Chapter 39
“Is this the room you’re choosing for your parents?” asked Smokey, watching his mate remake the bed with new sheets. “Or for Ollie and Mac?”
Pausing for a moment, Theo looked at his mate, grinning. “For my parents…I think they should be close to us…”
“But not too close,” Smokey muttered, shoving the pillows into their fresh cases while thinking about how loud their fucking could get. “Where are you putting Ollie and Mac?”
“In the other wing,” Theo said, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
Frowning, Smokey asked, “Do you think that’s wise? What if you need Mac…how will he know?”
Theo stopped and stared at his mate in disbelief, then shook his head and resumed tucking in the top sheet.
Confused at his mate’s behavior, Smokey asked, “What was that for?”
Straightening up, Theo walked over to Smokey, gave him a poke to his chest, and said, “They haven’t claimed each other yet, remember? Ollie insisted on rescuing my parents first, so Mac agreed to wait until afterward.”
Smokey eyes widened as he realized the wisdom of Theo’s choice of bedrooms. A claiming between a wolf and a ghost bear wasn’t something that happened often and with both being high on the list of predators, he could only imagine how loud it would be.
Nodding when understanding finally crossed Smokey’s face, Theo said, “I didn’t think Ollie would appreciate having his aunt and uncle and us listening to his mating.”
“Shit! Good thinking, Shining Star.”
“I just wish Ki were here so he could help me get Ollie and Mac’s room ready.”
“I can help…what needs to be done?”
“I want to make their bedroom into a love den, but I don’t have the time.”
“A love den?”
Rolling his eyes, Theo said, “Yes…a love den…a special place in which they can claim each other that symbolizes who they are. You know, like a wolf den and a bear's den…only combined with lots of flowers, candles, pillows, and…oh, I really need the help of the Love Queens.”
“I got this,” Smokey muttered, pulling out his phone and sending a text to Jackson. Then, after reading the reply, he shoved his phone back into his pocket and said, “C’mon, Shining Star…the person who can help you is waiting downstairs.”
Smiling as he listened to his mates’ voices echo down the hallway, Norm finally located the bedroom they were in and, as he entered, asked, “Who’s waiting downstairs?”
“Someone who can help Shining Star decorate Ollie and Mac’s bedroom for their claiming,” Smokey replied.
“Then let’s go cuz they’re gonna be here soon according to Jackson,” Norm said, linking his hand with Theo’s. Then, seeing an unknown emotion on Smokey’s face, he asked, “You okay?”
“Yeah…just a lot to process…you know about who you might be.”
“I know…take your time and when you’re ready, we’ll talk, okay?”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Smokey murmured. Then, grabbing Norm’s other hand, he led his mates out into the hallway and toward the staircase.
~/~/~/~/~
Angus stood at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the rock-strewn valley below where the Scottish Wolves had found sanctuary from the war that nearly wiped them from the face of the earth.
Thanks to King Ian, new cottages would soon replace the old ones, and he was eagerly looking forward to that.
Turning his gaze east, he saw the stones of the old castle that had not only survived their war with humans but was now sitting in its new location facing the cottages.
Finally, he was close to achieving what he had promised the Scottish Wolf Pack members a long time ago.
Their king would once again watch over them and, like his father before him, he would ensure the pack’s survival and well-being without having to cope with constant threats of hunger and sickness.
It was a gift they would never take lightly, and had it not been for Brian’s support, they might never have had a future to look forward to.
Angus’ eyes fell on the cottage Brian, Reif, and their babies were in and noticed smoke spiraling into the sky from the only source of heat it had—the fireplace.
Soon that would change with the new wind turbines King Ian had ordered.
Each new dwelling would receive an electric heating system to keep every lad and lassie warm throughout the bitter cold of the Scottish winter.
Hearing footsteps, Angus looked over his shoulder, grinning at his visitor. “Ye alone?”
Logan nodded, stopping next to Angus, and said, “Kieran wanted to see the baby Nessies.”
“Dinnae blame him…they’re pure cute. Did ye enjoy yer tour o’ the castle?”
“Yup…once I’m back home, I’ll run my ideas past Ian and Colton, along with getting them to sign off on the final plans for the cottages and other buildings. After that, Slate can start building them.”
“Did he tell ye how long it’ll take?” asked Angus.
Shrugging, Logan said, “Nope, but considering how fast he moved the castle, it shouldn’t be too long.”
