“Wow!” Fionn leaned back against Hunter’s chest. Other than his mate, it was the best gift he ever received. Thinking about what it meant, he suddenly said, “Mate, I want you to meet my mother.”
“I’d be honored, my pet,” Hunter replied, brushing his lips against his mate’s temple.
“Oracle,” said Jackson, “we’re all kind of on edge here, now. What is Fionn’s power?”
Sitting up quickly, Fionn held up his hand, before asking Oracle, “Wait, before you tell me, do you know anything about the gift I gave my mate?”
“You mean the wings?” interjected Jackson.
“No, the wolf statue…it was in my mother’s hoard but I don’t know where it came from. Do you know where my mother got it from?” asked Fionn.
“I do…it was given as a pledge to your mother from the goddess of the moon,” replied Oracle. “She placed it in your mother’s hoard, unbeknown to your father.”
“What kind of pledge?” asked Hunter, now more curious than ever.
“The only other thing your mother insisted on was that your Fated Mate not be a dragon,” Oracle said. “She did not believe any dragon could resist the lure of profiting from a white dragon.”
“Huh…so my mother knew my mate would be a wolf?”
“Yes, since wolves are also creatures of the moon,” Oracle said. “The bond between them and the goddess goes back almost as far as the bond she has with the white dragons. The linking of two of her moon children gave the goddess the assurance she sought for the protection of her precious white dragon.”
“Hear that, mate? I’m precious.” Fionn smirked.
“You definitely are, my pet. Ready to find out your gift?”
