“Would be witnesses for the prosecution, you believe his intention is to kill them,” Jackson said.
Nodding, Smokey replied, “That’s what makes the most sense to me.”
“Have you told your mates about this yet?”
“No…I didn’t want Theo to stress himself out over the threat…especially now.”
“Have you told Norm?” asked Jackson quietly, leaning forward.
Shaking his head, Smokey said, “I was afraid he might slip and tell Theo.”
Jackson studied the bear for a moment, then growled, “I know you haven’t ever lived in a pack with an Alpha, so I’m gonna ignore the position you’ve put me in by not coming to me as soon as you learned two of my pack members had a price on their heads. But I’m warning you, don’t do it again. From now on, as long as you and your mates are members of my pack, I expect you to inform me immediately of any and all threats, whetherthey are against your mates or any other members of my pack. Am I clear?”
“Yes…but…”
“No. There are no ‘buts’ that could justify you keeping this a secret from me,” Jackson said. “Because doing so could put my entire pack in danger.”
“I’m sorry,” Smokey muttered.
Jackson ignored the apology, his mind quickly sorting out the steps needed to protect his pack. Reaching for his phone, he sent a text to Zane and Dylon, telling them he needed them immediately. Then looking back at Smokey, he said, “I want all the information Ghost has about the threat and the Ghost Bear Alpha…and I want it now. So get on the phone and have him send you the information.”
“I already have it.” Taking his phone out of his pocket, Smokey opened the email from Riley and forwarded it to Jackson. “Look, I am sorry I didn’t say anything, but I was waiting to see if Riley could find out more information.”
“And I understand that,” Jackson replied, opening the email and quickly scanning it before printing it. Then, returning his gaze to Smokey, he said, “While you are protecting Theo and Norm, your failure to warn me of a threat has made it impossible for me to do my job…which, as Alpha, is to protect every pack member…including your mates.”
Just then, Dylon entered and sat down next to Smokey. “Hey Smokey,” he said, before turning his attention to Jackson. “What’s up?”
“Read this,” Jackson said, handing the information Ghost had found to Dylon.
Dylon quickly scanned it, before muttering, “Holy fucking shit!” Quickly looking up at Jackson, he asked, “Has Zane verified this?”
“Not yet.”
“Riley did,” Smokey muttered. “So did…”
Rushing into the room, Zane skidded to a stop and plopped down in another chair. “What did I miss?”
Dylon passed the email over to Zane and said, “This.”
Frowning slightly, Zane skimmed it, then let out a low whistle. “Fucking hell! Do Theo and Norm know about this?”
“No,” growled Smokey. “And I don’t want anyone telling them.”
Shaking his head, Zane said, “Not cool, dude…they have a right to know.”
“I agree,” Jackson said. “While Smokey is right about it not good for Theo to know right now because of his pregnancy, that doesn’t apply to Norm and he has the right to know there’s a price on his and Theo’s heads.”
Turning his attention back to the email, Zane studied it for a moment before holding it up and asking, “How sure are we that this is real? I mean…it’s not like the usual postings I find on the dark web…this dude is only seeking information on where they are…he’s not advertising for a hitman.”
“Good point,” Jackson said. “That’s why I want you to check it out. Theo and Norm’s whereabouts aren’t generally known except by the High Council, but Ollie didn’t have any problem finding it out.”
Quirking an eyebrow, Dylon asked, “Who’s Ollie?”
“Theo’s cousin,” Jackson explained. “He showed up last night.”
“Yeah…right out of the blue…imagine that,” Smoky muttered.
Jackson stared at Smokey for a moment before asking, “Do you know something about Ollie I should know?”