Page 124 of Forbidden Moon
Chapter 47
MEANWHILE, ON PACKLANDS
While Gladstone didn’t usually make a fuss over the fourth of July, they combined it with a late birthday party for Evan this year. Exhausted and smarting from the Sunday attack, the pack wasn’t prepared for anything festive on Monday, and Evan agreed to a joint celebration on the fourth instead. Robert’s suggestion of a potluck got everyone involved. People volunteered to bring side dishes and desserts while the packhouse kitchen provided hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks.
After the meal, Michelle and Perdy brought out a chocolate cake for Evan. Everyone sang, clapped when he blew out the candles and laughed together while he opened his gifts. Afterward, they met in the meadow for the annual boxer shorts challenge. Being the new guy, RJ didn’t understand this strange activity. Jonah explained.
“On Evan’s tenth birthday, he managed to shift while keeping his superhero underwear on. The guys get three tries without losing or shredding their boxer shorts, and the winners get prizes.”
RJ still thought it was odd, and it shocked him to see all the guys stripping down in front of the crowd. He could tell Jonah wanted to participate, eagerly waiting for RJ’s blessing.
“Have fun, Jo. Just don’t flash your junk for everyone to see.”
Jonah kissed him and lined up with the other participants. At least a dozen men began shifting at the signal, and the results were something to behold. A few shredded theirs on the first try
and were disqualified, laughing along with the audience even when they shifted back without a stitch. Others managed to keep the shorts on, though not always where they belonged. A few kept them in the right place and re-set for another try.
RJ cheered for his mate as Jonah’s first attempt resulted in his wolfs’ tail sticking out through the fly. Try number two came much closer, even if they were a bit crooked. The last shift resulted in success, and RJ hooted and hollered his support. In the end, a smug Nolan took first prize, having done it correctly all three times. Scooter came in second, Lance third, and Jonah tied for fourth place with Micah.
RJ hurried to get his man redressed, still uncomfortable with shifters’ unabashed nakedness.
“You were great, Jo! It must be tough to do something like that.”
Jonah laughed, clutching his Ninja Turtle boxers.
“This is the first time I got it right! I didn’t win a prize, but who cares? It was fun!”
RJ gave him a smoldering look and leaned down to whisper in his ear.
“You’rethe prize, and I’m the biggest winner. Put those back on later tonight and see how long it takes me to get them off of you.”
Jonah’s face heated.
“Challenge accepted, mate.”
As the happy crowd began to disperse, a handsome young man RJ didn’t know came over to hug Jonah and introduce himself.
“It’s nice to meet you, RJ. I’m Arden Metcalf, Zane and Trisha’s son.”
RJ shook his hand and sized him up—tall, confident, and almost a carbon copy of his father. Jonah jumped in to provide more information.
“Arden is one of our Deltas, studying biology at the U of M in Duluth.”
RJ wanted to know more.
“What do you want to do with your degree, Arden?”
The man smiled, eager to share with anyone who cared to ask.
