Chapter 23
Colton leaned against the door and closed his eyes.
What a fucking revelation! Two brothers keeping secrets about me!
I can understand Jackson, but Cody…no…never will I understand it.
How long has he known? How did he do it…
keeping his link open with me but keeping certain thoughts private?
Shit. That could be the answer to this mess.
My mate and I could have our mind link but he wouldn’t have access to all my thoughts. Mmm.
“Colton? Is that you?”
Colton’s eyes flew open and then zeroed in on his mate. Oh fuck, I need him again! For the first time he understood his brother’s endless need to touch Steel. Shit! Is this how it always will be? “Hi babe, how do you feel?” he asked, striding over to his mate.
“Where were you? You left me and put a guard at my door. Why?”
Colton scooped his mate into his arms and sat on the bed.
He lowered his head and kissed Ian until he felt his mate go limp.
Then, needing to taste his mate’s addicting flavor, Colton’s tongue pushed against Ian’s lips until they parted, finally allowing him entry.
Slowly and deliberately, his tongue mapped out Ian’s mouth, wanting to explore and memorize every part of his mate.
Sucking Ian’s tongue into his mouth, Colton’s lips held it captive while he savored it.
Ian moaned low and long. No one had ever made him feel this way.
Loved, cherished, adored and wanted—wanted with a passion that blew him away.
He’d worried when he awoke, found Colton gone and Cody guarding their bedroom door.
What did it mean? Was my mate finished with me already?
What did I do wrong? Checking his wolf he found nothing to be alarmed about but still…
Then he’d heard his mate talking to Cody outside the door. He only got bits and pieces but he could tell Colton was angry—very angry. He decided to feign sleep as he’d done many times in his past, until Colton returned to him.
He was a very private wolf, probably due to his heritage and upbringing.
When his parents fled Scotland, they stayed to themselves, avoiding mingling with the other packs living around them.
It was a shock when he joined Frontline Doctors and found he would have roommates, many whom felt the need to talk for hours before going to sleep.
Feigning sleep got him through many difficult situations and he was a master at it.
When Colton released his tongue and started sucking different spots on Ian’s neck, he knew his mate’s anger had dissipated and only warmth and love remained.
He snuggled into Colton’s arms and rested his head against his mate’s chest. Colton’s strong, steady heartbeat lulled him into a state of semi-sleep.
Relaxed and dreamy, Ian could feel his body being morphed into a mindless place where all that existed were the two of them—alone together, in a cocoon of love.
He felt Colton stand, pulling him up and holding him tight to his chest. Then his mate turned and lowered him to the bed.
Watching with half closed eyes as Colton stripped, he felt a twinge in his ass at the sight of his mate’s long thick cock.
Mewing with need, Ian felt, rather than saw, Colton climb onto the bed and arrange himself so Ian was nestled tight against his mate’s body.
Ian lifted his head slightly, allowing Colton’s arm to slip under it. Then he felt his mate’s legs intertwine with his and Colton’s cock nestle between his cheeks, while his mate’s other arm draped over his waist. Sighing, he closed his eyes and waited to find the peace sleep would give him.
~/~/~/~/~
Jackson listened as Steel told Oracle what Colton had said. He was studying her carefully but so far, she gave no clues to Colton’s secret. Finally, he spoke, “Tell me about Ian. How come no one knew he was a male Omega wolf? Doesn’t Dire Enterprises require physicals for their new hires?”
Oracle looked at him serenely as she sat on the loveseat in his office.
“Ian is a special case. I was directed by the Fates to visit a remote village in the Scandinavian Mountains. There I would find a young wolf. I was instructed to arrange for him to go to medical school so he could become a doctor. Fulfilling my responsibilities as an Oracle, I went to the village and met Ian Wallace who was seeking to learn his future. I arranged for his university admission as a precursor to medical school. I also moved his parents to a village where Dire Enterprises offered them jobs. After Ian finished his medical training, he joined Frontline Doctors and has been there ever since.”
“Did you know he was a male Omega then?”
“No, I didn’t. That information was only recently given to me by the Fates.”
“What type of wolf is he?” Steel asked.
“He is one of the last three Scottish Wolves on earth.”
