Page 47 of Ascendant Moon
“Before I shift, I just wanted to say that we’re all thrilled for you, even though you’re already the best mate Jonah could ask for. My wolf and I are proud to be part of something so special.”
With that, he retreated to the hallway to undress and shift, trotting back into the living room moments later. Not wanting to miss anything, the couple watched as Robert walked over, sniffed RJ’s thigh just above the knee, and chomped down in a lightning-fast move. RJ tensed, grunting in pain while Omega scent flooded the room and Jonah leaned down to kiss him gently on the forehead. Robert opened his jaws and proceeded to lick the wounds—ensuring an adequate mix of blood and saliva, and kick-starting the healing process.
Robert snuffled the leg once more, yipped happily at the couple, and ran a couple of laps around the sofa before getting redressed. Meanwhile, Donna checked her patient over and gave Jonah the same instructions she’d left with Nick. Since this was new to the couple, she told them what to expect.
“You won’t notice much during the first twenty-four hours except for fatigue and a fever that should start in about an hour. Meds are on the kitchen counter if the fever spikes. After that, you’ll notice sensory changes, some mild muscle pain or spasms, and intermittent arousal. Intimacy is fine if RJ feels up to it, just nothing too vigorous. Make sure he eats regularly and stays hydrated. We’ll be back to escort you to the meadow around nine o’clock for some moonlight exposure—Gray and Nick will be there, too.”
Evie came over to pat RJ’s hand and ask a question.
“Will your wolf be dark like you?”
Unsure, RJ looked up at his mate who simply shrugged.
“I don’t know, sweetie, but that’s a good question. Let’s ask Jack.
Jack came prepared, having already reviewed his memories to provide an informed answer.
“Yes, Evie, I believe RJ will have more dark fur, just as Lobo wolves do. He will be both strong and handsome.”
Evie seemed quite pleased at the prospect, gave RJ and Jonah hugs, and left the house with the others to give the couple some privacy. Ben put Evie up on his broad shoulders and grasped Evan’s hand as they walked home. He noticed that his mate seemed unusually introspective and opened the mind-link.
“What’s bothering you, love? Did we miss something?”
Evan shook his head and pecked Ben on the cheek.
“I was just wondering if people like RJ and Gray will encounter prejudice as turned humans rather than shifter-born. I’d like to think the community is open-minded enough not to become racist, for want of a better term.”
Ben didn’t like the sound of thatat all, and growled in annoyance.
“I’ll be sure to bring it up with Alpha Sheppard and Everet so we can work on education and awareness. And if I hear anything like that here, they’re going to wish I hadn’t.”
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In the meadow, around 9 p.m.
In order not to overwhelm RJ, Gray, and their mates, only a select few visited the meadow while they soaked up Luna’s rays. Padded lawn furniture had been placed in the center for their comfort, and the security team formed a protective perimeter around the couples. While Donna and Erin checked their patients, Jack and Evan listened and observed. Gray’s fever was a bit higher than RJ’s, but both slept soundly while their mates snuggled with them under warm blankets. Donna repeated some of her earlier instructions.
“Don’t let them sleep through meals or get dehydrated. They won’t be thinking about such things and are relying on you to care for them. Sponge baths are safer than attempting a shower, and use the ear thermometers I gave you every few hours to check the fever. Don’t forget that some of your mate’s teeth will come loose in the next few days, and from what I’ve been told, they’ll be eager to spit them out. If you’re worried aboutanything, just call one of us. Ben and Dante will be back in a couple of hours to escort you home for the night.”
Nick and Jonah thanked them all for their care and concern, and then spent the time becoming better acquainted. On the surface, the two had little in common, having been raised in different cultures and under dissimilar circumstances. While Jonah was already living his dream, Nick was trying to figure out what his next steps in life might be. They shared at least one common desire—to bear their mate’s pups.
When Nick asked for more information about becoming a change mate, Jonah explained Evan’s experience and the time they’d shared while he was pregnant. Nick soaked it up like a sponge, though he understood that he and Gray needed to get settled somewhere before they could start their family. He then asked Jonah what he and RJ were planning.
“It’s been kind of a sore spot for us since we mated. RJ was willing to be turned, despite the supposed danger, but it wasn’t allowed. We considered finding an Honor Mate to have a family, but it just didn’t feel right to us. I’m glad we didn’t now!
“We’re hoping to start our family at the next full moon, on the nineteenth. RJ didn’t have any siblings, so we’d like to have at least four or five. Jack tells me that male Omegas usually only carry one pup at a time, but I don’t care. I’ll take all the kids Luna allows. We have family here, a daycare, and the whole pack to help us, so I saybring it on!”
Understandably, Nick’s opinion was slightly different.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I was okay doing my own thing and then, WHAM, Luna dropped a gorgeous mate in my lap and everything turned upside down. I want it all with Gray, but I’m still getting used to the idea of carrying pups. Waiting a while might be a good thing because somehow I can’t quite picture myself with little ones around the house calling me papa—at least not yet!
“I never had a good father figure at home, and then my mom disappeared too. From what Gray’s told me about his grandfather, Walter, I think he’s had at least one person he could look up to. We’ll figure it out, just like everybody else, but for now I want to enjoy having a mate to care for and spoil. I love him so much.”
Time passed quickly while their mates slept, and they chatted about family, pack life, goals, and dreams. When it was time to go, Ben and Dante showed up to help get RJ and Gray home and ready for bed. The night passed without incident, and Friday morning, Jonah and Nick awoke to the altered scents of their transforming mates.
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Friday afternoon
