Page 14 of Forbidden Moon
“No more arguing, Max. Go back and get a clean shirt, please.”
Mitchell piped up with his contribution.
“That’smyshirt. All of his are under the bed!”
“Thank you, Mitchell. Remind me to dig them out later. Marco, what are you doing?”
Only his rear end could be seen behind the long living room drapes. Marco backed out, holding the long-missing matchbox car he loved, smiling in victory.
“I told you I didn’t lose it. It was right there all the time!”
Lance stifled a laugh.
“Yes, you did. Put it away and come right back. Has anyone seen Derek and Dawson?”
Evie Rae, dressed in a matching polka dot shirt and shorts set, tugged Lance’s hand for his attention.
“They’re fighting in the play room again. Don’t worry—Papa went in to make them mind.”
Moments later, a flustered Evan appeared with two surly, disheveled Alphas-in-training, still growling at each other. He kneeled to look them in the eye and cranked up his True Elder power.
“What did Daddy and I tell you at breakfast? Maybe you need to stay home and think about your behavior more than going out to play.”
That seemed to get their attention quickly enough, prompting an impassioned plea for mercy. Evan waited until they apologized before granting a reprieve.
“I want everyone on their best behavior today. Remember to mind your manners and be gentle with the little ones. Is everyone ready now?”
Lance opened the front door while Evan brought up the rear. Out they trooped into the warm summer sunshine on a short trek to the daycare and a playdate with the other kids. Once they arrived, Linda and her helpers, along with Lance, prepared to wear them all out—ensuring a productive nap after lunch.
Eager to see Jack, Evan promised Lance to be back home by noon and slipped away before the kids noticed. He’d been itching to discuss the man’s sessions with Hezekiah for days now, along with Jonah’s situation. Private time with his mentor became a rare commodity once the twins came along. By using a teaching dream, they could cover more ground and keep the entire exchange private.
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JACK ANSWERED THE DOOR, ushering Evan into a quiet, empty house.
“My mate has taken the twins out for some fresh air. I assumed you desired a bit of privacy for our discussion.”
“I do, yes. Please thank William for me.”
Jack led him into the living room and offered him a place on the loveseat.
“Your scent reveals more than curiosity about my time with Hezekiah. What troubles you, Evan?”
“Something I haven’t even told Ben. I’d rather explain it in a teaching dream if you don’t mind.”
Jack quirked an eyebrow, yet without a word, reached over to clasp Evan’s hand. Once they were comfortable, the session began. Jack shared the memories of his visits with Hezekiah over the three full-moon days. The speedy transfer condensed over twenty Earth-time hours of interaction into a mere ten minutes, exposing Evan to novel ideas and enhancing things he already knew. Their deep love and respect for one another came shining through, and Evan realized that one day, he and Jack would have the same connection available to them.
With the transfer complete, Evan shared all the dreams concerning Jonah, including the most recent one. Holding nothing back, he revealed conflicting thoughts and fears, along with his commitment to support Jonah and his unconventional mate. The teaching dream ended, and while they broke contact and opened their eyes, they chose to speak through the mind-link. Jack didn’t waste any time.
“I am uncertain which bothers you more—a human mate for our beloved Omega or withholding the information from Ben.”
Evan’s scent gave a mixed message.
“That makes two of us, but can you blame me? Non-shifter mates aren’t exactly common these days, and with the human threat we’re facing, it may make Jonah’s situation even more difficult. After all he’s been through the last year or so, I can’t understand why Luna would do this to him.”
Jack frowned.
“What Luna chooses to do is not for us to question, and no one is guaranteed a life without difficulties. Jonah is stronger than you think, though I agree these particular circumstances will