“What? You’re kidding me? Holy shit! How am I going to protect everyone including my mate and unborn pup? I need Slate and the enforcers here now,” Steel exclaimed.
Ignoring his mate’s outburst, Jackson continued. “Is Ian meant to repopulate the earth with Scottish Wolves?”
“Yes.”
“So, he will get pregnant.”
“Yes.”
“Does Colton know this?”
“Not all. Last night as I was explaining to Ian what he really was, he fainted. Colton demanded we stop and said I could talk to Ian after he rested.”
“Well, my brother fully claimed his mate this morning and he did not use protection. What do you suppose he’s going to do when he finds out he and his mate might have a pup on the way?
His sole goal in life was to join Frontline Doctors.
Tell me Oracle, does Frontline Doctors have family quarters for them and their pup?
No, I don’t expect so.” Jackson fumed, “And how can Dire Enterprises guarantee the safety of a white wolf who is a natural healer and his male Omega mate…who’s another white wolf! FUCK!”
“Jackson’s right, Mom. This is a security nightmare of massive proportions. Tell me how the Fates think Colton and Ian can be protected?”
“Has Colton told you anything else?” Oracle asked.
“No,” answered Jackson, “but I need to know what I’m dealing with. All I know is he’s not an Alpha/Omega hybrid like me. But if he isn’t that then what gift does he have?”
“Unfortunately, I cannot help you. Colton asked me not to reveal it and as an Oracle, I must honor it. The only suggestion I can offer is to talk to Colton.”
“Does Ian know?”
“I do not know, but I doubt it because I was asked specifically not to say anything to Ian about it. I am sorry I cannot be of more help.”
Sighing, Jackson was stymied. I wonder why my brother is taking this stand?
Not telling his mate? Unbelievable! I’d hate to be in his shoes if Ian ever finds out.
“Well, I’ll just have to hope Colton confides in me soon.
Thank you, Oracle. I have one request,” Jackson said, pausing for Oracle’s reaction.
After she nodded, he asked, “Please tell me if you ever know of any danger my brother and his mate face so I can take action.”
“You have my word, Jackson. Now if we are finished with this topic, may I ask how my grandson is doing?”
Smiling, Steel piped up, “Kicking his dad all night long. I don’t know when our pup sleeps but I know it isn’t at night.”
“How would you know what he does all night long? You’re sleeping,” teased Jackson.
“Hey, I’m not…well maybe some of the time.”
“Uh-huh,” said Jackson then glanced at Oracle. “He’s doing quite well. I have no idea how big he’ll be, but if my belly is any indication, our pup is going to be huge. I understand now why you said I couldn’t shift in my last two months.”
Oracle smiled as she stood. “Yes, I was as big as a house. If we are through, I will go and tend to other matters.”
“Yup, and thanks.”
Steel watched his mother leave, sure she wasn’t happy about her promise to Colton. But he knew she’d never betray his confidence. He was deeply troubled because he knew that Josiah—Jackson and Colton’s uncle—was involved in Colton’s kidnapping. But how to prove it?
After his door closed Jackson turned once more to his mate. “Listen, babe, I believe Colton doesn’t want anyone to know because of what happened to him and Ian in Mexico. Would you please call Slate and find out…in detail…if Dr. Luna told him anything about Colton and Ian?”
“Sure, but why? I already told you everything that happened.”
“I know, but Slate questioned Pablo and talked to Dr. Luna since you left. I’m very interested in Colton’s medical condition at the hospital.
When your mother told Dr. Luna that Colton needed to be bitten by his fated mate to save him, I was just happy there was hope my brother would survive.
But now, thinking about it, I think it’s bullshit that a bite from Ian could ever save Colton. ”
“You’re probably right, but since my mother said it, I assumed the Fates told her.”
“I’m sure they did, but why? I think something else happened in that room and that’s Colton’s secret.”
“Are you going to question Ian? They were the only two people in that room.”
“Yeah, I will, but not directly. Colton would be furious even though I’m doing it to protect his mate. Go make the call and send Cody in, will ya?”
