by Mary Rundle
“Jessica is such a pretty name for her,” said Logan, holding Jessica after Lizzie reluctantly handed her over. “Do you remember mom’s middle name was Jessica?”
“I forgot about that—but you’re right,” said Cody.
“Good thing she doesn’t look like you, bro. I think you got lucky…Jake looks like Dylon and Jessica doesn’t look like you.”
“Fuck off, asshole,” Cody said.
“Cody Blackwood! Don’t you use that language around my grandpups!” ordered Lizzie.
“Hear, hear! Finally, someone on my side for once,” said Jackson.
“Really? Didn’t I hear you use that language the other day, bro?” asked Carson.
“Hey, what are we betting on first?” asked Zane.
“How about when they shift any part of their body?” asked Carson.
“Okay but we’ll need separate bets for each of them,” answered Zane.
“Both of them look healthy,” said Colton, “But maybe Ian should take a look—just to make sure.”
“Yup, we were planning on that. But, I also want you and Ian to examine Kieran, Theodore and Norman to make sure there aren’t any lasting side effects from what they went through,” said Cody.
“I agree,” said Ian. “Especially Kieran. If he suffered sexual abuse, he’ll need some counseling so it doesn’t affect him for the rest of his life.”
“I don’t know about that,” said Cody, “He seems pretty okay to me. You should have seen him take Slate to task. Oh, and he wouldn’t leave with me unless all of Arald’s prisoners were freed too. He’s pretty brave for such a little guy—like the time he threatened to kill Slate, Dylon, or me if his friends were hurt.”
“What?”
“It’s a funny story but later, when Kieran and his friends are asleep,” Cody said. “Hey Lizzie, let’s take Jessica and Jake inside, okay? It’s time for their bottles soon and I know you’ll want to feed at least one of them.” Cody guided Lizzie inside as she continued to talk to Jessica telling her all the fun they were going to have and how the females of the family had to stick together. Once inside, Cody found a chair for Lizzie and was just heading in to get two bottles when Dakota came out of the kitchen holding them.
“Thought your other children might be hungry too, bro,” Dakota said.
“Ha, ha, very funny,” Cody said, adding, “Thanks for this. I’m still trying to get the hang of parenthood.”
“You’ll do fine, bro. Chillax, pups can pick up when their parents are stressed,” Dakota said.
“How’re the guys doing?” Cody asked, jerking his head towards the kitchen.
“They’re eating up a storm. Were they getting enough to eat where they were before?” asked Dakota.
“No,” Cody growled. “They were prisoners and were fed gruel with almost no meat.”
“Ahh, that explains why they’ve each eaten three steaks. I better get back in there,” said Dakota.
“Hey, bro?” called Cody, “Thanks for taking care of them. I appreciate it.”
“Sure, no problem,” Dakota said before heading back to the kitchen.
Taking one bottle over to Lizzie and Jessica, he then gave the other to his mate and watched as Jake eagerly latched onto the nipple. Then he realized he had no place for the pups to sleep tonight, and just as he was going to mention it to Jackson, Oracle spoke.
“Cody, Dylon, I am glad you love your gift from the Fates. And yes, I did know what the Fates had planned for you. I also know you had no idea what would be given to you in Tajikistan. I took the liberty of buying you portable cribs until you can decide what you want.”
“Wow! Thanks! I was just thinking what we’d do for sleeping accommodations for our pups,” said Dylon.
“Yes, thank you very much,” added Cody. “Dylon and I would like Lizzie to help up us set up a temporary nursery until Logan can design one for us.” He looked around for Logan but he wasn’t in the great room. Later he would talk to him. Right now, his mind, heart and soul were radiating pure love as he smiled at his mate and his pups; he had finally found the love, family and peace he had sought for so long.
~/~/~/~/~
Several days later, Cody and Dylon were in Jackson’s office while Lizzie looked after the twins. Cody had asked for this meeting, seeking Jackson’s permission to proceed with his dream. Dylon had finally made him see how it would mesh with the Fates’ mission for both of them, and it had already begun with Kieran, Theodore and Norman.
