Chapter 45
Pacing around his bedroom, Fionn rehearsed what he was going to say, stopping when he realized he was running out of time.
Calling for the portal, he stepped in and exited in the underground cavern where his hoard was stored.
Nervous, Fionn sat in a chair he made from the gold bars he owned and let their energy calm him.
Less than thirty seconds before he was to meet with his father, he stood and summoned the portal, programing it for his father’s address, then stepped in.
Fionn found himself in a study in his father’s chateau in France, a place he and his mother never could go. Surveying the room, he noticed its opulence—causing his anger to rise once again.
“Well? Where’s your hoard? You made me an offer and I accepted. Or are you going to renege on it?”
Fionn’s head snapped around to face the voice and spied his father leaning back in the chair behind his desk. “The deal still stands. I give you my hoard, you leave me and the Blackwood Pack alone…forever.”
“Done. Now tell me where it is.”
“I can’t tell you but I can show you. It can only be accessed through a portal.”
“Well, fuck, boy, I bet you think you’re so clever. Kept my men running all over Scotland looking for something they would never find.” Artur stood up and strode over to his son. “Let’s see this portal of yours.”
Fionn said the words to himself and called forth the portal.
As he was about to step into it, his father pushed past him and entered, turning his head, sneering at his son.
Suddenly, the portal began to pulse, encasing his father in a purple glow that immobilized him.
Watching in fascination, Fionn saw the purple glow turn darker and darker until it was black.
Then with one final pulse and a blinding flash, Fionn saw his father disintegrate, leaving only a pile of ash behind.
Staring with disbelief at the remains of his father, Fionn thought: It’s over.
It’s over. It’s really over. Never again would he have to look over his shoulder wondering what his father’s next plan was.
Never again could any of his friends suffer at the hands of his father.
Never again. Never again. A pounding on his father’s study door brought Fionn back to reality; he quickly stepped into the portal, ending up back at his hoard.
His hoard. Something his father wanted more than his son. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Fionn entered the address where his family was—then, stepping in, found himself back in his bedroom at the hotel.
~/~/~/~/~
Dakota continued touching and murmuring sweet words of love to Slate after the green flash disappeared.
His mate lay in his lap—unmoving. Dakota had no idea what to expect after Colton used his gift, but he continued to use his shadow voice to seek his mate’s thoughts—giving Slate the will to fight, the will to come back to him and their pup.
Colton wasn’t sure his gift would work on someone as badly injured as Slate.
He’d only used his gift twice since receiving it and, even though Dylon had been severely beaten, that was nowhere near as serious as the damage that had been done to Slate.
Without seeing any change, Colton concluded there were limits to his ability.
Hearing footsteps, he turned to see who they belonged to and saw Logan at the doorway with Dylon behind him.
Shaking his head at the question he saw on Logan’s face, Colton wasn’t sure what to do next.
Seeing Logan, Kieran ran over and hugged him tightly, sending him love, knowing how he’d suffered.
“Look, Dakota, look!” exclaimed Cody.
Colton whipped his head around. What the fuck is happening? Slate’s body was healing the cuts, erasing the welts, and reducing the swelling. In just a few minutes, they were all gone.
Dakota leaned down and kissed the lips meant just for him, whispering, “I’m here babe, please come back to me because I love you so much.”
“I love you more,” Slate said, hoarsely, opening his eyes. Then, lifting his arms and wrapping them around Dakota’s neck, he added, “Can I have my Bear Bug Ice Cream now?”
“Yes, my darling, I’m going to buy gallons of it just for you.”
“You hear that everyone? That’s gonna be my ice cream and if any of you so much as touch it, you’ll have to answer to my mate.”
Laughter warmed the gloomy cell as Slate began to sit up. Colton put his hand on Slate’s chest and said, “Where do you think you’re going? You just lie there until I check you over and make sure everything is as it should be.”
Slate lay back, happily gazing at Dakota while holding his mate’s hand.
He was still a bit baffled and there were some gaps in his memory, but he did recall the power surging through his body and the flash of green light.
Then the pain dissipated and his body began to heal, slowly at first, but then more rapidly until every last whip mark was gone.
“Okay,” said Colton, “everything looks good, but Ian has to do a complete exam once we get you back to the hotel.”
With the help of Dakota, Slate sat up, saying, “What happened to the assholes who kidnapped me?”
“I took care of them,” Dylon answered. “They won’t be bothering you or anyone else again.”
“Babe, can you stand?” asked Dakota.
