Jason chuckled as the door closed behind him. He turned, resting his forehead against the cool door, his wolf-hearing listening to every little sound she made until the water started running. His thoughts swirled, thinking about his petite little mate in the shower…nude…water running down her gentle curves. It took every bit of his self-control not to pull the door off its hinges.
This is going to be hard.
‘That’s not the only thing hard.’ Lobo chuckled.
‘Not helping pal,’ Jason sighed, looking down at his pants. ‘And you neither.’
To distract himself, he retrieved Phoebe’s things from the living room. It took several trips, but he moved three boxes and two suitcases into the bedroom, piling them alongside the trunk at the foot of the bed. He would have begun unpacking but didn’t want to invade her privacy.
“Um…Jason?”
He turned to see her standing at the bathroom door wrapped in a towel. The towels she used at her home were over-sized and covered her easily. His towels were considerably smaller, which meant he had a full view of her delicately pale legs. Jason swallowed hard before approaching and embracing her. He leaned down, burying his nose in her damp hair, which now had the unmistakable tang of Old Spice.
The masculine scent combined with hers was strangely erotic and he fought his ever-growing desires. He nibbled her ear, letting his scent rub off on her. Until they were marked and mated, he would have to do this every time she washed to make sure his scent remained on her. Not that anyone in the pack would dare come between him and his Luna, but it also kept Lobo at ease.
“Angel, you smell and look divine,” he mumbled.
Phoebe blushed, but loved the way he caressed her and nipped at her ear and neck. He made her feel desirable, wanted and loved. Jason raised his head, kissing her waiting lips, loving all her little reactions and shivers of pleasure. His wolf was silent, which could only mean Lobo was linking his mate. They would build their bonds with their mates brick by brick if they needed to.
Jason let out a growl as he broke their kiss. His eyes glazed over as he mindlinked with someone. Shaking his head, he looked again at Phoebe stroking her cheek.
“My sister again.”
Phoebe chuckled.
“You can laugh all you want, angel, but if my sister doesn’t back off I’m going to make her pay…painfully.” He kissed her nose.
“I wouldn’t want to start a family feud,” Phoebe said. “Do you have anything for me to wear?”
“Of course,” Jason led her to the bed, lifting the suitcases and setting them on the trunk. “Bridget made sure to pack your clothes for you.”
“These are mine?” Phoebe blinked, eying the boxes as well.
“That’s right,” Jason hugged her from behind. “I’ll have the omegas unpack for you later. I’m sure my mother and sister will want to take you shopping.”
“Shopping? Oh…but I don’t have any money,” Phoebe bit her lip. Working as the pack pup teacher earned her a small stipend. It had been enough for her and the pups to get by, but it certainly wouldn’t cover a new wardrobe.
“Don’t worry about it, angel. You can take my card this time,” Jason nuzzled her. “Ben will issue you your own later. I’m going to hop in the shower so take your time getting ready.”
Reluctantly, he retreated to the shower, leaving her to choose her outfit and dress. Phoebe breathed a sigh of relief, pleased by his consideration. She wasn’t ready to be naked in front of her mate just yet. What should she wear?
‘The towel is fine,’ Máni suddenly chimed. ‘Our Mate liked it.’
‘Máni, be serious!’
‘Oh fine. Choose something warm. We are further north so it’s chillier here.’
‘Right.’
Phoebe settled on a pair of leggings that stretched over her bandages without being too tight and a dusty pink sweater that was both soft and warm. Her gaze drifted around the room. She was immediately drawn to the mantel and the pictures arranged on it. She limped over to it. There was a picture of four young pups, ranging from twelve to seven, and were clearly a young Jason, his Beta along with two others she assumed were his Gamma and sister.
Another image displayed a distinctive gentleman and woman Phoebe knew to be his parents, given the features they passed down to their son, but there was something strange. Despite the couple’s proximity, they seemed disconnected, their facial expressions strained. She was certain Jason said his parents were fated mates, so why did they look as if they didn’t want to be in the same room?
‘Jason is taking a long time, isn’t he?’ Phoebe asked, wanting his comfort.
‘Considering the state of his little friend, I can see why,’ Máni chuckled.
‘Friend? What friend?’
‘Oh sweetie…did you not notice the tent in his pants?’
‘Why would he…Oh.’
