Chapter 32
Oracle knocked briefly before entering and joining Logan, David and Zane in the living room, sitting down in a chair facing them. Giving a quick glance at Logan, she turned her attention back to the newly mated couple. “Zane, before I continue, do you want Logan and David to leave?”
“No, why?” Zane asked.
“Because I will be telling you what gift the Fates have given you and it is your choice if you want anyone else to know it,” responded Oracle.
“Oh. Well, you should know when David and I claimed each other, it appeared David received my gift…whatever it is…and I received his abilities, although we only know what one of them is,” Zane said.
“I am aware of that,” replied Oracle. “What about your brother? Do you mind if he stays?”
Zane looked at David. “Do you mind if Logan hears about our gifts?”
“Not really, since I know about his gift,” David said.
Giving David a quick kiss on the lips, Zane said, “Nope, no problem about Logan staying and hearing what you have to say but I have a couple of questions first. When I claimed David, I received his ability to bop from place to place but I also felt another ability that was given to me. My mate doesn’t know what it is, do you? ”
“Yes, and I will get to David’s abilities shortly, but first, you.
The Fates selected you, Zane, because of your strong sense of right, not to mention your deep-seated need to protect the weak…
even at your own expense…to be the mate of the most fragile and important shifter on earth.
I know he has told you some of what his life was like when he grew up, but even David could not do justice to the horror he was forced to endure in the name of the Four Gods.
“Unable to interfere with individuals’ decisions on earth, the gods and Fates watched as David grew up, knowing he deserved a mate who would keep him safe in a world filled with hate and evil intentions.
Determined to find David a worthy mate, they picked you after seeing you grow into the man you are today. ”
“I’m not sure they’re correct about me. I’ve made lots of stupid mistakes in my life so far and I’m sure there are more to come in the future,” said Zane.
“Sweetie, the gods and Fates didn’t choose you because you never made a mistake, they chose you because of how you handled them.
It takes a lot of courage to admit to wrongdoings and you have that courage in spades, but what is more important than that is your innate kindness towards those who are suffering.
When your friend was under attack in school, you rushed in with no thought of the consequences and saved him.
And when the dust had settled, you refused to tell what really had happened to save your friend from more embarrassment, paying the price for your silence with a suspension.
“When your father punished you for fighting at school, you took it, protecting your friend. And after returning to school, you made it known if anyone messed with your friend, they would answer to you. That is what the gods and Fates wanted in David’s mate.
Kindness, courage, protectiveness, and loyalty…
qualities not found together in most shifters…
but you have them all in spades as demonstrated during a very rough time in your life.
It was these traits in you that led you to ask Logan to talk to Dakota that summer after your family was killed.
Because you saw the suffering of your brother and sought help for him, you saved Dakota’s life who, in turn, saved the life of my son, Slate.
“David needs such a defender, someone who sees his suffering and moves to lessen it, someone who feels his loneliness and chases it away, someone who senses his need for security and gives it to him, and someone who hears his cry for love and surrounds him with it until he no longer thinks he is unwanted. It is a tall order for any one person to give to another, but you, Zane, possess all of it and that is why the gods and Fates gave David to you.”
Zane’s face had turned pink as he listened to Oracle and he glanced at his brother, unsure what he’d think, but only found pride reflected in Logan’s face.
Giving a slight smile, Zane turned to his mate, and whispered, “I’m the luckiest wolf alive because you’re my mate.
” Tucking David along his side, he kissed his mate’s forehead before turning back to Oracle.
“Please tell the Fates that I will always treasure my mate and pledge not to let them down.”
“Yes, I will,” Oracle said, smiling. “But now it is time for me to tell you of your gift which you have already received. This particular gift was selected because it will ensure no one will ever be able to hold David a prisoner ever again. More about why that might happen in a minute.”
“What gift could do that?” asked Zane.
“The gift of Ghost Walker,” Oracle announced.
“Ghost Walker? You mean I can become a ghost?” asked Zane.
“No, a ghost walker can pass through any physical barrier as if it didn’t exist,” Oracle said.
