White Knight (Blackwood Pack Book 8)

by Mary Rundle

  “And you claim you don’t know her friend’s name, right?” asked Dylon.

  “Fuck you, asshole! I told you we don’t know it. I don’t have to answer any more of your questions!” Hunter rose, glaring at Jackson. “I kept my promise, now are you going to keep yours?”

  “Please, Hunter, sit down. Dylon…apologize,” Jackson ordered, his Alpha power blanketing the room.

  Forced back down in his chair, Hunter was getting tired of Jackie using his power to control him, but with the matter of his mate still unresolved, he sat, waiting for the fucker to apologize.

  “I’m sorry if my question implied, I thought you were lying,” Dylon said, “I know you aren’t. I was just trying to understand why her friend wouldn’t keep in touch, if only to make sure she was okay.”

  “Because she was scared shitless,” snarled Hunter. “Think about it. She was a witness to a massacre…something that’s inconceivable in this day and age. If Josiah knew there was a witness…witnesses to what he did, do you think for a second he wouldn’t hesitate to kill them? We were just grateful Aunt Hope’s friend stayed with her and called us the next morning. Who knows what would have happened if she hadn’t done that?”

  “Zane, do you think you can find out who Mom’s friend is?” asked Jackson.

  “I can try,” Zane said.

  “Look, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Mac promised her we wouldn’t tell anyone about her or what she witnessed,” Hunter said.

  “I understand,” said Jackson, “but things have changed. I know about her now and it’s imperative I find her before Josiah does. We can protect her here but out there she’s a sitting duck, just waiting for my uncle to find and kill her.”

  “There’s also the possibility she’s suffering from PTSD,” Colton said. “If she is, then she’s a ticking time bomb, just waiting for the fuse to be lit. Without help dealing with what she saw, who knows when she’ll explode, spilling her guts to the wrong person—who’ll only be too happy to sell the information to our uncle.”

  “Hunter, I promise, I’ll do everything in my power to keep her safe, but I can only do that if I find out who and where she is,” Jackson said. “Any other questions?”

  “Yes,” Cody said, “What were the other visions your mother had?”

  “Personal,” replied Hunter.

  “Did any of them pertain to you?” asked Jackson, wondering if Hunter knew about his Fated Mate.

  “No.”

  Colton then said, “I don’t have any more questions right now, but Ian will want to speak to Hunter and Mac about Mom. Maybe tomorrow, after the tests are finished?”

  “Hunter? Is that okay?” asked Jackson.

  “Kieran needs to be there also,” Logan said.

  “That’s up to Ian,” Colton said. “I’m sure he’ll want to examine Kieran first before agreeing to it.”

  “Fine, Kieran won’t have a problem with that,” Logan replied.

  Hunter turned to Jackson. “Mac can make it, but I can’t promise I can until I speak with you.”

  “Cody, Dylon, any more questions for Hunter?” asked Jackson.

  “Yeah, since you’ve seen the complaint Jackson filed with the High Council against Josiah, is it accurate?” Dylon asked.

  “It is, according to what Aunt Hope’s friend told us,” Hunter replied.

  “Okay,” Cody said, “Dylon and I have no other questions right now, but we might after we’ve had some time to think about everything.”

  “Fair enough,” replied Jackson, “Logan? Questions?”

  “Not right now, but like Cody, maybe some later.”

  Zane spoke up, “I want to talk to Mac, see if he can remember anything that might be helpful in finding Mom’s friend since he’s the only one who met her.”

  “Will that be a problem, Hunter?” asked Jackson.

  “I don’t think so, but I’d like to talk to him about it first,” Hunter said.

  “Carson? Any questions for Hunter?”

  Shaking his head, he said, “Not right now.” Carson couldn’t think about anything other than keeping his wolf under control. The desire to shift and hunt down Josiah was greater than anything he’d ever experienced.

  Quickly picking up on the terse tone of Carson’s answer and sensing his triplet’s inner turmoil, Cody turned to him and said, “C’mon, bro, I need some help.”

  Aware of what was happening, Jackson said, “The rest of you go, too. I have some things I need to discuss with Hunter.”