“That's guid.”
“I got a text from the Alpha of the English Wolves asking if I could visit him and his wife tomorrow.”
“How long will ye be gone?”
“Not sure, but I doubt it’ll be more than a couple of days since I have work here that needs to be done before heading back to California.”
“Ay…be careful,” Angus muttered. “That Alpha cannae be trusted.”
“I already know what he tried to do to Brian…is there something else I should know?”
“He didnae answer King Ian's father's call for help.”
“Why not?”
Angus shrugged. “Who knows…it dinnae matter anymore…just be careful.”
Logan studied Angus for a moment, then nodded. “Thanks for the warning…I better get back and see what my mate has planned for me. See you later.”
Grunting in reply, Angus turned his attention back to the valley below, thinking about the changes coming—especially when he would step down from his role as Acting Alpha.
It had lasted longer than either he or Ian’s father thought it would and, while he had enjoyed it, soon it would be time to reclaim the life and the dreams he’d had to give up.
That had been the hardest part of accepting the role of Acting Alpha from the former king; knowing he’d be anchored to this desolate place and have to put aside any hope of finding his Fated Mate.
But now, with the return of King Ian, Angus would be free to travel the world in search of that one person the Fates had picked for him.
Until then, though, he would continue to protect the Scottish Wolves under his care.
With that thought in mind, he scanned the surrounding mountains, looking for any signs of danger.
Satisfied there were none, he headed down the rock-strewn, narrow path that led to the cottages, but before he had taken more than five steps, something on the mountain opposite him caught his eye.
Pausing, Angus stared at the spot. When it moved, he realized it was an animal—one he’d never seen before.
Stunned, he blinked several times, thinking it might be a figment of his imagination.
But when he locked eyes with it, the animal bowed its head to him in acknowledgement.
Before he could respond, it had vanished.
He remained still, hoping it would return, but when several minutes had elapsed, he gave up and resumed his trek down the mountainside, his mind now occupied with what the appearance of this strange beast could mean for the Scottish Wolves.
~/~/~/~/~
Theo pushed open the door to the bedroom he’d selected for his cousin and Mac.
It would be perfect for them since it had a sitting room and an ensuite bathroom.
The only problem was that it lacked furniture.
Entering, he walked to the middle of the bedroom and spun around until he faced his mates and newly arrived Remy.
“What do you think? Won’t this be perfect for Ollie and Mac? ”
Smokey glanced around, then asked, “Where’s the bed?”
“It’s gone,” Norm said, wandering around the room, checking out the bathroom. “At least it has a shower.”
“Why is it empty?” asked Smokey.
“Tristan said this was Kahn’s mother’s room, and she took all the furniture when she left,” Theo said.
“She didn’t sleep with Josiah?” asked Smokey.
“Nope, she stopped when she caught him cheating,” Norm muttered, running his finger along a windowsill, checking it for grime. “At least it’s clean, so we won’t have to do that.”
Remy joined Theo in the center of the room and asked, “Do you have any pictures of what you want for your cousin and Mac?”
“Yeah, I do,” Theo said, taking his phone out of his pocket.
“I didn’t have much time, but I managed to find a few shots…
something like this.” Handing Remy the phone, he pointed to the four pictures on it.
“See, I’m going with a woodland theme…something wild and cozy…
like a combination wolf and bear den…dark and stoney-looking walls with a big canopy bed made of branches with leaves entwined with twinkle lights enclosing them in their own private world.
And I want the ceiling over the bed to be a midnight sky with stars, and I want the constellations of the bear and wolf.
Then, in the sitting room, a cushy love seat, lots of pillows, candles, and the walls made of trees, kinda like their private clearing. ”
Peering at the pictures on Theo’s phone, Remy grinned. “This is fantastic, Theo,” he said, handing the phone back to him. “Why don’t we start in the sitting room, and once you're satisfied, we can move on to the bedroom.”
“Okay,” Theo replied, heading for the adjoining room. “I like that idea…oh, and I forgot to tell you they have to have a place to eat. Dakota usually makes the breakfast after the claiming, but since he’s not here, I plan on doing it.”
“What about lunch and dinner?” asked Smokey. “Will they eat with us downstairs?”
“If they want to,” Theo said. Then, glancing at Remy, he said, “Ready when you are.”
Grinning, Remy closed his eyes, picturing the prettiest clearing Theo had used for his claiming of Smokey. Raising his hand, he moved it through the air while whispering words. In the blink of an eye, the four of them were standing in a clearing just like the one on the Blackwood Pack land.