“Are you telling me that I can pass through any obstacle like a stone wall, or through a closed door no matter how thick it is or what it’s made of?” asked Zane.
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Wait, is that what happened when Michael tried to jump on me during the battle? He went right through me and landed on the ground?”
“Yes, you had the gift even though you did not realize it at the time.”
“Huh,” Zane grunted, thinking about the battle. “I thought it was David’s ability that caused that.”
“It was that also. When Michael leapt onto your back, your gift allowed you to pass through his body so his claws could not inflict any wounds and then you disappeared using David’s ability,” Oracle explained.
“Is there an off switch to this gift?” Zane asked. “You know, so I have a choice of when to use it?”
“Yes there is. You decide when to use it but it is different when you shift. Then your wolf will make all decisions about your gift as he did when you were fighting,” answered Oracle.
“And David can do this too?” asked Zane.
“Yes.”
Zane looked at David and, seeing the doubt on his face, decided to test the gift. “Let’s say I want to walk through that door,” Zane said, pointing to the closed door to the suite. “What’s involved?”
“Stand in front of it, say ‘Ghost Walker’ and then walk through it,” Oracle replied.
“That’s it? Simple enough,” Zane said, walking over to the door.
Eyeing the solid wood door, he felt a trickle of unease run down his back.
Glancing back at his unbelieving mate, he turned and faced the door.
Taking a deep breath, Zane muttered, “Ghost Walker.” He took one step, then another, and on his next one his foot and lower leg passed through the door.
Grinning as he looked down at the sight, he continued walking and quickly found himself in the hotel hallway.
Reversing his direction, Zane quickly repeated the action and was now back in the suite.
“Wow, love! You did it!” exclaimed David.
“Babe, now you try it,” Zane said. “C’mon, it’s fun!”
David rose and walked slowly over to the door, not quite as enthusiastic as Zane was, but after seeing the eagerness on his mate’s face, muttered the words.
Then he hesitated as fear overcame him, remembering the story the High Priestess had read to him.
If Oracle was correct about him being able to do this, it would be the second thing he’d have in common with the boy…
myth…or whatever it was. Then, feeling his mate’s hand on the small of his back, sending love and strength to him, he held his breath and walked forward, passing through the door.
Fear about his abilities began to grow and he could feel a panic attack coming on.
Realizing he was still holding his breath, David exhaled but it was too late; his knees gave out and darkness descended.
Zane followed his mate through the door and caught David as he fell, sweeping him into his arms. Unsure if his gift would work with his mate in his arms, he opened the door and carried David inside the suite.
Jumping up at the sight of his brother holding an unconscious mate, Logan asked, “What happened? Did something go wrong?”
“I’m not sure. There didn’t seem to be any problem when he walked through the door but then he had a panic attack and passed out,” Zane explained, laying David down on the sofa. “Do you have any smelling salts? And I need a cool, wet washcloth.”
“I’ll get them,” Logan said, hurrying into the bathroom.
Gathering up the loose pillows on the sofa, Zane elevated David’s legs by piling them under his mate’s feet. Checking to make sure David’s sweatpants were loose, he took one of the cool, wet cloths Logan handed him and laid it on his mate’s forehead.
“I couldn’t find any smelling salts, so I called Colton…he’s bringing some over,” Logan said.
Using another wet cloth, Zane gently wiped David’s face and neck, hoping his mate would regain consciousness soon. Murmuring words of love to his mate, Zane laid his hand against David’s cheek, giving comfort. Glancing up, Zane saw Ian and Colton enter the living room.
“What happened?” Ian asked, kneeling next to David, checking him over.
“It started as a panic attack, but before I could help him, he fainted,” answered Zane.
“Did he hit his head when he fell?” Colton asked, wrapping a blood pressure cuff around David’s arm.
“No, I caught him,” replied Zane, keeping his eyes on David’s face.
“Does he have panic attacks often?” asked Ian.
“Yes…no…I don’t really know. He’s had two, maybe three, since we met. I never asked him because I was busy helping him through them,” Zane said.
Colton briefly looked at his brother, then back at David, checking his pulse before saying, “What did you do to help him through one?”