“Sure,” Steel said, leaning over to kiss his mate before standing. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”
~/~/~/~/~
Rudy, the Silver Point pack second-in-command, wasn’t happy about telling Josiah, his Alpha and boss, that the plan failed. And worse, about the position they were in right now. He inhaled deeply and knocked, waiting for permission.
“Come in,” barked Josiah.
Rudy entered and sat down opposite his boss.
“Well, what is it?”
“Our man has been captured and lost the package.”
Josiah stood and slammed both hands on his desk, roaring out his anger.
“How the fuck did that happen? It was in the bag. Everything was in place. How did that money-hungry jackass lose him? And get caught?” Josiah was shaking inside.
If the man talked, his life would be in danger.
He didn’t know exactly what the man knew, but spilling the wrong piece of information, no matter how small could spell Josiah’s death.
He had to find a way out of this mess so no one could link him to the asshole in Mexico.
He lowered himself to his chair while thinking about what needed to be done. “Tell me everything you know.”
“Our man double-crossed us. From what I’ve learned so far, he found out what the Blackwood boy was and decided to auction him off on the dark web after he kidnapped him.
The boy escaped from where he was being held prisoner and was found.
In the meantime, our man was caught trying to flee.
He’s being held in a cell but as I understand it, he’ll be moved somewhere out of the country.
Most of our information is coming from his nephew who doesn’t know our connection to Pablo. ”
“Do you know anything about the Blackwood boy after he escaped?”
“Only that he was hurt but is now fine and back home with his brothers.”
Josiah leaned back in his chair. Well, what my Shaman told me so far has come true. No reason now to doubt him anymore. But what should I do now? I need to talk to him again. “What does Pablo know about who hired him?”
“Not much. He knows an Alpha hired him but doesn’t know who. The contact number he had for us belonged to a throw-away phone and can’t be traced. His payments were made by an offshore corporation impossible to be traced back to us. However, I don’t trust him…he’ll do anything to save his own skin.”
“I agree. I want him dead…the sooner the better. I don’t like loose ends.
We wouldn’t be in this mess if you’d killed the brothers before they complained to the High Council.
” Josiah looked down at the shaking hands in his lap and clenched his fists.
Fuck! Damn Pablo and his greed. He had the boy and should have killed him.
Shit. “Did you ever find out why our intelligence was fucked up on the night of the massacre? Those boys weren’t home where you said they’d be but in Las Vegas.
Not that it matters now but I want to make sure we have no leaks.
Right now, I can’t figure out how Colton’s brothers knew what was happening in Mexico for them to get there so quickly to rescue him. ”
“From my research, it appears they made a last minute decision to stop in Las Vegas before heading home. I talked to some guys at a gay club who told me they’d seen them the night before they left for Vegas.
One said they were talking about going there and it appeared to be a spur of the moment idea.
” Then Rudy added, “Our intelligence was good, it just didn’t account for any variables. ”
“Humpf,” grunted Josiah.
“Have you received a copy of the supposedly incriminating video sent to the High Council yet?” asked Rudy.
“No, but I expect it any day. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not that important. I asked for it to buy me some time before I had to answer Jackson’s complaint.”
“Okay,” said Rudy, “in the meantime, I’ll nose around and see if I can find out how Colton’s brothers found out he was kidnapped to make absolutely sure no one here is a leaker.”
“You do that. In the meantime, send my Shaman in. I need his advice.”
“Sure thing.”
Rudy closed the door and walked down the hall.
Something wasn’t right. He was missing a piece.
Josiah had more information than he was letting on.
And it wasn’t sitting well with Rudy or his wolf.
He felt at a distinct disadvantage. But the question is why?
Why is he keeping things from me? My neck is on the line too.
Rudy decided he would expand his investigation to find out what Josiah’s secret was and why it was causing his Alpha’s hands to shake.
After Rudy left, Josiah’s shoulders dropped.
Dammit! It now appeared two of his shaman’s predictions were true.
If he didn’t know better, he’d think the Fates were working against him.
Bah! Bullshit! He didn’t believe in the Fates.
How could I? They never did anything for me.
And Fated mates? More bullshit. All he got from his mating was Kahn, his fucking gay son.
If the Fates were real, they would have given him a son he could be proud of.