Page 76 of Forbidden Moon
Evan nodded in understanding.
“He’s stronger than you might imagine, and having his mate with him made all the difference this time around. I don’t think you’ll have to worry about it again anytime soon, so don’t let it put a damper on your love life. Jonah still needs you, RJ, and he loves you very much.”
Evan’s declaration was meant to gauge the man’s response, yet RJ’s demeanor and scent remained unchanged. An excellent sign. Evan watched him struggle with his answer.
“I know he does, and if I’m honest, I have to admit I love him, too. Honestly, it scares me. I mean, we just met, and our feelings are sostrong. It doesn’t seem normal, though being with someone else feels wrong somehow. Is there really such a thing as love at first sight?”
The warm smile on Evan’s face gave away his answer.
“Yes, there is—at least for some people. I know it was for Ben and me, and others I could name. Sometimes two people click from the start. The fact that both of you feel it means you’re on the same page. Consider yourself lucky. Most people move in and out of relationships like changing clothes and never find their true love. When you do, hold on with both hands and don’t let go. Life is too short to waste time on doubt or denial.”
RJ seemed to agree but said nothing. Evan used the conversational pause to extend his power of influence over RJ’s mind. The human sat motionless, eyes unfocused, as Evan began his gentle probing. Overall, the goal was to enhance RJ’s actual feelings and hopes, ease his doubts, and, yes, remove or temper a few select memories about the heat.
Spend time with your mate.
Your love is real. Embrace it.
A simple fever. Nothing more.
Jonah’s heart is yours.
Do not fear differences.
A happy future awaits!
Evan released him gradually, allowing the implanted ideas to settle in the nooks and crannies of RJ’s brain. The man cared more for Jonah than he let on—his primary fear being the breakneck speed of their romance. Evan believed a little more time would convince him to let the fear go and move ahead with confidence.
The wild card in all of this—finding out Jonah and his friends were all shifters—was yet to come. No one could predict how he’d react, but given the dream-revealed warnings, Evan feared the shifter issue might be the tipping point. He’d have to wait and see how things developed. RJ sat up straighter, mild confusion on his face, and glanced around the room before fixing his gaze on Evan.
“Umm... sorry. What were you saying?”
“Favorite foods? I don’t want to serve something tomorrow you don’t like.”
Jonah arrived before RJ could answer and went directly over to climb in his mate’s lap without saying a word.
“Have you been crying, Jo? What’s going on?”
“Something bad happened to Robyn today. She’s safe now, but it was scary.”
Jonah explained what happened to Robyn, along with a simplified version of the harassment and intrusions. Shocked, RJ subconsciously pulled Jonah tighter. Evan added a necessary warning.
“The Sheriff is working with us to find out who these people are, and we added more security measures in the last few days. Hopefully, we can put a stop to it soon. I hate to say this, but you and Jonah need to be cautious when you’re out in public. We have reason to believe these people are watching us, and I would hate to see either of you targeted.”
Little voices and the sound of running feet interrupted the dire warning as Evie came running into the room, her curious brothers trailing behind.
She climbed right up on the couch, worming her way between the couple to wrap little arms around Jonah’s neck. Eyes closed, she ignored RJ to calm her distraught uncle. Though RJ had been upset only moments ago, their combined scents somehow compelled him to relax. He couldn’t explain why, but with every breath his worry and tension drifted away, leaving only peace and mild concern. Evie suddenly turned around to study RJ’s face. She smiled. He smiled back. She giggled. He introduced himself.
“Hello there. I’m RJ.”
“My name is Evie. You’re Jonah’s mate. Did you know he’s my uncle?”
“Well, I do now. I bet you’re the prettiest niece in the world. Are these your bothers?”
RJ briefly studied each face as they were introduced. An extremely handsome group, in his opinion, and near-replicas of their fathers. Whoever the egg donors were didn’t seem to have contributed to their looks at all, and he couldn’t figure out how that could be.
Six pairs of curious eyes were watching him, waiting for... he wasn’t entirely certain what they wanted. He didn’t have any experience with children and began to perspire. Jonah rescued his mate by placing a well-used book in his hands.
“How about reading a story, Rascal?”
