Lord Manetu, page 23
“I’m not sure I can do that,” Theo murmured. “I owe Norm so much.”
“That…right there…Theo, believe me when I say Norm feels the same way about you. Whether you believe it or not, you saved Norm…you gave him a reason to survive Arald’s cruelty…and trust me, Norm needed that, maybe even more than you needed Norm’s support.”
Giving an inelegant snort, Theo shook his head. “Sorry…that’s just not true. I wanted to give up and die and if it weren’t for pooh bear…”
Holding up a hand, Jackson said, “I know…and I’m forever thankful you had Norm, but sweetie…it goes both ways. Norm felt the same way but luckily his protective instincts took over and instead of thinking about dying, he focused on you. That’s why you both came through the ordeal and made it to the other side.”
“Even if that’s true…I don’t see how we can just forget about it.”
“I’m not asking you to forget about it,” Jackson said. “More like letting it be the past.”
“It’s in the past,” Theo cried out. “We don’t even talk about it anymore.”
“Fine…but the issue is…it’s still there. When both of you found out Smokey was your mate, the reaction was the same and for the same reason…neither of you wanted to hurt the other because of what you both believed was owed to the other person. And as noble as that is, it doesn’t make for a healthy relationship.
“Decisions cannot be made solely because of a perceived debt to the other person. It’s unsustainable and eventually resentment will start to edge its way in…and then what? By that time, it will be hard to remember why a person felt he owed the debt in the first place.”
Cocking his head to one side, Jackson studied Theo for a moment before continuing. “Do you know why the Fates gave Smokey to you and Norm?”
“Not really…”
“I think Smokey is a chance for you and Norm to have a happy life…one that leaves behind the trauma of the last few years. The Fates wanted you and Norm to have a fresh start at a relationship where everyone is equal and no one owes anything to anyone except to be a good, caring, and loving mate.”
The picture his Alpha painted in Theo’s mind was exactly what he envisioned. A family who would love each other, be supportive of each other and find ways to make each of them achieve happiness. It sounded so good, and was just what he wanted for their cub.
Without realizing it, he and Norm were already trying to do that, but now their circle had expanded and Smokey was part of it. Looking down at his belly, Theo placed his hand over his growing cub. It was imperative they get it right because if they didn’t—well, he didn’t want to think about that possibility. Glancing up, Theo smiled. “I want that…very much. I’m just not sure how to…to…”
“To do it? Theo, you’re an omega. That means you’re hardwired to be the person in a relationship that steers the ship. Norm and Smokey will take their clues from you. So if you make it a priority to regard them equally, they both will treat each other the same way.” Seeing confusion on Theo’s face, Jackson explained further. “Right now, your gut reaction is to protect Norm…like you did when you found out the Fates had given you another mate. But…”
“That was wrong because I hurt Smokey,” Theo interrupted. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“No, but it was totally understandable. When I explained it to Smokey, his first reaction was to go after Arald and make him pay for hurting you. Luckily, he decided against it.”
Giggling, Theo said, “Smokey would’ve crushed him.”
“Yup…totally.”
“I’m glad he didn’t,” Theo said. “I wouldn’t want him to get into trouble because of me.”
“Actually, it would’ve been because of both you and Norm,” Jackson said, smiling briefly. “Smokey’s a good man, Theo, but I get the feeling his life hasn’t been an easy one.”
“Why? Did his parents hurt him, too?”
Shrugging, Jackson replied, “I don’t think so…but I know there’s more to him than meets the eye. After Mac clears you, why don’t you take Smokey and Norm for a walk in the woods so you guys can get to know each other.”
Theo’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea! I can make some sandwiches and pack us a picnic basket. A full stomach does wonders for relaxing a person; that’s what Dakota always told me.”
“He would know,” Jackson said, laughing. “It certainly helped to keep me and my brothers from beating each other up whenever we went camping.”
“Yeah, he told me about the camping trips you guys did. I almost peed myself laughing when he told me about the time you fell…”
“Shh…I haven’t told Steel that yet and I’m swearing you to secrecy. That is something my mate never needs to hear,” Jackson said, grinning.
