Chapter 16
Stopping in front of the porch, Steel turned off the engine.
He looked at his mate, who was nervously biting his lip.
Reaching over and grasping Jackson’s hand, he brought it up to his mouth, kissing it softly.
“Remember, I’m here by your side and my parents and Mystia will help by answering any questions and smoothing the way with your brothers. It’ll be all right.”
“I know,” Jackson said, “let’s just get this over with so we can move on.”
“Stay there,” commanded Steel, leaning over to give Jackson a kiss on his cheek.
Leaving the car and walking around to his mate’s side, he opened Jackson’s door, and helped him out.
Heading for the house, Steel saw several brothers looking at them with narrowed eyes, not at all happy with what they saw.
He wrapped his arm around Jackson’s waist to support and comfort him.
Logan bounded down the steps, smiling, holding out his arms to hug Jackson.
Steel could feel his mate’s relief at the warm welcome he was getting from his twin and, as he caught his mother’s eye, he knew she’d already told Logan about Jackson.
So at least he had one ally and Steel could only hope the other brothers were as open to the news as Logan seemed to be.
His twin’s unexpected welcome surprised Jackson and as Logan held him tight, he heard him whisper, “Oracle told me everything. I’m so happy for you and the pup-to-be.
You can count on my support with our brothers.
” Tears filling his eyes, Jackson murmured, “Thanks, Logan. You always have my back and your support means more than you’ll ever know.
” Slowly pulling apart, the twins gazed at each other with love in their eyes.
Logan turned to Steel. “Welcome to the family!” Steel reached out to shake his hand but Logan used it to pull him into a hug, whispering into his new brother-in-law’s ear, “Congratulations on the mating and the baby but if you ever hurt my brother, there will be no place on this earth you’ll be able to hide. ”
Steel smiled, whispering back, “Duly noted.” When they separated, Steel’s arm went back around Jackson, leading him up the steps with Logan following.
Stepping onto the porch, Mystia engulfed Jackson in her arms, squeezing him close to her, “Congratulations on your mating, mon petit loulou. How are you feeling?”
Jackson felt himself blushing but smiling shyly at Mystia, he said, “I feel great but a bit tired.”
Oracle clucked a “tsk” sound before saying, “Why don’t we get everybody inside—I think Dakota has dinner ready.”
Jackson laughed as Zane, hearing her comment, rushed past him and made a beeline to the dining room.
“According to Zane, he’s a ‘growing’ boy who needs lots of food.
Best if we all stand out of his way in situations like this,” he cautioned.
As the rest of the brothers filed in, Steel’s mother and father approached the new mates.
Oracle spoke first. “Congratulations to both of you on your mating. I am so happy you found each other. May your life be joyful and blessed with children, as they provide the purpose for everything in life.” She reached out to Steel, hugging him close, kissing his cheek.
Then turning to Jackson, she said, “You are a very special person—not only because the Fates bestowed a gift on you but because you are able to put love in my son’s heart, a sparkle in his eyes, and a purpose to his life.
I promise you this, I will be whatever or wherever you need me to be and more important, the protector of you and your mate, your children, and your brothers.
Welcome to our family.” By this time, Jackson was in tears.
He pulled Oracle to him, hugging her tightly and in a broken voice said, “Thank you so much for everything.”
Oracle stepped back and Maximus gave Steel a one-armed hug along with several thumps on his back, “Congratulations son, I’m proud of you.
” Then, extending his hand to shake Jackson’s, Maximus said warmly, “Welcome to the family, son. If you ever need anything, just ask. It would be a privilege to help another Alpha.”
Jackson was an emotional mess; his breath hitched, trying to stop his tears. Crap, I’ve never been this emotional before—is it the pregnancy or all the words of support that are helping to erase some of my fears?
Steel gathered him in his arms, drenching Jackson in his scent, and he could feel his mate relax and calm down. When the tears stopped, Steel licked off the remaining wetness on Jackson’s face before bending down to give his mate a gentle kiss. Then, he asked, “Are you okay now?”
