Chapter 2
Logan was listening to Ian when he felt the pull on his mate’s bond and their spirit screaming in his head.
Kieran was in trouble! Turning on his heels, he raced toward the motorhome, calling out, “Ian, Colton, come quick! It’s Kieran!
” Grabbing the door handle, Logan nearly pulled it off in his rush to get to his mate.
Taking the steps in one bound, he found himself facing his astonished cousins.
Ignoring them, he followed his spirit to where his mate was and pushed open the door.
Kieran was lying lifeless on the floor. Logan cried out in anguish as he knelt next to Mac, placing his hands on his mate and closing his eyes as he tried to revive him.
Hearing Logan yelling to him, Ian rushed to the motorhome with Colton behind him.
Once inside, he homed in on Kieran’s scent, heading to the back where he found him receiving CPR from an unknown man.
“Get out of the way, please, I’m a doctor.
Colton, take over giving CPR. Logan, please move up to Kieran’s head but keep your hands on him. ” Ian ordered, pushing the man aside.
After seeing three of his pack members disappear into the motorhome, Jackson took a step towards it before stopping. Turning to Hunter, he said, “C’mon. Logan’s mate’s in trouble and I don’t want any problems with your brothers.” Then the two of them ran toward the motorhome.
Kneeling down, Ian quickly examined Kieran before saying, “Colton stop, please.” Observing an imperceptible rise of the Shaman’s chest, Ian said, “Logan, Kieran’s alive but very weak.”
“I know. I’m trying to remove some of the negative emotions he received,” said Logan. “He did too much. I should have been here with him.”
“His aura has lightened since you arrived,” Mac said.
Looking up, Ian snarled, “You saw how dark it was and you let him continue?”
Joining them, Jackson glanced at the bed and, realizing the truth of Logan’s words about their mother, offered a quick prayer to the gods, thanking them for their gift. Looking down at Ian, he asked, “How’s Kieran?”
“He’s extremely weak, but with rest and his mate’s strength, I believe he’ll be okay,” Ian responded.
“Do you want to move him to a bed in the hospital?” asked Jackson.
“Not right now. Whatever Logan is doing is working and I would prefer to wait for Kieran’s vitals to become stronger before moving him,” Ian replied.
“What about Mom?” asked Jackson.
“I haven’t examined her yet,” Ian replied.
“I asked him to stop, you know,” Mac said. “He refused. He said he could do it. And he did. He saved her. He saved your mother.”
Looking over at Mac, Jackson asked, “Who are you?”
Hunter spoke up. “Jackson, he’s my brother, Dr. Mac Evans.”
“So,” growled Ian, “you were willing to let someone die so you could save your patient?”
“Now, wait a minute…” Hunter snarled.
“We can discuss it later,” ordered Jackson. “Right now, I want to know when we can move both patients to the hospital. Ian, when you get a chance, can you please check Mom?”
Nodding, Ian bit his tongue to keep him from saying anything else about his thoughts on the medical competency of Dr. Mac Evans.
“In the meantime, Hunter,” Jackson said, “I’d like to meet the rest of my cousins.”
Bristling at the implied order, Hunter hesitated, pissed at being treated as something less than the Alpha he was but, in the end, gave in.
He led Jackson to the front of the motorhome where three of his brothers sat, all eyeing him warily.
“Jackson, this is Mason, Sawyer and Robin. Guys, this is Jackson, Alpha of the Blackwood Pack…and your cousin.”
After hellos were exchanged, Jackson asked, “I assume Mac is your twin, Sawyer?”
“Yes, but I’m the handsome one.”
“Bullshit!” Mason snorted.
“You wish!” snickered Robin.
Giving a brief smile at the responses, Jackson asked, “Where’s Quin?”
When he heard the question, Mason stood, giving an inscrutable look to Hunter and Jackson before walking around them and disappearing into his younger brother’s bedroom.
Raising his eyebrow, Jackson looked at Hunter, “What was that for?”
Shaking his head and not wanting to get into Quin’s history, Hunter headed for his bedroom. Opening the door and sticking his head in, he smiled at his brother. “Quin, honey, Jackson wants to meet you.”
Moving slightly behind Mason, Quin nodded. He wasn’t sure he wanted to meet the Alpha who radiated so much power it even penetrated the walls of his bedroom, but knew he had no choice. At least Mase was here to protect him.
