“Of course not, but I wonder how Theo would feel if he found out later that…”
Ollie knew the answer, and it saddened him. “He would think I betrayed him, and I doubt he’d ever forgive me.”
Seeing the sorrow on his mate’s face, Mac tugged Ollie out of the chair and onto his lap, wrapping his arms around him. “I don’t agree…the Theo I know is a very kindhearted soul. You saw how happy he was to see you and once he understood you were only trying to protect him, I know he’d understand that you’d meant no harm.”
Tucking his head under Mac’s chin, Ollie inhaled his mate’s scent, seeking the comfort it gave. As much as he’d like to believe that about Theo’s capacity for kindness, it had been close to eight years since he’d last seen him at the funeral for his parents. The need to expunge his deep pain at the loss of his family had prompted him to leave the next morning without saying goodbye to his cousin. Throwing himself into his work, he’d kept busy, hoping it would help erase the loneliness that had enveloped him. But his dedication to work was a weak excuse for why he’dnever called or visited Theo during those years. The real reason, he finally admitted to himself, was jealousy; he was angry that Theo still had parents, and he did not.
As his grief subsided over time and he was once again able to breathe without feeling the pain of his loss, he often thought about getting in touch with his cousin, but he was ashamed of letting so much time pass that he couldn’t bring himself to do it. But as hard as Ollie struggled to forget everyone left behind, his past would often raise its ugly head to remind him he still had family waiting for him to return.
During one of those times, Ollie found out about Arald, and how he had mistreated Theo. Shocked at first, then angry, he blamed himself for abandoning his cousin.If only I had stayed in touch, maybe I could have prevented Theo’s parents from sending him away. That refrain ran through his mind all that night. By morning, he decided he needed a plan; wallowing in guilt would get him nowhere. First, though, he had to find out why his cousin’s parents had sent him away.
Like an avenging angel, Ollie was determined to right the wrong done to Theo. In his mind, it had all seemed so simple, but in reality, it wasn’t. Theo’s parents had disappeared, and he’d found out his cousin was living in a wolf pack. Discouraged, he was ready to give up until luck turned in his favor when he found his cousin’s parents. But finding them was one thing; rescuing them by himself was simply wishful thinking.
His journey had been a case of three steps forward and two back—and it had been exhausting. But though he’d persevered, he didn’t know if he had the strength to continue, especially if Theo ended up hating him for interfering in his life.
Mac listened to Ollie’s soft sighs as he held his mate. He wasn’t sure what caused them, but he hazarded a guess that they had to do with his mate’s belief that Theo would be angry with him. Other than reassuring Ollie, there wasn’t much he could do since only time would tell whether his mate was right. Burying his nose in Oliver’s hair, Mac inhaled the delicious scent there, feeling his heart fill with love. The need to protect and comfort his mate was strong, and he finally could relate to Sawyer’s need to do it for Alex.
Deciding it was best to divert his mate from his troubling thoughts, Mac murmured, “I hope you’re hungry, cause Dakota makes a fantastic breakfast.”
Ollie looked at his mate at the same time his stomach growled, which made him smile. “I hope you’re telling me the truth. I have had enough of fast-food breakfast meals and I swore to myself I would never eat another. Have you ever tried one? They are simply horrible. How can they get away selling that stuff? There should be a law against it,” he huffed.
Chuckling, Mac lifted Oliver off his lap, holding onto him until his mate was standing. Then, getting up, he linked their fingers together and said, “I can’t say I have, so I’ll take your word for it. C’mon, breakfast at the Blackwood Pack is nothing like the fast-food ones you had.”
Walking beside his mate, Ollie said, “Okay…so what are they like?”
Opening the bedroom door and ushering Ollie into the hallway, Mac said, “Well, there’s lots of scrambled eggs, bacon, steaks, bagels…”
“No way! Not all of that?”
“Yup…wolves love protein, so Dakota always makes sure there’s plenty of it.”
“Uh...bagels aren’t protein.”
“Nope, but they have carbohydrates which wolves also need.”
“So do bears!” Ollie exclaimed. And when his stomach growled again, he looked at Mac and grinned. “We better hurry before everything is gone.”
Laughing, Mac said, “Trust me, Dakota makes more than enough, but you’re right. We do need to hurry, especially since I want to sit next to you.” Speeding up, Mac towed Ollie along, intent on claiming two seats together.
Chapter 10
“Knock, knock,” Dakota said, walking into Jackson’s study carrying a covered tray.
Jackson was looking out the window when he heard his brother’s voice. Turning around, he grinned and said, “You are a fucking lifesaver.” Reaching out, he took the tray from his brother and set it down in front of him. “You didn’t have to do this, but I’m awfully glad you did.” Lifting the cover, he groaned as the aroma of Dakota’s breakfast filled his nose.
Smiling as his brother dug into the food, Dakota sat down in a chair in front of Jackson’s desk. He waited for a few moments while Jackson ate before finally speaking. “You’ve never missed breakfast before…especially when I’m cooking.”
“Couldn’t help it,” Jackson mumbled. After swallowing a mouthful of eggs, he paused for a moment before looking at Dakota. “My morning has been one clusterfuck after another that I’m trying to sort out. Did Mac and Ollie show up?”
“Yeah,” Dakota said, “and everyone welcomed the newest member of the Blackwood Pack, so Mac was happy.”
Jackson grunted before resuming eating. He expected nothing less from his brothers and cousins, but he wasn’t too sure about Smokey. Hopefully, once he found out the real reason Ollie came, it would erase his suspicions about him. Setting down his fork, Jackson leaned back in his chair, patting his full belly. “Thanks, it was delicious.”
“My pleasure, and I truly mean that cause I’m back in my happy place. Honestly, I have no idea how Slate survived my daily complaining sessions when Mac had me on bed rest.”
Jackson laughed. “Steel and I had similar experiences during my pregnancy, though your experience was probably worse than mine because your confinement to bed lasted longer. Though ultimately, it was all worthwhile.”
“I agree,” Dakota murmured, pausing for a moment before asking, “Do you think you’ll have another one?”