Page 41 of Abundant Moon
Chapter 23
EARLY MARCH
Perdy knocked softly on Ben’s open office door and walked in without waiting for permission. He’d been expecting her to report at the conclusion of Jonah’s final heat for the season, and formality wasn’t necessary. She closed the door and took a seat, looking all the worse for lack of sleep. Ben got the conversation started.
“I got your text last night. How is he this morning?”
Perdy tried to stifle a yawn, and they both laughed. She was probably in worse shape than Jonah and they both knew it.
“The fever finally broke around two a.m. and he just woke up about an hour ago. I came to pick up his lunch while he gets showered and changed, and I’ll do up his laundry before heading home. It’s different this time, in a good way, I think. He seems much more content now that he knows why he has to go through the heats and maybe it gives him another reason to look forward to his future mate.
“Anyway, I overheard some of his self-talk while the fever raged, and I think I can safely say he’s eager to carry his own pups! I hope Luna doesn’t keep him waiting much longer - he deserves to be happy.”
Ben heartily agreed, though only he, Evan, and Jack knew Jonah’s mate might not be too far in the future if Everet’s dreams were any indication. Of course, they too, indicated some type of problem none of them understood yet, but Ben kept all those thoughts to himself for now.
“He’s had such a difficult time these last couple of years, so I hope he doesn’t have long to wait either. I trust you know how much I appreciate what you do for him. It means a lot to me, not only as your Alpha, but as his big brother. As usual, you’ll find an extra bonus in your paycheck, and I want you to take tomorrow off to spend some time with Royce.”
Perdy nodded gratefully, and instead of getting up to leave, asked Ben another question.
“What’s happening with the rest of our Omegas? Jonah is anxious to know what’s been going on and I didn’t know what to tell him.”
Ben leaned back in his chair, pleased to share some good news.
“By all reports, no one is currently in danger. Two of the males with same sex mates chose to relocate and have resettled in their new homes – one in Montana and the other in Alaska. Several unmated female Omegas also chose to leave their current packs and go elsewhere. Two pack Alphas have been challenged and replaced, and a number of others are being closely monitored. The response among nearly every pack we know of has been encouraging, though the situation could change at any time. It’s now a requirement to immediately report the birth of any Omega in all our member packs. We’re doing everything we can to keep them safe, and our friends in Canada and Mexico are taking similar steps. If we hear of any kind of abuse, those responsible will pay dearly.”
Perdy nodded with satisfaction. The threat of death served as a wonderful motivator to those who believed the rules weren’t meant for them. While she wasn’t a particularly bloodthirsty individual, she heartily approved of harsh measures to keep present or future abusers in line.
“Thank you, Ben. I’ll be sure to tell Jonah before I’m done for the day. He’ll be relieved to hear it. By the way, he plans to come see Evie later tonight. Luna bless me, those two are like peanut butter and jelly. I can’t say for sure, but I think he missed her more than anybody else – even you!”
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“WILLIAM HARRISON CAMPBELL! Don’t youdaretalk to me that way!”
Robyn stalked off to her bedroom, slamming the door with wall-shaking force. William retreated to the relative safety of the living room and Jack looked up with an understanding smile.
“Poor Robyn appears to be out of sorts. Hormones again?”
William nodded.
“I’m afraid so. I merely suggested she looked tired and might benefit from a nap. It wasn’t meant as a commentary on her looks. Luna help us – we still have three weeks to go!”
Robyn’s shout startled them both.
“I HEARD THAT!”
Jack grunted, shaking his head.
“Our high-spirited mate seems especially sensitive today. She’ll be all right, my love. A little time by herself will clear the air.”
Robyn struggled with the usual symptoms, as did all pregnant females, heightened by her naturally sassy nature. Fortunately, her angry spells were short-lived and soon forgotten. Jack and William took it in stride, knowing she suffered from forces outside of her control. Soon enough, their temporary mate would no longer be part of their everyday lives, cranky or not, and they were determined to enjoy their time together to the fullest.
Following delivery, Robyn planned to nurse the twins for a short time before resuming her own life. Jack assured her of a smooth transition, yet she fully expected a jolting disconnect when she returned to her own apartment, alone and empty-handed. In the privacy of her own thoughts, she often wondered how the men were going to handle the exhausting responsibilities of parenting two noisy, messy, demanding babies. Of course, if they needed help, an entire pack stood ready to lend a hand, give advice, babysit, or simply commiserate.
