Chapter 24
Colton heard a soft knock and then smelled food.
Oh my gods! Just what the doctor ordered.
He snickered and carefully slipped out of bed.
Pulling on jeans, he walked barefoot to the door so as not to wake Ian.
Quietly opening it, he saw Dakota behind a serving cart covered an array of mouth-watering dishes.
His stomach grumbled loudly as he smiled at his brother.
Holding a finger to his lips, Colton whispered, “Shh, Ian’s still sleeping. Let’s take this into the sitting room.”
He wondered where Dakota had gotten the serving cart with the quiet rubber wheels as they stealthily rolled it into the next room. Colton turned to Dakota. “Thanks, bro. You have no idea how hungry I am.”
Dakota slapped his brother’s hand away from the bacon. “Hands off. This isn’t just for you, dumb ass. It’s my mating gift to you and Ian. You wait until he wakes up.”
“Oh, my gods, did you make this for us Dakota?” Ian asked, standing in the doorway with a sheet wrapped around him.
Dakota smirked at Colton before turning to Ian. “Yes, it’s my mating gift to you and Colton. I hope you enjoy it and if there’s anything else you want, just let me know.”
“That is so sweet, isn’t it Colton? What a great present. Thank you. I know I’ll enjoy it,” Ian said as he wandered over to the cart. “Wow, everything smells so good.” He then reached over and gave Dakota a hug.
Colton’s wolf growled. He didn’t care if Dakota was his brother. All of Ian’s hugs belonged to him. Grabbing Dakota’s arm, Colton yanked his brother away from his mate and shoved him towards the door. “Thanks for your gift,” he growled, “but I’ll take it from here.”
“Stop it Colton,” cried Ian. “That’s no way to treat your brother who spent his time making us something special to eat.
” He marched over to Dakota and said, “Regardless of the brutish behavior of my mate, I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. I’m starved and I know Colton hasn’t eaten either.
” Then he looked at his mate and said, “Well?”
Colton sighed. “I’m sorry brother. Please chalk my behavior up to my lack of food.”
Dakota chuckled and said, “Sure bro, lack of food…uh-huh.” His chuckle morphed into loud endless laughter as he left their suite.
Ian stared for a few minutes at the door before turning to his mate.
“I think it’s time you and me have a chat.
That display of possessiveness doesn’t work for me.
I’m a doctor and I touch many wolves each day while I’m treating them.
I receive thanks and sometimes hugs from the patients and their family.
If you plan on going all-Alpha on me every time it happens, you better rethink it.
Practicing medicine is important to me not only because I help people but because it makes me happy.
And from what I’ve heard, it’s the same for you. ”
Colton’s jaw dropped at Ian’s tirade. Holy Crap!
What the fuck has happened to me! Taking Ian’s hand, he tugged at it a little before his mate gave in and followed him to the love seat.
After sitting down, he looked up at Ian and said, “Will you join me so we can talk? I’m really very sorry about my reaction.
This is all so new to me and I think you’re right, we need to clear the air. ”
Ian looked at his mate, searching his face to see the truth of the words and, finding them, he sat facing Colton.
He regretted his outburst not because of what he said—as it was the truth—but for the way he said it.
Medicine was his life and when he discovered his fated mate was also in medicine, he was overjoyed.
Being a doctor or a nurse was a hard life—it meant long hours, roller coaster emotions at successes or failures and devotion to your patient even if it meant personal sacrifice. That’s why he never wanted a mate.
“Ian, I’m truly sorry. I know you’re right.
The only explanation I can offer is that my wolf is so dammed possessive right now.
I’m hoping he’ll settle down after a while.
I’m going to talk to Jackson or maybe Steel, about how they handled it and get some suggestions.
I absolutely will never stand in your way of practicing medicine.
Being a doctor is part of you and I love all of you. ”
Colton’s declaration of love brought tears to Ian’s eyes.
He was loved—something he never realized was missing from his life.
Looking back, he clearly saw how lonely his world had been.
His parents loved him, but his wolf was right all along, he was alone in the world.
Finding Colton changed him—and his world—in ways he was still discovering.
