by Mary Rundle
“Daniel, Jake and Jessica are with their grandmother and you’ll meet them after breakfast,” Jackson replied.
“Where are Colton and Dakota?” asked Mac.
“They’re both with Mom,” Jackson said.
“How’s Aunt Hope doing this morning?” asked Robin.
“According to Ian, better but still in a coma,” Jackson answered.
Quin looked at Theo and asked, “Where’s Fionn? You were going to introduce me to him.”
Mason heard Hunter inhale sharply and hold his breath while waiting for the answer. He smiled. Leave it to Quin to ask the question neither of them would.
“He must still be upstairs,” Theo said.
“No he’s not,” replied Kieran. “His room was empty.”
“But he was there this morning. I heard the shower when I left my bedroom,” Theo said.
Quickly glancing at Hunter, Jackson saw the gleaming of his cousin’s wolf in his eyes at the news Fionn was back and, wanting to forestall any problems asked, “Are you sure, Theo, it was Fionn?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Theo said, “Yeah, I mean, who else would it be?”
“Theo’s right,” Logan said. “It was Fionn because I picked up a fresh scent of him in his room when we stopped there before coming down here.”
“Kieran,” Jackson said, “Would you please check to see if he’s here now?”
Nodding, Kieran asked his spirit to find Fi, his eyes widening when he learned where his friend was and why he’d left. Staring at Hunter, Kieran saw the worry in his face and the fear of rejection in his eyes. Knowing the cause, he ran to him, hugging Hunter while whispering, “Fi is safe and he will come back to you. He just needs a little more time to sort everything out.”
Chapter 14
Startled by Kieran’s actions, Hunter quickly looked at Logan, expecting his cousin to shift and attack him for accepting his mate’s hug; his brothers had quickly closed ranks around him, ready to protect and defend him. But instead, Logan remained standing there, relaxed and smiling as he watched Kieran hug Hunter. Then Hunter felt tranquility wash over him, but whether it was from Kieran’s assurances, or something else the Shaman was doing to him, he wasn’t sure. His wolf, though, was relaxed for the first time since he scented his mate. “My wolf thinks Fionn’s in danger,” Hunter whispered.
Shaking his head, Kieran replied, “No, he’s safe.” Then, removing is hands from Hunter, he turned to Jackson and said, “Fionn is at his hoard.”
Watching his cousin closely, Jackson was relieved Kieran had calmed Hunter, easing his concern about Hunter’s control of his wolf. Not knowing what to expect, he’d asked Mystia to watch the pups this morning—to keep them out of harm’s way should Hunter still be at odds with his wolf about Fionn not returning. Smiling at Kieran, he asked, “Do you know when Fionn will be home?”
“Not exactly,” Kieran grinned, “But I know he’ll be back.”
Nodding, Jackson said, “C’mon everyone, time to eat. By the smell of it Theo and Steel have cooked up a great breakfast.”
~/~/~/~/~
Hunter wasn’t sure how it happened, but he found himself sitting between Jackson and Steel at the breakfast table while Quin was sandwiched between Kieran and Theo; the rest of his brothers were interspersed among the pack members. He was pretty sure it was by design and not some random happenstance since he ended up with the two most powerful shifters in the pack bookending him—not that he could blame Jackson for arranging it that way, the Alpha knew firsthand about Hunter’s pissed off wolf.
Speaking of which, when he checked on his wolf before digging into his breakfast, he saw him curled up and sleeping peacefully. Hunter glanced over at Kieran, wondering if he’d also calmed his wolf. Regardless of what his brothers might believe—if he ever told them—he knew something happened when Kieran put his hands on his back; he’d felt the penetrating heat emanating from them. Frowning slightly, Hunter remembered the reaction from Logan and Jackson when Kieran touched him. Huh, not a fucking reaction from any of my cousins…like this is a common occurrence. Shit! I have to talk to Mac about what Kieran did with Aunt Hope yesterday…something about removing negative feelings…I think that was it. Is that what he did to me?