‘Face it…We’re just too sexy in a towel.’
Phoebe was mortified but Máni just laughed.
‘Don’t act like all those thoughts from earlier were just mine.’
‘Máni!’ Phoebe admonished. Her wolf truly had no shame. ‘Can you be serious?’
‘I am always serious.’
Phoebe rolled her eyes, ‘Have you been linking his wolf at all?’
‘Oh…sometimes.’
‘Sometimes?’ Phoebe was surprised given how concerned her wolf was about secrecy.
‘Well, a lady should play hard to get.’
Phoebe shook her head. Her wolf was truly incorrigible.
* * *
Jason groaned, leaning against the wall as he stroked his member. Phoebe danced in his thoughts…the smell of her smooth, pale skin…her glorious dark mane…the way she fit so neatly against him…her legs, wrapped around him…he shuddered as he ejaculated, letting the shower wash it down the drain.
Jason sighed. He could do this. It was all about making Phoebe comfortable. Gradually, he would earn her trust. Washing quickly, he stepped out of the shower and wrapped his lower half in a towel before entering the closet through a sliding door. He didn’t waste time picking his outfit, grabbing a black t-shirt and jeans.
Stepping back into the bedroom, he found her studying the photographs on the mantel. Quietly, he slipped his arm around her waist and kissed her neck. Phoebe shivered with pleasure, leaning against him. Her receptiveness had Lobo practically bursting as his chest rumbled with a possessive growl.
“What are you looking at, angel?”
“Your family photos. You were such a cute kid.”
“I’m still cute. Don’t you think?”
“Maybe.”
Jason nipped her ear. Phoebe chuckled, loving the way he held her.
“We’ll add to this soon enough. I can’t wait to have pictures of you and the pups up here…and your parents.”
“My parents? But all of my family photos are back at Rimrock.”
Jason chuckled, kissing her, “You think I would leave anything of you behind?”
He escorted her back to the bed and gestured to the boxes, “We packed all of your keepsakes for you. Everything else was loaded into a moving truck. It’s all stored in one of the pack’s storehouses for you to sort through later.”
“Everything?”
“The entire contents of your cottage, all your father’s books, the piano…everything.”
“Why would you…” Phoebe stared at him in wonder. “The expense alone.”
“It was precious to you,” Jason shrugged. “If I could have uprooted the whole cottage and garden I would have. Phoebe…”
She suddenly pulled his face down, pressing their lips together. Jason stared in surprise, but quickly wrapped her in his embrace, kissing her deeply. He certainly didn’t mind her being aggressive in the least. He eventually released her so they could catch their breath.
“I take it I did good?” Jason smiled.
A fresh blush colored her cheeks, but she nodded. He bowed his head to nuzzle her. They might have lingered longer, but her stomach suddenly grumbled. Phoebe blushed, but Jason chuckled, kissing her forehead.
“My Luna is hungry. I can’t have you missing a meal.”
Jason escorted her out of the room, through the common areas and down the stairs. On the first landing, she hesitated, wincing as the effort of descending the stairs pulled at her stitches. Jason was at her side immediately to scoop her into his arms. Carrying her bridal-style, they reached the bottom floor quickly.
Jason carefully set her on her feet outside the double doors, leading to the pack cantina and dining hall. Even with the doors closed she could hear the sounds of playful banter and conversation. Suddenly, she was very nervous. Walking around her own pack was one thing, but Blue Moon was considerably larger and she knew almost none of them. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had a public meal. On top of that, they were expecting her to fulfill the role of Luna.
Jason’s arms wound around her and he nuzzled her, “It’s all right, angel. They are going to love you.”
Phoebe took a deep breath and calmed herself. She nodded when she was ready. Jason took her hand, kissing it before leading her through the door.
* * *
The constant din of the cafeteria immediately fell silent as Jason’s aura reminded them their Alpha was home. But it was the addition of a petite, pretty she-wolf at his side that had all of their attention. Word had been spreading since his return late last night. Those who had seen Jason cradling his Luna like a bride related her pale, smooth skin and dark, brown hair. She was as pretty and petite as described.
Some were old enough to recall Norah’s introduction to the pack and were anxious about meeting their new Luna. Yet, as Phoebe quietly observed them, they felt a calm, abiding aura despite her obvious nervousness. They were intrigued and drawn to her.
