Page 128 of Forbidden Moon
“Drake!”
Surprised, he went down on one knee to stroke the pretty girl’s blond hair.
“Yes, I’m Drake. What’s your name?”
Letting him go, she filled the space between them with her reassuring scent.
“I’m Evie. It’s OK to be sad. You can cry if you want to. Papa says it makes you feel better.”
Drake’s face crumpled as he let go of the bottled-up hurt. Evie clung to his neck while the boy sobbed, patting him gently on the back. Eyes closed, she focused solely on Drake, even as his weeping parents were being comforted by Lilly and Jonah. The emotional storm eventually ebbed away, and the tears dried up. When Drake moved to stand, Evie insisted on being picked up.
“See? Youdofeel better! I can tell.”
Unable to speak, Drake gave her a quivery smile and a final hug before passing her over to Jonah. With a few parting words, the Omega trio continued their rounds until an exhausted Evie fell asleep on her uncle’s shoulder.
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LATER THAT WEEK
Donna usually ate a quick meal around noon in the comfort of her downtown clinic office. Not today. RJ phoned her this morning, wanting to discuss something important. Since her one o’clock had rescheduled, she suggested meeting him at the Dewdrop for a late lunch. On foot, she reached the diner a few minutes early and noticed a familiar truck parked outside.
Darlene greeted her warmly and led the way to a window booth where RJ waited. He stood as they approached, and once Donna took her seat, Darlene began the third degree.
“Now, where has Jonah been hiding lately? I haven’t seen him for pert near three weeks!”
Donna decided to let RJ handle this one by himself.
“That would be my fault. Jonah’s been helping me get settled in at the Preserve.”
Darlene smiled brightly, a self-satisfied expression on her friendly face.
“Well, now, I told the girls he must be seeing someone special! I hope you know how lucky you are, young man. Jonah is pure gold and one hell of a catch. You best be good to him, or I’ll have something to say about it!”
Donna seemed overly amused at RJ’s befuddled expression, and both ladies waited for him to say... something.
“Fair enough. Do me a favor, Darlene—make sure everybody knows Jonah ismineand off the market. Meanwhile, I’ll let him know you’ve missed him.”
Darlene winked at RJ, and took the order pad from her pocket.
“You do that, Doll. Now, what can I get you folks today?”
They quickly placed their orders, and once Darlene disappeared, Donna cut to the chase.
“I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to ask me for help, but I need to know if I’m here as your doctor or your friend.”
RJ dipped his head, obviously uncomfortable.
“Both. I told Jonah the other day he’d make a good father, and it upset him. He wouldn’t tell me why, even though we’ve talked about having a family once before, and the idea seemed to excite him. I need to know if there is some medical problem or maybe a shifter thing he’s embarrassed to mention. I hoped you might know and could help me figure out what to do.”
Donna retained a neutral expression, unsurprised by the subject matter. She was probably the best person to address this issue besides Jonah himself. It remained to be seen if RJ could comprehend and accept her answer. She smiled and reached out to give his forearm a gentle squeeze.
“It would have been better to meet with both of you, as this is a sensitive subject for your mate. I’m going say some things you may not understand, so keep an open mind.”
Darlene showed up with their orders, and by mutual agreement, they talked while eating. Donna dived right back in.
“Male Omegas are unique in that they can conceive and carry children. Until recently, we didn’t know it was possible, though it does explain why they have regular heats. Jonah was thrilled when he found out he could have his mate’s children someday.”
Rascal’s scent revealed surprise and a fair amount of incredulity. He used the distraction of his meal to consider Donna’s startling words.