  Chapter 8

  Seated across from Oracle and Maximus in their hotel suite, Mystia smiled at her friends’ relaxed pose. “You guys must have had a good time on your vacation.”

  Gazing lovingly at her husband, Oracle replied, “It was wonderful. You and Jimmy should go on one…soon.”

  “Maybe,” Mystia said. “But first I must find the witches who are using black magic.”

  “Are they still doing that?” asked Oracle.

  “Probably. From my research, I’m pretty sure the ones who were working with the vampires who captured Reif also covered up David’s birth record.”

  “I can add,” Oracle said, “that according to the Fates, the demon they finally traced down was only responsible for the spells on the sea dragons.”

  “So that means there’s at least one more demon who’s working with the witches,” said Maximus.

  “Yes, at least one,” agreed Mystia. “But there could be more. That’s why I’m focusing on finding the witches. They must be stopped.”

  “What about the Witches’ Governing Council? Can’t they help?” asked Maximus.

  “Yes, once I tell them who they are, but until then I’m on my own,” Mystia replied.

  “Maybe I can help,” offered Maximus. “Dire Enterprises has offices in almost every country in the world and I can send a memo asking if there are unexplained incidents anyone has come across.”

  “That would be helpful,” Mystia agreed. “I think these witches are selling their dark magic services to unscrupulous buyers like Michael who used them to keep David under his and the High Priestess’s control.”

  “What makes you think that?” asked Oracle. “After a thousand years, they must have plenty of money after sharing in the profits from what Reif stole.”

  “One would think so, but I don’t think they’re doing it only for the money; more likely it’s for the power it gives them,” Mystia replied.

  “Do you have any leads?” Oracle asked.

  “No…not yet, but I’m hoping to hear something soon from one of my contacts,” said Mystia.

  “Good, in the meantime, I’ll see what I can dig up,” Maximus said.

  “Thank you. Now, about Daniel…” Mystia began.

  Maximus shook his head. “I didn’t find anything in the books you gave me, like his power to materialize things—like that rabbit.”

  “And I’ve searched all the books in my library and couldn’t find any references to Daniel’s ability either,” said Mystia.

  “So what do we do next?” asked Maximus.

  Mystia thought for a moment before answering. “There are a couple of different paranormal libraries I want to check out, including the one at the Witches’ Governing Council, though that one isn’t first on my list.”

  “Why not?” asked Maximus. “Isn’t this something only witches can do?”

  “Yes, but I think it’s connected to the legend. If I’m right, then books that provide more details about myths and legends would be my best bet,” Mystia said. “The spell I put on Daniel to keep him from using that power will be wearing off soon, so an answer must be found quickly.”

  Nodding, Oracle said, “Unfortunately, The Fates were unable to help me about this.”

  “I expected that,” replied Mystia, then, seeing the worry on her friends’ faces, continued, “I’m sure I’ll find the answer shortly.”

  “How about if I go with you,” suggested Maximus. “Two pairs of eyes and hands might make the search
go faster.”

  “Darling,” said Oracle, “I think that is an excellent idea—if it is all right with Mystia—since I will be involved with Fionn when we get back home.”

  “I welcome your help, Maximus,” Mystia smiled.

  “Good, then it’s settled, but tonight I’m taking my two favorite ladies out for a great San Francisco dinner,” Maximus grinned. “I’ve been eager to try several places Steel told me about when they returned from Jackson’s babymoon. So, ladies, please don your best apparel, because tonight will be special.”

  ~/~/~/~/~

  “Mase,” yelled Sawyer, watching two men approach the motorhome. “We got visitors.”

  “Who are these guys?” Robin asked. “They aren’t our cousins. Mac, do you know?”

  “Hell if I know, but… wait…is that a fucking picnic basket?”

  “Sure looks like it,” said Sawyer. “Do you think there’s food in it?” A knock was followed by the sound of the door opening.

  Climbing in first, Norm met the questioning stares of the men sitting at the dinette table. “Hi, I’m Norman. This is Theodore, my fiancé.”

