“That’s the first problem I see…and from where I sit, it’s a doozy. But, let’s assume for a moment, Fionn doesn’t reject Alex outright but doesn’t embrace him either. After hearing Alex’s story, how well do you think Alex is going to take his brother’s indifference? My bet is not well at all. Which means, Sawyer will start to blame Hunter for Alex’s pain. Would it be justified? No…but totally understandable. See where I’m going? But all of this was avoidable if Alex never learned about his half-brother.”
Oracle did see and, what’s more, had doubts about the wisdom of scraping the scab off an old wound of Fionn’s, but the Fates weren’t required to tell her why they did anything. It was one of the few downsides of being an Oracle. Over the years, the times she questioned their decision could be counted on one hand—this being one of them. The Fates usually ignored her inquiries, but not this time; she had been told why, but that was hardly useful since she was not allowed to share it. On the otherhand, she sympathized with Jackson’s predicament. “I will bring your concerns to the Fates,” Oracle said. “It is the best I can do.”
Sighing, Jackson ran his hand over his face in frustration, knowing what she offered wouldn’t yield anything. If the Fates wanted him to know how to handle the situation if the shit hit the fan, they would have instructed Oracle to tell him. Finally, he looked at her. “When are you leaving for France?”
“Soon,” Oracle said. Then seeing the questioning look on Jackson’s face, added, “As soon as I know, I will tell you. There is one more assignment I must do before I can leave.”
“Fair enough. Anything else?”
“Yes…I have one other matter to discuss with you,” Oracle said, quietly. “It is regarding Willow. Glenn did not object to me telling you about his increased abilities, but he requests you do not share them or his mates’ gift with his mother at this time.”
“I don’t have a problem with it. Did he say why he didn’t want her to know?” asked Jackson.
Shaking her head, Oracle said, “He did not give me a reason.”
Hearing a quick rap, Jackson shifted his gaze to the door of his study where Steel stood, holding their son. “Hey, Alpha, guess who woke up from their nap demanding to see daddy?” As Steel entered the room, he saw his mother seated in front of his mate’s desk. Handing Daniel to Jackson, he claimed the chair next to Oracle. “Hey, Mom…how was your trip?”
“Good,” she said, getting up to leave. “Jackson, if there is nothing else, Maximus is waiting for me.”
“No, I’m done. Just give me a heads up when you leave,” Jackson said.
“Of course.” Then, giving her grandpup a kiss, she left.
“That was tense,” Steel said.
Sighing, Jackson replied, “It’s my fault. By now, I shouldn’t get upset about it. I know she’ll tell me everything she’s allowed to, but sometimes, I think it might be better if she didn’t say anything at all.”
“So your mind doesn’t go crazy thinking about all the negative possibilities?” asked Steel.
“Yeah…but then I wouldn’t like that, either.”
“Babe, trust me…I know exactly how you feel. I got used to it growing up, but there are still times it bugs the shit out of me.”
“Yeah…well, I think it’s time for me to have some fun, right Daniel?” Jackson smiled, before giving his son a raspberry on his neck. Laughing at Daniel’s response, he felt his tension ease some, thankful for the diversion from his worries.
Chapter 40
“Hi Mom,” Glenn said into his phone, “got a minute?”
“For you, always…what’s up?”
“Uhm...” Letting out a sigh, Glenn wondered what his mother’s reaction would be. “I found my Fated Mates.” As his mother’s shriek reverberated in his skull, he pulled his phone quickly away from his ear.Holy shit!
“Who is it? I want to meet him! Are you still in LA? I’m coming right away! Oh my goodness, wait till I tell Hope. I have to go and pack. Be sure to bring your mate when you pick me up at the airport. There’s no way I’ll be able to wait.”
“MOM!”
“What dear? I’m making reservations right now.”
“No, don’t…we’re coming to you. Sawyer needs to return the motorhome and Alex is going to park his trailer there while we’re in France.”
“Sawyer? Hope’s nephew?”
“Yes, that Sawyer…he’s one of my Fated Mates.”
“What do you mean ‘one’?” Willow asked, confused.
“I have two Fated Mates, Mom…Sawyer, and Alex…Alex Fouché.” Glenn hoped his mother wouldn’t ask him what type of shifter Alex was because he didn’t want to try to explain over the phone. In person would be hard enough.