“Miss Phoebe!” a squeal erupted as Emma ran toward her.
Phoebe greeted the pup with a dazzling smile and scooped up the adorable little girl. Pressing her forehead to Emma’s, they rubbed noses as a mother would do with her pup.
“Did you sleep all right in your new bed?” Jason asked when the pup’s gaze fell on him.
“Ah-huh. Grandma Norah said I have the princess room.”
“That’s right. A princess room for a princess,” Jason smiled, gently tugging on one of her pigtails.
In fact, his mother had given Blake and Emma his and Lucille’s childhood bedrooms, which were connected through a shared bath. Emma giggled shyly at him. It would take time for him to build a strong bond with the pups, but he would. This was the beginning of the family he and Phoebe would build together. Jason glanced at Phoebe to see her eyes shimmering. It seemed the surest way to hers and her wolf’s heart was through the pups.
“Why don’t you two head to the table? I’ll grab us breakfast,” Jason smiled, planting a kiss on Phoebe’s temple.
Phoebe blushed, but carried Emma to the table occupied by the pups, Luke and several she-wolves she had yet to meet. The pack continued to watch her, scrutinizing every movement she made as she set Emma down and sat next to her.
“Everyone, you’ll have your chance to meet your Luna so relax,” Luke commanded over the pack link, reminding them of their manners. “Good morning, Luna.”
“Good morning,” Phoebe blushed. That was not a title she would get used to quickly.
“Let me introduce you…This is former Luna Norah, my mate Mona, Gamma Ben and his mate, as well as your sister-in-law, Lucille.”
Phoebe smiled at them.
“Oh my Goddess! You are so pretty!” Lucille squealed. “Now I feel bad about joking my brother would end up with a hound.”
“Lucille! Language at the table!” Norah said, making the pups giggle. “Hello, my dear.”
“Hello Luna…”
“Ah,” Norah shook her head. “That’s your title now. Norah will be just fine.”
“Why do you call Miss Phoebe Luna?” Emma asked.
“Because she is my son’s mate and he is Alpha,” Norah explained.
“Oh…then are we supposed to call her Luna too?”
“No. I think she and my son would prefer mommy and daddy once you are comfortable.”
“Really?” Emma bounced in her seat. “We can really call them mommy and daddy?”
“That’s right, princess,” Jason said, returning with two heaping plates, one of which he set in front of Phoebe. With a free hand, he roughed Blake’s hair playfully before sitting beside Phoebe as she looked over the stack of Belgian waffles he had brought.
She gave him a questioning look, one would have been more than enough.
“No arguments, angel,” Jason gently linked her. “You’re too thin and need to eat more.”
Phoebe blushed as Máni agreed. After her rejection, she lost her appetite, often skipping meals. Máni practically forced her to eat. She improved over the years, but Máni continued to complain she wasn’t eating properly.
“You don’t have to eat all of it…at least half,” Jason encouraged.
It wouldn’t do her any good to eat too much too soon, but he was determined to increase her meals. She didn’t argue, digging in to appease him. The others at the table shared grateful looks. Luke had already given them a rundown about Phoebe’s life with her old pack, including her rejection, so watching her eat brought them all comfort.
The meal fell into pleasant conversation as Mona, Norah and Lucille described different aspects of the pack. Not surprisingly, Phoebe was particularly interested in the pup daycare. Also, unsurprisingly, Lucille declared they would go shopping.
“Not today,” Jason frowned.
“Oh, come on, brother!”
“I haven’t even gone on patrol yet,” Jason glared at her.
“We’re headed into town, not the woods!” Lucille scoffed.
Jason growled. This wasn’t unexpected, but he hoped to show Phoebe around the packhouse and give her time to acclimate before taking her out. It would also give him time to check the pack’s security.
“Just send Ben and a couple of warriors with us,” Lucille sighed, unperturbed by his growl. As a family member, she had a certain amount of resistance to his authority and aura unless he truly unleashed it.
“Children,” Norah said, “no fighting at the table.”
Blake and Emma snickered. Since waking in their new beds, they had been nervous about their surroundings. Norah was waiting for them when they emerged, helping them settle in by unpacking and showing them around. She wasn’t quite like Phoebe, but nearly as good. They were particularly nervous about their new Alpha, but he was genuinely friendly and seeing how Norah put him in his place certainly made him less scary.