Jackson couldn’t get over the change in his brother. Parenthood suited him and he was excellent with the boys—Jackson’s nickname for Kieran, Theodore, and Norman. He had an idea what his brother was going to ask him. “I hope you don’t mind if Steel sits in on this meeting.”
“Not at all,” replied Cody.
“Do we need anyone else?”
“Maybe Dylon’s dad later, but for now just us four will do,” Cody answered.
“Okay, why don’t you start?”
“You know I want to be a social worker and use my inheritance to set up a real home for unwanted pups. When my visions became nightmares, I felt my dream was no longer possible. But when Dylon came into my life, he gave me hope, for the first time since our family was massacred, that I could live my dream or at least a modified version of it.
“Before we left for Tajikistan, I talked it over with Dylon and we came up with a plan which we were still refining when we rescued Kieran, Theodore and Norman. Initially, I approached Slate, explained what I—we—wanted to do for Kieran and asked for financial help from Dire Enterprises. Then we found out about Theodore and Norman and included them in our plan. Slate agreed to our proposal and set up scholarship funds for the boys, in addition to living expenses. He also promised more help if we got your agreement regarding what we want to do.”
“Go ahead, Cody, ask me.”
Cody glanced at Dylon, who gave him a reassuring smile. Turning back to his brother, he continued, “My boys were targeted because they were gay. And I understand but don’t respect parents who—for various reasons—refuse to accept a gay son. I want to start a place where gay boys can come, live in a loving environment, grow up and go to school and get a good education. We were hoping you’d agree to our plan.”
“How old would the boys have to be for you to accept them?”
Dylon answered, “The boys would be between the ages of twelve to eighteen, and of course, the parents would be required to sign over their parental rights to them, so Cody and I could become their guardians.”
“Will they only be wolves or other shifters, too, like Theodore and Norman?”
“We’d start with wolves, but I wouldn’t turn any boy away, no matter what kind of shifter he is,” Cody said.
“Are you thinking of building a separate home for them?”
“Not at first. We thought we could use the basement in the south wing and have Logan design a home within a home for them with separate bedrooms and a kitchen, dining, and living room. And a couple of rooms for the house parents so there’s always someone with them. Dylon and I will be spending most of our time with them, but we’ll have more missions the Fates will send us on, so the house parents would be there when we weren’t.”
Jackson asked, “And you want to use your inheritance for this?”
“Absolutely! You know, bro, after I heard my boys’ stories, I realized how lucky we were. We grew up in a home where there wasn’t any stigma attached to who we are, the same for Dylon, Ian, Steel and Slate. I guess I never gave much thought about it until Kieran, Theodore and Norman came along. But what they went through turned my stomach and I realized the Fates gave me this as my first assignment to show me how much I’m needed for boys like them. If I can help it, I don’t want anyone to ever experience what those boys went through. Never again!”
Jackson listened to the impassioned speech by his brother and he was ecstatic because Cody finally had found a purpose in life—one he could commit his heart and soul to, and one that w
ould help ground him when his pain became too intense. Using his mind link, he and Steel agreed to Cody and Dylon’s request.
“I have no problem with what you propose, and I will add to it. First, I want these boys to spend time with the pack every day. It will help them feel secure. And second, if they eventually wish to join the Blackwood Pack, they may do so.”
Steel then said, “Slate told me what you were planning, so I’ve already talked it over with my dad. Dire Enterprises will foot the bill for the design and renovations and provide salaries for the house parents. And of course, the scholarship fund will be available for all who wish to attend school.”
Cody’s eyes widened as he realized his dream was finally going to become a reality. Grabbing his mate, he kissed him passionately and then whispered against his lips, “They said yes, babe. Oh, my gods, oh, my gods, we can do it. Can you believe it?”
“Of course, ma moité! It was meant to be!”
