Page 62 of Ascendant Moon
Colton wasn’t surprised by his father’s words. They’d always been close, and he respected the sacrifices he’d made to protect him—long before they knewwhyhe was so different.
“I had another dream last night. I was in the Duluth Council chamber with a bunch of other people and they were asking for my advice. It felt good, like they needed me and what I had to say was important. Being a True Elder doesn’t sound like a bad thing to me, so I wish you’d stop worrying.”
Jim winked at him.
“As your father, that’s my job. One day, when you find a mate and have pups, you’ll understand what I’m saying. Your mother and I just want you to be happy and have a good life, but I don’t think we’re ready to think of you as an adult just yet.”
“Aww, dad…”
Jim embraced his son, both shedding uncertain tears. Colton felt as though he were stepping into his future, while Jim mourned the loss of his little boy, forced to grow up too soon. Together, they reached for the box of tissues on the nightstand and it got them laughing. Once the waterworks stopped, they made some fun plans for the next day and said goodnight with more hugs. Whatever happened to him, Colton was thankful that Luna had led them to the nice people at Gladstone, where they knew what this True Elder business was all about.
Chapter 32
Sunday evening, September 19th, Gladstone
Tonight’s clear skies were perfect for the Change Mate transformation, with moonlight flooding the packlands. Under it, a small procession wound its way through the tall grass to the same glade used by other packmates seeking Luna’s aid. This time, it was Jonah and RJ’s turn, accompanied by Ben, Evan, Robyn, and four wolves from the security team. The group stopped when they reached a prepared spot near the center, and the guards peeled off to form a perimeter.
A soft cushion of throws awaited the couple, including an old family quilt of RJ’s, one of Jonah’s childhood bedspreads, and a brand new baby blanket they’d purchased for their first child. This glade brought back cherished memories for Evan and Robyn, as Luna had enabled both of them to conceive here. They swiped away a few tears while RJ set down the backpack he’d been carrying. Ben kept his comments short.
“Just remember that you’re not alone. The whole pack is ready to help, and we love you. We’ll be waiting out of sight and listening for your signal.”
Hugs and scentings ensued before Ben, Evan, and Robyn left the glen, giving the couple a modicum of privacy. Whatever happened tonight, it was comforting to know that they’d be close by to celebrate or commiserate, depending on how things went. Now alone, RJ pulled Jonah close for a tender, growly, kiss.
“My mate. Mine. Love you, Jo.”
“I love you, too, Rascal. Now, let’s make babies!”
RJ retrieved the lube and hand towels from the pack, leaving plenty of room for Jonah’s discarded clothing and shoes. The chilly September air raised goosebumps as the pair quickly stripped down and settled on the blankets. Moonlight caressed them, penetrating deeply with an otherworldly energy that no one could adequately describe. Though acutely aware of their true purpose, it didn’t dampen their ardor one bit, and soft kisses and strokes quickly morphed into passion.
Moaning with pleasure and anticipation, Jonah turned to present his ass for the taking. RJ greased up his turgid dick and then prepped his mate with long, lubed fingers until Jonah was panting.
“Now, Rascal! I need to feel you.”
RJ readily complied, burying his enlarged shifter cock in Jonah’s warm, tight channel. A few shallow pumps gave way to vigorous thrusting and a pheromonal high that brought climax ever nearer.
“Get ready to shift, Jo. Three, two, one, NOW!”
The couple abruptly stopped all motion and shifted in unison with RJ buried to the hilt in Jonah’s body. Time itself seemed to stand still as they experienced an odd tingling within and without. While RJ simply took on his wolf form, Jonah’s body underwent additional changes that would enable him to conceive, deliver, and nurse a child. Even as RJ’s dick shifted to its lupine form (which felt totally different than a human penis), he noticed odd sensations while pressed into Jonah’s body.
There wasn’t time for contemplation, however, as normal time resumed with a rush and they completed the shift. RJ held Jonah in place with his forepaws to continue short, jerky thrusts that filled his mate with seed. His knot quickly expanded,locking the heated pair together while they waited to see if Jonah would conceive. In a practiced maneuver, they lay down to rest on the comfortable nest of blankets, awash with Luna’s light.
Without the mind-link that True Elders and their mates enjoyed, RJ didn’t know what Jonah was thinking or feeling. While they waited, he lovingly groomed his mate with a long, wet tongue and sampled his scent for changes. After about ten minutes, Jonah lifted his head with a start and yipped quietly. With the smell of excitement in the air, RJ assumed something good was happening. Evan had told them that he felt conception taking place; a strange, itchy-tingling sensation in his new womb. If that was what Jonah was trying to tell him, they wouldn’t know for sure until the knot released them.
When the pressure finally began to ease, both wolves started growling in anticipation. Now free to move, RJ got up to lick Jonah’s face, rub against him, and sniff his nether regions. His mate’s scent now had an added layer that wasn’t present before, and RJ shifted back to human form.
“You don’t smell the same, Jo. Can you shift?”
Jonah focused hard on his wolf, but nothing happened. He tried a second time, panting and shaking with the effort to no avail. He was pregnant! Lifting his muzzle, Jonah howled a combined thank you to Luna and a joyful announcement to his packmates. Delighted responses filled the cool night air and RJ laughed and cried while hugging his wonderful mate. Meanwhile, Ben, Evan, and Robyn arrived on foot to congratulate the happy couple.
While Evan gathered the blanket pile, RJ dressed quickly and packed up Jonah’s things so the security team could escort them back to the central compound. When they reached the Blairs’ home, and despite the late hour, Evie and her brothers rushedout the door to surround Uncle Jonah. He licked all their faces and chuffed at their questions as RJ’s growly protective streak manifested itself.
Once they reached Eastside, Robyn gave the couple hugs and left Jonah with a parting piece of sage advice.
“Remember—no lifting the leg to pee. You have to learn to squat now.”
RJ laughed and Jonah yipped as she headed to her apartment wearing a saucy grin. Tomorrow she started working with Ray Dunlap at the LRC office, and while a fine temporary co-worker, it wouldn’t be the same without her best friend nearby. She wasn’t the only one who’d be making adjustments, though.
Now at the Wilson home, RJ thanked the security team and opened the front door for his mate. Jonah headed for the kitchen water bowl and then whined at the closed refrigerator. RJ got the message and fixed him something to eat before they turned in. Jonah peed (squatting) in his large sandbox and waited while his mate used the toilet and brushed his teeth. As agreed beforehand, RJ would be sleeping in wolf form until Jonah delivered, and they curled up together for the first night of their three-month adventure.