Ian launched himself into Colton’s lap. “I love you so much. I never knew what I was missing until I found you. You complete me and make me so happy. You’re my world!
” he said, nestling into his mate’s arms, kissing his chest, while grinding his ass into his mate’s groin.
“I’m sorry I was angry before. This is all new to me, too, and I growled in Mexico when you were hugged as you said good-bye.
I never thought I’d have a mate and now I do and I’m all mixed up trying to sort out my feelings. ”
Colton lifted Ian’s face and looked into his eyes.
“Darling, we both are going to make mistakes so let’s promise to always talk about issues when they arise.
Why don’t we start with breakfast and enjoy my brother’s mating gift.
Then afterwards, I’d love to find out more about you and your life before we met.
” After Ian nodded, Colton lifted his mate and carried him over to the small table in the sitting room.
Setting Ian on one of the chairs, Colton grabbed the food cart, rolling it over.
As he passed each fantastic-smelling plate of eggs, bacon, sausages and steak to Ian, Colton’s stomach growled so loudly it sounded like his wolf.
Red-faced, he murmured, “Sorry about that. It’s been a while since I ate. ”
Ian burst out laughing. “Babe, if there was ever an understatement that was it. C’mon, sit.
I can serve myself.” He took the dishes from Colton’s hands and shoved him toward the chair next to him.
Then he filled his mate’s plate, relishing how it felt to take care of Colton.
Soon only the sounds of knives and forks scraping against the china filled the room.
~/~/~/~/~
Steel called his brother, eager to get some answers about Colton.
He thought back to when he was in the hallway and Ian was in the hospital room.
Suddenly, he gasped—he remembered seeing a flash of green light under Colton’s door.
He had turned to Dr. Luna but was distracted by Cody, fighting to see his brother.
After giving Cody permission to peek in to check on Colton, everything that followed had brushed the incident from his mind.
He snorted. That was it! Colton was sitting on the edge of the bed, all signs of injuries gone. Steel slammed his fist on the desk—of course. That’s when he received his power and Oracle is in the middle of this.
The phone rang. “Hello? Hello? Steel is that you?”
His brother’s voice pulled him back from his thoughts. “Yeah Slate, I’m here. How’s everything down there? Have the attacks stopped?”
“Yes, thank goodness. According to Pablo, he worked alone. And since no further incidents have occurred after we arrested him, I believe him, at least so far.”
“Well, that’s a relief. Did you get any other information out of him? Like who hired him?”
“You still think Silver Point’s involved?”
“Yes, but damned if I know how or why. Killing one of the brothers to get the Fox River Pack’s land doesn’t make sense, especially since the title is in Jackson’s name.”
“Maybe he wanted it to be a message…you know, like if Jackson retracts his complaint, then he won’t go after the other brothers.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t sound right either. Have you gone through Pablo’s house and belongings yet? Anything connecting Josiah to Pablo?”
“Yes I did…but nothing.”
“How did Pablo get his instructions?”
“By cell phone…but it was a throw-away and the number he called has been disconnected.”
“Do you still have the phone?”
“Yes. All the evidence collected will go to the Universal Paranormal High Council investigative unit. I’ll be turning him over next week. I wanted to wait to make sure there weren’t any more attacks.”
“Listen, send the phone to me. Zane is a computer and technology whiz of the first order and maybe he can find something.”
“Will do. I don’t think he’ll find anything because our men have gone over it thoroughly.”
“Yeah, I know. But Zane found the auction of Colton and I’m telling you bro, he’s scary smart with that shit.”
“Okay, I’ll send it up today. Anything else?”
“Yeah, have you talked to Dr. Luna about Colton’s recovery?”
“Why?”
Steel blew out his breath. “Slate, what I tell you must remain between us, do you promise?”
“You’ve got my word. Now what’s up?”
“Well, you know Jackson became an Alpha/Omega hybrid when he found me, his fated mate. According to mom, each brother will be given a gift when they find and claim their fated mate. Colton’s is Ian’s Fated Mate and he was granted a gift from the Fates but he won’t tell us what it is.”
