Page 129 of Forbidden Moon
“Wow, that’s... not what I expected. I know you wouldn’t lie to me, though if what you say is true, why was he upset? Jonah must know I would be on board for having our own kids. We haven’t been using protection, so is he afraid of getting pregnant too soon?”
Donna wiped her mouth and set the fork down.
“There’s a catch. The only way it can happen is if both Jonah and his mate are in wolf form. When Luna brought him a human mate, he realized he’d never be able to bear children.”
RJ’s anger flared.
“What? That’s bullshit! If this “Luna” brought us together, why should it be different for us? It’s not fair!”
Donna understood his reaction and wondered how long it would take him to see another possibility.
“Fair has nothing to do with it, RJ, and shifter biology isn’t under our control. Jonah has already come to terms with this limitation on his life, andhe doesn’t blame you. It hurts, as you can imagine, but his love for you isn’t any less because you’re human. Remember that. He wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world, even children from his own body.”
Donna resumed eating, as did RJ, giving him time to grapple with the things he’d learned. She monitored his scent and watched body language, waiting for the man to take the next logical step in his thinking.
“So what do we do? Are there any other options for a family?”
Relieved by RJ’s acceptance and desire to learn, Donna gave him a brief explanation of Honor and Triad mates—comparing them to human couples who use surrogates.
“Before you say anything to Jonah, I suggest you sit down with Jack and William and Katrine and Mandy. I’m sure they would be happy to answer your questions and give you a better idea of how it works in real life. Whatever you do, give Jonah time to settle into your relationship before you seriously consider a family, and don’t take his disappointment personally.”
The lunch hour flew by, and with only a few minutes left to spare, Donna changed the subject by removing some folded sheets of paper from her purse, sliding them across the tabletop. He opened them, started to read, and despite his dark skin, managed to blush.
“Kegel exercises? Aren’t those for women?”
Though tempted to tease him a little, she lowered her voice and addressed the issue as any medical professional would.
“They work the same for men or women. If you do them faithfully, they’ll help you keep up with your mate with less muscle pain afterward. Let me know if you continue to have problems.”
As they both needed to return to work, RJ thanked Donna for her help, paid the tab, and left the diner with a busy mind. He couldn’t help wondering what else he needed to learn from his mate and new shifter family.
####
DULUTH COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Adam Sheppard wasn’t given to undue anxiety in his role as President of the American Shifter Council. While adept at hiding occasional apprehension behind a well-schooled face, he found tonight’s meeting more taxing than usual on his blood pressure. In the wake of Gladstone’s potentially disastrous conflict with humans, Sheppard was about to make an important presentation regarding their future safety as a people.
He didn’t often address the regional councils simultaneously and waited patiently for the signal to begin. To set the proper tone, Sheppard sent a copy of Gladstone’s memorial service, along with a request for each council to view it prior to his address. As usual, Robyn did a superb job mixing video images, music, and brief interviews into something that honored the dead, tugged at the heart, and preserved history.
Sheppard believed Gladstone’s recent incursion and near-exposure would significantly impact current practice and future generations. In truth, they were long overdue for changes of this sort—it simply took a near-catastrophe to push them into action. The large screen suddenly sprang to life with views of the three other council chambers, one in Montana and two in Alaska. With a courteous nod, Sheppard began speaking.
“My brothers, recent events have led me to re-think the security of our people. What took place at Gladstone could have happened almost anywhere and with dire consequences for us all. Keeping our secret among humans becomes more difficult with improvements in technology and increased population. As I see it, we can either retreat further or face the issue proactively. What I propose, gentlemen, is a three-pronged approach that includes both defensive and offensive moves.
“Step one involves regional councils working with every pack in their jurisdiction on matters of security. Each one has unique needs based on current leadership, location, number of members, and the level of interaction with the surrounding human community. Many will need training and resources. Some will need more assistance than others, but I believe all packs can improve.
“Step two is an extension of the aforementioned work internationally. The American Shifter Council is well known by our brothers in Canada and Mexico, yet our ties must be strengthened and expanded. In case of discovery, we must be ready to offer mutual support and safe haven for those affected. I propose a new Ambassador corps who will work directly with our international counterparts.
“Step three involves a paradigm shift on our part by encouraging our people to seek higher levels of human leadership in politics, medicine, and law. The Delta schools will play a pivotal role in this endeavor as we identify those willing to take on such roles. In addition, we must help fund their education and assist their bids for elected office. In a way, this is an expansion of our limited influence through the Lupine Recovery Council offices, though much more inclusive in scope.
“These broad goals are practical, achievable, and necessary to protect us all. I believe Luna allowed the events at Gladstone to teach us something we might not learn another way, and it behooves us to act. Our True Elders, whom I have consulted on this matter, have exhorted me to implement the ideas outlined today as soon as possible. I look forward to working with each of you in the exciting days before us.”