Picking up a slice of bacon, Hunter chewed on it, feeling Jackson’s Alpha power surrounding him, but not as overwhelming as yesterday—more like a soft blanket, cocooning him, adding to the sense of calm Kieran gave him. Glancing sideways at his cousin, he wondered how Jackson learned to do that; it was a neat trick, something he never knew was possible. Mentally rolling his eyes, he added that to his list of unanswered questions about the Blackwood Pack. Hunter’s gut was telling him his cousin was hiding a lot more, but he couldn’t figure out why.
Out of habit Hunter’s gaze searched out his brothers, making sure they were okay, something he’d done since childhood. He saw Sawyer engaged in a discussion with Zane who was a…that’s right, a computer nerd. He then heard his brother mention his favorite game and Hunter smirked. He’d bet anything that by the end of the meal, Sawyer would have issued a challenge to Zane.
He glanced at Mason who was speaking with one of the triplets…ah, yes, Carson. That cousin was an enigma, so he was curious as to what they were talking about; he’d ask his brother later. Seeking out Robin, he wasn’t surprised to find him jotting down notes in his ever-present notebook. Probably more song lyrics.
“Hunter?”
Hearing his name, Hunter looked up at Jackson. “What?”
“Steel asked you a question.”
“I’m sorry,” Hunter said, looking at Jackson’s mate. “I was deep in thought.”
“I understand. I wondered what you do?” asked Steel.
“Oh, I’m in finance.”
“Like a financial advisor?” asked Steel.
“Not exactly. My company does investment management, trust services, financial and estate planning for a select clientele,” Hunter replied.
“What’s the name of your company?” asked Jackson.
“Beowulf Trust,” Hunter answered.
“Good name,” said Steel. “I know Mac’s a doctor. What about the rest of your brothers?”
“Robin is a singer, Mason works with me, and Sawyer…well Sawyer’s a free spirit,” Hunter explained.
“What about Quin?” asked Jackson.
“What about him?” Hunter growled.
“I mean, what does he do?” asked Jackson.
“He works with me,” Hunter replied, not wanting to divulge anything about his brother.
Jackson let the subject drop when it became clear his cousin wasn’t going to say anything further. There were lots of secrets his cousin had and, while he couldn’t blame him for not wanting to disclose them, Jackson wasn’t happy about it. But then, Hunter probably wasn’t happy about the secrets he was keeping from him either, especially about Fionn. Looking around the table, his eyes fell on Mac who’d just asked Cody a question.
“Theo told us you were opening a home for boys?”
“A home for young gay shifters whose families don’t want them,” Cody replied. “Dylon and I decided on it after seeing what happened to the boys and Kieran.”
“The boys?” asked Sawyer.
“Sorry, Theo and Norm.”
“Theo told us about what happened and how you and Dylon saved them,” Mason said.
Changing the subject, Cody said, “What about you Mac? Now since you don’t have to take care of our mom anymore, what are your plans for the future?”
“Oh, I have a job lined up for the next nine months, then, who knows?”
“Do you have a specialty?” asked Dylon.
“Nope, no specialty. I’m a general practitioner,” Mac replied.
“How come you chose that rather than specializing?” asked Cody.
“It seemed like the best fit for what I wanted to do,” Mac said, adding, “Is Colton also a doctor?”
“He’s a nurse,” answered Cody. “His mate, Ian,
is the pack’s doctor.”
“Oh,” mused Mac, thinking about the scene he interrupted that morning, puzzled how the nurse was the Alpha in their personal life but clearly had no problems taking orders from an Omega in his professional capacity. Most unusual.
“Mac is curious about the hospital we have,” Logan said.
“Indeed, I am,” replied Mac. “Most packs only have a clinic…if that, but a fully equipped hospital with operating capabilities…well that’s unheard of.”
Shrugging, Cody said, “Don’t know about that, but I’m sure Colton and Ian do.”
After finishing breakfast, Hunter leaned back in his chair, idly listening to the conversation between Mac and Cody while thinking about his mate. Kieran assured him Fionn would return and for now, that would have to do. Suddenly, he heard Quin’s laughter. Looking down the table, he was struck by the happiness on his youngest brother’s face. It had been a long time since he’d seen Quin’s old, bubbly personality emerge. Catching Mason’s eye, he tilted his head towards their youngest brother who was giggling at something Theo said, and raised his eyebrows.
