“Uh-huh,” Kieran replied.
“What makes you think he’ll do it?” Ian asked. “If he doesn’t want to acknowledge it now, doesn’t that tell us Dakota doesn’t want to do it?”
“Maybe,” Logan replied. “But Ian, this is different. If what Kieran says is true, then my brother really has a chance to help our mom. I can’t see him turning the opportunity down, especially since it’s our mother and, remember, he was the closest to her.”
Ian stroked his chin as he evaluated the possibilities. Then he said, “Okay, I’m willing to consider it…but I need to know more about what Dakota can do…and if Slate can help his mate while Dakota’s doing it. I’ll also want to monitor his pup, as well as yours and have Colton and Dr. Evans present at the session.”
“Macushla, do you have a problem with any of that because I don’t and I don’t believe Dakota and Slate will either,” Kieran said, pleased at Ian’s decision.
“No, I don’t,” Logan said. “So it seems the only thing left to do is talk to Dakota.”
“I’ll set up a meeting,” Ian said, though his voice still reflected concern about Dakota’s health.
Chapter 32
“Mate, why did you pack my sketchpad?” Fionn asked, after finding it in Hunter’s suitcase while he was unpacking their clothes. He held it up for his mate to see.
“I thought we could show your work to some of the art galleries to see if they’d be interested in representing you,” Hunter said, looking up from his laptop.
Fionn’s eyes grew big. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, why are you surprised? It’s amazing…your ability to capture a subject in a moment of time is extraordinary.”
Blushing, Fionn muttered, “It’s nothing like that.”
A frown creasing his forehead, Hunter studied Fionn. “Stop it, pet. Stop belittling your talent. I know I’m not an art expert but even I can tell your drawings are something special.”
“But I don’t know what to say to them.”
Hunter grinned. “Then it’s a good thing I’m your mate, because I do.” Looking down at his laptop, he continued, “I’ve selected some small art galleries who represent the work of new artists and we can start with those.” Then, getting up to join his mate, Hunter placed his hands on Fionn’s hips, tugging him close. “You. Are. An. Artist. And it’s time the world knows it.”
Searching Hunter’s face, Fionn saw only the truth there, melting his heart as he felt his mate’s love. “I never thought this day would come. I always hoped it would but after my mother died, I couldn’t draw anymore…it was like my muse died with her. It wasn’t until my father was gone for good that I picked up my pencils and began drawing again.
“When I was younger, my mother would tell me that someday lots of people would admire my art and galleries around the world would be clamoring for it. I loved it when she’d say that, not because it was about my art, but because I saw in her face the love and pride she had for me. It made me feel like I was someone…that even though my father treated me like shit, in her eyes I was valued…and that she saw more in me than the failure my father thought I was.”
Lifting his hand to cup Fionn’s chin, Hunter rubbed his thumb gently against his mate’s skin. “Pet, there will always be those who want to tear you down, make you feel rejected…unloved…not capable of achieving your dreams. Ignore them. They’re the people who never reached their goals and their negativity is the only way they can cope with their failures. Your father won’t be the last one to criticize you; there are many others out there who, for one reason or another, gave up…and your success is only a bitter reminder of what didn’t happen for them. The best thing you can do is always believe in yourself and make that belief grow by celebrating every achievement, no matter how small.”
“But what if no one likes my art today?” Fionn whispered, afraid to voice one of his deepest fears out loud.
“Then, we go to more galleries until we find one who will appreciate your talent. The key to success is to never give up, my pet.”
“You really think someone will like my drawings?”
“Yes, I do, pet,” Hunter said, giving his mate a kiss. “Now, ready to go and conquer the art world?”
“Uh-huh,” Fionn said, still not completely convinced.
“Good, Cody and Dylon are waiting for us downstairs.”
“Are they going with us?” asked Fionn. “Did you ask them to?”
“No, I think Jackson did. I’m sure given their powers, our Alpha thought they’d make good bodyguards for you,” Hunter replied. “Do you mind? Because if you do, I’ll insist we want to be alone.”
“Nope. If it’s okay with you, I’m good.”
“Pet, I’ll never object to having anyone around who can help me keep you safe,” Hunter said. Then taking Fionn’s sketchpad in one hand, he held out the other to his mate. When Fionn grabbed it, he planted a kiss on it before leading him out of their suite.
~/~/~/~/~
