Page 42 of Abundant Moon
While Jack continued working on the journals, William reclined in his favorite chair to resume his online search for baby clothes. Occasional grunts and chuckles were heard as he examined the offerings, but when his scent soured, Jack knew something had irritated his mate. Seconds later he heard about it.
“This is unbelievable! They want over a hundred dollars for one tiny little outfit. How can baby clothes be so expensive?”
Jack sighed, continuing his work.
“You are overwrought for nothing, my love. We have enough things to dress a dozen offspring, or do you not remember the stacks of boxes filling our home? As a child, I had one set of clothes for summer and another for winter – all handmade by my mother and washed in the stream near our cabin. Our little ones already have much more than they will need.”
William wasn’t giving in so easily.
“Hmph! That happened a long time ago, you old dinosaur, and I’ll not allow our children to run around in rags. Now, stop being contrary and help me choose.”
Jack sighed in defeat. His mate would pester him until he took part in this strange ritual of depleting their savings. Setting the work aside, he rose and crossed the room to sit on the arm of William’s chair.
“What, if I may ask, are we choosing?”
“Katrine sent me a link she uses to buy things for the girls, and some of these outfits are adorable! See here.”
Jack looked them over dutifully, trying to ignore his mate’s enticing scent and remain focused. Finally, he pointed to a matched set with shirts which read “Cute” and “Cuter”. William agreed and placed the order with a few touches on the small screen.
“Perfect! Thank you. Now, was that so hard?”
Jack growled, the scent of arousal now obvious. He reached down to palm his mate’s erection, eliciting a low groan.
“No, but this is.”
Hurrying off to the bedroom for a little afternoon delight, the pair were soon naked and writhing together. Limited time made for a frenzied, but satisfying, coupling. By the time they redressed and settled in the living room, a quiet hour had passed. Soon after, Robyn’s bedroom door opened and a very pregnant wolf walked out. She often found welcome relief from mood swings, food cravings, and achy feet in wolf form, and her mates encouraged it.
William put down the book he’d restarted when she approached, reaching out to stroke the smooth fur of her face and neck. She licked his hand in silent apology and then went to rub against Jacks’ leg. He gave her ears a good scratching, and instead of speaking, opened the mind-link.
“I believe the nap did her some good, beloved. I hope she attends the pack run with us tonight – it will be her last before giving birth.”
“She has several friends among the Cooks pack. I would be disappointed and surprised if she skipped it.”
Robyn probed the room with her nose, scenting here and there, in the early stages of nesting. She’d already secured a place in the corner of her bedroom, but the plan would most likely change the closer she got to delivery. It didn’t matter to her mates, as long as they shared the event together. Jack, of course, attended many a birth in his long life – both human and wolf, but never for his own child. For William, it promised to be the most exciting event in his life, save for meeting Jack.
Eventually, Robyn gave up her fruitless searching and curled up on the loveseat. William soon joined her, finding it difficult to leave his pregnant mate all alone without any contact. She yipped a welcome, rested her muzzle on his thigh, and promptly fell asleep.
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THE END CREDITS BEGANto roll and Ash sighed in relief. Watching films was an acquired taste and one he’d had no interest in cultivating until Robert came along. When they’d gone to vacate his apartment and pack up, it shocked Ash to see the enormous screen and vast film collection which took up Robert’s entire living room. Back at Gladstone, he’d turned the spare bedroom into a home theater to keep his mate happy, not realizing Robert would insist on watching his filmstogether.
Today’s viewing of The Count of Monte Cristo represented a compromise. Since Robert had to attend the pack run, Ash agreed to watch a film of Robert’s choice. At least it wasn’t a rom-com this time, though even Ash admitted to himself they weren’tallbad. Robert turned excitedly to his mate looking for feedback.
“What did you think?”
Ash chose his words with care, never sure what Robert wanted him to say.
“Well, I, uh, liked the story, the acting wasn’t bad, and Edmond reminded me of you. I give this one four stars.”
Robert gave him a dramatic eye roll along with a sarcastic smirk.
“O come on, babe, you can do better than that! Didn’t you have a favorite part?”
Ash pulled Robert onto his lap, eliciting a surprised squawk.
“Yep - watching it withyou. I loved feeling your warm leg against mine, holding your hand, and listening to your heart beat faster during the sword play.”
Ash leaned in for a searching kiss while divesting his squirming mate of clothing. Robert managed to pull back, already panting with need.