Mason looked over at Quin who was in a huddle with Theo and Kieran, obviously talking about something funny from the sounds of their laughter. Shaking his head in disbelief, Mason was astonished at how quickly his brother had changed from a quiet, shy and fearful person. Watching Quin for a few minutes, he was thankful that Theo and Kieran were bringing his brother out of his shell.
“Theo, Ki,” Quin whispered, “I need your help.”
“With what?” asked Theo.
“Not here. After breakfast and some place private,” Quin whispered, not wanting Hunter and Mason to know what he was planning.
“What about the motorhome?” asked Ki.
“No, my brothers can come in at any time,” Quin replied.
“So this is a secret?” asked Theo.
“Yes.”
“Oh…okay, what about my bedroom? Do you care if pooh bear knows?” asked Theo.
“He won’t tell anyone, will he?” asked Quin.
“Not if I ask him not to.”
“Then that’s okay,” Quin whispered, giggling.
“Oh this is so exciting,” said Theo. “Isn’t it, Ki?’
“It is. Can I have a hint?” asked Kieran.
“Good idea, Ki,” Theo concurred. “What about it, Quin, can we have a hint?” Theo asked.
“Uh, huh,” Quin whispered, so faintly that no one other than Theo and Kieran could hear him. “I need your help in making a dream come true.”
Theo’s mouth formed an ‘O’, matching the shape of his eyes. “Oh. My. Goodness. We are going to be fairy godmothers, just like in Cinderella!”
~/~/~/~/~
“You’re awfully quiet this morning,” Maximus said, during their chopper flight from San Francisco. “Is everything all right?”
Reaching out, Oracle intertwined her fingers with her husband’s. “Am I? Sorry, I guess I am just woolgathering.” Then turning to look out the helicopter’s window, she saw they were about to land at the Blackwood Pack house. Noticing a motorhome parked in the driveway, she said, “The cousins have arrived.”
Peering over his wife’s shoulder, Maximus said, “So they have.” Then sitting back, he studied his wife, noticing the tension in her face. He wondered if it had anything to do with the cousins, but he knew better to ask, so he did what he always did at times like these, sent her all his love through their mind link, hoping it would ease her worries.
Steel watched as his parents climbed out of the helicopter, then, stepping off the porch he headed to help them with their luggage. Receiving his father’s text a few moments ago, he followed its instructions to meet his parents by himself. The unusual request had raised his curiosity as well as Jackson’s, but they’d have to wait to see the reason for it.
“Hi sweetie,” Oracle said, giving her son a hug and a kiss. “How’s Daniel?”
“Getting into trouble every day. I thought my son was supposed to be like me instead of my brother,” replied Steel, returning his mother’s hug.
“Daniel is like you, dear. Have you forgotten all the things you did in your childhood?”
“Uh, uh. You’re confusing me with Slate. He was trouble with a capital ‘T’.”
“You just keep thinking that, son,” Maximus laughed, embracing Steel.
“No…wait a minute. All the shenanigans were always Slate’s ideas and I was just trying to keep him under control,” replied Steel. Seeing his parents exchange smiles and knowing looks, he said, “Forgetting my trouble-making brother for a moment, why did you want to see me alone?”
“Don’t look so worried, son, your mother just wants to go to our suite without anyone seeing her,” Maximus said.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Steel blurted out, “Why?” Then realizing his mistake, he said, “Not important. Dad, you and Mom can enter your room through the French doors leading to your patio. Just follow that path. Everyone is still eating, so no one will see you. I’ll take care of your luggage and bring it to your room shortly. Do you want a pot of tea and some toast?”
“That would be great, son,” said Maximus. “Your mother and I ate breakfast at the hotel before we left but we could always use a cup of tea.” Taking Oracle’s, hand, he then led her down the path Steel pointed out.
“It’s good to see you again, sir,” Robert, the pilot, said to Steel. “I’ll get the luggage.”
“C’mon, Robert, I’ll help you, and then get Mom and Dad their tea.”
