Page 91 of Forbidden Moon
THURSDAY, AROUND NOON
RJ held the packhouse door open for Jonah, allowing an aromatic breeze to wash over them. Today’s menu featured a picnic-style lunch with Sloppy Joes, chips, potato salad, and strawberry cake topped with whipped cream. Unfortunately, the food had to wait as they were stopped a half dozen times by well-wishers on the way. Now with lunch in hand, the two found themselves sitting across from Nolan and Garrett. Their schedules rarely matched these days, so it was surprising to see them together. Jonah introduced his mate.
“RJ, this is Nolan and his mate Garrett. Nolan works with Ben at Natural Homes, and Garrett is part of our security team. Guys, this is RJ Wilson. He’s a DNR agent here in Delta County.”
RJ lifted his chin at the men, each holding a pair of plates—one piled high with food and the other burdened with double portions of dessert. Even Jonah’s lunch was supersized. Chuckling, he shook his head.
“You guys must work out all the time to be able to eat like that! I’ve been slacking off for the last week, and it’s going to take a lot of extra work to burn it off.”
Nolan insisted on answering, mouth full of potato salad.
“Nah. It’s all in the genes. Some of us have it, and then there’s the rest of you.”
Everyone laughed, and Garrett shoved him with his shoulder.
“Yeah, you’ve got something in yourjeansall right, and I’m gonna have some of it after lunch.”
RJ froze with a Sloppy Joe halfway to his mouth and blinked at the two of them. Jonah held up his hand in aplease stopgesture.
“If either of you starts talking about the size of your meat or special sauce, we’re going to sit with someone else.”
Nolan pretended to be shocked.
“Jonah! I’m going to tell your big brother you’re using inappropriate language at the table again. Your mate needs to take you home for a darn good spanking.”
RJ nearly choked while Jonah hit Nolan in the face with a crumpled napkin. The nearest diners, who of course heard every word, started laughing along. RJ got his voice working again and decided to give it right back.
“Jonahis a gentleman and doesn’t need a spanking. Unless he asks for one, of course.”
Whistles and catcalls erupted all over while Jonah’s face turned crimson.
He shook his finger at RJ.
“I knew we should have sat somewhere else. They’ve corrupted you already!”
Garrett winked at them and then asked a polite question.
“So, what do you two have planned for this afternoon?”
RJ squeezed Jonah and answered.
“We’re going to Rapid River Falls Park to have a look around. Jo said he’s never been there, and I thought it would be nice to check it out together.”
Having now finished their lunch, Nolan and Garrett stood up to go. Nolan spoke for both of them.
“Great to visit with you, RJ. I’m sure we’ll see you around. We have to go home and get this problem in my jeans taken care of.”
Amused, RJ shook his head while Jonah tried to apologize.
“It’s OK, Jo. They’re just having fun—I think.”
####
JONAH WATCHED OUT THEwindow, listening to the radio as they made their way north. He didn’t know who the singers were or the names of their greatest hits, but country music began to grow on him. He knew some people made fun, but if Rascal liked it, he’d listen. Besides, if they were talking, RJ always turned it off or way down so they could enjoy the conversation.
He looked forward to visiting somewhere other than packlands, and if they made these little trips often, he’d become familiar with the territory RJ covered every day for his job. Upper Michigan was rich with parks, trails, rivers, and a wide variety of flora and fauna to explore, and he couldn’t think of a better way to do it than with his mate. He’d also have a chance to point out some of the local wolf packs, something they were both interested in.
RJ glanced in the rearview mirror, noticing the same blue pickup truck some distance back. It had been behind them all along, from Highway Two at the Preserve and then north on Highway Forty-One. Well, theseweremajor roads, and there were several parks up this way. Still, it bothered him enough to keep an eye on them. The people who were harassing Jonah’s friends sounded unreasonably dangerous, and he didn’t want to be guilty of not paying attention to his surroundings.