Crossing his chest with his finger, Theo grinned, too. “I promise never to tell Alpha Mate but you better talk to Dakota because I don’t think he regards it as a secret.”
“I plan to,” Jackson said, his lips twitching. “In the meantime, take care of yourself and your cub. And if Mac gives you the all-clear, you can resume your chef duties, but I want your promise to take some breaks during the day. Before you object, I’ve arranged for my mother to help you. She needs to feel useful and, like you, cooking is her way of showing her love. So between her and Steel, there won’t be any reason you can’t take it easier. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir!” Theo exclaimed, saluting cheekily. “I promise to take some breaks.”
“Good, but first talk to Smokey…the Fates gave you and Norm an amazing mate.”
“I…we will, I promise. I don’t want to hurt him ever again.”
“That’s a good start but the proof will be in the action you take to show it,” Jackson said softly. “It’s going to take time and there will be setbacks, Theo, but don’t give up. Smokey is worth it; I can vouch for that.”
Nodding, Theo said, “In my heart I know that…it was the reason I was so upset with myself after I found out he was my mate.”
Chuckling, Jackson said, “I’m sure Norm felt the same after he had a chance to think over his reaction.”
“Yeah…probably.”
“Definitely. Norm would do anything for you.”
Nodding thoughtfully, Theo finally understood how Smokey must feel after discovering the tightness of his and Norm’s bond. He knew how that felt since it had happened to him when he was younger. No matter how hard he tried to be part of a clique of kids he admired in school, they kept him at arm’s length, only allowing temporary access when he could be useful. He lost count of the number of times he cried himself to sleep over their cruelty. It wasn’t until he was older that he realized how the pain they’d inflicted had affected him. He’d resolved never to treat anyone like that and now, with Smokey, it was time to act. Catching Jackson’s eye, Theo said, “Norm does know I’d do anything for him, and it’s time Smokey knows I’d do the same for him.”
Chapter 28
Smokey was right, much to Norm’s relief. He wasn’t sure what to expect when he knocked on Mac’s door but the familiar voice was warm and friendly. And then, when he tried to apologize for his behavior, Mac told him to forget it because he would have done the same if Theo was his mate. “I appreciate that,” Norm murmured, “but I’m still sorry I yelled at you.”
“You aren’t the first father-to-be who did that, and trust me, you won’t be the last,” Mac said, smiling. “I also owe you an apology because I was wrong…as the cub’s father and Theo’s mate, nothing should have been kept from you.”
“Thank you,” Norm replied. He felt some of his tension ebb, but not all. There were still some questions he needed to ask and even though he worried about what the answers would be, he knew they had to be asked. “Will you come back…as Theo’s doctor?”
Mac studied Norm before his eyes shifted to the man standing slightly behind him. Smokey’s face was devoid of any emotion, but Mac wasn’t fooled. The man’s bear shone in Smokey’s glowing eyes, and if Mac had to hazard a guess, the bear was in full protective mode. He was impressed and pleased because Norm and Theo would benefit from Smokey’s additional support when he told them what his research had uncovered. Shifting his gaze back to Norm, Mac nodded, “Consider me on board as Theo’s doctor. I also have some information to report about Ghost Bear pregnancies before I do the ultrasound.”
“Thanks,” Norm said, with relief. Then glancing up at Smokey, he said, “I don’t know if anyone told you, Mac, but Smokey is my mate along with Theo. He’s accepted the cub as his own so he also has the same rights I have as the father-to-be and as Theo’s mate. Do you have a problem with that?”
The corner of Mac’s mouth lifted up before he was able to keep from smiling at Norm’s declaration of his and Theo’s new relationship and Smokey’s sudden acquisition of parental rights. “Nope, Theo will need the support of both of you during this time so I’m all for it.”
Grunting softly, Smokey kept his thoughts to himself but suspected there was a problem with Theo’s cub the doctor was keeping a secret. He would bet anything on it, but other than a gut feeling, there were no facts that could support his suspicion. It was for that reason, he kept silent. For the moment, he was content to let Norm take the lead but if his gut feeling turned out to be true, then he and the Doc would have a little tête-à-tête about keeping secrets.
