Page 70 of Forbidden Moon
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MEANWHILE, AT THE LRCoffice
Distracted and missing her best friend, Robyn plugged away at the presentation designed to counter Senator Hawthorne’s unwelcome proposals concerning the natural wolf population. Jonah should have finished it last week, but with RJ in the picture and then his heat, she’d have to complete it herself. With the hard work already done, it left only the addition of background music and the end credits. Unless something else came up, she’d finish before lunch and send it off to Alpha Sheppard’s team in Duluth.
Somehow, her ruminations conjured up the man himself as the phone displayed a call from Sheppard’s office.
“Hello, Sir. How may I help you?”
“Good morning, Robyn. My people are eager to send out the Hawthorne presentation. Can you tell me when we can expect it?”
“I’m working on it right now and should have it done within the hour.”
“Very good! I appreciate your help in getting it finished. I understand Jonah has other priorities right now, which is one reason I called. When you are able, please give him my congratulations and let him know he’s not expected back to work until he and his mate are settled.”
“I’ll be sure to tell him for you, but what about the office? I’m only available half days, Sir.”
“Given what’s happening with your pack, I have a favor to ask of you. I spoke with Ben earlier about putting your talents to work elsewhere for the time being. I’d like you to close the LRC office until further notice and report to Artem Sanford. He could use your help and experience monitoring packlands. You’ll still receive full salary, and both Ben and I would rest easier knowing you were not alone in town. And, while he may not complain, Artem simply cannot monitor all the equipment by himself. What do you say?”
Robyn wasn’t quite surewhatto say. The whole thing came out of nowhere and left her a bit dazed.
“I... well, yes, I’d be happy to help out if you think I’m the best person for the job. We’re currently working on a couple of new modules, but nothing urgent. I’ll close up here as soon as I get the presentation sent off.”
“Excellent! Thank you for agreeing to work with Artem. He’s a patient teacher with a good sense of humor. I believe you’ll work well together. If it becomes necessary, I’ll send one of our team to open up the Gladstone office while the pack is dealing with the current threat.”
Bemused, Robyn thanked him, ended the call and tried to gather her thoughts. Truthfully, she didn’t enjoy being here alone with danger hanging over their heads, and it made much more sense to go home and do something productive to help the pack. She turned to the computer screen with a deep breath and dove back in to finish the project.
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JONAH AWAKENED FIRSTaround ten-thirty, realizing at once the heat had run its course. He was grateful to be done with it, and his wolf radiated a smug satisfaction at having taken his mate to bed. It wasn’t a proper claiming, but he seemed to understand this was all he and his human would get.
Jonah found himself half-sprawled across RJ’s naked body—head lying on the man’s shoulder and possessive limbs holding him down. Good grief—already clingy, and RJ wasn’t even awake yet! Jonah knew his mate needed to resume everyday life, but it meant spending precious time apart. Inwardly he recoiled at the idea of only seeing him on occasion as they “dated”. If he could, he’d invite RJ to move in with him today and never let him go!
Maybe now, after their intense days together, RJ might be interested in spending more time with him than he would have otherwise. He couldn’t expect his human mate to understand the soul-deep connection shifters often took for granted. If he pushed too hard, RJ might feel smothered and rushed into making what was, for him, an enormous commitment. He did not know Jonah’s heart already belonged to him, forever and without reservation.
To Jonah, they were entwined, married, committed for life, or whatever other words might be used to describe a permanent relationship. What human wouldn’t balk at such ideas after knowing someone for less than a week? Despite the feelings RJ held for him, it seemed unlikely they were strong enough to accept the idea of being bonded and everything it entailed. The thought reminded Jonah that RJ didn’t yet know about shifters—the final and risky barrier he must overcome before they could truly be together.
The change in Jonah’s scent must have awakened RJ, for he twitched and pulled him closer.
“Are you all right, Jo?”
Jonah buried his face in RJ’s neck, beginning a series of soft kisses at the man’s ear, cheek, and lips. They pecked and pressed and licked until Jonah found his voice.
“Sorry, Rascal. The fever is gone, but I don’t want to let you go.”
Rascal reached up to sift through Jonah’s bedhead hair with soft fingers.
“Good, because I’m not ready to leave yet. Let’s get cleaned up and have something to eat. Then we’ll hang out for a while, OK?”
Jonah kissed him again, firm, lingering, and filled with feeling. All the things he wanted so desperately to say, but couldn’t, were present in that kiss. Though RJ sensed the man’s vulnerability, he declined to ask for an explanation. Jonah would share when he was ready, and besides, talking was often overrated. Their dicks certainly weren’t interested in conversation, now plump and nestled together between their bodies.
They both tried to look down at their errant cocks at the same time and ended up bumping heads—laughing away the melancholy mood. Jonah wouldn’t have minded another roll in the hay, but he suspected RJ might be too sore to enjoy it right now. They finally got up, stripped the bed, and headed for the shower together. RJ washed quickly and then treated Jonah to slow, soapy caresses and gentle exploration until his lover was squeaky clean. Though their dicks perked up again, they weren’t given any special attention this time.
It seemed odd to put on clothing after days of nakedness, but they dressed and made their way to the kitchen for a late breakfast. They conversed between bites, sitting thigh to thigh and stealing occasional kisses and bits of bacon. Jonah nearly choked on his orange juice as a notion popped into his head.
“Your job! What day is this? Are you going to be in trouble?”
RJ smiled and kissed Jonah’s forehead.
