His ill-fitting pants were already uncomfortable and it was getting more difficult to temper his desires when he was around her. It was his instinct to claim his mate and mark her as his. And it was clear she desired him but her mind and body were at war with each other. She had been hurt deeply and her trust was not easily earned. This wasn’t how he envisioned meeting his mate but he would not give up. He would show her his earnestness and find a way into her heart.
Jason headed to the front door finding his bag where Luke left it. Silently he hefted the duffle and carried it to the bathroom. He leaned over the sink breathing deep. The small space was hot, humid and heavy with Phoebe’s scent. Lobo lazily stirred. Normally his wolf was restless in the mornings trying to claw its way out of his mind but now Lobo was practically comatose, utterly relaxed surrounded by their mate’s scent. All night long he hadn’t stirred once.
‘You still alive, buddy?’ Jason chuckled.
‘Mate smells so good.’
‘Yes. She does.’
‘And she feels so soft and warm.’
‘Yes.’ Jason agreed remembering how neatly she fit against him.
‘But she’s too thin.’ Lobo whimpered.
‘Yeah. I know.’ Jason sighed.
Luke had mentioned it and there was no denying it when he held her. While Phoebe certainly wasn’t skin and bones, it was clear she was thinner than she should be. He heard rejected wolves often pined for the mates who rejected them. They often fell into deep depression and loss of appetite was not uncommon. Some even went as far as harming themselves.
Thankfully that didn’t seem the case with Phoebe but it was clear she suffered the effects of the broken bond. Lobo growled at the thought of their mate longing for another.
‘We’ll make her forget she ever had another mate,’ Jason assured him.
‘Yes! Mate is ours!’
Though curiosity gnawed at him Jason refused to ask about Phoebe’s previous mate. He didn’t want her thinking about that wolf and not just because of his selfish pride but because he didn’t want her to remember the pain. From now on she would never have to think about it. She had him. Lobo yipped agreement.
Shedding the too short flannels Jason struggled to change in the small space and was again struck by how cramped the cottage was and how much more Phoebe deserved. Yet this was her parents’ home and she would be reluctant to leave. Somehow he had to convince her to go home with him. His pack anxiously waited for their Luna.
Normally it wouldn’t be an issue. Mates were naturally attracted to one another and wouldn’t dream of being separated but Phoebe had suffered one rejection already so she was hesitant and distrustful. He had to prove to her he was different from her first mate and that it was safe to trust him. But how?
* * *
Phoebe tried to marshal her thoughts as she made omelets over the griddle. Her mind was muddled. Though Jason had only been in her home for a short time his scent and aura was already permeating every corner of the cottage especially in the bedroom.
It made it difficult for her to think straight even in the shower. The entire time Máni whined they were washing away their mate’s scent. Her wolf didn’t calm down until they returned to the bedroom and Jason embraced her rubbing his scent back on her. Phoebe hated to admit it, his presence and scent were soothing but it was making it hard to think.
Jason was an alpha and not just any alpha. Blue Moon was one of the oldest packs in the world. In fact it was one of the six ancient packs first originating in Europe. Wanting to expand territories three of those packs joined the Vikings to immigrate to the Americas where they established themselves hundreds of years before other Europeans set foot on the continent. With such a long history it was no wonder the pack held so much sway that even the Royal pack often differed to them.
And she was supposed to be his Luna?
Phoebe wasn’t sure what the Moon Goddess was thinking. She had been surprised enough being mated to Graham and the prospect of being Rimrock’s Luna but the thought of stepping into that position with the Blue Moon Pack was daunting and terrifying. She couldn’t do it.
‘We’ll be fine.’ Máni said. ‘You’ll see.’
Phoebe frowned. Her wolf made it sound so easy.
“What are you thinking about, angel?” Jason asked as he came up behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist and he nuzzled her neck breathing deep.
Phoebe’s heart raced at his touch and she struggled to keep herself from moaning. Desires she assumed dormant were stirring. She wanted him to stay, to sweep her off her feet and take her back to bed, though that might have been her wolf talking too.
“You smell fabulous in the morning,” Jason said growling against her skin.
After one night she would already feel the possessiveness in his aura expanding around them. She could almost sense his wolf prowling around the perimeter warning away intruders. The very thought made her own wolf roll on its back belly-up wagging her tail. Before she even realized what she was doing Phoebe leaned against him offering her neck. Jason’s embrace tightened as his teeth grazed her marking spot. His scent took on a sweeter smell, like roasted marshmallows, that made her mouth water.
“Oh angel…” Jason struggled to gain control of himself.
He could feel her succumbing to his aura and longing. If he swept her into his arms and carried her back to bed she probably wouldn’t protest but she would regret it later. Her mind and body were at war with each other, fighting for control. He wanted her willing which meant her mind and body had to be in agreement.
“Is this breakfast?” he said finally dampening his aura.
“Um…yes. It’s almost done,” Phoebe struggled to regain her composure. “C-could you grab the juice from the fridge: apple or orange whichever you prefer.”
“My pleasure,” Jason kissed her temple before releasing her.
Opening the refrigerator he grabbed the carton of orange juice before moving to the table. He paused before filling their glasses smiling to see she had set the table with the place settings beside one another rather than across. It was already progress. Breakfast with his mate sounded no less appealing than dinner. Lobo was already strutting through his mind.
Phoebe plated the omelets and brought them to the table along with fresh toast and jam. Jason held her chair for her and helped her to sit before taking his own seat. His omelet was as large as the plate and hers was nearly as big which he was happy to note given how thin his mate was. He hoped his presence was helping her get back the appetite she lost after her rejection. Pleasing aromas of egg, cheese, bacon, hashbrowns, peppers and mushrooms seeped from his meal letting him know she packed their omelets with a farmer’s market. His mouth watered.
Reaching over he grasped her hand and kissed it saying, “I love eating anything you make…but you know I don’t expect this, right?”
Phoebe blushed, “I like to cook. It’s relaxing.”
Jason kissed her hand again, “As long as it makes you happy, angel. I’ll never say no.”
Phoebe’s blush deepened and he released her hand before he pushed her too far. He didn’t want to ruin the progress they made by rushing her. Turning his attention to the meal in front of him Jason cut into the omelet and took his first bite. Jason softly moaned in ecstasy of the medley of flavors invading his mouth. He knew nothing of cooking so he didn’t attempt to name the herbs she used. But it was heaven.
“Is it really that good?” Phoebe asked watching his reaction trying not to laugh.
“Phoebe…” Jason hesitated then took her hand and kissed it. “It tastes almost as good as you.”
She blushed crimson. He kissed her hand once more before returning to his meal. They ate in companionable silence enjoying their private meal. After weeks of visiting other packs it was a welcome moment of rest for Jason but also a reminder he had a schedule to maintain and today he was supposed to patrol.
The thought of spending even one minute away from his mate was intolerable but her safety was his top priority which meant a patrol of the pack’s land was a must. Lobo prowled restlessly torn between guarding his mate and securing the territory.
“…So do you have plans today?” Jason asked.
“I’m taking the pups swimming,” Phoebe said.
He breathed a sigh of relief immediately picturing them poolside splashing and carefree, “I’m sure they’ll enjoy the pool.”
“Oh no. Not the pool,” Phoebe shook her head. “The Luna banned them permanently after she came here. There’s a pond in the north woods I take them to.”
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