Page 32 of Abundant Moon
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THOUGH ROBERT’S EYESremained closed, they were now moving behind the lids. Ash also noticed the small smile on his face, as if finally at peace. He was about to mention it when Evie called out to Ben.
“Dada! Robert’s wolf ishappy! I think he wants to play!”
Robert gasped, opening his eyes as Jack and Evan did the same and groggily sat up to move off the mattress. Ash scurried around to face his mate, leaning down for a quick kiss. It was the only one he got, for Ben loomed over them and gave the command they were all waiting for.
“Robert, SHIFT!”
The smiling, naked man withheld nothing, giving in to his new Alpha’s power and waiting wolf. Seconds later, a beautiful, lustrous creature took his place, frantically sniffing his mate and tail wagging a mile a minute. On his knees, Ash stroked the wolf’s soft fur as Robert zealously licked his face and ears, whining with lusty fervor. Clearly, Ash needed to shift and take their initial mating ritual elsewhere - before his mate humped him right there in the living room.
Unconcerned about his audience, Ash tore off his clothing and shoes, transforming into a heftier, scruffy-looking wolf. The two danced around each other, sniffing and licking madly until Evie urged Jonah to open the front door.
“Run Robert! Run Ash!”
And they did.
Chapter 18
RELIEF, MINGLED WITHtears and laughter, swept over the small group in Donna’s living room. An exhausted Jack and Evan seemed to think they were over the worst of it now, though Robert’s wolf might insist on more four-legged time than normal for a while. Donna hugged them both, unsure exactly what they’d done but rejoicing in the results. Needing rest, Donna escorted Jack home while Ben did the same with Evan. Jonah and Evie brought up the rear as they prepared to share the good news to a waiting pack.
When they reached the house, Ben took Evan to the bedroom and shut the door – evidently intending to remain by his side while he slept. The teaching dreams always brought out his possessive Alpha nature, and after Evan got forty winks, Ben would vigorously claim him. Something like make-up sex, only without any fighting.
Jonah laid Evie down for her own well-deserved nap, but not before extracting a promise to keep an eye on her nanny. If anyone among them might be less than thrilled for Ash, it would be Lance, and he likely needed comforting. Lance’s scent drew him like moth to flame and he found the man staring out the tall front windows. He stepped in close for a tight hug, setting off a rare show of tears. Without letting go, he spoke quietly to his wounded friend.
“You haven’t lost him. He’s still your packmate and friend, and he’ll always care about you. Luna knows what you need, and when your mate comes along, all this will become a pleasant memory. You’ll see.”
Lance clung to the gentle Omega, drinking in his comforting scent.
“Do you honestly believe that, Jonah?”
“Yes, and I’m not only saying it for your sake. Just like you, I’m waiting for my own mate and not very patiently at times, I’ll admit. Luna did a wonderful thing for Ash and Robert today. Be happy for them.”
Lance released Jonah and stepped back, wiping away the last of his tears.
“I am, but it happened so quickly and I didn’t want our arrangement to end this way. Robert’s not going to like me much, so things are probably going to be awkward for a while. Ash and I were good together, and I’m sure going to miss him.”
Jonah grinned, a definite twinkle in his brown eyes.
“Well, I have it on good authority that Cliff Townsend over at the Cooks pack wants to make your acquaintance. Every time they come here for a joint pack run, the poor guy pops a boner at the sight of you. If you’re looking for someone to warm your bed, he seems like a safe choice. I’ll get his number if you’re interested.”
A bit shocked, Lance laughed at the offer.
“I didn’t know you were arranging hook-ups in your spare time! What else have you got in your little black book?”