  Smiling broadly, Theo said, “Hi, I brought some roast beef sandwiches and chips, water, cola, and juice. I wasn’t sure what you like, but if you want something else, just let me know and I’ll see if we have it.” Then, sniffing, he turned to Norm, “Boy, something really smells good in here, doesn’t it, pooh bear?”

  “It does indeed, honeybunch,” Norm said, setting the basket on the counter.

  “Thanks pooh bear,” Theo said, lifting the lid and beginning to unpack the basket. “Do you guys need plates? I’m afraid I don’t know where they are so if you do, you’ll have to tell me where to find them. Or…maybe you’d like to eat outside? It’s a beautiful afternoon and you must be tired of being cooped up in here.”

  Sniffing their visitors, Mac exchanged glances with his twin before asking, “You two aren’t wolves, right?”

  Giggling, Theo answered, “Goodness no. We’re Ghost Bears.”

  “Bear shifters? In a wolf pack?” asked Sawyer.

  “How did that happen?” asked Mac as he took a sandwich and some chips from Norman and thanked him.

  “Cody and Dylon rescued us…well they rescued a lot of shifters, but they all had families who wanted them back.” Lowering his voice, Theo continued, “Ours didn’t.”

  “Fionn wasn’t wanted by his family, either, honeybunch,” said Norm, trying to mitigate his fiancé’s painful memories.

  “True,” agreed Theo, recovering his composure. “Anyway, Cody and Dylon were starting a home for gay boys whose parents don’t want them and after they told their Alpha about us, we were invited to become part of the Blackwood Pack, that is, if we wanted to. My very smart pooh bear negotiated joining on a trial basis and, long story short, we decided to stay,” Theo explained, as he handed out bottled water. “Does anyone want cola or juice?”

  “No, this is great, Theodore,” Robin replied. “You said you were rescued…from where?”

  “From a prison in Tajikistan. Ki was there too,” replied Theo.

  Mason was in Quin’s bedroom when he heard Sawyer shout about some visitors, and was sure it was the doctor and his mate coming back to speak with Mac…until his nose twitched at the scent of roast beef—very, rare roast beef—his favorite. Eager to know where it was coming from, he said, “Honey, I’m going out to see what’s up.”

  Waving his brother out, Quin continued to read, fascinated by the happenings in his book.

  Shaking his head and smiling, Mason left the bedroom, stopping short when he saw the backs of two strange men chatting with his brothers. Taking a discreet sniff, he tensed up. Two fucking bear shifters! Eyeing them carefully, he wondered who they were. They seemed friendly enough, but Mason was wary; just one of them, if he shifted, could easily kill any of his brothers. His father always warned him to stay away from bear shifters—they were dangerous. Trying to get Mac’s attention, Mason raised his arm, wriggling his fingers, hoping his brother would notice him.

  “Holy cow! Robin’s right, this sandwich is freaking fantastic! What’s on it?” asked Sawyer.

  Blushing at the praise, Theo leaned over and whispered to Norm, “Did you hear that pooh bear? He likes my sandwich.”

  Snaking his arm around his fiancé’s waist, Norm tugged Theo tight to him. “See? Dakota’s right. You’re a natural.”

  When it became apparent his brothers were too busy eating to notice him, Mason cleared his throat, wanting to give the bears some warning he was behind them. In a flash, one bear pushed the other behind him, turning to face him front on. Holding up his hands, he said, “Whoa, I’m Mason, one of Jackson’s cousins.”

  “Mase, what the fuck are you doing? Tryin’ to piss off our guests?” asked Sawyer. “Norman, Theodore, meet Mason. He’s overly protective. Best to just ignore him. Do you have any more sandwiches for us?”

  Relaxing somewhat, Norm held out his hand, “Hey, Mason, I’m Norman and this is my fiancé, Theodore.”

  Shaking the proffered hand, Mason replied, “Nice to meet you. Are you members of the Blackwood Pack?”

  “Yeah, they are,” Mac said. “Theodore was just explaining how it happened.” Then, using his finger to scrape up some leftover crumbs from his food, he continued, “You should try one of these sandwiches, Mase. They have some secret sauce or something on them—they’re dee-licious.”

  “I have more,” Theo said, turning back to the picnic basket.