“I think so,” Slate said, slowly getting to his feet. Once on his feet, he pulled Dakota into his arms, hugging him tight. “How’s our little bean?”
“Doing just fine now, since you’re here,” Dakota said, then giggled as Slate’s stomach growled. “C’mon babe, let’s go home so I can feed you.”
“I’m all for that as long as I can have Bear Bug Ice Cream for dessert,” Slate laughed, before lowering his head to Dakota’s lips, kissing his mate softly at first, then with increasing intensity.
Lost in a private world created by their love for each other, Slate thrust his tongue between Dakota’s lips, seeking and needing the taste of him, moaning as his desire consumed his body.
Giggles and throat clearing finally penetrated his lust-fueled haze as he remembered where he was.
Gentling his kiss, Slate bit Dakota’s lower lip, licking it sensually before separating from his mate.
“Slate, sorry to interrupt but we have to go,” said Dylon.
“Right,” Slate said, wrapping his arm around Dakota’s waist. “I’m ready.”
Dylon took Cody’s hand and led the group out of the castle where he found Angus and his men waiting for them. After introducing everyone, Dylon asked, “Angus, were any of your men hurt?
“Naa, we’re okay,”
“Did you bring your kilts?” asked Dylon, glancing at Angus’s huge cock dangling between his legs.
“Naa,” said Angus, “we Scotsmen are proud of our attributes, besides which, we’ll be shiften’ soon, to return home.”
“Good,” Dylon said. “Please accept our gratitude for your help. My Alpha wants me to convey his appreciation and affirm the Blackwood Pack’s commitment to an alliance between our packs.”
“Aye, our King spoke of it. Me and my men pledge to always answer your call.”
“As we will with you,” said Dylon.
Slate stepped forward, saying, “I want to offer my personal thanks, along with my family’s, for your help in my rescue. If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.”
“Thank ye,” Angus said. “May I have a word with your Shaman before we leave?”
Looking at Kieran, who nodded, Dylon said, “Certainly.”
“Shaman, can we talk in privacy?” asked Angus.
“I’d be happy to,” said Kieran, motioning toward the castle.
Dylon watched them leave before turning to Logan who was watching his mate. “You ready?”
“Yeah, have you texted Jackson about the rescue?” asked Logan.
“Not yet…no signal…but will do as soon as we get back,” Dylon said. After Kieran and Angus returned to the group and good-byes were exchanged, Dylon led his group back to the clearing where the night had begun.
~/~/~/~/~
Refusing to release Dakota’s hand, Slate sat on the bed while Ian examined him as Colton assisted.
It had been a surreal experience for Slate; watching Logan using his gift in the clearing before they took off for the hotel.
Gaping in awe as Logan shapeshifted into a dragon, it was…
unfuckingbelievable. Flying on the black dragon’s back, the rush of the night air laced with his mate’s scent as he held Dakota close—the experience left him speechless.
Now tired, needing time alone with his mate, Slate growled, “Look, Doc, I’m fine.
The only thing wrong is the number of people in our bedroom. ”
Ian chuckled. “You’re right. I’m through and everything looks good. The only advice I have is get plenty of rest, eat lots of food, take it easy for a couple of days and don’t fuck your brains out with your mate. The last one only applies for tonight.”
“Can do, Doc. I plan on staying in this bed with my mate for the next week,” Slate said, grinning at Dakota.
“Hey Slate, do you mind if Cody and I use Dire’s company plane? We’re kinda eager to get back to our pups,” asked Dylon.
“Is that okay with you babe?” asked Slate, looking at Dakota.
“Uh-huh. But I have to see if Jackson has someone to cover for me,” replied Dakota.
“Steel has agreed to do the cooking along with Oracle,” Cody said. “Jackson said, and I quote: ‘Tell Dakota to focus on taking care of Slate, and not to worry about anything else’.”
Dakota beamed. “Please give Jackson our thanks.”
“This is the second time you rescued me,” Slate said to Cody and Dylon. “I owe you big.”
Cody smirked. “I know, but don’t worry, I plan to hit you up for another donation to my home for gay boys…a really big one!”
Slate grinned. “Consider it done. Is Fionn going home with you?”
“No, he wants to stay,” replied Cody.
“You agreed to that? After what happened to me?” asked Slate.
“Fionn says his father is dead and won’t be causing any more problems,” answered Dylon.
“What? How? When?” asked Slate.
“We don’t know the whole story but Kieran is with him now so I’d expect we’ll find out,” Cody said.