Page 29 of Abundant Moon
The synchronized cry crackled in the cold air and Robert knew he’d both won, and lost. Now wrapped in the man’s arms, a strangled cry tore from his throat as his abused wolf took advantage of the distraction.
“Nooooooooooo!”
In a swirl of powerful pheromones and a mind-wrenching loss of control, Robert collapsed in his confused mate’s arms, losing himself to darkness.
Chapter 16
CONFUSED AND WORRIED, Ash carried his unconscious mate to the infirmary, mind awash with unanswered questions. Donna jogged beside him, along with Ben and Evan, eager to get Robert out of the cold. It occurred to her Ash didn’t even know his mate’s name.
“This is my brother, Robert Atherton. You were called home early because Evan’s dream told us you were his mate. He was intent on leaving, you see, and we had to make sure you met before he got away. Robert is having... problems, and we thought finding his mate might take care of it but something’s gone wrong. I’ll explain more after we get him inside.”
Together, they laid Robert on an exam table, removing his winter gear so Donna could examine him. Ash, too distraught to growl at her, simply held his mate’s hand and spoke quietly.
“Wake up, Robbie. You know I won’t hurt you. Please, mate, I need you here with me. Don’t be afraid – it’s going to be all right.”
Robert’s eyes remained closed, breaths regular but shallow, with a light sheen of perspiration dotting his forehead. Facial ticks and body tremors belied the internal struggle no one else saw or heard. Ash reached over to stroke his handsome face, fingertips gliding over lips, eyebrows, and throat. Donna finished taking the patient’s pulse and managed a tight smile.
“He prefers to be called Robert. Stay close so he can hear and scent you. Jack is on his way, and we’ll see if there’s anything he and Evan can do.”
Ash heard the words but none of this made sense. If his mate were ill, why call for the True Elders? Both he and his wolfknewRobert belonged to them, but the man either could not, or would not, respond. It shouldn’t be this way! Ash leaned closer to take in Robert’s scent, nuzzling his ear with licks and soft kisses. Nothing changed – not even a hitch in his breathing. Ash growled, provoking a rebuke from Donna.
“No! Calm your wolf, Ash. He can’t respond right now and your bond has to wait. I know this is difficult, but he needs your presence and support right now – nothing else. Understand?”
Ash gave her an unwilling nod, wondering when he would be told something useful. Jack arrived, stopping to converse briefly with Ben and Evan before entering the exam room. He gave Ash a sympathetic look and turned to Donna.
“What can you tell us, Doctor?”
Donna shook her head, and while she appeared calm, her scent revealed otherwise.
“Very little, I’m afraid. His vital signs are stable but he is unresponsive. If my guess is right, he and his wolf are locked in some kind of mental stand-off. Medically, there is nothing I can do.”
Near tears, Ash plead for an explanation.
“Will someonepleasetell me what’s going on?”
Jack faced the bewildered man, prepared to comfort and teach.
“Forgive us, Ash. Donna will share your mate’s history in due time, but for now, allow me to explain. Robert’s wolf has been denied freedom for far too long, and the struggle between them came to a head when you arrived home. We hoped Robert might voluntarily give up control in the throes of the mating bond. It appears his wolf used the distraction to his advantage, and while Robert prevented a shift, he was unable to maintain complete dominance.
“As the good doctor intimated, they are now engaged in a battle of wills. Robert avoided shifting because he feared his wolf would take over, and I believe his fears were justified. His wolf should not be blamed, as it did what any enslaved creature would do – fight for freedom. What we must do is help them learn trust and cooperation; a return to the natural balance all shifter enjoys.”
Ash glanced at the others, and except for Evan, noted the confusion on their faces.
“How? We can’t even talk to him! What happens if they keep fighting?”
