Page 46 of Ascendant Moon
“Hi, Ma. Tonight’s the night I get turned. I’m not having second thoughts, but it’s probably gonna take a while to get used to the new me. I never thought I could be a shifter like my wonderful mate, but things changed and now I’ll be able to claim Jonah and have some pups. Not sure how many yet, but if you knew Jonah the way I do, you’d understand why I want a whole houseful.
“He’ll be a great dad, and you were the best parent I could have wished for. Yeah, I remember how things were growing up, but our little ones will have the whole pack to help raise them right. They’ll have more aunts, uncles, and cousins than you can shake a stick at! And don’t worry; I’ll tell them all about you and dad.”
The drive wasn’t a long one and RJ soon arrived, parked his truck, and headed for the house. He had just enough time to shower before Jonah got home, and then Donna expected him for an examination before supper. She hadn’t said why, but hefigured it had something to do with the turning tonight, and hoped there wouldn’t be any delays. At least they didn’t have to wait until a full moon, though the next one was less than three weeks away.
Jonah managed to get home sooner than expected, heading straight for the bathroom and his fantastic mate. They didn’t have time to make love properly, so Jonah dropped to his knees in the soapy tub and sucked a load out of his man. RJ gladly returned the favor after chasing Jonah into the bedroom, which of course made them late for their appointment with Donna. She knewexactlywhat they’d been up to, but explained the purpose of the exam as RJ stripped down to his underwear.
She asked him the same set of questions that Gray had answered, and, fortunately, found no issues except his dental work. Dealing with that was explained in short order, and would be much less of a problem than the lack of acne scars or the missing tattoo on his forearm.
“If anyone asks, tell them your dermatologist tried some new techniques and you couldn’t be happier. Eventually, people will forget the old you and not give it another thought. You may need to leave your wedding ring at home or wear it around your neck from now on, in case you have to shift in a hurry.
“My guess is that you’ll have an easier time of adjusting to your wolf than Gray will. You’ve lived among us long enough to be familiar with our world. Even so, Jonah will help you figure things out, and so will your packmates. We’ve scheduled Gray first, right after supper, and then we’ll meet you at your home. If you have any questions or concerns, you can voice them before we get started.”
Donna paused and then spoke directly to RJ.
“I understand you asked my brother to deliver the bite. We were both so pleased, and it really made Robert feel special. You’ll make a wonderful Beta mate for Jonah, and I’m so happy for you both!”
Chapter 25
That same evening, Quad four
Gray held Nick’s hand as they sat side by side against the headboard, legs straight out. He wore only a loose comfy T-shirt and a pair of clean boxers, both thighs exposed. Selecting the right person to turn him had involved some discussion, but because he needed to be a Lobo shifter, it narrowed the candidates down to four people.
Ben and Evan explained his choices and what it meant to be an Alpha, Omega, or Delta since there were no Beta Lobos present. It was obvious, even to Gray, that he was not Alpha material. That left Omega like his beautiful mate, or Delta like Jack and Sergio. Further consideration convinced Gray that his personality and mindset fit that of a Delta best, and he chose Jack to turn him.
“We already have a connection that goes back to Gray Feather and Hezekiah’s friendship. I would be honored if you would turn me, Jack.”
When the moment arrived, Jack shifted, put his paws up on the side of the bed, and leaned over the exposed leg. The bite happened quickly—fangs buried in Gray’s thigh and held for several moments. He grimaced in pain, and Nick’s scent steadied his mate as blood trickled from the mutilated flesh. Jack finally let go, laving the wounds with his tongue, freely mixing saliva with Gray’s blood until the flow all but stopped.
Jack got down, shifted, and redressed while Nick kissed and comforted his mate. He approached again and uttered the same Diné words that set Gray on the path into his world.
“Gray Claw, soon you will truly be my Ma'iitsoh atsilí (wolf brother).”
Donna came forward to check the wound and Gray’s pulse.
“How do you feel?”
“It hurts more than I thought it would, but I feel fine.”
Donna nodded and then addressed Nick.
“Take care of your mate. If his fever seems too high, give him three of the tablets I left for you. Security will come around nine o’clock, and RJ and Jonah will join you in the meadow. Call if you need anything.”
Nick and Gray thanked everyone before they filed out, leaving Dante and Sergio to keep them company.
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Soon after, Jonah and RJ’s home
Jonah ushered Jack, Robert, Donna, Erin, Ben, Evan, and Evie inside, where they gathered in the comfortable living room. RJ was ready for them, reclining on the sofa in a tank top and running shorts. This turning had a different feel to it since Rascal was a pack member and already possessed many lupine traits due to his lengthy exposure to Jonah. His scent revealed anticipation, gratitude, and a bit of angst. Evie ran over to give him a hug, adding her calming scent to Jonah’s.
“That’s from me and my brothers. We want to run with you!”
RJ kissed her cheek and hugged back.
“Won’t that be fun? I’ve never had to run on four legs before, so you and the boys can show me how, all right?”
Evie nodded, giggling as she took her place at the end of the sofa to watch the proceedings. Robert stepped forward as RJ stretched out, laying his head in Jonah’s lap.
