Page 28 of Forbidden Moon
“Ben knows only about the earlier dreams which told of your interaction with a human male. He, too, did not wish to upset you until they knew more. Less than a week ago, Luna revealed that the human in the dreams was indeed your mate. Ben does not yet know this, as Evan desires to give the two of you time to become acquainted before your mate learns of us and is introduced to the pack.”
“Really? How does he hide it from Ben? I mean, I appreciate what Evan is doing, but isn’t it going to cause a problem for him later?”
Jack smiled warmly and shook his head.
“Spoken like a true Omega. In the midst of a great personal challenge, you are concerned about others. I say this to your credit, my dear friend, but you need not worry. Evan and I have spoken about the matter, and he is aware of the potential for conflict. My advice is to focus solely on building a relationship with your mate. When it becomes known to the pack, the novelty of the situation, and their love for you, will result in ready acceptance.”
Jack’s calm words brought the conversation back around to the true reason for their meeting. Jonah’s scent revealed both fear and frustration.
“I can’t even think about that part yet! There’s so much I need to know. Where do I start? Help me, Jack. We have a date tomorrow night, and I’m afraid of scaring him off. We met at the office today to talk about wolves, and all I wanted to do was....”
Jonah’s face heated while Jack offered a knowing grin.
“Finding your mate is a wonderful thing, and there is no shame in wanting to be with him. Tell me about this man, and then I will answer your questions.”
“We didn’t share anything too personal, and I hope to learn more on our date. His name is RJ Wilson. I don’t know what the initials stand for. He’s a new conservation officer for the DNR, a little older than me, I think, andveryhandsome.”
Jonah grabbed his phone, brought up RJ’s photo, and showed it to Jack. He nodded appreciatively.
“Ah, yes. We knew from the dreams RJ was a colored man, though nothing of his features. Luna has given you an attractive mate.”
Jonah paused, hesitant to correct the True Elder. The man was over one hundred and seventy years old, and race relations changed a great deal over time.
“Thank you, but you shouldn’t call him colored. You can say he’s aperson of coloror Black; otherwise, he may be offended. Do you think it will be a problem for us?”
Jack shook his head.
“Shifters are not particularly concerned about the color of one’s skin, though hewillstand out among us. Human society, however, may not take kindly to a mixed-race, same sex-couple, and you must be circumspect in public. After he settles in among us, you will be free to do as you wish. Your packmates will have no problem accepting RJ as your mate.”
“But he’s human! We’re supposed toavoidrelationships with them, and nobody ever mentions shifter-human couples. I assumed it was forbidden, and then Luna brings me a human mate! Are we the only ones?”
Jack expected the question, and considering the topic was rarely discussed, he’d also have to educate the rest of the pack.
“Far from it. My memories contain numerous examples of such matings throughout our history, though they are uncommon. Some were brought together by Luna, while others voluntarily chose to live together as mates. Such arrangements are not openly encouraged for a good reason. Once told about us, the human partner becomes a danger to our people. They must be utterly trustworthy and committed to keeping our secret for the rest of their lives.”
It relieved Jonah to know there were others, and while Jack’s explanation certainly made sense, it brought up other worrying questions.
“I won’t be able to have children with him, will I?”
Jonah’s pain and disappointment cut to the quick, though Jack wouldn’t withhold such crucial information, even if it hurt.
“Only two shifters may take advantage of the Change Mate ceremony. However, you will be free to have children with either a male or female Honor Mate and any offspring sired by RJ will be a shifter. I suggest you wait to discuss this with him until he is settled and comfortable with us.”
“We won’t have a true bond, will we?”
“Not in the usual way. He will be drawn to you initially, though not know why. From there, you will have to build a relationship bit by bit, as humans do. The longer you are together, the stronger the connection becomes, and RJ will welcome it.”
Jonah’s scent soured with fear, eyes watering.
“I can’t do this without the bond’s help! Do you know anything about dating a human? I don’t have a clue! Worse, I have to keep my wolf a secret. I only get one chance at this, and I don’t want to lose him!”
Jack set aside his usual reserve and pulled a weeping Jonah into his arms. He let the man cry on his shoulder, rubbing his back and murmuring assurances. Once Jonah calmed, Jack took out his phone and made a quick call. Time to bring in the reinforcements.