“Uhm…okay…good,” Norm replied, glad Mac understood. Then, with his bear pushing him to hurry up, he asked his final question. “Theo wants to return to his job…are you…will you…Jackson will need your approval before honey bunch can work…do you intend to give it?”
“I already have,” Mac said quietly. “But I reserve the right to change my mind depending on Theo’s condition and that of the cub’s. I won’t allow anything that would put either in danger. Okay?”
Norm glanced at Smokey and, after seeing his nod, turned back to Mac. “That’s what we want, too.”
“Then we’re on the same page,” Mac said, rising from his desk chair. “Do you think Theo is ready for me to do an ultrasound on him? It should give us a better idea of when the cub is due.”
“Yup,” Norm replied, smiling as his eyes found Smokey’s.
Grinning in return, Smokey grasped his mate’s hand, wanting and needing to have some physical contact with him. It had been hard for him to let Norm take the lead in the discussion with Mac, but instinctively he knew it was an important gesture to build trust between them.
Smokey knew Norm was an Alpha, but Smokey’s bear was an apex predator, much higher on the list—and much larger—than a gentle Ghost Bear. Just that fact alone could and would breed resentment if Smokey wasn’t careful. He was well aware of that from assignments at the agency when he’d been paired up with lesser predators on a job, and it taught him some valuable lessons he’d never learned when growing up.
It also explained why he, Glenn, and Ghost had a bond that couldn’t be broken by anyone, and also why, as equal apex predators, their tigers and grizzly bear never allowed enmity to take root in their relationships. But as that was not the case with his mate; he decided that, for the moment, it was best to let Norm take the lead and he would follow.
As their fingers touched, Norm again felt warmth infusing his body along with a sense of rightness. It was something he was quickly coming to crave and he worried about it a bit because it differed from what he felt with Theo. Then a thought hit him—he wondered if Theo felt the same when he held Smokey’s hand. If so, he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not since those feelings never happened between him and Theo—at least he didn’t think so. Following Smokey out of Mac’s office, he decided to ask Theo later. In the meantime, it was time to see his…their cub.
~/~/~/~/~
In the darkened examining room, Smokey stood next to Norm, still holding his hand, watching Mac squirt gel on Theo’s belly. Sensing the nervousness of his mates, he forced himself to remain calm, drawing on one of his abilities. Briefly closing his eyes, he asked one of his spirits a question, smiling at the answer he received. His bear roared at the news and he could feel Norm’s eyes on him. Glancing over, Smokey squeezed his mate’s hand, murmuring, “The cub is fine.”
While he appreciated Smokey’s assurances, Norm still had his doubts, especially after Mac had explained the risks posed to the cub by Theo’s youth. Norm immediately assumed the responsibility for putting Theo and their cub in danger. Realizing his mate was taking needless blame again, Smokey posed some pointed questions to Mac. After hearing his answers, Norm realized it was really the fault of his parents for not teaching him about the mating habits of Ghost Bears and, while it did help him somewhat, he knew his guilt would remain until Theo gave birth to a healthy cub.
Keeping his eyes on the screen, Theo couldn’t wait until the image of life inside him appeared on it. He needed to see for himself that he really was pregnant and that his cub was healthy, especially after seeing the reaction of his pooh bear when Mac discussed his findings with them. He’d be lying to himself if he said he didn’t feel nervous, but he couldn’t allow his mates to see it. That wouldn’t help anyone so the only option left was to put on a brave front and, hopefully, neither of his mates would call him out on it.
Mac glanced up, his eyes seeking Smokey’s and, after seeing permission to proceed in them, he lowered the wand onto Theo’s belly, slowly moving it until suddenly, a loud thumping sound was heard.
Alarmed, Norm asked, “What’s that?”
