Page 13 of Abundant Moon
Lilly’s words punched the wind right out of his sails. He knew she was right, and it shamed him for being so self-centered. Tears ran down his handsome face, dripping onto his lap unheeded. What could he say? He took the coward’s way out and said nothing. Lilly nodded, continuing to speak in a softer tone.
“Jonah, honey, I’m not here to make you feel bad – though you do right now, I know. You’re young and haven’t experienced much in the way of hardship, so be thankful your life hasn’t been one disappointment after another. For most of our people, Omegas are the only ones who can offer the comfort they need to face life when things are hard or go wrong. Yes, sometimes you wish they’d leave you in peace or maybe ask how you are doing instead. Most won’t do either and you need to accept it.”
Jonah nodded. Hearing someone else say it out loud made him realize how easy he’d had it, and what a privileged position he held within their society. In some ways it equaled the importance of an Alpha’s role – like a matched set of bookends. Take away either one and the stack falls over. With a start he realized now why Ben was so upset with him earlier. Not only did the pack need him, Ben did too. He looked up at Lilly with a tremulous smile.
“You’re right, of course. I didn’t realize what was happening until you laid it out for me. What can I do?”
Lilly got up off the couch and wrapped him in an Omega-scented hug, saying nothing at all. When she pulled back, they enjoyed a relieved laugh together and re-took their seats.
“What are you going to do? You’re going to get back on the horse and move forward – minus the ‘poor me’ attitude. Listen, your human nature is often ignored but sometimes it gets us into trouble. At the same time, our Omega nature can work against us too. We are always giving, comforting, listening because it’s what we are and what others expect.
“As I said earlier, many of our packmates don’t stop to think what we might need or if we need anything at all! I believe that’s why Luna draws Omegas together so strongly, since only a fellow Omega truly understands the role we play and how it affects us.”
Jonah dried the remaining tears from his face and sat up straight.
“Thank you, Lilly. I don’t think I would have ever realized the problem without your help.”
She gave him a thousand-watt smile and stood to her feet.
“You’re welcome. You may need to return the favor some day! For now, how about a run through some of the fresh snow. I imagine your wolf is itching to get away from all this serious talk.”
Jonah stood, put a hand on his backside and groaned. Lilly looked puzzled.
“Ouch! After a well-deserved ass-kicking, I believe my wolf agrees with you. Let’s go!”
Chapter 7
THE PACKHOUSE, LATERthat night
The festivities began with supper, and the kitchen staff pulled out all the stops for a plentiful and tasty menu of holiday favorites. When the meal ended, the tables were cleared for games while the littlest ones shifted to wolf form for some indoor tag with Nolan and Garrett. Evie joined Jonah as he made the rounds to encourage his packmates and ask about their plans for the actual holiday. For the most part, people were content to enjoy a quiet and simple day at home with family or packmates. Jonah took note of those who might end up by themselves and arranged places for them to go for at least part of the day.
Cody and Abigail found themselves surrounded by those eager to see the newest pack member. They’d dressed Perry in a tiny elf get-up, complete with pointy shoes and hat, and everyone wanted a picture of the sweet little guy. Not to be outdone, Katrine and Mandy wore matching sweaters, pulled tight over their enormous bellies, and decorated like Christmas tree balls. Of course, the bags of candy they handed out brought even more admirers – all trying to guess their due dates.
When it came time for dessert, the tables were cleared once more and out came a parade of pies, cakes, cinnamon pull-aparts, yule logs, decorated sugar cookies, fudge, divinity, peanut brittle, and the newcomer – Blitzen Torte. Instead of making individual pies, they altered the recipe to make enormous flat pans of bars using the same delicious ingredients. As expected, the pack loved it and William’s old family tradition took on new life and meaning.
As people talked and ate, Zane and Trisha Metcalf went from couple to couple, holding sprigs of mistletoe over their heads until they kissed. When they got to the doctor and her mate, Lou took Donna in his powerful arms, leaned her over, and proceeded to kiss the daylights out of her. When they finally came up for air, the crowd erupted with applause and lewd comments, forcing a fiery red blush to Donna’s face. She elbowed her mate in the ribs.
“You’re going to pay for that, Mister!”
Unrepentant, Lou gave her a lascivious smile.
“That was the plan, my dear.”
As the party began to wind down, someone called out asking for stories about unique holiday traditions. One by one, people began sharing special things they did each year. Some involved food, gifts, or decorations, while others were more off the wall. With absolutely no shame, Nolan shouted out his contribution.
