Lord Manetu, page 26
“That’s when my parents and grandfather decided it would never be safe if I stayed, so we moved away and, from that point on, lived off the grid…no phones, no contact with anyone in the outside world…nada. I was home schooled by my mother and grandfather…we never traveled anywhere and it wasn’t until Kevin and his parents moved up there and became our neighbors that I had a friend.”
“Holy smokes!” Theo murmured. “Did the ones who wanted you dead ever discover where you were?”
“Nope,” Smokey said, shaking his head.
“What happened to your family?” asked Norm.
“My grandfather died when I was fifteen and my parents died the next year. That’s when Kevin’s parents, Elen and Harte, took me in and I lived with them until I joined the agency.”
“Does the agency know who you are?” asked Norm.
“As far as they’re concerned, I’m a grizzly…”
“And since grizzlies live by themselves…” Norm added.
“Exactly!” Smokey growled. “My birth hadn’t ever been recorded with the High Council so it was easy to claim I was born up in the Arctic Circle. You know the rest…I worked for the agency until five years ago when Ghost and I left.”
“Does anyone else know who you are?” asked Norm.
“Just the oracle my grandfather spoke to…but I think Elen and Ghost might have figured out I’m more than just a grizzly.”
“Can you trust them to keep your secret?” asked Norm.
“I trust them with my life, so yeah, they won’t say anything,” Smokey said.
“I’d like to meet Elen and Harte so I can thank them for taking care of you after your grandfather and parents died,” murmured Theo.
“Elen and Harte would kick my butt if I didn’t introduce you and Eagle Feather to them,” Smokey said, grinning. “Especially since they’re the reason I’m here.”
“How so?” asked Norm.
“Glenn sent me to get them and bring them to the Blackwood Pack.”
Theo’s eyes widened. “You mean they’re here…now?”
“Yeah, I’d just driven up with them when you came out of the house.”
“Oh wow, talk about timing,” Theo said, grinning.
“Or Fate,” Norm added, smiling.
“Whatever it was, it shocked the shit out of me when I realized Theo was my mate,” Smokey said. “Then Norm appeared and…”
“Oh yeah…sorry about how I reacted,” Norm muttered.
“Thanks, but it’s not necessary,” Smokey said. “I would have acted the same why if I’d been in your shoes.” Falling silent, he didn’t see any reason to dwell on the past, because it served no purpose other than to make his mates upset. The only thing that truly mattered was that they ended up together.
Looking at his mates, Theo saw both were lost in sad memories for different reasons, and that was not good, so Theo raised his hand. “I have one question, what happened to your mother’s tribe when you left? Did someone else become their Manetu?”
Shrugging, Smokey said, “Honestly...I don’t know. My grandfather and parents wouldn’t talk about it, but if the Great Spirit didn’t give them a new Manetu, then it wouldn’t bode well for them.”
“How can you be sure?” asked Norm.
“Because without one, all parts of life would be affected…for the worse. Crops would fail more frequently, the fish would disappear, animals would become scarce, and most important of all, sickness would become rampant affecting everyone, adults and children alike. If the Great Spirit decided to withhold another Manetu, my mother’s people would be doomed.”
Smokey noted his mates’ puzzlement over his explanation and could not fault them. It took several years before he really understood who he really was and that didn’t include the many years his grandfather spent teaching him about his abilities. Trying again, he said, “In our world, there are many types of spirits, and a Manetu has the ability to use spirit magic…”
“Is that like the magic Mystia has?” asked Theo.
“No. A Manetu uses the power of spirits to control or balance our world, making sure it will continue to survive.”
“That explains why your name is Golden Sun!” exclaimed Theo.
“At least the sun part,” Norm added.
“Yeah…well…” Smokey muttered. Then, rubbing the back of his neck, he realized that so far, his mates didn’t seem to have a problem with what he said, but the true test would be what was to come next. Well here goes nothing. “Uhm…the Great Spirit gave me more than just spirit magic…uhm…I also received the power of life-force.” Not able to bring himself to look at either of his mates, he kept his eyes on the ground, expecting negative reactions from them.
