Page 58 of Forbidden Moon
“What about cooking and other things? How will I have time?”
“Perdy will bring meals three times a day, along with clean linens or anything else you need so you can focus on Jonah. She will respect your privacy but don’t be alarmed if you hear her coming or going. Evan and I will leave our phone numbers on the refrigerator, so call anytime, day or night. Understand?”
RJ nodded, rubbing Jonah’s back.
“Are you sure he’s going to be all right? I don’t know if I can do this.”
Evan took this one, and RJ refocused on his face when the man began to speak.
“Jonah will be fine. This is normal for him. He needs you. He wants you. Youcando it. Youwilldo it. Enjoy your time together. Learn about each other.”
RJ’s forehead wrinkled with confusion.
“Who is the mate Jonah keeps calling for?”
“The word has several meanings. One of them is a term of affection—Jonah’s talking aboutyou, RJ. You are his world now, his everything. Let him hear you say it. Make him happy. Pleasure him. Allow him to pleasure you.”
Evan withdrew from RJ’s mind, waiting to see how the man would respond. He blinked several times and then looked around as if he couldn’t quite remember how he got there. Finally, he smiled at Donna and Evan.
“Thank you for explaining. If you don’t mind, I think we both need some sleep. I’ll call if I have questions.”
RJ began tucking Jonah into bed as the pair quietly left the house. They’d only gone a short way before Donna spoke.
“I’m impressed. I don’t think we would ever have convinced RJ to stay without your help. Do you think they’ll be all right?”
“I do, and Perdy will tell us if she hears or sees anything that needs attention. We didn’t have any choice, you know. Jonah would be crushed without his mate. In a way, this is a substitute for the normal mating week most everyone else enjoys. The good news is that RJ’s already in love with Jonah. I suspect he’s hesitant to admit it so soon, but I used his real feelings to help secure cooperation.”
“Will RJ remember any of this?”
“Only certain things. He’s not ready to learn about shifters yet, so I’ll have to alter his memories somewhat. After we tell him about us and they’re settled, I’ll explain what we did and why. I don’t think he’ll be too upset about it. Give them a couple more weeks of dating, and I believe the bond will be too strong for RJ to even think of leaving him. Meanwhile, we all have to make him feel welcome without giving anything away. It’s going to be an interesting courtship!”
Chapter 24
SUNDAY MORNING
Perdy left the packhouse, heading for The Village with an enormous basket of food, a bag of clothing, and a broad smile. Like everyone else, she’d been delighted to hear the news about Jonah and his mate. Perdy always cared for the pack Omega during his heats, doing so at Ben’s request after Jonah moved to Gladstone two years ago. She considered it both a privilege and a solemn duty. Though this heat came as a surprise, Jack assured her it was normal under present conditions.
Granted, Perdy never imagined Jonah’s someday-mate would be ahuman,so her duties were somewhat different this time around. Evan and Donna briefed her about what they told RJ concerning Jonah’s “condition” and the importance of his help. Her job was to take care of practical things, allowing the couple to focus on each other. Of course, if Perdy happened to hear or observe anything needing outside help, she’d report it to Evan and let him deal with it.
She couldn’t help but wonder why Luna brought RJ around at the worst possible time in Gladstone’s history. Perhaps she’d ask Jack about it when she saw him next. Perdy’s ruminations brought her to Jonah’s front door, where she stopped to listen and scent the air before knocking.
If they were going at it in the front room, she’d have to leave the food on the porch and come back later. It seemed she’d arrived at a good time, as the boys were rustling about in the kitchen. She knocked softly and immediately heard footsteps. RJ opened the door and welcomed her inside.
“Good morning! I’m Perdy, one of the cooks in our community kitchen. I’m pleased to meet you, RJ.”