“Isn’t he the same as Jackson? I just assumed each brother would be the same.”
“No, Mom told me when I was asking about Jackson she didn’t know what their gifts would be. She knows about Colton but he made her promise not to tell anyone without his permission.”
“Have Jackson use his Alpha power on Colton.”
“He won’t do that, Slate. Colton told Jackson if he tried, he’d take Ian and leave the pack.”
“Holy fucking Batman!”
“No shit. It’s bad enough the brothers are all white wolves…”
“What, all of them? Even Colton? And you didn’t tell me that before he came with me to Mexico? You’re an asshole, you know that? You set me up and here I’ve been kicking myself about how I failed you and Jackson!”
“I was trying to keep it secret…”
“Secret? What bullshit! I’m sure their uncle knows they’re white wolves. Did you know Colton was a natural healer?”
“No-no-no! I only found out after he left. It was when Mom told Ian he was Colton’s fated mate.”
“Wait, you knew Ian was Colton’s fated mate and you didn’t tell me that either?” Slate was shouting by this time, furious at being left out of the loop.
“Slate, calm down. It wasn’t my call. Jackson, remember Jackson? He’s my Alpha. He decided not to tell you and I had no choice but to agree. Honestly, bro, none of us had any idea what we were dealing with down there.”
“Mom knew.”
Steel closed his eyes and slumped back in his chair.
His brother was right. As an Oracle their mother did know.
But they also knew she lived under restrictions placed on her by the Fates.
And for the first time, he understood how hard her life must be.
Forced to sit by and watch events unfold, but unable to do anything about them.
This was the first time he was involved in a situation like that and he found it intolerable.
So he could imagine what it was like for her.
“Yes, she knew but you know the rules she lives by. Look, let’s forget this crap. It doesn’t help, so back to Dr. Luna. Have you spoken to him?”
“I have. What do you want to know?” asked Slate.
“I’ll get to that in a minute. I want to ask you to think about the time we were standing in the hallway outside Colton’s hospital room. Did you see or hear anything unusual?”
“Let me think… Mmm…Well, I remember I was looking at the floor because the guilt at keeping Colton there for the extra two weeks was making me feel like shit. I didn’t want to look at Cody or you…
especially you…because I gave you my word I’d keep him safe.
Come to think of it, I saw a flash of bright green light under his door and the next thing I knew Cody was demanding to go in.
He said his brother was asking for him.”
“Oh, thank gods, I didn’t imagine the green flash.”
“You saw it too?”
“Yes, I think it has to do with Colton’s gift.”
“Well, Dr. Luna didn’t mention it but of course his back was to the door. I wonder if Cody saw it?”
“Good point. I’ll ask him.”
“Why are you trying so hard to discover something Colton obviously wants kept secret? This could backfire on you if he finds out what you’re doing.”
“I can feel it in my gut that Silver Point is involved in this and that means my mate and pup are still in danger as well as Colton and Ian. Did I tell you Ian is a male Omega wolf?”
“What? No! Oh shit!”
“Now you know what I’m facing. When do you plan on bringing your team of enforcers up here?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve spent so much time in Mexico, I’m behind on setting up the peace conference in Tajikistan. But let me do some shuffling and see if I can send you part of my team.”
“I’ll take them. Meanwhile, don’t forget to send me Pablo’s phone. I’m also going to talk to Zane about what else can be done to beef up security.”
“Okay bro, say hello to everyone and give Mom a kiss and a hug from me.”
“Yup, will do. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Steel hung up and reflected about what he learned.
Both he and Slate couldn’t be wrong—both saw the light just before Colton’s miraculous recovery; he was sure it signified the giving of the gift.
But what could it be? Until he could figure out a way to ask Cody, he decided not to say anything to Jackson.
The last thing he needed now was a shitstorm with Colton and Ian when his and his mate’s pup was so close to being born.
Nope, even if Jackson found out he’d been kept out of the loop and made him sleep on the sofa, he would take the punishment just to keep his mate safe.
He snorted—this is probably the same choice Colton faced about telling his mate about his gift.