“Just what you taught me. Shouldn’t he be awake by now?” asked Zane, worry beginning to show on his face.
Ian passed the smelling salts under David’s nose and within seconds was rewarded with eyes fluttering open. “Good to see you’re awake,” Ian said, softly.
Looking up at the sea of faces, David found the one he needed. “W-w-h-hat happened?” he asked Zane.
“Babe, you fainted. Remember? You were out in the hall and I thought you were having a panic attack but then you just fainted. How are you feeling?” Zane asked, holding his mate’s hand.
“Fine, I think,” David said, sitting up slowly.
“Any dizziness?” asked Ian.
“No. I’m fine,” David said.
“Do you mind if I check you over one more time?” asked Ian.
Looking up at his mate, David said, “No, go ahead.”
After his examination, Ian said, “Everything’s fine. Just take it easy for the rest of the day, okay?”
“I promise,” replied David. “Sorry for bothering you.”
“No problem,” Ian said, as Colton packed up his medical bag. “Glad it wasn’t anything serious.”
“Thanks, Ian, I appreciate it. You too Colton,” Zane said, as he sat down next to David.
After Zane helped his mate up, Ian looked at David and said, “When we get back home, I’d like to do a thorough examination.”
David hesitated. “I’d like to speak to Zane about it first, okay?”
“Sure.” Ian smiled, then, taking Colton’s hand, left with his mate.
“Babe, why don’t we go back to our suite so you can get some rest,” Zane offered.
Shaking his head, David said, “I’d rather continue to hear what Oracle has to say about my abilities, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, if you’re sure,” said Zane, tucking his mate under his arm. “But let me know if you change your mind.” After getting a short nod from his mate, Zane looked at Oracle and asked, “Can I ghost walk when holding my mate?”
“Yes, you can,” Oracle replied, “You could have done it even if David was only holding your hand. It is the same for David.”
“Can I do it with…for instance, Logan?” asked Zane.
“Yes, with anyone as long as they are physically linked to you somehow. Holding hands would be the most common way it is done,” Oracle said.
“Hey, bro, care to try it with me?” Zane asked.
“Uhmm, Oracle, what will happen if it doesn’t work? Will I be stuck in a door?” asked Logan—the whole idea of walking through solid objects was freaking him out a bit.
Laughing, Oracle said, “No, if it doesn’t work, you will simply hit the door.”
“C’mon,” urged Zane, “you don’t want me to tell Ki you were chicken, do you?”
“Fuck off,” Logan said grinning, “you better not piss off my dragon. C’mon, I’m game.”
David swiveled his head to watch his mate and Logan walk over to the door, wondering if it would work. Crossing his fingers, he waited till his mate got into position.
Zane grabbed his brother’s hand and, after saying ‘Ghost Walker,’ pulled Logan with him; both walked through the door and out of sight. Dropping his brother’s hand, Zane looked at Logan and said, “Is that not the coolest thing ever?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Logan said, “Yeah, it is, but I still like my gift better.”
“Well, I like mine. Not that I don’t think yours isn’t cool, I mean your dragon is pretty bad-ass but to walk through walls…man, that is fucking cool.”
Chuckling, Logan said, “C’mon, let’s get back in there so you and David can hear the rest of what Oracle has to say. And if you don’t mind, I’ll go through the door the old fashioned way.”
Shrugging, Zane walked through the door and returned to his seat next to his mate, where he wrapped his arm around David once more. “Thank the Fates for me, Oracle, I love my gift.”
Smiling, Oracle replied, “I will. Any more questions about your gift before I talk to David?”
Zane looked at his mate who shook his head, after which Zane said to Oracle. “Nope, we’re fine. Logan, any questions?”
“Just one…I assume if Zane is holding the hands of two different people, all three of them will be able to move through any solid matter, is that correct? Or is it limited to just one other person?”
“Good point. There is no limit as to how many people can accompany Zane or David through a solid object, but it is important that they never lose contact with him,” Oracle replied.
“Uhh, right, I think I’ll keep it to two right now,” said Zane, “otherwise I’d worry something might happen.”
“A sensible approach,” Oracle said. “Now, to answer your question about what abilities you received from David.”