Page 134 of Forbidden Moon
“While such a thing ispossible, we do not speak of it openly. Our ancient history contains disturbing attempts to turn humans, with horrific results. Few survived the process, and others were left severely damaged in mind and body. We cannot, indeedwillnot, be a party to your likely death, and I beg you not to make such a request again. You must understand, even your mate would never agree to it for fear of losing you.”
William jumped back in to correct RJ’s erroneous assumption.
“Jonah’s disappointment is because of something he can no longer have. It has nothing to do withyouor your humanity! Trust me on this—Jonah’s love is deeper and stronger than you can imagine, and nothing will ever change it.”
RJ had no idea his question was akin to stepping on a land mine. Thankfully, he hadn’t made the mistake of asking Ben or in a large crowd! He accepted Jack and William’s concern, allowing it to soothe his tangled feelings. If Jonah was truly happy with a human mate, despite the limitations it placed on him, then he could relax and enjoy the relationship without further worry. An important question, however, remained unanswered.
“Should I say anything to Jonah about it? Is there any way to comfort him?”
William gave Jack an imperceptible nod, encouraging him to answer for both of them.
“My advice is to say nothing for now and wait for Jonah to bring up the subject when he is ready. Meanwhile, nurture your growing bond by demonstrating your love and commitment in every way possible. Leave no doubt in Jonah’s mind that your heart belongs to him.”
RJ, much less troubled, appreciated the advice and thanked his friends before they split up to head in different directions. William detected a great deal of satisfaction from his mate and opened the mind-link to ask about it.
“You seem pleased, my love. Did you influence his mind?”
“I am pleased because it was not necessary. RJ is a man of admirable qualities and keen intellect. He may be human, but he appears to be the perfect match for our winsome Omega.”
####
EARLY AUGUST, WINDOWRock Arizona
Walter Denali oversaw final touches on the new gallery with satisfaction, and with the opening ceremonies only a week away, his mind thrummed with excitement and anticipation. Though he’d overseen dozens of similar events at the Navajo Nation Museum over the years, this one was different. With Gray Feather being a direct descendant, this new gallery became personal. Honoring one’s ancestors under the eagle eye of the entire Navajo Nation, the press corps, and the general public, raised the standard even higher and left no room for error.
He also spent a great deal of time planning the activities in which Katrine would participate as the featured artist and honored guest. She’d have to endure being in the spotlight and interact with the public, press, and photographers, but he did his best to anticipate her needs and provide an escape to the quiet of his office when necessary. The added bonus of also having Jack and William attend the opening made this event something extra special.
The only thing missing was the personal appearance of Hezekiah Matson, yet he knew Jack would be sharing the event with his mentor at the next full moon. What would Gray Feather’s dearest friend think of all the brouhaha resulting from one simple photograph taken nearly two hundred years ago? Walter wished he could ask for himself.
####
LRC OFFICE, GLADSTONE
While Robin worked on the visual images, Jonah tried valiantly to finish writing the script for a new presentation. Alpha Sheppard wanted an easy-to-understand primer on identifying True Elders—something which all English-speaking packs could watch. He intended to show it at the upcoming annual meeting in Montana and then distribute it freely. The project wasn’t complicated or on a crash deadline, but Jonah found himself distracted by a personal issue.
His mate had something on his mind he didn’t want to share, and it nagged at Jonah. He’d heard about RJ’s visits with Donna, Katrine and Mandy, and even Jack and William—all hush-hush and by himself. Since they hadn’t argued over anything recently, and RJ was even more doting and affectionate than usual, he wondered what was going on.
The most logical explanation was Jonah’s upcoming birthday in September. It made perfect sense for his mate to sneak around asking for gift ideas or plan a party, in which case Jonah didn’t want to push for information and spoil the surprise. If it were something else, a problem or issue of some kind, he wished RJ would share it with him so they could talk about it. Jonah wasn’t a fan of things hanging over his head.
The sounds of Robyn in the breakroom prompted him to get up, stretch his legs, and join her for a quick snack. By the time he got there, she’d laid out a tray of nibbles, and a fresh cup of coffee awaited him opposite her place at the table.
“What took you so long? I’ve been rattling around in here for at least five minutes.”
Jonah gave her a half-hearted growl and sat down to sip his coffee, perfectly prepared as always.
“You might haveasked, you know.”
Robyn tucked a stray lock of hair behind her left ear and gave him the“I have something to say”look. Uh oh.
“There’s a bee under your bonnet, and you can’t expect me to finish this project while you sit in your officethinking. Spill it, already.”
How did she always know? He must be far easier to read than he assumed.
“RJ is up to something, and he’s trying to keep it a secret. Is he planning a surprise birthday party?”
Robyn glanced down at the table, huffed out a breath, and lifted her chin to look Jonah in the eye.
“It’s not a party. I wasn’t going to say anything because you don’t like to talk about it. RJ knows about male Omega pregnancy. I’m not sure what started it, but he convinced himself you were being cheated out of a family because he’s human.”
