Page 140 of Forbidden Moon
Before long, tables were cleared out of the way as lively music and shifter curiosity pulled nearly everyone else in for a go. Soon enough, the romantic nature of a slow dance made itself known. Two by two, couples began to bow out and race home for a bit of lust and thrust. Jonah and RJ were having too much fun to stop, swaying to the music in a pheromonal fog.
“You feel so good in my arms, Jo. I won’t want to share you at the reception, but I suppose your mom and Rosa are safe enough.”
Jonah snuggled even closer.
“Rosa sounded excited on the phone. I think flying her up here is a great idea.”
RJ copied what Robert did, dipping Jonah low before lifting him into a slow spin.
“Yeah, we’ve been visiting by phone since I moved up here, but I wanted her at the wedding. She can’t wait to meet you.”
“I know your Ma sold the salon to her before she died, but how did the two of you get so close?”
“I turned seven just before Rosa started working for my Ma. Eventually, she became my second mother—even with four kids of her own. After Ma passed, she helped me through the first few months by myself.”
Lost in the music, the pair danced quietly until Jonah broke the silence.
“You know, we were lucky the hotel had a last-minute cancelation, and I never expected to get married on my birthday!”
RJ’s scent changed to one of concern.
“I’m sorry, Jo. Should we ask Robert to find another date instead?”
Jonah nibbled on his earlobe, followed by a whispered response.
“Nope. This will be a birthday to remember, and I’llneverforget our anniversary!”
####
TWO A.M., A FEW DAYSlater
Evan stirred, neither awake nor asleep, caught in another of Luna’s dreams. He walked a winding, wooded path, in wolf form, among swirling mists and the waning golden light of a sunset. His westward journey began in Michigan, taking him through distinct geographical regions. At random points along the way, he sighted other shifters—all surprised to encounter him. Ages ranged from young to old, yet they each shared the same rare scent... of True Elders.
The warm sunlight faded to darkness, and he awoke trembling, both confused and concerned by the parade of unusual images. Was this dream meant only and expressly for him? How could these unknown True Elders be found? What did Luna want him to do?
Ben detected Evan’s change in scent, turned over on his side, and swept up his mate in warm, muscular arms. There hadn’t been any dreams lately to speak of, and this one seemed to have upset his beloved. One hand caressed up and down Evan’s back in comforting strokes until the man stopped shaking. Ben pulled back to place a soft kiss on his mouth and opened the mind-link.
“It’s all right, babe; I’ve got you. What did you see?”
Evan settled deeper into the embrace.
“True Elders! I’m not sure what to make of it yet. Let me show you.”
He replayed the memory twice, looking for any clues he might have missed the first time. Ben didn’t say anything for a while, perhaps struggling to make sense of the strange dream. His mate finally heaved a frustrated sigh and shared his opinion.
“I don’t know, Ev. It seems like Luna is ready to bring a bunch of True Elders out of hiding. Do you suppose it has anything to do with Everet’s speech at the annual conference?”
“Maybe. As a people, I think we’re more serious about finding them than we’ve ever been before. I need to know if Jack or Everet have had similar dreams. If so, Luna may be preparing us for something big.”
Ben suspected there was more to it than his mate admitted.
“You mean us as a family, too, don’t you?”
Evan’s scent took on the fragrance of regret.
“Yes. I don’t know exactly how, but any newly discovered True Elders will need to be taught and cared for. I’m sorry, Ben. We may need to make changes.”
“No apologies, babe. You have responsibilities beyond our home or Gladstone. If we have to step up for the sake of our people, then we will. Just remember—you, our children, and this pack will always come first for me.”