“That’s your cub’s heartbeat…nice and strong,” Mac murmured, staring intently at the screen. “That’s a good sign.” Continuing to move the wand as he fiddled with the machine, he finally found what he’d been hoping to see. Pointing to the screen, he said softly, “There’s your cub.”
“Where?” asked Norm. “I don’t see anything.”
“Here, see? Here’s the baby,” said Mac, pointing to a spot on the screen.
“Is there only one?” asked Smokey.
Mac ran the wand over Theo’s belly several more times. “Yes...only one.”
“Are you sure?” growled Smokey.
“Yes,” Mac replied. “Based on the size of the cub, Theo is about four months pregnant. If there were another cub, he would be clearly visible now.”
“You sure he isn’t hiding?” Smokey asked. “I heard that can happen.”
Looking sharply up at Smokey, Mac’s brow furrowed. “While I can’t be one hundred percent sure, I’m 95 percent sure Theo is pregnant with only one cub. My opinion is just not based on the ultrasound but also my physical examination of him.” Then seeing Norm’s confusion, he added, “If there were two cubs, Theo would already be showing but since he only has a very slight baby bump, I suspected he was carrying only one. The ultrasound confirmed it.”
Mesmerized by the image on the screen, Theo reached out and touched it. “He’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to show Ki.”
Feeling Smokey’s gaze, Norm looked up at him and answered his mate’s unspoken question. “Ki…Kieran…he’s our best friend. We met him when we were prisoners at Arald’s. He helped us get out of there.”
“Ki’s pregnant too,” Theo murmured. Then, remembering what Ki got after his ultrasound, looked at Mac. “Hey, can we have a picture of our cub?”
“I’m already printing it out,” Mac said, smiling. When it ejected from the machine, he handed it to Theo. “Here you go…your cub’s first photo.”
Taking it, Theo held it reverently, gazing at his cub. “He’s so beautiful,” he whispered as Norm and Smokey crowded close to him to peer at the photo.
Norm only saw an image of a blurred blob and for the life of him, couldn’t understand how his mate could call their cub beautiful. Feeling Smokey squeeze his hand, he turned his gaze to him, catching his raised eyebrows and grin. Norm smiled back, relieved he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t make heads or tails of what Theo had seen.
After the gel was wiped from Theo’s skin, he sat up. Most of his tension was gone—he’d seen his cub who appeared healthy according to Mac. Now it was time to put the next part of his plan into operation, starting first with packing up a picnic basket for his two Alphas.
~/~/~/~/~
Oracle headed to Jackson’s study. She’d be leaving soon to meet Mystia but first she had to deliver a message from the Fates to Jackson. Knocking softly, she waited a moment before pushing the door the rest of the way open. “Hello, Jackson…do you have a few moments?”
Looking up at the melodic voice, Jackson rose, grinning at his mother-in-law. “Hey…sure, c’mon in. It’s actually great timing.”
Gliding in, Oracle sat down in a chair in front of his desk. “Oh, why is that?”
Sitting back down, Jackson leaned back in his chair, pausing for a moment before answering. “I’m sure you know Smokey is Theo and Norm’s mate. It was touch and go there for a while but everything worked out in the end.”
Nodding briefly, Oracle murmured, “I am delighted to hear that.”
“Yeah…it was a surprise to them…well to me too, especially since Ghost Bear shifters don’t have two mates.”
Shrugging, Oracle said, “You know as well as I do, there are always exceptions.”
“Of course,” Jackson replied. Then, changing the subject, asked, “What did you want to see me about?”
“I have a message from the Fates about your Alpha power,” Oracle began.
“What about it?”
“You have the ability to hide it.”
“Hide it?” Jackson repeated, puzzled. “Hide it how? And more importantly why would I want to do that?”
Oracle smiled softly. “Because unless you do, it will make you a target.”
Jackson stared at Oracle as her answer rattled his mind. I’m a target? Oh shit! “I’m not sure I understand.”
“It is important no one outside the Blackwood Pack learns of it…at least for now.”
“I think it’s a little late for that…Frank and Lizzie know, not to mention Brady, Lucius…and there’re others, I’m sure of.”
