Page 86 of Ascendant Moon
The heady scent reached them en route, confirming what they already knew; Lincoln had scented his true mate, kicking off a powerful need to be knotted. Given the abuse he’d already suffered, the situation presented Evan with a new and delicate problem. First, he needed to disperse the growing crowd of concerned onlookers.
“I know you’re worried, but Lincoln will be all right. Give us a little privacy, please.”
Donna and Erin assured the Alpha Mate of their support before leaving the area, while the security team formed a protective barrier. Only Evan and Jonah remained, with Lincoln huddled near Scooter’s apartment door, trembling with need. Evan spoke quietly to Jonah first.
“Use your scent to calm him while I influence his mind. He won’t remember any of this, and should be fine until Scooter gets back. Follow me when I pick him up.”
Jonah nodded in understanding, trotting over to offer body rubs and encouraging yips until Lincoln suddenly lay still, eyes unfocused. Evan leaned down to scoop him up, carrying the Omega to Jonah and RJ’s home. He stopped on the front porch and put him down so Jonah could curl up behind him.
Somehow, Evan had to turn off the sexual need and replace it with something else, though only temporarily. Anything relating to the mating drive, including pregnancy, was hard-wired into the lupine psyche, so getting Lincoln’s wolf to understand and cooperate would require some delicate tinkering. First, he erased the last few minutes of memory, enabling Lincoln’s body to relax and his mind to float peacefully like a feather on a still pond. Now came the difficult part of convincing him to ignore Scooter’s scent, and accept substitutes for randy thoughts of his mate or the need for sex.
His scent is a soft promise.
Wait for your mate.
No one else will do.
Food. Friends. Sleep.
Food. Friends. Sleep.
Food. Friends. Sleep.
Evan repeated the suggestions until Lincoln’s wolf accepted them without resistance. Once Scooter returned home, his scent and presence should be more than enough to overcome any lingering doubt or fear in Lincoln’s mind. If not, he would help the damaged Omega to embrace a new life with his true mate—someone who would love, respect, and care for him as he deserved.
Evan impressed Lincoln with a very strong desire to eat, and then held up an index finger to let Jonah know he needed a few more moments to set the stage. He moved off the porch and positioned himself so it looked like he’d just walked up to the house. A bit of mental karate followed as Evan withdrew from Lincoln’s mind, and lifted his hand to wave at the two “resting” Omegas.
“Hi, guys! Are you feeling good after your run?”
Jonah caught on to the ruse and yipped playfully at his brother-in-law, while Lincoln got to his feet and looked around to get his bearings.
“It’s time for lunch, and I hear we’re having bacon wrapped pork roast with garlic potato wedges, and lemon crème cake for dessert. How’s that sound?”
Lincoln gave a happy howl of assent and jumped off the porch, urging Jonah to follow him. Evan watched as the security team escorted them to the packhouse, while he set a more relaxed pace back home. It seemed his intervention had worked, for now, though keeping Lincoln away from Scooter’s apartment door might be the better part of wisdom until the man got back on Friday. By then, he’d be the only one besides Lincoln whodidn’tknow his mate was waiting for him!
Chapter 44
Lunch
Melva sat next to Lincoln at a table that included Jonah, Doogie and Troy, and the Metcalfs. She’d settled in nicely, enjoying her new life at Gladstone and spoiling Lincoln as much as possible. Apparently, the sweet Omega had been terribly upset by something just before lunch, but he seemed to be fine now. Like every pack, there were few secrets among the members, though no one had specifically explained what had happened to her friend. It frustrated her not being able to talk to him until she realized how difficult it would be forhimto be silent for three long months!
The pack had welcomed the two of them with open arms, making them feel right at home from the start. There were a lot of names and faces to learn, but Melva was certain she’d eventually get to know everyone. The packlands were enormous, lush, and filled with wildlife—the perfect setting for a thriving pack. She certainly couldn’t complain about the food, either. Perdy and Michelle worked magic in the kitchen, and they’d even asked her what some of her favorite foods were so they could include them in the menu plans.
Her idea to come here had been right on the money, especially considering Lincoln’s awkward situation. It wouldn’t be easy raising a child on his own, but the folks here were confident that he and his pup would fit right in among “all the other misfits” (whatever that meant). Perhaps there were stories she simply hadn’t heard yet, though she herself probably fit the bill! After all, how many packs had an unmated, childless woman in her nineties with nothing to call her own?
By the time lunch was over, Evan came to collect Jonah and Lincoln for an afternoon nap. While that sounded good to her, she was intercepted by Alpha Blair before leaving the packhouse. He asked her to join him in his office for a chat, and got right down to business.
“How are you doing, Melva? Is there anything you need?”
She waved away his question.
“Land sakes, Ben, you’ve already spoiled me too much! I was just thinking that there must be something I could do around here to earn my keep.”
Ben simply smiled.
“Well, you’re in luck because I have a couple of part-time jobs for you to consider. The first one is helping in the kitchen with dishes and cleanup duties. The other is watching after our little ones at the daycare. Do either of those sound interesting?”
Melva pondered the choices for a moment before answering.