Embarrassed at his show of emotion, Jackson ducked his head into Steel’s neck, mumbling, “I’m fine. Let’s go in now—if that’s all right with you.”
Steel took Jackson’s chin between his forefinger and thumb, pushing it up so he could look at his mate’s face. Jackson didn’t know what Steel was searching for but he must have found it because he replied, “Sure, let’s go feed our baby.”
Everyone was already seated and Steel noticed the dining room possessed the same warm and cozy feeling as the den.
The soft cream walls, wide-planked dark-colored pine floor, colorful rag rugs, and bright red dining room chairs were warm and inviting.
Two empty chairs at the head of the long wooden table beckoned to him and his mate.
Zane called out, “Come on, if I don’t eat soon, I’ll begin to shrink.” Looking at Jackson, he saw his brother’s death stare. “Sorry everyone, just happy Jackson’s back,” muttered Zane, embarrassed for being called for his lack of manners.
Steel and Jackson sat down. Dakota had outdone himself; the table was laden with enough food to feed twice the number of people there. After surveying all the delicacies, Jackson turned to his brother. “Thank you, Dakota, the food looks absolutely delicious. Dig in everyone!”
Steel kept a careful eye on the food Jackson was placing on his dish, making sure his mate was eating enough after a very emotionally tumultuous day.
He was pleased his mate was not skimping on what he ate.
Steel knew as the pregnancy progressed it would take a toll on his mate’s body and he wanted to make sure Jackson had all the sustenance necessary for the task ahead—giving birth to a Dire Wolf was not going to be easy.
Talk was scarce at the table but Steel couldn’t tell if that was normal or if everyone was feeling the tension emanating from his mate. Either way, best to get this part of the evening over so his mate could finally find the answers he was seeking about his brothers’ feelings.
Jackson felt Steel’s hand on his thigh as a sign of support. He was nervous about the upcoming pack meeting even though he knew Logan would support him, but the others… well, he just didn’t know.
Dammit, he should know his brothers better but his Alpha responsibilities had been focused on their survival for so long he’d let that slip.
He knew his brothers were still dealing with the tragedy but they’d all come a long way since those dark and fear-filled days.
He ticked his brothers’ names off in his head, cataloging their possible reactions when dealing with something new.
Cody was the oldest triplet. He was level-headed and thought things out before making any decisions.
He’d be okay with Jackson’s mating and pregnancy.
Colton was the next born and most reserved but was also the most caring about the well-being of the family, which made sense since he was studying to be a nurse.
Carson was the youngest triplet who took the most risks, always trying to outdo Cody and Colton—Zane was like that, too. Carson had a good heart but usually bragged about his Alpha abilities instead of keeping some of them concealed as any experienced Alpha leader would do.
No sense in telling your enemies everything about you—it just makes you easier to defeat. Hmmm. Jackson suddenly realized what his father tried to teach him had sunk in more than he’d thought. Jackson felt if Cody and Colton were okay with everything, then Carson would fall into line.
After the triplets, Dakota was the next.
Steady and quiet, he always loved spending time in the kitchen with their Mom, cooking and baking up a storm.
No wonder he’d chosen culinary school. And by the taste of the food he’d whipped up tonight, he’d have made a damn fine chef.
Jackson hoped Steel could figure a way for his brothers to resume their education.
How would Dakota feel about Jackson’s situation? Not a clue. And what about Zane?
Zane was the youngest and usually acted like it.
He was the unknown in Jackson’s band of brothers.
He would be the protester. He knew in Zane’s book, an Alpha could only be an Alpha and nothing else.
If Jackson thought Carson was a little too Alpha, well, it was a definite understatement when it came to Zane who believed too much Alpha still wasn’t enough.
He was pretty sure the first objection would come from Zane.
Steel heard the running commentary in his mate’s head which prepared him for the pack meeting with at least some background on the brothers’ personalities. His role would be strictly as support, never to appear as exerting power over his mate and, by extension, over the pack.
But that didn’t mean he’d tolerate any disrespect of his mate. Nope, I draw the line there. He hoped Jackson would invite Mystia and his parents to the pack meeting—as they’d be able to answer questions he or Jackson couldn’t.