Chapter 33
“Did you see that? He smiled at me,” Zane exclaimed,
“No, dumbass, he was looking at me.”
“Hey what did I say about watching your language?” Jackson asked.
“But he was looking at me when he smiled, not Zane,” Carson said.
Jackson listened as the mini controversy swirled around him, smiling at his baby who was the center of it all.
“Is this how it’s going to be, sweetie? You know exactly what you’re doing, don’t you?
I can imagine how it’ll be with everyone fighting to feed you but not when it comes to your diapers, huh? ”
Steel added, “Don’t worry mo chroí, you can assign me the poop patrol.”
Jackson burst out laughing. “Poop patrol? Really?”
“Well, what else do you call it?”
“No, that’s fine. Poop patrol is your job.”
“Jackson,” Colton said, raising his voice to be heard over his brothers’ squabbles, “Please tell me, what’s my nephew’s name?”
The room fell quiet, waiting for Jackson to speak.
After smiling at Steel, he said, “We considered a number of names for this very unique wolf. He is the first Dire Wolf born in many years and we wanted his name to reflect his heritage. We settled on this name just a day or so ago. Our pup shall bear the names of his two great-grandfathers…meet Daniel Maximilian.”
Steel heard his father gasp. “You named him after my father?”
“Yes. I never knew him but he’s the kind of man I want my son to grow up to be.”
“Son, this means more to me than you could ever imagine.”
“We’re glad you approve. Daniel was the name of Jackson’s grandfather on his mother’s side. He meant the world to Jackson and we wanted to honor him, too.”
“May I?” Maximus asked, reaching out to hold his grandpup.
“Absolutely!” Jackson said, handing Daniel to him.
“Hi there, big boy, nice to meet you. I’m your grandpa,” Maximus crooned. “We’re going to have so much fun together, Daniel.” Gently rocking the bundle in his arms, he walked over to his wife and showed her their new grandpup.
“Oh yes, Daniel, we all are going to have so much fun spoiling you rotten,” murmured Oracle.
“Hey, I heard that. I don’t think it’s a good idea to spoil him. He has to learn my rules and live by them,” said Steel.
“Your rules?” asked Jackson, in an accusatory tone.
Oracle stepped in before the dialog between Jackson and her son could continue.
“Of course he has to learn rules, but we did that with you and Slate…now we get to enjoy our grandpup without worrying about those things anymore. That’s the reward grandparents get.
Don’t fret, when Daniel has pups, you will have the same right to spoil your grandpups,” she said.
Steel sighed and Jackson’s laughter rang out. “She’s got you there, babe. I think it’s great our son will know his grandparents. Oh, my gods, did anyone tell Mystia and Jimmy about Daniel?”
“I called them. Mystia was called away but will be back today. Jimmy said they’ll be here as soon as she’s back,” Logan said.
“Thank you, bro,” said Jackson. “Okay, who won the baby name contest?”
It wasn’t hard to figure out when five fingers pointed at Zane. “Wow, was it that program you wrote?”
“Yup, after eliminating all the variables, it was the only name my program gave.”
“Well done, bro,” Jackson said, and then asked, “okay, who won the other bets? Weight? Time of Birth? Day? Color of Eyes? What? You think I didn’t know about it?”
The brothers glanced at each other before looking back at Jackson. “Well, you know how it is. We couldn’t resist…so many…well, hell Jackson, what were we supposed to do?” asked Cody.
“Relax, I’m just yanking your chain. Now tell me, who won what?”
“I won the weight bet,” said Logan.
“I won his hair color,” said Colton.
“I got the day,” Carson said.
“Time for me,” Dakota said.
“Which one did you win, Cody?” asked Steel.
“I bet your pup would have Jackson’s eyes.”
“No shit. Fuck, you nailed that one,” said Steel.
Jackson studied Cody, noticing the lines around his brother’s mouth and the haunted look in his eyes. “Is everything okay?” he asked softly, while the others were taking turns holding Daniel.
“Yeah, just tired. You know, after all the stuff that happened.”
“Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Not your fault. I’ll be okay now.”
“You can always talk to me, you know that, right?”
“Thanks, but really, I’m okay.”
“Hey Cody, do you want to hold Daniel?” asked Zane.
“Yeah, pass him over. You’ve had him long enough.”
“Hey, Ian,” Jackson said, “can I get up now?”
Ian smiled at Colton, squeezing his hand. “Sure, Daniel is fine and you, well, you’re a miracle. So yes, you can get up and go upstairs, if you want to.”
Steel asked. “Are you sure, Ian? Don’t you think Jackson should stay in the hospital until we’re sure?”