Wide-eyed, Theo looked at Norm, his mouth forming a perfect ‘O’. He didn’t understand exactly what Smokey’s power could do, but it sounded amazing. Shifting his gaze back to the grizzly, he exclaimed, “That’s so freaking cool!”
Snapping his head up, Smokey stared at Theo, searching his face, finding only love. Giving his head a slight shake in disbelief, he had to ask, “You’re okay with everything I am?”
“Duh…of course I am,” Theo replied smiling. “Norm is too, right pooh bear?”
“I don’t really get what it all means, but I don’t have a problem with it,” Norm said. “I’m guessing not all Manetus have the life-force ability.”
“Yeah, you guessed right,” Smokey replied. “According to my grandfather, I was the only one on which it was bestowed.”
“Did he tell you why?” asked Theo.
“Nope. All he said was the Great Spirit had made me lord of every Manetu.”
“As in leader? How many Manetus are there?” asked Norm.
“I don’t have a frigging idea how many there are in the world because I never sought them out. My grandfather made me promise to keep my identity a secret. But I felt it had to be disclosed to my mates before they claimed me…just in case…”
“Oh no!” Theo cried. “You thought we wouldn’t want you, didn’t you? That’s why you’ve been so nervous this whole time!”
“Is that true?” asked Norm.
When Smokey remained silent, Theo knew he was right and his heart hurt with the knowledge. Rising, he knee-walked over to Smokey, reaching out and placing a hand on his mate’s shoulders. He waited until his eyes connected with Smokey’s, before saying softly, “We are so honored the Fates chose us to be your mates. I love you…Norm loves you…exactly the way you are. It doesn’t matter what abilities the Great Spirit gave you because the only thing that’s really important is that you’re our mate.”
“Shining Star is right,” Norm said. “You should never be ashamed of the gifts the Great Spirit gave you because he only picks the purest souls to receive them…and that’s you, Golden Sun.”
~/~/~/~/~
Lucius wasn’t eager to return to the Blackwood Pack; he was still embarrassed at the blood rage that had overcome him the last time he was there, but Brady’s letter had assured him there wouldn’t be a problem. All he could do was trust his mate about that and, in a few moments, he and Vasile materialized on the grass outside the pack house.
“Holy hell!” Vasile exclaimed, looking up at the enormous structure in front of him. Then glancing down at Lucius, he asked, “Are you sure we’re at the Blackwood Pack?”
Lucius froze at the tone in Vasile’s voice. Whenever his master used it, he’d learned quickly that punishment would soon follow. Unable to reply, he simply nodded, hoping that would suffice.
Cursing himself when Vasile saw fear in Lucius’ eyes, he acted quickly to dispel it. “That didn’t come out right…what I mean to say is I didn’t realize a wolf pack would have such a big house.”
“Have you seen many pack houses?” asked Lucius, relaxing slightly.
Vasile’s boom of laughter echoed off the house. “No…in fact, this is the first one I’ve seen in a very long time. Compared to the previous one, this is a palace.”
“Not quite,” Jackson smiled, as he stepped onto the front porch. “My mate built it in anticipation of finding his fated mate. The first time I saw it, my reaction was very similar to yours. Hi, I’m Jackson, Alpha of the Blackwood Pack.” Shifting his gaze, he added, “Lucius, good to see you again. I’ve been expecting you.”
“How did you know I was coming here?” asked Lucius, clearly confused.
“Brady’s letter,” Jackson replied. “After you opened it, I received a message from Brady, letting me know you’d be arriving shortly. I intended to be out here before you arrived, but was detained by my son who thought it was funny if he hid to avoid bedtime.”
Lucius’ eyes brightened at the mention of his mate. “Is Brady…is he coming back soon?”
“He’s fine,” Jackson said softly, seeking to comfort the vampire. “It shouldn’t be too much longer before he’s back with you.”
