Chapter 33

Jackson didn’t answer right away; his mind was on what Sofia had said about Cain’s background. Somehow, she’d gotten him to open up and tell her about a part of his life that wasn’t in the file he’d read. Whether Cain knew it or not, he’d made his first friend in the Blackwood Pack…one who had taken up his cause. What Sofia didn’t know was that her appraisal of Cain had confirmed Jackson’s opinion that the man had good inside of him.

“Alpha,” Sofia said, tentatively, “I’m sorry if…”

“I really appreciate you telling me about his lack of computer skills,” Jackson said, “I’ll arrange for Zane to give him some lessons.”

“Like he did for David?” asked Sofia hopefully.

“Yes…is there anything else you think he needs help with?”

“Well…” Sofia thought for a moment, then said, “Mind you, it’s only my impression, but I think he’s afraid you’re going to kick him out once he gives you the information you need about the humans and then he’ll be on his own again.”

“Whether or not he leaves will be up to him,” Jackson replied. “I won’t force him to stay in a wolfpack if he doesn’t want to nor will I insist that he leave.”

“I don’t think he knows what he really wants,” Sofia said. “Ever since his parents abandoned him, Cain has been told what to do, where he was going to live, and even what clothes he had to wear. When I asked him what his favorite color was, he didn’t have one. And when I asked him what kind of underwear he preferred, his answer was the ones they gave him in prison. Isn’t that the saddest thing you ever heard? Luckily, I had bought some briefs for David but hadn’t given them to him yet, so I gave them to Cain, along with a bunch of t-shirts, jeans, and some jackets, so at least he had something to wear other than that awful medical uniform he had on.”

Curious, Jackson asked, “What was Cain’s reaction when you did that?”

“At first, he told me he just needed a few shirts and two pairs of jeans, but then I pointed out if he was going to work in the garden, it would be better if he had a few more as spares,” Sofia explained. “He finally agreed and I got him to take everything. Cain thanked me over and over…like it was the first time anyone had ever given him anything nice. It just made me so sad.”

Listening to Sofia, a pattern emerged that Jackson thought could explain why Cain ended up in prison so often. “It just occurred to me…do you think it’s possible the reason Cain kept committing crimes was to get arrested, so he could go back to a place where he didn’t have to make any decisions? Because prison would be very much like the foster homes he grew up in.”

“Hmm…that would make sense,” Sofia said, thoughtfully. “It was very hard for David to be out in the world after having all his choices made for him when he was in that terrible place.”

“Is David still having problems with it?” asked Jackson.

“No, not really. Zane has been very good in providing a routine that gives him the structure he needs…though he doesn’t need as much as before. ”

“Maybe I should try that with Cain,” Jackson mused. “Give him a schedule so he knows what he’s supposed to be doing every day.”

“That’s a great idea,” Sofia agreed. “I’m sure it would help him as much as it did David, especially if it also included some basic life skills that would help him in the future.”

“You’re really sure he needs that?” asked Jackson.

“Oh yes. Looks can be very deceiving because while it may appear that Cain is a grown man, inside, he’s still very much a lost child no one wanted.”

“No confidence, eh?”

“Exactly…Cain doesn’t believe he is worth anything and that has to change.”

Nodding, Jackson said, “You’re right…without belief in himself, it will be impossible for Cain to make his own choices in life…including his choice of whether to stay here or leave. If we don’t do something now, history will just repeat itself with him and I don’t want that to happen. Cain deserves a break in life, so will you help me make sure he gets it?”

“I’d love to,” Sofia replied, eagerly. “Where should I start?”

“First, Cain needs some rules and a routine so he has the structure that will give him a sense of security. So, to begin with, he needs a schedule. Will you draft one for him, along with what lessons you think could help him?”

“I’d be happy to.” Sofia smiled.

“Thank you…in the meantime, I’ll talk to Zane and let him know he has a new student. ”

Getting up, Sofia said, “I’ll start right after dinner.”

“Speaking of which,” said Jackson, “I was going to have Cain eat with the pack tonight, but it might be better if you joined him for dinner up in his room…like you did for lunch. Is that okay?”

“Definitely…and it might help me figure out what other lessons he needs,” Sofia replied, her eyes twinkling.

“Thank you, Sofia…very much. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for him,” Jackson said, before adding, “Oh, and I would appreciate it if you keep Cain’s past confidential.”

