Page 92 of Ascendant Moon
They both did their business, and Scooter jumped on the bed after his mate, curling up behind him. It wasn’t exactly a textbook first night together, but Scooter understood that he had to earn Lincoln’s trust before they could be intimate. Instead, he licked his mate’s muzzle and fell into a peaceful sleep.
Chapter 46
Saturday morning
Lincoln drifted up slowly from the depths of a refreshing slumber, still pressed against his warm mate. Scooter’s marvelous scent surrounded him, bringing a sense of contentment and safety that went far beyond simple comfort. A sudden rustling near the bedroom door awakened him fully, and he lifted his head to find Evan delivering a stack of clothing and shoes for his mate. It was only natural that Scooter would spend most of his time in human form, and would need to be dressed, but the thought of the huge Beta towering over him sent shivers down his spine.
Though still asleep, Scooter picked up the fear in Lincoln’s scent and awoke with a start. His eyes swept the room, nose twitching as he parsed the air for any threat to his beautiful mate. Satisfied that there was none, he released a loud snort and turned to groom Lincoln’s face with his tongue. His mate relaxed enough to return the favor, enjoying what, in human form, would be a morning make-out session.
Just as their pheromones took on the distinct scent of desire, Evie came running into the room and climbed up on the bed to scratch their ears.
“Good morning, Lincoln! Good morning, Scooter! It’s time for breakfast and we’re having waffles. Come on!”
Scooter’s slightly aggrieved growl went unnoticed as Evie took off, but being cock-blocked by a sweet little girl was more than frustrating! Lincoln jumped down off the bed, chuffing at his mate’s frustration, though grateful for the interruption. He wasn’t ready for sex just yet, though Scooter would be hard toresist. Actually, his pregnancy hormones hadn’t bothered him for several days, and even after meeting his mate, they were only mildly annoying. Frankly, he didn’t miss the mindless urge to be knotted, though Scooter might think there was something wrong with him.
His mate had shifted, glorious body on display as he began to dress, and it seemed a shame to cover it up. The movements were both swift and graceful, and Lincoln wondered if Scooter was hurrying for his sake. In another six weeks, he’d be able to shift again, and his mate had no idea what he looked like—naked or otherwise. Would he be disappointed? Would intimacy be awkward and clumsy?
In a sense, they’d have to re-start their relationship after the pup arrived. After all, Lincoln was practically a virgin and knew nothing about pleasing a mate. On top of that, they’d have an infant to care for and no child rearing experience. The challenges seemed daunting, but at least they’d have each other to lean on. Scratch that. They’d have theentire packto help and advise them if needed, and that was saying something. Scooter finished dressing and kneeled down to glide gentle hands along Lincoln’s coat. Being eye to eye wasn’t nearly as scary, and he leaned into the petting.
“So beautiful. I know you’re still kinda scared of me, but I wouldn’t think of hurting you. My mate.Mine. Let’s eat, sweetheart, and then go for a run or whatever you want to do. Okay?”
Lincoln nodded and then licked Scooter’s face before rubbing against him, covering his mate with scent. Together, they reported to the dining room for a scrumptious breakfast, and a little taste of future family life.
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While Ben took the kids to the playground, Evan presented the newlymates with a set of his Preggo Project flash cards and showed Scooter how to use them.
“I’ve drawn up a series of questions you can use to get acquainted. It will be slow going for Lincoln since he can’t talk, so be patient with him, Scooter. Use the cards, make logical guesses when you aren’t sure, and offer lots of yes or no questions to make it easier for your mate. I’m sure that once Lincoln can shift again, you’ll still have a lot to talk about!
“Today is just to learn a few things about each other so it doesn’t feel like you’re mated to a complete stranger. If it’s not working and you get frustrated, take a break and go for a run. Donna wants Lincoln to get daily exercise anyway, so investigate the packlands—just be sure to let security know. Feel free to use the living room while I go see Jack. Cody’s off today, so you’ll have the place to yourselves for a while.”
Evan gave each of them a hug and left the house. Scooter sat down on the big leather couch where he could see the cards laid out on the floor. They began with the basic stuff.
“Okay. The first one is “name.” Mine is Nate Scoon, no middle name, and most people call me Scooter. Yours is Lincoln Hart, but do you have a middle name or a nickname?”
Lincoln nodded and spelled it out for him.
“Middle name is Joseph, and your nickname is Linc. Okay. Even I can remember that one! Next up is “birthday.” Mine is September fourteenth, and I’m twenty-one.”
Lincoln looked surprised, thinking his mate was a few years older than that. He used the cards to answer for himself, and it was Scooter’s turn to be surprised.
“So yours is June seventh, and you’reeighteen? It’s hard to tell when somebody’s in wolf form!”
They continued through several more.
Home? Scooter—Gulliver, MI / Lincoln—mostly Eagle River.
Siblings? Scooter—not sure / Lincoln—no.
Least favorite food? Scooter—cabbage / Lincoln—oranges.
Favorite season? Scooter—spring / Lincoln—fall.
Can you dance? Scooter—yes / Lincoln—teach me.
Neat or slob? Scooter—neat / Lincoln—in between.
Want more kids? Scooter—yes / Lincoln—maybe.
