Page 107 of Forbidden Moon
Jonah shook his head.
“No, there’s more. The bite completes the bond and joins the couple together. They will never want anyone else unless their mate dies. It also informs other shifters that the person is taken, sort of like wearing a wedding ring. We can also tell by someone’s scent if they are mated or not. We wear our marks proudly because it’s a reflection of the love we feel for one another.”
RJ frowned.
“What happens if you biteme?”
The idea upset Jonah, even though his wolf wanted to.
“It would hurt and leave a scar, but that’s all it would be. If your teeth were sharp enough, your bite wouldn’t do anything. Even if it left a mark, it would disappear the next time I shifted.”
RJ frowned, unhappy with Jonah’s explanation.
“Why should it be different for us?”
Jonah’s fingertips gently ghosted the fading bruise on his mate’s right cheek.
“It willalwaysbe different, Rascal. We won’t be able to experience some things, and that’s the way it is. We’ll each have to compromise, but it can make us stronger if we look at it the right way. Human couples do it all the time, and even shifter couples have to give and take with their mate. When you get to know us better, you’ll see what I mean.”
RJ wanted to argue but refused to upset Jonah. It bothered him to know his man would somehow have to settle for less simply because he mated a human.
“All right, Jo, I see what you’re saying, but how will others know you belong to me and vice versa?”
Jonah perked up, a special gleam in his eye.
“Jack tells me there have always been couples like us, and over time, we’ll form a different kind of bond that’s almost as strong as two shifters! Our scents will begin to merge, and our people will automatically know we are mated.”
The news pleased RJ.
“Good. I don’t want anyone getting ideas, and I don’t share. You’re MINE!”
Chapter 41
EARLY SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Tom Kilburn eased into a parking space at the Delta Avenue Apartments. As foreman of the rehab project, he spent most of his days in the building, though he wasn’t here on Natural Homes business today. Instead, he and Caleb came along to protect Jack while he brought Dominic Bluett home after his unexpected stay. Each of them had additional reasons for taking on the brief mission, though Bluett seemed entirely unaware of their presence.
Jack and Dominic led the way inside, with Tom and Caleb close behind. Unfortunately, the new elevators were not yet installed, leaving the stairs as the only option. The human said nothing at all as they made their way up five flights, ending at the beat-up door of apartment 505. They saw no other residents in the stairwell or hallway and slipped inside as soon as Dominic unlocked it. Jack guided Bluett to the bedroom while Tom and Caleb checked out the rest of the apartment.
Jack encouraged Dominic to use the restroom and then sat with him on the edge of the bed. Using the human’s actual memories of feeling ill, he then instructed him to phone his employer. They weren’t particularly happy with him for waiting so long to call, threatening to write him up for not following procedure. With that done, Jack silenced his phone and instructed the docile man to lie down.
Dominic’s mind, already comfortable with Jack’s presence, did not require a great deal of influence. Only a few simple suggestions should take care of things for today, though more serious work would be necessary tomorrow when he and Robyn returned. Their eyes met, and Jack wove an alternate tale of the last twenty-four hours.
You left the bar feeling unwell last night and walked home alone. There is no need to use the phone or computer, nor should you leave the apartment. In the morning, call your employer again and ask to be excused. Expect a visit from friends tomorrow. Rest now. Rest and sleep.
