Snickering, Jackson said, “So your brother made you the bad guy.”
“Fuckin’ asshole,” Steel growled. “I’m sure I didn’t gain any points with Dakota when Slate relayed my order.”
“Do you want me to talk to him?”
“Maybe, but it can wait till after Mac’s examined him.”
“Dakota knows I’m leery about bringing in a temporary chef…that’s why he’s being so stubborn about soldiering on.”
“Which is also driving my brother up the wall.”
“Yeah, well, eventually cooking will be too much for him. You know, Hunter mentioned Mason did most of the cooking for them. What do you think about asking him if he’d consider helping out?”
Shrugging, Steel replied, “Hmm, not a bad idea…if I did alternative days with him…”
“You both would have Theo to help,” Jackson pointed out.
“Have you spoken to Hunter about this?” asked Steel
“No, I wanted to run it past you first.”
“The only problem I see is Mason finding out about Dakota’s pregnancy.”
“Yeah, I know…let’s see what Mac has to say about Dakota first,” Jackson said, watching the chopper land. When the blades stopped rotating, Dylon got out and, extending his hand to a woman, helped her out of the helicopter while Cody and Zane followed. “Thank goodness Willow is okay.” Jackson said, relief in his voice. “Mom’s on pins and needles. I promised to bring Willow to her as soon as she arrived.”
“Any word on Josiah? Has his meeting with Hunter’s uncle been canceled?” asked Steel.
“Yep,” Jackson replied. “Hunter sent me a copy of the email he received from his uncle…a real asshole. After he gave a bunch of bullshit about simply trying to form an alliance, he finally said the meeting was canceled.”
“Alpha Blackwood, I would like you to meet Willow Thatcher, your mother’s friend,” Dylon said, stopping at the foot of the porch stairs.
Lowering her head, Willow said, “Alpha, I’m very happy you and some of your brothers survived. How’s Hope?”
“Please call me Jackson. Mom’s doing much better and is eager to see you,” he said, joining Willow on the grass in front of the porch. “This is my Alpha Mate, Steel Valentin and he’ll show you to your room. Dylon gave me a brief summary of what you went through. He assured me you’re okay but if you don’t mind, I’d like you to see our doctor just to make sure there aren’t any lingering effects from the sedative. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let either of us know.”
After nodding to Steel, Willow asked, “Did Dylon tell you I want to file a report with the High Council about what I witnessed?”
“Yes, he did, but it can wait a few days until you fully recover. Besides, you have a lot of catching up to do with Mom.”
“Yes, I imagine so,” Willow said.
“Mrs. Thatcher, whenever you’re ready, I’ll take you to your room,” Steel offered.
“Please…and call me Willow.”
“Okay, Willow,” Steel said, picking up her bags, “this way.”
Jackson waited until the front door closed behind his mate and Willow, before turning to Zane. “I hate to put you right to work, but after you see David, would you please do a search and see if there’s been anymore contact between Josiah and Hunter’s uncle?”
“I thought the meeting was canceled,” Cody said.
“It was, but I don’t trust Josiah…or Hunter’s uncle for that matter,” Jackson replied. “Check phone records, Zane…see if there was contact made that way. I forwarded you Hunter’s email listing of all the phone numbers his uncle has access to.”
“No problemo,” Zane said, climbing the front steps. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, David is waiting for me.”
“How are the twins?” Cody asked as he, Dylon, and Jackson followed Zane into the house.
“Just fine,” Jackson replied. “They’re in the playroom.”
