Page 62 of Forbidden Moon
Caleb expected this one; proud of Scooter for speaking up.
“No lockdown, but we’re asking everyone to confine their shifts to the interior and to keep their eyes and ears open in public. Don’t take any unnecessary risks, be careful what you say, and keep trips into town to a minimum or go as a group. Otherwise, we want life to remain as normal as possible. If something happens, everyone will receive a text with specific instructions.”
Shaken, Zane Metcalf asked the question no one else wanted to voice.
“And if something does happen and they get in... do we have an escape plan?”
Heads nodded all over the room, needing an answer yet not wanting to think about the possibility. Ben got up to speak, allowing a relieved Caleb to step aside.
“I don’t believe we’ll need to evacuate, but there is a plan in place. If the time comes, you are to head directly to the Cooks packlands. The primary goal is to escape, not fight. If you can’t get out by car, shift and go on foot. They are prepared to provide both shelter and safe passage out of the area. If anyone has questions, either Caleb or I will be happy to answer them after the meeting.
“Now, let’s focus on some happier news! As you all know, Luna has seen fit to provide a mate for Jonah. No one expected he would be a human—least of all me.”
Ben shrugged as they laughed, well-aware of his initial reaction to the news.
“I admit I didn’t handle things very well, and I want you to know I’ve learned a thing or two. My mate is amazing, our True Elders are a priceless gift, and my little brother deserves all the happiness in the world. I wish this had happened at a different time, but Luna knows best. Now, it’s up to us to support Jonah and prevent RJ from knowing too much before he’s ready. I’ve asked Jack to instruct us on human-shifter matings, and then Evan will share what’s going on right now.”
Passing a fidgety Kiah over to Ben, Jack stood to address the curious group.
“Mixed couples, while rare, have always been a part of our history. However, Jonah’s situation is unique as there are no records of a male Omega paired with a human. A traditional mating bond is impossible for such couples, but the human partner enjoys a strong bond-like attachment over time.
“It begins with true feeling, enhanced by pheromones, and is strengthened by exposure to their shifter mate. Even so, the human partner may choose to leave, especially in the early days of the relationship. This is one of Jonah’s greatest fears and the reason we wish to give them more time together before RJ hears the truth.”
Jack paused to allow for questions, and several hands went up. He nodded at Nolan.
“Right now, we’re trying to remain hidden from humans. How do we know we can trust RJ?”
“Your concern is valid, my friend, but consider how difficult it is for Jonah to hide his true self. Ultimately, there is no way to keep it from RJ. Hemustknow if he is to live among us. In the unlikely event he chooses not to stay with Jonah, we will ensure he does not speak of it.”
Evie Rae, no longer crying, waved her hand to get Jack’s attention.
“Will RJ be afraid of us?”
“A good question, little one. RJ may be afraid at first because it is new to him. Jonah will answer his questions, and soon he will only be surprised and not scared. For now, remember that RJ thinks we are human, too.”
Next, Jack called on a thoroughly flummoxed Robert.
“What exactly does RJ know about us then? I don’t see how he can be helping Jonah through his heat andnotwonder what’s going on!”
The rest of the pack reacted with a few nervous giggles and heads nodding in agreement. Humans didn’t experience heats, and even in the animal kingdom, it only affected females. Evan rose to answer this time, leaving Evie with Jack while Kiah remained in Ben’s arms.
“I’m glad you asked, Robert. It would have been devastating for Jonah to have endured a heat without RJ’s help. It required a bit of creative suggestion, but I understand he’s doing very well so far. Donna and I told him that Jonah suffered from a medical condition involving periodic fevers and a strong sexual need. RJ already wanted to do whatever he could for Jonah, so it wasn’t too difficult.
“In the days to come, Jonah intends to date RJ the human way. He’ll also be inviting his mate home on occasion to see the packlands and meet some of us. Ben and I, for instance, will be having them over for dinner soon. The more time they spend together, the stronger RJ’s link to Jonah will be. Once he feels the time is right, Jonah will reveal the truth and ask RJ to move in. He’s counting on us not to give away the secret too soon, so remember to play your part well when RJ is here.”
With no further questions, Ben ended the meeting, and people began to mingle and talk. Donna, Erin, Micah, and Robert all approached Jack to ask about human-shifter couples from the past and what kinds of challenges they faced.
Lance gathered up the kids and took them home for baths and storytime, leaving Ben and Evan to speak with those who needed answers or reassurance. Now done filming, Robyn joined Katrine and Mandy to inquire about Jonah’s prospects for a family. Katrine spoke first.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I know how eager Jonah was to get pregnant with his future mate. It must hurt to know that he can’t.”
Evan took this one, nodding gravely.
“We haven’t discussed it yet, though he and Jack briefly spoke a few days ago. It’s safe to say he’s thrilled with his mate and is focused on building their relationship.
“Remember, they have at leastsomeof the same options available to them as any other couple. Jonah can conceive a child with an Honor Mate, while he or RJ may join with a female Honor Mate in human form. Any children conceived by RJ will be shifters, of course. My advice is to avoid the subject and give them time to figure it out for themselves.”
Robyn walked away from the group, wondering how such a discussion would go over with a human! Even her own people were still adjusting to the reality of Change, Honor, and Triad mates. Humans, without the aid of Luna, would probably look it at quite differently. If she knew Jonah, he’d tuck the painful subject away until he couldn’t take it any longer and then broach the idea with RJ. She knew from personal experience that any type of family they formed would be loved profoundly and nurtured by the pack.