~/~/~/~/~
Waiting for his muse to appear, Fionn stared at the blank piece of paper before him as he’d done since coming back from showering. Finally, throwing his pencil down in disgust, he stood, too upset to draw; the bond with his mate had grown stronger when he went home to shower. Now, all he could think of was his mate and his need to be near him. It was driving his dragon crazy and Fionn wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep him from forcing a shift.
He was sure the cavern was big enough if he did shift but wondered if he’d able to force him to shift back; there wasn’t any way his dragon could use the portal and that would present a big problem. Stalking through his hoard, angry bursts of flames shot from his nose.
“Hi angel.”
Whipping around, Fionn’s mouth dropped open at the sight of his mother standing before him bathed in a white light. “Mum? What are you doing here? I didn’t call you.”
“No, angel, the gods sent me.”
“The gods? Really? How come? Oh crap, it’s because of my mate, right?”
“They can’t understand why you are here instead of with him.”
“What?” Fionn said, angrily. “You got to be kidding me! What am I supposed to do with a mate I never met before who isn’t even a dragon…and that reminds me…why didn’t you tell me about my white dragon? I had to find out from Kieran. Did my father know about my dragon?”
“No, angel, I kept that from him because I knew he’d force you to help him increase his wealth. As for not telling you, I’m sorry but I thought it best you didn’t know. I was afraid it would slip out one day and be used against you before you were protected.”
“You mean before I joined the Blackwood Pack, which I did, so why do I need a mate? Jackson and his brothers can protect me better than just any old wolf can.”
“Angel, while that’s true, they cannot give you the absolute love a mate can.”
“Love,” scoffed Fionn. “No thank you. I saw what father’s ‘love’ did to you.”
Fionn’s mother hung her head as sorrow washed over her, remembering what her son witnessed while growing up. Raising her head, tears glistening in her eyes, she said, “Angel, that was not love. Your father bought me from my father when I was too young to protest and, when I came of age, he took me from my family, cutting off all ties to my mother who I loved with my whole heart. And while it wasn’t the life I dreamt about while I was growing up, I would gladly do it all again just
to have you…the joy of my life.”
As Fionn listened to his mother’s revelation, he thought about the indignities she’d endured—bought by a cruel master to serve a life of slavery. “So he wasn’t your Fated Mate?”
“No, angel. I was just a business transaction to your father.”
“Why did my father want you for his wife if he didn’t love you?”
“For my bloodline. My mother’s family is a very old one in our world.”
Fionn sat down heavily in his chair of golden bars. Finally, the relationship between his father and mother made sense. Despite what must have been their intense dislike for each other, it was now clear to him why his mother never left his abusive father. “You stayed because of me, didn’t you,” he said.
“No, I stayed because I loved you…and you needed me. Angel, don’t feel guilty. You were a blessed gift from the Fates, and you made me so very happy.”
Tears welled up and rolled down Fionn’s cheeks as he recalled his father’s cruelty to his mother, finally understanding the extraordinary sacrifices she’d made for him.
Chapter 15
Kneeling next to Fionn, his mother tentatively reached out, not sure her son would feel her touch. Slowly, she lowered her hand until it was on his back, feeling his dragon’s fire burning inside. “Angel…baby, look at me.”
His mother’s touch soothed his pain, helping to stem his tears. It brought back good memories of his childhood—like the fun he had with her when they played games she made up— but more importantly, knowing how it felt to be loved unconditionally by someone. When she died, he was tossed into a world of hate, greed and revenge, a darkness that was always trying to eclipse the joyful light she’d given him.
Tears filled Fionn’s eyes again as he saw the pure love for him burning in his mother’s eyes. “Mummy…” he choked out, wanting to be held in her arms once more.
Gathering him up as she used to do, Fionn’s mother hugged him tightly, humming his favorite childhood song, flooding him with her love. Rocking back and forth, she let him cry until tears would no longer flow. Then, she murmured, “Angel, my darling boy, please never doubt for a second how much joy you brought to my life. When the Fates gave you to me, my world became filled with love…a love so bright it made everything else pale in comparison. So please don’t weep over what my father or husband did to me because you were worth it all. Now, please angel, go back home to meet the man the Fates have deemed perfect for you, so you can be loved the way you should…completely and forever.”