Epilogue
It started when Cody brought ‘the boys’ home and Logan heard Keiran’s voice for the first time. His cock instantly hardened and leaked so much, he had to leave the gathering and rub one out before putting on new jeans and rejoining his brothers. Now, he was sitting at his drafting table, trying to plan two nurseries. Dammit! And getting nowhere as his mind kept picturing Kieran on his knees with his beautiful lips around Logan’s cock. There it was again, a fucking, hard-leaking cock that only jerking off would tame—temporarily.
The pull Logan felt towards the pint-sized, sassy twink confused him since Kieran had no scent. But, as far as he could figure out, his wolf and cock weren’t concerned about the missing element needed to confirm the existence of a mate. Palming his cock for the umpteenth time today, Logan was at a loss to explain his reaction. Groaning at the need to jerk off again, Logan wondered how come he was the only one suffering this reaction. Certainly, since Kieran is causing me so much frustration, isn’t it only right that pink-loving twink should be suffering the same way?
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
I hope you enjoyed reading Peace Maker as much as I did writing it. If you’d like to find out more about the Blackwood Pack, here's the place to go: the Blog on my website, maryrundle.com where you'll find posts written by Jackson, Steel, and the others.
They have lots to share with you: insights into their feelings and issues, what they're doing, and their plans for the future. They'll also reveal some great backstory stuff that didn't make it into the book. And who knows? They may even take questions from you, the reader. So, click on over and catch up on what your favorites have to say.
Turn the Page for a Sneak Preview of Book Four Blackwood Pack: Ice Soul
Ice Soul - Chapter 1
Kieran looked at the forest and the mountains outside his second story bedroom window, and as the sun rose, it turned the sky pink, his favorite color. It had been almost two weeks since he was rescued from Arald’s house of horrors—at least, that’s what he called it. Now he was in California, a member of the Blackwood Pack, along with his friends, Theodore and Norman, two ghost bear shifters, comfortably ensconced in a freaking mansion he never even dreamed could exist. It was a far cry from the mud and stone cottage he lived in with his parents in Ireland. Those assholes!
Every time he thought of what they did to him, his blood boiled. Selling him just because he wouldn’t mate with the Alpha’s daughter—fucking assholes! Not that it mattered anymore because he was now free and could chart his own course. Kieran wanted to talk more with Theodore and Norman about their future. He had his plans for them—go to school, live freely as gay shifters and enjoy a life that had almost been stolen from them when they were handed over to Arald. Another fucking asshole! Right now, they were enjoying being together after years in separate cells.
Kieran could wait until they came up for air—there wasn’t any rush to make decisions right now. That was something Cody had counseled him about—going slowly. Cody, a wolf he looked up to and respected. When he told Cody about Theodore and Norman’s situation in Tajikistan, Cody never hesitated; adopting everyone and bringing them home with him and Dylon. Not that they needed to be adopted since they were over eighteen, yet it warmed Kieran’s heart to know he and his friends were wanted by someone after their parents threw them out like yesterday’s garbage. That simple fact—knowing they were wanted—was already affecting his friends for the better.
Hearing rapid knocks on his door, he inhaled and scented them. “Come in,” he said as he turned from the view outside to that of two sexy young men entering his bedroom. Sighing, he could only dream since those two had eyes only for each other. Critically appraising their outfits, he was relieved to see Theodore was becoming more daring in his color choices. While they were still in Tajikistan, he’d taken his friends shopping for clothes since all they had was a couple of cheap outfits they were given after they’d been freed.
Not that Kieran was complaining about the cheap clothes; he knew with a little time, he’d have clothes that looked fabulous all of them. But Theodore couldn’t wait, embarrassed to be seen in them. Kieran could understand his friend’s position. Locked away, reduced to begging for food, living in filth, and being unable to shift would give any wolf— or bear, in this case—worth his salt a complex but for Theodore? It was traumatic! It took him the longest of the three to come to terms about what his parents had done to him. During his first year as Arald’s prisoner, Theodore cried incessantly. If it weren’t for the mind link he had with Norman, Kieran was sure Theodore would have died from a broken heart. Another bunch of asshole parents!