  “Would love one,” Mason replied. “Roast beef is my favorite.” Sliding in next to Mac at the table, he eagerly dug in, moaning out loud as the flavors exploded on his tongue. “Oh my gods! This is absolutely fantastic!”

  Grinning at Norm, Theo puffed out his chest at Mason’s praise. “Pooh bear, they really like my sandwiches!”

  “Of course they do, honeybunch.” Norm leaned forward, giving his fiancé a quick kiss.

  “You guys are so cute,” Robin said.

  “Is Quin coming out to eat?” Mac asked Mason.

  “Who’s Quin? Is he another cousin?” asked Norm, trying to figure out who else was in the motorhome.

  “Yeah,” Sawyer replied, reaching for another sandwich. “He’s in his bedroom, probably reading one of his romance novels.”

  “Really?” asked Theo, looking down the short hallway and spotting a closed door. Lifting the basket, he hurried there with Norm in tow. Giving a quick rap before entering the room, Theo inhaled deeply, finally finding the source of the scent that had tantalized him since he first entered the motorhome. “Hi, I’m Theo. I love romance novels, which one are you reading? Gosh you look fabulous. I brought you a couple of my special roast beef sandwiches—before your brothers wolf them all down,” he said, giggling at his pun.

  Startled, Quin stared first at Theo…and then at Norm, who remained in the doorway. Then, smiling, he said, “Hi, I’m Quin. That’s so nice of you.” Swinging his feet over the edge of the bed, he slipped on his high heels, rose, and pulled over a small table and chair. “Please, Theo, join me.” Then, Quin sat back down on the bed, watching his visitor claim the chair.

  It took a minute for Mason to realize the bear shifter had entered Quin’s room. Jumping up from the table, he came up behind Norman who was obviously standing guard in the doorway. Glancing over the bear shifter’s shoulder, he saw his brother smiling as he took a sandwich from Theodore. Perplexed by Quin’s unexpected behavior, he asked, “Quin, honey? Are you all right?”

  Waving his brother away, Quin replied, “I’m fine, Mase. Go eat your food. Theo’s going to keep me company.”

  Then Theo glanced at Norm. “Oh, good, you’re still here, pooh bear. Quin, I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Norm,” Whispering to Quin, he said, “I call him pooh bear.”

  In the doorway, Quin saw a very handsome man, staring at Theo, vigilance etched on his face. “Hi Norm,” he said, “Would you like to join us?”

  Nodding, Norm pulled another chair ne
xt to Theo’s and said, “Hi,” as he sat down.

  “I was about to tell Theo about the romance I’m reading. Do you like romance novels too?” asked Quin.

  “He does,” grinned Theo, “Pooh bear reads them to me at night before we fall asleep.”

  “Oh, my,” Quin said, fanning himself, “How romantic…”

  Mason stood quietly in the doorway, observing the bonding between his shy brother and the two bear shifters. Then, shaking his head in disbelief, he pulled the door partly closed and returned to his brothers.

  ~/~/~/~/~

  After his brothers and their mates had left his study and only, he and Hunter remained, Jackson turned to his cousin. “Thank you for not going into all the details of what our mother saw,” he said.

  Getting up and moving over to a chair in front of his cousin’s desk, Hunter asked, “How did you know?”

  “Because I know you, Hunt, and you would do anything you could to spare hurting someone.” Jackson paused, thinking about his mother before continuing. “My brothers don’t need to know the details. It would only cause them pain, exactly what they don’t need any more of.”

  Shaking his head, Hunter said, “I can’t figure out how you all survived, knowing your uncle was trying to find and kill you. I’m truly impressed with what you’ve done, Jackie.”

  “It was a long journey…at times, I wasn’t sure we’d make it.”

  “But you did.”

  “Yeah, we did,” Jackson agreed, then changing the subject, said, “I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your father and mother.”

  “Thanks.”

  Studying his cousin, Jackson knew Hunter’s short answers were his way of moving past the niceties and onto the topic of his Fated Mate. He intended to keep his promise, but first there were still a few questions requiring answers before his cousin’s mate would be discussed. “Is my mother in danger from anyone in your old pack? Someone who would tell Josiah she’s alive now?”