Theo gasped. It was better than anything he’d dreamed of.
Looking up, he found a soaring canopy of branches where green leaves danced with sunlight, creating a kaleidoscopic effect of brightness and shadow.
Then, he spun himself slowly around, surrounded by trees that were so closely knitted together, he could no longer see the walls.
“Well?” asked Remy. “Do you want me to make any changes?”
Grasping his hands over his heart, Theo smiled broadly at Remy and whispered, “It’s perfect!”
“Not quite,” Remy said. With another wave of his hand, the magic-maker filled the room with a love seat, a table and chairs, plenty of pillows scattered around on the floor, and lighted candles nestled in among the tree branches, casting a flickering ethereal light around the room.
“There, that should do it,” he said softly.
Norm’s gaze traveled around the room, stunned at the beauty Remy had created. His mate was right; the room was perfect for Ollie and Mac. Turning to Theo, he wrapped his arms around him, brushing his lips against his mate’s forehead. “They are gonna love it, honey bunch,” he murmured.
Smokey shared his mates’ feelings about Ollie and Mac loving it, but one thing was missing.
Raising his hands, he bowed his head, silently uttering the words that would make it absolutely perfect.
A bright light filled the room, blinding its occupants for a moment.
Then, as it faded, Smokey nodded as he felt good spirit magic fill the room.
Stunned at what Smokey had done, Remy held out his arm and felt the prickling of spirit magic penetrating it.
It felt amazing, and by the grins on the other faces, they were all benefiting from the good spirits circling the room.
Lowering his arm, he said in a hushed voice, “That’s the best mating gift ever. ”
Throwing himself into Smokey’s arms, Theo hugged him tight, kissing him all over his face before whispering, “Thank you so much, Golden Sun!”
“Yeah, thank you,” Norm murmured, wrapping his arms around both of his mates. “There isn’t anyone who deserves this gift more than Ollie and Mac.” After kissing his mates, he murmured, “As much as I love this hug fest, there’s still their bedroom to do.”
“O.M.G.!” Theo exclaimed, “You’re right!” Letting go of Smokey, Theo headed for the bedroom, thinking about his plans for it.
“Theo? Come back,” Remy called, “I have a few things to show you about this room first.”
Remy’s voice stopped Theo in his tracks. He turned around, he asked, “About what?”
“The candles…don’t you want to know how they work?” asked Remy.
Theo glanced at the candle nearest to him, then looked back at Remy. “I don’t understand…wouldn’t Ollie use a match to light them?”
Smiling, Remy said, “He could, but there’s an easier way. Here, let me show you.” Raising his hands, he clapped twice, instantly extinguishing all the candles.
“Whoa! That’s seriously cool!” exclaimed Norm. “Can you relight them the same way?”
“Yes, but you only need to clap once,” Remy said, clapping his hands again.
Theo grinned as candlelight flooded the room. “It’s magic!” he exclaimed.
“Yes, the flames may look real, but they aren’t. I used magic to create them, so if Ollie and Mac forget to blow them out, they won’t be a fire risk. Go ahead, touch the flame.”
Smokey reached over and stuck his fingers into a candle flame. Shocked, he looked at Remy. “It’s cold!” he exclaimed. Then, pulling his fingers out of the flame, he searched them carefully for any burns, but found none. “Fucking amazing!” he muttered, still staring at his hand.
Chuckling, Remy stated, “Magic fire is cold to the touch. Knocking over a candle won’t ignite anything with it, so it’s perfectly safe for a wolf and a ghost bear claiming.”
Theo clapped his hands twice and giggled as the flames disappeared. “This is fun,” he said.
But before Theo could clap again, Smokey grabbed his hands and said, “Time to move on, Shining Star. Ollie, Mac, and your parents are waiting for Remy.”
“Right!” Theo exclaimed, turning around and heading for the door. “Okay, one magical bear and wolf's den bedroom coming up.”
Norm waited until Theo was in the next room with Smokey before saying to Remy, “Thank you…for everything. I haven’t seen Theo this happy since you created our mating bed.”
“You’re welcome, but I also should thank Theo. I really enjoy being part of the Love Queens.”
“Good to know that,” Norm smiled, “because I’ve a feeling you’ll be creating more of these love rooms.”
“I’m counting on it,” Remy said.