Blinking his eyes quickly, Lucius fought back the tears of relief at the news. He missed Brady terribly, more than he ever thought he would, and all he wanted was to feel his arms around him again. The comfort he got from that simple act always chased away the memories of his previous life.
Sensing the power the older vampire had, Jackson looked at Brady’s friend, briefly wondering if his Alpha power would affect him. “You must be Vasile…Brady mentioned you would be accompanying Lucius.”
Lowering his head as a sign of respect, Vasile said, “Thank you for helping Brady and Lucius.”
Jackson descended the steps, stopping in front of his visitors, then his eyes settled on Vasile again, noting the kindness there. “I can say the same to you. I know how much it means to Brady that his mate is protected while he’s away. Are you…”
Interrupting, Lucius asked, “What happened to your power?”
“Shh, trayhor…” Vasile murmured, his eyes watching the Alpha’s reaction to what could be viewed as a very rude question.
Grinning, Jackson waved his hand. “I still have it but I’m practicing how to conceal it…but hey, thanks, I wasn’t sure if it was working, but you answered that question for me.”
“Cool,” Lucius said. “I’m glad you still have it ‘cause…”
A furrow appeared briefly between Jackson’s eyes before his forehead relaxed. “Hey…nothing to worry about…Zane isn’t here so nothing’s gonna happen…but just in case, I got your back if you need me…okay?” After seeing Lucius nod, he continued, “I’ve given you the bedroom next to mine…is that all right?”
“Thank you…” Lucius replied, pausing. Then glancing sideways at Vasile, he asked quietly, “Will I see you again?”
Exchanging glances with Jackson, Vasile said, “Of course…don’t forget you promised to invite me to dinner. But for now, I plan to stay here with you until Brady returns…if it’s all right with the Alpha.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Jackson said, giving Vasile a warm smile.
Chapter 32
Smokey refused to get his hopes up. His mates were only trying to make him feel better, especially since neither of them really understood what his powers could do. That meant he couldn’t gloss over his abilities; he had to reveal exactly what they were capable of doing so his mates could make an informed decision. Smokey just wished that when they finally found out, there’d be a different ending than the one he feared.
Smokey used his hands on Theo’s shoulders to gently push him down until he was sitting. He needed some distance. Then looking at his two mates, Smokey said, “There’s more you should know before making up your minds about me.” He smiled wanly at the protestation that fell from Theo’s lips, but as much as he wanted to believe the outcome would be positive, he couldn’t allow himself that luxury. A lifetime of concealing his true identity had left its indelible mark on him—one he hadn’t been able to shake since he’d overheard his father and grandfather talking about him. Even to this day, the pain in his father’s voice was still as clear in his mind as it was that day long ago.
“What will happen when others find out about him? He’s safe now but we can’t keep him here forever.”
I don’t know,” his grandfather sighed. “All we can do is make sure he has the tools to deal with what the future brings.”
“That’s not good enough,” his father protested. “Once the world finds out about him, my son will be hunted by those who seek to use him for their own gain…and the rest will shun him because they will view him as a freak.”
“He’s not a freak! The Great Spirit chose my grandson for a reason.”
“Yes…and what is it? So far, the only thing it has done is to put my son in danger by the very people he was meant to protect!”
“We have to trust that the Great Spirit knows what he is doing,” his grandfather said, resolutely.
Shortly after that conversation, his grandfather had him promise to tell no one who he was and, more importantly, what his powers were. Looking back, Smokey realized that was the moment his life took a dark turn. Guilt became his persistent companion as he realized the cost his parents had paid because of him; he began to begrudge what the Great Spirit had done to him and his family. So much so, he’d avoid his grandfather’s lessons by often sneaking out of his bedroom window before the sun rose and spending the day hiding in the mountains until dinner time.