Listening to his cousin speak to his brother, Jackson wondered what to expect when he met Quin.
Then, moving aside, Hunter let him get his first glimpse of his youngest cousin.
Schooling his face to remain impassive, Jackson nevertheless saw the fear in Quin’s eyes, triggering Jackson’s protective instincts.
Gentling his features and pulling back his Alpha power, he smiled and said, “Hi, Quin, I’m Jackson. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Flicking his eyes between Jackson and his brother, Quin tried to figure out what was making Hunter so upset.
It was obvious something was going on that neither of the Alphas wanted to talk about and that increased his anxiety.
Moving behind Mason, Quin looked at the floor, but knowing Jackson was waiting for a reply, murmured, “Nice to meet you, too.”
After hearing his cousin’s soft voice, Jackson backed out of the room to give Quin back his sense of security; he wondered what was causing the fear he saw.
Heading to the other bedroom, he vowed he’d find out and see if there was anything he could do to help.
Now, though, it was time to make a decision.
Looking at his mother and then Kieran, he breathed a sigh of relief as both seemed to be doing better.
“Ian, what’s the status on Kieran and Mom? ”
“Kieran is much better, but I want him to spend the night in the hospital so I can keep an eye on him. We’ll make up a room so Logan can be with him.
Your mom is in a light coma but is resting comfortably.
According to Dr. Evans, Kieran’s efforts helped her tremendously; of course, I can’t verify that until I have a chance to review her chart. ”
Ignoring Ian’s sharp tone, Jackson asked, “Can we move them to the hospital now?”
“Shortly. Colton has to get the rooms ready before we do.”
“That’s okay. I have to tell everyone about Mom first,” Jackson replied. “Do you want to be there when I do?”
“I think I should.” Turning to his mate, he said, “Colton, stay here until I get back.”
“If Colton is needed at the hospital, I can watch over the Shaman and Aunt Hope,” Mac offered.
Hunter saw the hesitation in Ian, and it pissed him off. “My brother, Doctor Mac Evans, is a fully certified doctor and has been caring for Aunt Hope for the last several years.”
“That’s okay, Hunt,” said Mac, softly, “I understand why they’d want their own doctor to take over.”
Ian exchanged glances with Colton, then sighed.
He didn’t know why he was being so rude to a fellow physician and it wasn’t helping the situation.
But after Jackson had told him about Dakota’s close relationship with his mother, there was a real possibility the shock of finding out she survived the massacre could cause him to miscarry his pup.
Putting aside his animosity toward Mac, Ian replied, “That would be fine. The sooner we move them, the better.” Then, looking at Dr. Evans, he said, “Please check Kieran’s vitals every five minutes to make sure they continue to improve.
If that doesn’t happen, send someone to get me. The same goes with Hope.”
“Will do,” said Mac, glancing at his watch before getting ready to take his Aunt Hope’s pulse.
“Hunter, may I speak with you outside?” asked Jackson.
Snorting at the thinly veiled order, Hunter turned, heading to the front of the motorhome.
“Stay here guys,” he said to Robin and Sawyer.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Once outside, he walked far enough away so his brothers couldn’t hear anything, then turned around to face Jackson, crossing his arms defiantly in front of him.
Hunter knew what was coming next and he’d be damned if Jackson interfered with his mating.
“Look, I know one of my pack members is your mate, but I’m asking you to back off for a while until I handle this thing about my mother,” Jackson said.
“Why should I? My mate isn’t one of your brothers.”
“I know that, but the news of our mother surviving when we all thought she was dead will be earthshattering to them and I need to concentrate on that first. I give you my word, once this crisis is over, I’ll introduce you to your mate.”
Hunter studied his cousin, the cousin who worshipped him when they were children, but unlike him, had risen to the role of an Alpha with unbelievable power.
Now instead of using it to force his way, Jackson was asking him nicely—which didn’t make sense at all considering how he’d used his Alpha power to put him down, before.
Why the about-face? Another question without an answer.
Hunter was at a decided disadvantage since he didn’t know the name of his mate nor what connection he had to the Blackwood Pack.
Swallowing his anger at the whole mess, he nodded. “Fine, I’ll wait.”
“Thanks. One more thing, would you keep an eye on Logan and Kieran? If anything happened to Kieran, my brother would die.”
“Sure.” Hunter pushed past his cousin as he headed back to the motorhome, bumping Jackson’s shoulder but not caring about it. All he wanted to do was to take his mate and head back home as soon as he could and, if it required babysitting Logan and his mate, he’d swallow his pride and do it.