“I already told Cain I wouldn’t say a word to anyone since it’s not my story to tell,” Sofia said, before leaving Jackson’s study with a big grin on her face. Delighted with the results of her decision to approach the Alpha, she was determined to help Cain find his place in the world as much as Zane had helped David.

~/~/~/~/~

“This is the last group to go,” Tristan said, gesturing to the pack members standing next to him.

“Everyone else is staying?” asked Remy.

“Yes, and if you don’t mind, I want to go with you this time just so I can make sure there are enough enforcers to protect the building.”

“Sure…and then you’re coming back here, right?”

“Yup…I have some business to take care of with Rudy,” Tristan growled.

Nodding, Remy lifted his hand, and within a second, the group was transported to the last empty meeting room.

“Fuck, that was fast,” Tristan muttered, before beckoning to the member he’d put in charge of the group. “Tom, make sure everyone is okay.” After getting an affirmative reply, he headed out into the hallway, stopping short when he saw his brother, Kahn, handing out cases of bottled water and food boxes to his pack members. Stunned, he glanced back at Remy. “Are you responsible for all of this?”

Shrugging, Remy said, “I wasn’t sure if you’d made arrangements for it so I thought…”

“No, no…thank you,” Tristan replied, shifting his gaze back to the assembly line Kahn had set up with some of Reeve’s men. Watching as his members were given supplies, Tristan was impressed at how efficient the operation was. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw more men handing out cots and blankets. Shaking his head in amazement, he realized he owed his brother a huge debt for stepping up during this time of crisis.

Moving in close to Tristan, Remy murmured, “Your brother is a good man…and brave. He took the first step in bridging the divide between Carson and himself. And for that, I’m very grateful. It was the one part of my mate which was a wound that wouldn’t heal…and now there’s a chance it will.”

“I never knew I had a brother,” Tristan whispered, his eyes still locked on Kahn.

“And I nearly lost my three,” Remy replied. “My life would have been so empty had that happened. Family grounds us and gives us so much—a past that anchors us, a future to look forward to and, most important, the knowledge that our family’s love will always be there, no matter what.”

Staring at Kahn, Tristan let Remy’s words sink into his soul, knowing how true they were. His mother had died, but she hadn’t left him alone as he’d first thought. Instead, she had given him the keys to finding his grandparents, a brother, and two sisters. And he loved her all the more for her selfless act. Now, his family was rallying around him in his time of need and he realized how much better his life was with them in it.

Leaving Remy, Tristan walked over to his brother, tugging on his arm to get his attention. When Kahn turned around and smiled at him, Tristan didn’t say a word, instead, pulling him into a tight hug and whispering into his ear, he said, “So fucking happy you’re my brother, and I’m so fucking lucky to have found you.”

“I feel the same about you, brother,” Kahn murmured. “Our father was a shit for keeping us apart…but never again, okay?”

“Never again,” Tristan responded with a grin. Then, turning to look at Reeve’s men handing out supplies to his pack members, he added, “Very nicely done…I’m impressed.”

“Didn’t think this artsy wolf could do it, huh?”

Snickering, Tristan said, “Trust me…I know you’re capable of doing anything you set your mind to.”

Surprised at his brother’s unexpected praise, Kahn remembered his mother saying the same thing. A grin slowly spread across his face. “Thanks, brother…just don’t you forget it.”

“I won’t…I got to go, but after this business with Rudy is finished, I’m looking forward to that dinner you promised me.”

“You can count on it…hey, do you need some help? I wouldn’t mind getting a piece of that asshole myself. ”

“Thanks for the offer, but as much as I’d love you by my side, I need you here to make sure my pack is safe.”

“Next time, then…and don’t worry about your pack…I’ll protect them until you return.”

“Thanks, brother…gods, I never thought I would ever say that…but it feels good, ya know?”

“I know…now go and get that sonofabitch out of our lives for good.”

After hugging Tristan again, Kahn watched his brother head down the hallway, noticing the respect he commanded from Reeve’s enforcers. Tristan was a born Alpha, and Josiah was a fucking fool for ignoring him because his first-born son was a natural leader, a role Kahn was never cut out for. Turning back to the pile of supplies, he resumed handing out the food and water, smiling at the amazing turn his life had taken.

~/~/~/~/~

“How did it go with Lizzie?” Jackson asked Dylon, who’d joined him in his study.

“Didn’t believe it at first, but once Mom got over her shock, I think it went okay, but don’t be surprised to find a very angry woman when she gets here,” Dylon said.

“Angry at Rudy?”