His streak of rebellion ended after his mother gave him an ultimatum: Smokey would do his lessons each day or he would no longer be allowed to spend time with his friend. It took him less than a second to make his choice—he would not give up Kevin. So day after day, he dutifully attended his grandfather’s lessons and did whatever was required of him, but his heart was no longer in it. The desire to escape the yoke that had been placed around his neck at birth only grew stronger each year.
When his grandfather died, Smokey mourned him but was also relieved that there would be no more lessons to remind him daily about the freak he thought he was. As the months passed, his life settled into a new routine and he was able to enjoy the freedom and good times he was having with Kevin—which ended all too soon when his parents died unexpectedly.
Without any hesitation, Elen and Harte took him in, consoling a grieving boy who was now alone in the world. Smokey owed them so much, not only for the home they gave him, but for the guidance he received, helping him navigate an uncertain future. With their love, Smokey not only survived but thrived in his new normal. Proof of it was sitting in front of him now. Two gorgeous mates, given to him to love and protect for the rest of their lives together. But before that could become a reality, Smokey owed them the truth about his abilities as Lord Manetu, which he now hesitantly began to reveal.
“The world is filled with many different spirits, but the most common are good and evil. There are more good spirits than evil ones, but evil is like a cancer; its mission is to destroy good and expand its hold in our world,” Smokey explained. “A Manetu is the fountainhead of good spirits. The Great Spirit created Manetus to generate enough good spirits to assure that evil cannot grow unchecked. That’s how my spirit magic controls or balances our world, making sure it will continue to survive.”
“Ohhh, so that’s why your mother’s tribe would be doomed if there wasn’t another Manetu to take your place,” Theo exclaimed.
Nodding, Smokey replied, “Exactly. Without me to control the evil spirits, they would easily wreak havoc on the tribe, making them all miserable.”
“Stupid assholes!” Norm muttered.
“Eagle Feather is right,” Theo said, frowning. “The group who planned on killing you may end up destroying themselves, very dumb if you ask me.”
Smokey shrugged. His mates were right, but after all this time, it mattered little to him about what happened to his mother’s tribe. “Anyway…that’s what my spirit magic does.”
“I can see how having a Manetu in a tribe can be a necessity,” Norm said, “but what about elsewhere?”
“What do you mean?” asked Smokey.
Waving his hands around, Norm replied, “Like…here…or maybe…”
“Anywhere in the world!” Theo exclaimed. “There’s a lot of evil out there. Can you use your spirit magic out there or only within your mother’s tribe?”
Frowning slightly, Smokey thought back to his childhood lessons, suddenly remembering one in particular. “My spirit magic has no limits. According to my grandfather, I can use it anywhere.”
“O.M.G!” Theo shouted, clapping his hands. “You’re going to fit in here perfectly!”
“Theo’s right,” Norm said. “There isn’t a safer place for you to be than here in the Blackwood Pack.”
“What?” Smokey mumbled, sensing he was missing something. So far, his mates hadn’t responded as he’d expected, which was confusing him considerably.
“Wait a minute,” Theo said, excitedly. “What about the other thing you have? The gift the Great Spirit gave only to you…what does that do?”
“Yeah…what did you call it? Life force control or something like that?” asked Norm.
“The power of life-force,” Smokey replied. Dropping his gaze, he inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly before he began. “It’s the critical energy needed for life in our world. Without it, life as we know it, wouldn’t exist. The Great Spirit gave me the ability to use it in different ways ranging from changing my own life force to restoring a person’s life force.”
It took Norm a moment before his mate’s words could sink in. Glancing at Theo, he smiled at his reaction—it was a mirror of his own. “Holy moley, Smokey…that is freakin’ unbelievable.”
Before Smokey could say anything, Theo was suddenly sitting in his lap, burying his head in the crook of his neck. He was too stunned to respond until he felt his mate’s tears on his skin. Wrapping his arms around Theo, Smokey held him tight, murmuring, “Hey, hey…Shining Star…it’s okay…everything will be all right.” He wanted to say more, but was confused as to what was causing Theo’s tears. Glancing over at Norm, he raised an eyebrow, asking for some help.