As Ian opened the door of the motorhome to leave, he nearly smashed Hunter in the face. Apologizing but getting no response other than a grunt, he smirked and, walking over to Jackson, asked, “What’s got his panties in a twist?”
Chuckling at Ian’s apt description of Hunter’s persona, Jackson said, “Who knows? Hunter’s always kept his motives hidden. Let’s go. Tell me how you want to do this.”
~/~/~/~/~
Their spirit helped Logan dissipate the blackness in Kieran.
Slowly, he felt their bond grow stronger, allowing his mate to breathe easily again.
He’d never forget seeing his lifeless mate on the floor and he owed Dr. Mac Evans an enormous debt for keeping Kieran alive until he and their spirit could take over.
Watching the doctor check his mate’s pulse, he said, “Thank you for what you did. By saving my mate, you saved me because he truly is my life. If there’s anything within my power I can ever do for you, please let me know…
no matter what. I swear it will be done. ”
“I’m sorry I didn’t stop him,” Mac said. “But he is a Shaman…a powerful one at that…and I assumed he knew what he was doing.”
Shaking his head, Logan said, “Kieran has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met and when he found there was a chance to save my mother, he was determined to do it for me; no one could have stopped him so don’t blame yourself.
However, he and I will be having a conversation about his refusal to use my strength to boost his power. ”
“I’ve never heard of a relationship like you have with the Shaman,” Mac said.
“No, you probably haven’t. What we have is unique to us,” Logan replied, then, wanting to change the subject, he asked, “How’s Mom?”
“Doing amazingly well, all things considered. You know, your mate really did save her. When we arrived, Aunt Hope was barely alive, and I told Hunt to tell Jackson quickly because I didn’t think she’d last very much longer.”
“What happened with Mom? Why was she near death?” asked Logan.
“It’s not my story to tell. I’m sure Hunter will answer all your questions once we get her settled. By the way, did I understand you correctly? There’s a hospital here…in the pack house? A real hospital with all the necessary equipment?” asked Mac.
“Yes, my brother designed it along with Ian. It’s small, but it’s a fully functioning one,” Logan replied.
“Wow! I can’t wait to see it. I’ve never heard of that before. Usually, the best a pack can hope for is a clinic.”
“I’m sure Ian and Colton will be happy to show you around.”
“Maybe. I’m not sure how long we’re going to stay, and I don’t want to get in their way,” Mac said, thinking about the anger Ian directed at him.
“I thought you guys were going to stay two weeks?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Mac didn’t want to say anything more, but if the tension in Hunter was any indication of how soon they’d be leaving, he’d be surprised if they stayed the night. “That’s up to Hunter.”
“Macushla,” Kieran whispered, unable to open his eyes because they were so heavy.
Shocked at hearing his mate’s voice, Logan gazed at his mate. “Babe, I’m here. How are you feeling?”
“Sore, like I’ve been kicked by one of my parents’ cows. How’s your mother?” Kieran murmured.
“Shaman, it’s Mac. She’s much better and resting right now You need to focus on getting some sleep yourself.”
“Perfecto, because that is exactly what I want to do. Macushla, can you carry me to our bedroom…I’m too tired to walk.”
“Oh, babe, absolutely! But not to our bed because Ian has decided you need to spend a night in the hospital so he can make sure you’re all right.
” Seeing his mate starting to object, Logan said, “Nope, don’t try to change my mind.
You nearly gave me a heart attack. But don’t worry, I’m staying with you in the hospital. ”
Giving a small smile, Kieran replied, “Thank you, macushla.”
Watching the interaction between Logan and the Shaman brought up Mac’s memories of his parents and their love for each other.
He wondered how he could have forgotten the love they shared—a love so intense he could always feel it in his heart.
But somehow, he’d forgotten love like that existed until he saw it again in his cousin and his mate.
That’s what I want for me…a mate who’d give everything if he thought it would give me happiness.
I want what my parents had…what my cousin has.
Maybe I’ll find it when I go to New York.
Mac moved to the other side of the bed to give Logan and Kieran some privacy. Lifting his aunt’s hand, he felt for her pulse, happy to see it was stronger. Then, leaning down, wanting his aunt to know how he felt about her, he kissed her pale cheek and whispered, “I love you, Aunt Hope.”