Chapter 22 #2
“Regarding that trait,” Jackson said, looking at Oracle thoughtfully. “The name of the gift includes ‘silent’ and it’s also included in words Zephyrus’ worshipers say: ‘Yet when peril comes, his silence saves.’ But it’s not an attribute Ollie claims to have. So what does it refer to?”
“Maybe because I’m quiet as the wind when I change into my zephyr form?” asked Ollie.
“Possibly,” Jackson said, “but what are you saving?”
“That’s a good point,” Mac said. “However, my question has to do with what the practical purpose of the power is? If you compare it to other gifts, the only claim it has is that it’s rare.
” Then, looking at Ollie, he added, “I don’t mean to denigrate it because I really think it is cool that you can become wind but… ”
“I’ve wondered that myself,” Ollie replied. “It’s not something that I have a lot of use for in my life.”
“How often have you used it?” asked Jackson.
“It was only the second time that I had used it to get through the gate,” Ollie said. “The other time was after the oracle left…I did it then just to make sure it wasn’t some kind of joke.”
“I’m not surprised,” Jackson said thoughtfully and, after a few moments, continued, “I feel there is more to the story of Karolos. If my memory serves me right, the war between the humans and paranormals ended abruptly, and they lived in harmony for years after that. How did that happen if even the goddess Athena couldn’t convince the two sides to abandon the fight? Oracle, do you know?”
Oracle tilted her head in acknowledgment of Jackson’s observation and stated, “I cannot say any more at this time, but I can tell Oliver that his gift will be needed to save our world.”
Stunned, Ollie opened and shut his mouth several times before he found his voice. “No freaking way! That can’t be…there is no way me turning into wind can save our world. Are you sure, Oracle? Maybe the Fates got it wrong.”
“I can assure you they have not,” Oracle said softly.
Jackson spoke up. “Do we need Ollie’s gift to fight the humans targeting our world?”
“Yes,” Oracle said. “When the time comes, Oliver will discover the rest of his power. Is there anything else?”
Shaking his head, Jackson said, “Thanks, Oracle. I appreciate your answering our questions about Ollie’s gift. You’ve given us a lot to think about.”
Rising from her chair, Oracle smiled at Ollie.
“It is an honor to know you, Oliver. The rest of the oracles were so disappointed that they were not chosen to inform you of your gift, especially since it has been over a thousand years since it was last given.” Then, after giving Mac a reassuring pat on his shoulder, she nodded to Jackson before leaving the room.
The silence surrounding Mac was deafening as he waited for Oliver or Jackson to put into words what they were all thinking, but when nothing was forthcoming, he looked at his mate and realized he was shaking uncontrollably.
Standing, he grasped Ollie’s hand, tugging him up against his chest and enclosing him in a tight hug.
Lowering his mouth to his mate’s ear, he whispered, “Ollie, are you okay?”
Is he kidding? Of course, I’m not. Shaking, Ollie knew his body was in danger of going into shock so he burrowed in as tight as he could to his mate’s chest, hoping Mac’s heat would chase away the frigid chills that had overcome him after Oracle’s announcement about his role in saving their world.
The thought of his gift being used to kill was so abhorrent to him that his mind had just shut down.
Noticing Ollie’s distress, Jackson stood and walked toward him. Stopping behind him, he looked at Mac and murmured, “May I?” After receiving permission, he placed his hand on the back of Ollie’s neck, sending his Alpha power through him.
It took several moments before Ollie felt the warmth surging through his body and several more before he realized it was Jackson who was doing it. Slowly, his shaking stopped, and as his mind settled, his body regained its equilibrium.
When Ollie had finally calmed down, Jackson murmured, “I know this is a lot to take in right now, but trust me, everything will be all right…every person in this pack will support you… now and in the future. You aren’t alone anymore.”
Nodding briefly, Ollie kept his face buried in his mate’s neck, wondering how his life had gotten so complicated so quickly. Just the thought of being responsible for saving their world—and his doubts about being able to do so—threatened to consume him once again.
Sensing that his mate needed some time to come to grips with what he’d learned, Mac softly kissed Ollie’s hair and then, shifting his gaze to Jackson, he said, “If there isn’t anything else, I want Oliver to get some rest before tonight’s mission.”
“That’s fine,” Jackson said, removing his hand from Ollie’s neck before heading back to sit at his desk. “I’ll let you know when Dylon has his plan ready for the rescue.”
“Thanks,” Mac murmured as he and his mate left the room.
Jackson waited until he was alone before he slammed his fist down on the desk in frustration at the Fates for their refusal to give him the complete picture of what his pack would face with the humans.