“Nope, Jackson is fine. He reminds me of Colton in Mexico and how quickly he healed.”
Steel’s eyes narrowed when Ian reminded him of Colton’s miraculous recovery. He glanced at his mate and saw him trading looks with Colton. There was a definite connection and Jackson knew about it. Of that, he was certain. “Okay. Let’s go,” he said.
Steel gave the orders as daylight began to filter into the room and soon everything fell into place with each brother given an assignment.
Dakota headed up to get breakfast started, Carson and Zane gathered up baby supplies and left, dropping off the formula and bottles in the kitchen.
Cody and Logan left to bring the bassinet, baby seat and swing to the great room and Jackson got dressed while Steel took the pup from Oracle.
“Mom, I’m going to carry Daniel, but would you and Dad stay behind us in case Jackson needs steadying? ”
Then he turned to Ian and Colton. “Ian, Colton,” Steel choked up, and stopped to get hold of his emotions, “I know Jackson is so thankful to you, but I want to add my gratitude and thanks for giving my pup and my mate back to me. They are my life and anything I can ever do for you, please let me know.”
“And that goes for us too,” added Maximus, his arms around Oracle.
Ian snuggled up against Colton’s body and said, “You’re all welcome. But, you know doctors and nurses are always happy when the outcome is good.”
Jackson said, “Let’s go eat the great breakfast Dakota is making. I’m starved.”
As laughter rang out, Steel shifted Daniel to one arm, holding his son tightly, while reaching out with the other for Jackson’s hand. “Come on babe, let’s go.”
~/~/~/~/~
Mystia and Jimmy arrived right after breakfast and were enthralled with Daniel.
Steel chuckled as he watched everyone pushing to hold his son.
Hell, at this rate, the only time he’d see his son was when a diaper needed changing.
Sitting next to his mate on the couch, he marveled at the joy he saw in his parents’ faces.
“Oh shit, did anyone call Slate?” he asked.
“I did,” said Oracle. “He wants you to call him later today.”
“Sure, this afternoon.”
Jackson watched Jimmy and Mystia play peek-a-boo with Daniel. He reflected on how far he and his brothers had come and he owed this bright moment to them. Nestling into Steel’s side, he looked around the great room and realized it finally felt like home.
Mystia left Daniel with Jimmy and walked over to congratulate Colton and Ian on their mating. After hugging both, Mystia was startled when Ian asked her for a favor. “Anything, mon petit loulou.”
Giving a sidelong glance at his mate, Ian asked, “Could you remove the spell on Colton so my wolf can smell him? It’s been driving him crazy about Colton not having a scent.”
Colton’s cheeks pinked and he berated himself for failing to think of that earlier. “Oh babe, I’m sorry. Of course, she can do that, right?” he asked, looking at Mystia.
She nodded, “Should I do it now?”
“Yes, please,” Colton said.
Mystia raised her hands, held them over Colton’s chest and chanted. Ian and Colton saw her lips move but even with their wolf’s hearing they couldn’t make out her words. Mystia stepped back and smiled at them. “It is done.”
Colton knew the protection spell had been lifted when he heard Ian inhale deeply, mumbling how much he loved Colton’s scent.
“Yeah?”
“Most definitely,” Ian whispered as his wolf did a happy dance after scents of malt whiskey, heather, and summer rain filled his lungs and brought back long forgotten memories of Scotland.
Mystia cleared her throat and said, “Ian, I had the pleasure of knowing your parents…King Duncan and Queen Eleanor…and would be happy to tell you about them and answer your questions, if you have any.”
“Thanks,” Ian said, melting into Colton, “but maybe later. I’m still trying to understand everything.”
Colton could sense his mate’s distress and said, “Ian just found out yesterday and, well, he’s been busy taking care of Jackson. We haven’t even discussed it yet. Do you mind if Ian takes a rain check on your offer?”
“Of course, anytime,” Mystia said as Jimmy came over to her.
“Colton, Ian, congratulations on your mating. I hate to run, but I have to get back to the gas station. Training a new guy,” Jimmy said, “I just don’t want to leave him alone for too long. Hasn’t learned how I like things done yet.”
“Thanks for coming over. We haven’t seen too much of you guys lately. Any problems? You know Jackson would want to know,” Colton said.
“Nope, we’re fine aren’t we darlin’?” Jimmy crooned to Mystia.
“Yes, we are, lover. I promise we’ll try to come more often,” Mystia said. “Well good-bye, and get some rest. You both look exhausted.”
“How about we follow her suggestion and get some sleep, Ian?” Colton asked.
“Sounds good.”
“That is, of course, if Jackson and Steel agree to not disturb us this time,” Colton said chuckling,” before adding, “unless, it’s an emergency.”