“No, more like super pissed at the High Council.”

“Can you blame her?” asked Jackson. “I would be, too, if they pulled a stunt like that on me.”

“That’s exactly how I feel, too.”

Glancing at the doorway to his study when he heard a slight flutter, Jackson said, “Brady…Lucius…thanks for agre eing to help me with this. You know Dylon…it’s his mother I need you to bring here.”

Entering, Brady sat down, tugging Lucius onto his lap. “We’re very happy to do it, Alpha. Does she know we are coming?”

“Yes, I told her,” Dylon answered. “I’ll call her just before you leave to let her know you’ll be there shortly.”

Nodding, Brady replied, “Very good. Well, we’re ready whenever you are.”

“Great,” Dylon said, getting up. “I’ll be right back.”

After Dylon left, Brady said, “I’ve spoken with Lucius, and he agrees it would be best for both of us if we accepted your offer to join the Blackwood Pack…provided our home and rose gardens can be moved here.”

“Remy assured me he can do it,” Jackson said. “All he needs is the present location of your home and where it’s going to go once it’s here.”

“We can do that tomorrow, if that is acceptable to you,” Brady replied.

“I’ll have Steel show you the meadows that are close to the house after breakfast,” Jackson said.

“That would be fine…Lucius and I will choose the one that will give our girls the most sunlight.”

“Then it’s settled,” Jackson said. “Welcome to the Blackwood Pack.”

“Thank you, Alpha,” Brady replied. Then, looking at Lucius, he asked, “ Leelan , do you have any questions you want to ask the Alpha? ”

There was a moment of silence before Lucius finally asked, “Is it okay if I can still visit David here…in his office?”

“Absolutely,” Jackson answered. “You are free to come and go whenever you wish…and I’m sure David will want to visit you in your home.”

“I’d like that very much,” Lucius said, softly.

Entering the room, Dylon announced that his mother would be waiting outside her home.

Scribbling down the address, Jackson handed it to Brady. “Anything else?”

“No, thank you, this is all I need,” Brady replied as he and Lucius stood up and then were gone.

Glancing at Dylon, Jackson said, “Brady and Lucius have agreed to move here and join the pack, but they won’t be staying in the house since Remy will move their house and gardens here.”

“That should make it easier for Brady to help Remy.”

“Maybe…I don’t think Brady has made a decision regarding Remy’s offer, but I didn’t invite them here for that reason,” Jackson said. “I did it for David and Lucius. Vasile told me they’ve become close friends, and I think it’s important for the well-being of both of them that their relationship be encouraged. What they both experienced in their lives is similar, which binds them together in a special way. I’ve already noticed a difference in David and expect to see the same in Lucius once he and Brady settle in here.”

“What about Zane? Does Lucius know he’s David’s mate? ”

“Yes…but Zane has agreed with David that it would be best if he stays out of the picture until Lucius asks to meet him.”

“What about Vasile? Is he gonna leave now?”

“No…he’s asked to stay for a while. Brady wants him to teach Lucius about vampire history and lifestyle.”

“Will he be staying in the pack house or at Brady’s house?”

“Don’t know yet…but my guess is here, in the pack house, until Lucius is ready for a full-time guest.”

“You mean…”

“My goodness, that was very fast!” Lizzie exclaimed after appearing in Jackson’s study along with Brady and Lucius. Turning to them, she said, “Thank you for bringing me here. I can see why Dylon didn’t want me to go by plane. This was so easy! I think I’ll take the Magic Carpet from now on.”

“Mom!” Dylon got up and hugged her. “Are you okay?”

Patting her son’s arm, Lizzie replied, “Of course sweetie, just perfect. If I’d known how easy it was to take the Magic Carpet, I would have insisted your father use it every time we came to see you and Cody. Oh, that reminds me, where are my grandpups?”

Before Dylon could answer, Brady said, “Alpha, if you need our help again, please let me know. And if you will excuse us, David is waiting for Lucius so they can finish a game they’ve been playing.”

“Go ahead,” Jackson said. “And good luck, Lucius.”

Lizzie waited until there were just the three of them before pulling out a small box from her purse and offering it to Dylon. “I had forgotten that Frank had given me this in case there was a problem. And if someone kidnapping him isn’t a problem, then I don’t know what is. He told me you’d know what to do with it.”

Taking it, Dylon slid the metal cover off and peered inside. “Unfuckingbelievable!” he muttered, pulling out a piece of paper.