Page 11 of Forbidden Moon
RJ shook his head.
“Not really, Sir. I checked out their website, so I understand the work they do, but they don’t have any offices in the lower peninsula.”
Toomey nodded.
“Correct. The LRC is privately owned and operated, with several locations across the northern states and Alaska. You couldn’t ask for a better advocate and supporter where wolves are concerned. We have a good relationship with the local office, and I want you to stop by and meet Jonah Blair. He’s an extremely dedicated and sharp young man with a wealth of knowledge. He’ll acquaint you with wolves in general and the various ways the LRC assists us with our work locally. Don’t be afraid to use company time to speak with him, as there’s a great deal you can learn.”
As they finished up their time together, Toomey wondered if the two men would hit it off on a personal level. He wasn’t matchmaking but could imagine something more than a friendship developing between them. After all, they were of a similar age and education, single, and shared a love for wolves; not a bad beginning for people who hadn’t even met yet.
####
RJ’S FIRST SHADOW ASSIGNMENTwas with a fellow officer who worked out of the U.S. Forest Service office in Gladstone. Chad Glupker was a long-haired, bearded, thirty-something who knew all the parks like the back of his hand. He welcomed RJ warmly, and seeing it was close to noon, suggested they eat lunch before heading out for the rest of the day. Chad took them to a popular downtown diner named the Dewdrop.
Around for decades now, the Dewdrop served terrific food and became the defacto hangout for all law enforcement in the area. They rode in Chad’s truck, and he played tour guide as they made their way, pointing out various places of interest.
“Coming up on the left, over there, is the LRC office. You’ll want to stop in and meet Jonah—a great guy, knows everything about wolves, and mighty friendly. He uh, licks your side of the stamp, by the way.”
Irritated, RJ frowned.
“How would you know that, and why does it matter?”
“Sorry, man. I figured you might like to know. I have an old buddy working down in Kalamazoo who told me all about you after your transfer was approved. Only had good things to say, in case you’re wondering.”
RJ didn’t want to make a big deal out of it and offend Chad, but it upset him that people were wagging tongues behind his back.
“My sex life is no one’s business, so let’s just drop it.”
“My apologies. I don’t care who you bump uglies with, man. I won’t mention it again.”
RJ let it go, taking note of other places Chad pointed out until they arrived at the diner. Truthfully, this Blair fellow sounded more interesting all the time, and he genuinely wanted to meet him. Anybody who made a career out of protecting wolves seemed liked someone worth knowing, that’s all. It had nothing to do with his being gay. Besides, he probably wasn’t RJ’s type anyway.
####
TIRED OF PIZZA ANDsubs, Jonah decided to get the Monday special at the Dewdrop for lunch today. They served good food at a reasonable price, and the staff treated him well. Being a good tipper helped, of course, but they eagerly took his phone orders and had them ready when he swung by to pick them up. Usually, they threw in something extra at no charge, like a cookie or stray donut left over from the breakfast rush. Their sweets weren’t as tasty as Cody’s, but good enough for a quick noon meal.
Considering the Dewdrop wasn’t far, he walked the block and a half to fetch his meal and take it back to the peace and privacy of his own office. When he reached for the diner’s front door, he froze when his nose picked up a familiar scent—the same one from Saturday! Was the man inside? What should he do? His dick, already rock-hard, agreed with what his wolf wanted.
While Jonah dithered, the door opened, and another blast of that incredible scent washed over him, nearly bringing him to his knees. A manicured hand grabbed his arm, helped him into the diner, and guided him to a stool at the counter.
“Jonah, honey, what’s got into you? Are you all right?”
He lifted his head and saw the concern on his favorite waitress’s face. It took a moment to get his voice working.
“Sorry, Darlene. I guess I kind of blanked out there for a minute.”
Eyes narrowed, she planted hands on hips.
“Well, I guess so! You were standing out there like you didn’t know where you were. Did you wait too long for lunch? I bet your blood sugar is low, sweetie. I see it all the time!”
Jonah had to get out of here. The strong scent made him dizzy, and with his wolf pacing in his head, he couldn’t trust himself around humans.
“I need to go, Darlene. If you help me to the door, I’ll go back to the office and lie down.”
That wasn’t what she wanted to hear.
“Not happening, handsome! You’re already here, so why not eat your meal? You’ll feel fine by the time you’ve finished.”
Jonah slid off the stool to shuffle towards the door. Darlene huffed loudly, grabbed his lunch, and went after him.