“Hey, ready for breakfast?” Norman asked.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss one of Dakota’s meals for anything,” announced Kieran. “I wonder what special dish Lizzie’s going to make this time?”
“I don’t care. After all those years with no food, I’ll eat anything she makes, and love it,” said Theodore.
“I like what you’re wearing, Theo, it has that ‘je ne sais quoi’ air about it. Well done! I think you’re almost ready to go clubbing with me,” Kieran said.
Theodore blushed. “I did listen to you. Cody sent me to see Logan to get some advice. You should see his studio, Ki, you’d love it. He helped me see what colors I would feel comfortable with and guess what? I’m a Fall! I never knew it but after he explained it to me it made so much sense to me. Those were the colors I had always gravitated towards before…” Theodore stopped, his memories of what had been done to him surfacing again.
Kieran saw what was happening and stepped in to divert Theodore. “Did Norman go with you? Cause he’s looking pretty gorgeous too!”
“Are you drooling over my man, Ki?”
“Well honey, as I’ve always said, drooling is free. And speaking of drooling, have you looked at Lo…Dakota? Hot dayummm! Every time I see him, I want to run my fingers through his curly locks while he’s down on his knees!” Kieran exclaimed, fanning himself, grateful he caught himself in time and didn’t name the brother he really wanted
“Eeww, don’t put that fucking picture in my head. Fuck! Stop it, Ki! He’s Cody’s brother,” said Theodore.
“What? Just because he’s Cody’s brother, I can’t fantasize about him? I need something to replace…never mind.”
“Aww, come on Ki,” said Norman, “of course you should fantasize about him. I think he is drool-worthy, too.” He gave Theodore the stink eye, before changing the subject, he asked, “What did you say about going clubbing?”
“What’s clubbing?” asked Theodore.
“Oh, my gods! What’s clubbing? It’s the best thing ever. I was looking online…” before Kieran could finish, another knock was heard.
“Yo, Kieran. Are Theodore and Norman with you?” called Carson through the door.
Striding over to the door, Kieran yanked it open, smiling at Carson. “Yeah they are. We were just about to head down to breakfast. Anything I can do for you?”
Carson looked at Theodore and Norman before shif
ting his gaze back to Kieran. “Nope, Cody sent me to rouse you from bed, but seeing you all are up and dressed, my job is done. See you downstairs.”
“Thanks, we’ll be down in a second,” Kieran said and then, closing the door he faced his friends. “Let’s go and I’ll tell you later about this great club I’m just dying to go to. Oh, and Theodore? To answer your question, clubbing is what gay men do to have fun.”
“But I’m having fun with Norman.”
“Oh, trust me honey, you and he will have so much more fun. Wait and see. Now out! I’m not missing breakfast.”
Joining the rest of the Blackwood Pack in the great room, Kieran spotted Jake and Jessica and made a beeline for them. Stopping in front of Cody and Dylon, he melted at the sight of the twins dressed in matching onesies with a wolf and a moon on the front. “Oh my gods, did you buy these outfits for them?” he asked Cody.
“Hardly, Lizzie found these online and had them sent overnight,” Cody replied.
Kieran saw Lizzie coming in from the kitchen and said to her, “Miss L, what fantastic taste you have. I’m so glad they have you supervising their clothing choices otherwise, who knows what they would learn from their daddies?” Then, turning back to Dylon and Cody, “No offense big guys, but you really should let Miss L do some shopping for you, too. I mean, I know you are mated—I mean Fated Mated—so there isn’t going to be anyone else for you but still, you should look good for each other. Hey Miss L, do you think Dylon could use a mask? Maybe something to soften his skin so Cody will want to kiss him more? You know, that’s the first thing to go when you have kids. No time to take care of yourself. But I bet with a little help from Miss L and me, we could have you looking like you did before you had kids. Do you take bubble baths? You know, they are great for softening all parts of your body, well maybe not all parts, if you catch my drift. That’s another side benefit for new parents who aren’t getting all they want in the sex department. Maybe Miss L and I …”