Page 93 of Ascendant Moon
Lincoln’s scent revealed that the last one was a touchy subject. Scooter put down the list and patted his thighs. Lincoln hesitated for a moment and then jumped up to stretch out over his lap. Scooter immediately began light strokes across his neck, pregnant belly, and flank. It felt so good that Lincoln forgot to be nervous. Only then did the big man begin to speak.
“Let me tell you something, mate. I know you didn’t choose to get pregnant, but you still want the pup and so do I. You’re a package deal, see, and I have enough love for the both of you. Honestly, I’d love to have a bunch of kids, butyouget to choose, with no pressure from me. If we do, I’ll treat them all the same.”
Lincoln’s scent changed again; relief laced with growing affection for his new mate. Scooter couldn’t have known that this had been one of his greatest fears—to find a mate someday who wanted him but not his child. He lay still, enjoying the man’s gentle strokes, and sent a wave of love toward the innocent pup.
Scooter was quiet for a while, and then started telling him about his early years and the struggles he faced. It was a sad account, much like his, of someone rejected by those who should have loved him. It wasn’t until he showed up at Gladstone that Scooter began to blossom and grow into a strong, kind, passionate man. Exactly what Lincoln needed.
The bubble burst when Evan returned home and spotted them on the couch. He broke into a wide smile, pleased to see their progress. They didn’t know that Luna had given him this very image in one of his early dreams.
“Seeing you like that brings it all back. I spent a lot of time on Ben’s lap during my pregnancy and found it very soothing. By the way, it’s supposed to rain this afternoon, so you may want to go for your run before lunch.”
Lincoln yipped, wagging his tail, and Scooter gently set him on his paws.
“Let’s swing by my apartment first, and then we’ll head out. There’s a really cool place by the Eastern border I want to show you.”
Evan helped gather up the flash cards before showing them out, reminding Scooter to contact security before they took off. When they were gone, he opened the mind-link with Ben.
“They’re doing great, love. I wasn’t expecting Lincoln to accept Scooter so quickly.”
“That’s what I want to hear! They seem to be well-matched, and you do good work, mate. I hope all goes well tomorrow at Eagle River and it gives Lincoln some closure.”
“Me too. Melva’s disappointed that she’s not going to be there to see it.”
“Don’t get me started. That woman has a big heart and ice in her veins. I’m not sure if Sheppard’s team could handle her!”
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Lincoln had a funny feeling about going into Scooter’s apartment, as if he’d been there before. It smelled like him, of course; neat and clean, with everything in its place. Based on his mate’s comments, someone had been here to deliver food and throw a sturdy blanket over the bed. The second bedroom was almost empty, evidently used for storage. Scooter obviously hadn’t done much decorating, and Lincoln already had some ideas to spruce things up.
Between the heavily scented air and watching Scooter strip, Lincoln’s libido began to stir again. With Bruce, he’d been taken advantage of by an abuser while overwhelmed with hormones and a driving need he couldn’t control. Taking a knot from Scooter would not be an act of unbridled lust, but an expression of love and care between mates as Luna intended.
Scooter noticed Lincoln’s scent change and knew what it meant. He chose to ignore it for the moment and led his mate back to the apartment door. Still naked, he stepped outside to find two security men waiting. While Lincoln stood by, he closed the door, shifted, and set off into the nearby woods, heading southeast. Thankfully, their escort had picked up the scent of arousal and split up to flank the couple instead of following behind—out of direct sight, but creating a bubble of protection.
Scooter set a steady, comfortable pace, leaving room for Lincoln to run alongside. Until reaching Big Bay de Noc, which formed nearly all of the packland’s eastern border, the dense forest provided stunning views of fall color. Clearly enjoying himself, Lincoln stopped occasionally to look around and howl softly intothe cool breeze. Scooter let him do whatever he wanted, hoping the fresh air and sunshine would facilitate his mate’s healing.
At length, they reached a special place that Scooter had found only last year in his wanderings. It was a tiny island, formed long ago in the middle of Big River. The outer edge sported a few small trees, leaving a mostly flat pile of moss-covered rock in the center. To reach it, they had to get wet, but it was worth the trouble when they arrived at the sunny interior. They investigated the space together, noting who or what had visited recently, and plopped down together on the soft green moss to rest.
Lincoln rolled over on his back, exposing his plump belly to the sun while inviting his mate to come hither. Scooter approached gently, lowering his snout to lick and sniff his way over sensitive nipples until reaching the vulva. Lincoln squirmed and growled as Scooter worked the area with his tongue—lusty pheromones leaving no doubt what they both wanted. Panting with need, Lincoln got up and presented his rear, tail wrenched to the side for easy access.
Scooter mounted him straight away, pumping with short, jerky thrusts until the knot formed and he filled his mate with seed. Being his first time, it took a minute to find a more comfortable position, but he finally lay them both down without hurting Lincoln. Knots could take twenty minutes or more to deflate, and Scooter lovingly groomed his mate while they waited.
Without a voice, Lincoln couldn’t adequately express his feelings, though he tried with happy yips and growls. This wasnothinglike the harsh rutting he’d experienced with Bruce, and he was already looking forward to the next time. Scooter’s gentle, loving care made him feel special, and he wished he could tell him so. It excited Lincoln to imagine what human sex withhis mate would be like. They’d have many more ways to pleasure one another, and he was determined to ask Evan for detailed advice, even if he had to spell everything out.
Scooter noticed the change in pressure on his cock and carefully withdrew as soon as the knot released them. His mate had responded beautifully and seemed to enjoy what they’d done as much as he had. His wolf pressured him to claim Lincoln, but Scooter didn’t want to scare his mate with too much too soon. They had plenty of time for claiming after the pup was born, and by then, Lincoln should be more than ready to complete their bond.
The clouds had moved in by the time they were ready to head back, bringing a cooler breeze with them. Scooter took a few moments for full body rubs, marking Lincoln with his scent. Not that anyone would dare challenge him, but his wolf insisted. Given their growling bellies and the change in temperature, they made haste to reach the packhouse and whatever the ladies were cooking up for lunch.
Chapter 47
“ and so Linda’s taking me to see the downtown this afternoon. I sure wish you could come along. Did you know that I’ll be working with her in the daycare starting Monday? Goodness me, there’s so much going on around here! I’d tell you all about it, but I’m having lunch with some of the ladies and they’re waiting for me. Scooter, take good care of my boy!”
Melva patted the top of Lincoln’s head and wandered back to her table near the windows. Scooter chuckled at the woman’s pleasantly pushy demeanor, knowing she only wanted the best for Lincoln. Since they were in total agreement regarding his mate, he wasn’t worried about incurring her wrath. Lincoln simply chuffed and went back to eating his bowl of roast beef chunks covered with thick gravy, while Scooter finished a triple-decker sandwich and a plate full of fries.
Today’s dessert was warm blueberry crisp, topped with ice cream, and Lincoln’s tail continued wagging through three large servings. Scooter wondered how he could pack it in like that, but Donna had explained the need to feed while pregnant, especially in wolf form.
“He’s got less than six more weeks, and a growing pup requires plenty of fuel. Don’t worry, though, he’ll know when he’s had enough!”
With Jonah and RJ eating at home today, their packmates only had one pregnant Omega to fuss over. Lincoln had been so starved for touch and companionship that he savored the attention. A steady stream of folks stopped by during the meal to pet him, say hello, chat for a minute, or ask how he was doing. In less than a week, he’d been made to feel welcome, accepted, andsupported, despite the pack not knowing all that much about him. Scooter was more than grateful, having been in the same place at one time himself.