As they left the great room, Colton heard Steel answer his phone and say “Hi, Slate? Guess who has the most beautiful baby?” Holding Ian’s hand, Colton snorted as they walked down the hallway to their bedroom.
Steel was trying to hear his brother over the noise level in the great room, but it was impossible, maybe, in part, because he was staring at Colton’s back as he left the room.
He still needed answers from Colton about how his mate made a complete recovery from death’s door.
Finally, his mind registered Slate’s voice screaming at him.
“Just a second, I need to go somewhere I can hear you.” After telling Jackson he needed to take the call in his office, Steel left.
~/~/~/~/~
Rudy answered Loki’s call from Mexico on his throw away phone, “Well?”
“It’s done. I’m at the airport…I’ll be home in a few hours.”
“Anyone see you?”
“Nope.”
“Any witnesses?”
“Sure, but they won’t have anything to tell.”
“Okay.”
Rudy clicked off and destroyed the phone.
~/~/~/~/~
Steel dropped into his chair, all the worry and lack of sleep catching up with him. “Okay, Slate, what the fuck are you screaming about?”
“He’s dead. One bullet. Shot through the head.”
“What the fuck are you talking about? Who’s dead?”
“Stay with me man. Pablo…Pablo’s dead.”
“Pablo?”
“Yes. A kill shot. One bullet right in the middle of his forehead.”
“How the fuck did that happen? Who shot him?”
“I don’t know. We were transferring him to the High Council’s vehicle today and they got him.
Two of my enforcers in front of him, two behind, and two on each side.
All we had to do was to walk ten feet to the car and they got him.
I don’t know who or where the shooter was but it was a high-powered rifle bullet that killed him instantly. ”
Steel was stunned…a rifle? Wolves didn’t use guns. It wasn’t honorable, so if it wasn’t a wolf, then who? “I thought he was being moved on Wednesday. Why earlier?”
“I don’t know. We got a call from the High Council telling us there was a change in plans and they’d be sending a squad to pick him up today.”
“Shit. Did Pablo tell you anything before he died?”
“No, I think he felt his life would be in danger if he said anything.”
“No shit, Sherlock. I guess he was right to be afraid.”
“I can’t figure out how anyone knew he was being moved today.”
“Hmm, good point.”
“And the High Council has closed the case on this because they’re claiming Pablo worked alone.”
“How the hell did they come to that conclusion?”
“According to the head investigator, the decision was based on no attacks since Pablo was arrested.”
“Fucking be dammed. What are you going to do now?”
“I have to head overseas to get the peace conference organized. I have leaders from warring packs set to attend and I have nothing organized. I’m taking half of my enforcers and sending the rest to you.”
“Have you vetted the ones I’m getting? I have a new pup now.”
“Yes I have, so stop worrying. By the way, congratulations! Mom called me. Quite a story, huh?”
Steel snorted, “That’s an understatement. Remind me to tell you the details someday. And when are you coming to see your nephew?”
“After the peace conference, I promise. Shit, I forgot to ask…what’s his name?”
“Daniel Maximilian.”
“Holy shit! You named him after our grandfather. Way to go, bro!”
“Dad was pleased.”
“Duh! Who does Daniel resemble…Jackson or your ugly mug?”
Steel’s voice softened, “Daniel has Jackson’s eyes and mouth. He is so beautiful, wait until you see your nephew.”
“Take a picture and send it to me.”
“Will do. Anything else?”
“One other thing…did Zane find anything on Pablo’s phone?”
“Still working on it but yeah, it looks like he’ll find something to help us.”
“No shit. I have to meet this geek. I gotta go, talk to you later. Kiss Daniel and Mom and give Dad a hug. Pass my congratulations on to Jackson.”
“Will do. Be safe bro. Bye.” After hearing Slate’s good-bye, Steel hung up and sat there, staring out the window, disturbed about what he’d learned.
~/~/~/~/~
Dylon groaned. His body was a mass of bruises and open cuts. It seemed Rudy had given additional orders about his treatment after he was locked up.
He had to shift so he could heal again. This was the fourth or fifth time they’d beaten him. After the first two times Dylon didn’t understand why they let him shift but by the third he realized they wanted him to heal so they could start again.
Gods, if he could only figure out how that recording was made—just to give them an answer.
Without being able to investigate, he was left at his jailors’ mercy.
No, more like torture. Dylon slowly rolled over, thinking he should give up and just let them kill him—for a crime he was innocent of committing.
But each time the thought entered his mind, the picture of the grief it would cause his parents followed.
Forcing himself to sit up on the edge of the cot, Dylon called on his wolf and started another shift.