“Anything to report?”
“Only that the Alpha and Luna here are getting more annoying. The Beta isn’t bad but…”
“I know. He seems to be aware of what is going on but he lacks the authority to keep the Alpha in line or override him. And he’s still unmated.”
“Yeah, if he was mated it would definitely give his aura a boost and if it was his fated mate it might even push him over the top.”
“Did they buy your excuse for my absence?”
“To be honest I don’t know if Alpha Graham even heard me. But Luna Kristie was disappointed.”
Jason grimaced.
“Don’t worry about it. Just focus on your mate.”
“Gladly.”
Jason closed the connection. Now calm he managed to change in the bathroom that was hardly bigger than a linen closet. The t-shirt was far too small so he tossed it aside. The flannels were loose if short and were like capris on him but would suffice for tonight. Leaving his clothes in a neat pile on top of the hamper he stepped back into the hallway.
Reaching the bedroom doors he paused to peak into the opposite room. To his surprise it was not just a childhood bedroom but one made for two with twin beds and dressers. Even more surprising was the relatively fresh smells of others wolves that permeated it. Phoebe said she was an only child and she didn’t claim pups of her own but there was no doubt the room was recently used. The scents were beginning to stale meaning they were at least a week old.
Intrigued and confused he pushed aside his questions to focus on his mate. There was time enough to ask her about the room later when he had built some trust. Facing his mate’s room he took a deep breath and knocked hoping she hadn’t changed her mind.
After an anxious moment the door opened to reveal his mate. Phoebe wore pink, two-piece, silk pajamas. The shorts gave him his first unimpeded view of her supple legs. Jason swallowed a lump in his throat noticing the blush rising to her cheeks. She averted her eyes and he recalled his bare chest.
Stepping forward he gently took her in his arms and kissed her temple. He wanted to assure her he wouldn’t try anything but also didn’t trust himself if he tried a more passionate kiss.
Still blushing she retreated to the bed hurriedly slipping under the covers and settled on one side of the bed facing away from him. Jason watched holding his breath as he glimpsed her round butt yearning to touch it.
‘This is going to be hard.’
‘You can say that again,’ Lobo laughed. ‘You should check your pants.’
‘Quiet. You are not helping.’
Jason tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling in his borrowed pants. It was not easy to do, surrounded by his mate’s heavenly smell. Once he was certain he could control himself he circled to his side of the bed. He eased under the covers noting her reaction. It was clear she never shared a bed with anyone by her rigid posture and how she positioned herself on the very edge giving him ninety percent of the mattress. Once he was lying down he eased closer to her and pulled her into his embrace spooning her so she rested firmly against him.
“…Wait.”
“Shh. It’s okay, angel,” he kissed her temple. “I promised nothing will happen that you aren’t ready for…but I can’t have you falling off the bed.”
She snorted at the thought of falling out of her own bed but slowly relaxed as he nuzzled her. His embrace was firm but not wandering though he desperately wanted to caress every inch of her. Satisfied he would keep his promise she relaxed letting his scent sooth her to sleep. Though Jason had gotten used to restless nights this time he fell asleep easily with his mate safe in his arms.
* * *
Sunlight peaked through the curtains as Jason stirred. He couldn’t remember a night he slept so deeply and he found it difficult to stir with his mate’s scent permeating his lungs. Breathing deep he reveled in it reaching for her only to find he was in bed alone. Jerking awake he bolted upright.
The bedroom was small and a bit cramped with a bed, two bedside tables and a dresser. And of course there was a bookshelf heavily burdened by books making the space even smaller. The closet door was partially open allowing him a view of the equally small space. It pained him knowing his mate had lived in this cramped environment for so long. She deserved so much more. For starters he would build her a library, maybe an entire replica of the cottage since they couldn’t take it with them. But first…
Swinging his legs over the bed he stood. As he did the bedroom door suddenly opened and Phoebe entered wrapped in a towel. Her thick, brown mane contained and twisted in another. Her eyes suddenly went wide seeing he was awake and hesitated.
With a sigh of relief Jason closed the distance between them and held her. Bowing his head near her neck he breathed in her scent now freshened after her shower. Raising his head he kissed her forehead before pressing his lips to hers with a relaxed, lazy kiss.
“Good morning, angel.”
“Morning.” She blushed at his intimate yet chaste gestures. “Did you, um, sleep well?”
“Best I have in years.” He chuckled nuzzling her. “And you? Did you sleep well?”
“Yes. I did.”
“Good.” Jason kissed her temple.
“Hope I’m not interrupting…” Luke’s voice suddenly announced through their mental link.
Stifling a growl Jason answered his Beta’s entreat, “This better be important.”
“I took the liberty of packing your things. I left your bag on the porch.”
“Fine.”
“Why so grouchy?”
“It just so happened I’m greeting my mate good morning before you interrupted.”
“Oh. Oops. I’ll be going now.”
“Is something wrong?” Phoebe asked feeling his tension.
“No. My Beta thinks he’s funny,” Jason shook his head.
Phoebe smiled at his excuse. It never occurred to her that a beta could be funny but perhaps that was the difference between an older pack like Blue Moon and a younger one like Rimrock. Or perhaps the difference was in how the alphas managed their respective packs that allowed them to be more casual.
He kissed her forehead again before slowly releasing her, “He dropped off my bag so…if you don’t mind I’ll use your bathroom.”
“Oh! Yes. That’s fine. The towels are in the linen closet right as you walk in.”
“Thanks.”
“…I’ll make breakfast. Omelets sound okay?”
“Sounds perfect.” Jason smiled taking a final long look at her wanting nothing more than to rip away the towel hiding her from his sight before he let himself out of the room.
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