Page 45 of Forbidden Moon
“I usually work on Saturday, so I promised her we’d do whatever she wanted. This is our first stop.”
By the time Darlene arrived with Jonah’s coffee, they were ready to order. After she’d gone, Donna lowered her voice to a whisper.
“After Ben broke the news, you could cut the tension with a knife. I think everybody is in shock.”
Jonah choked on his coffee, wondering exactly what he’d missed. Did Ben know? Were Lou and Donna here looking for him? His facial expression and scent revealed embarrassment, fear, and confusion. The couple looked at each other before Lou spoke.
“You must have left early not to know what happened. Ben says Birdman has been watching Gladstone.We’rethe pack he’s threatened to expose.”
Those were not the words he expected to hear, and Jonah’s gray matter couldn’t quite switch gears. So... thiswasn’tabout him and RJ? Ben still didn’t know? He’d been so caught up in his own little world of secrets that the bomb Lou just dropped barely registered. Jonah stared at them, wondering what they expected him to say. Puzzled, Donna cut to the chase.
“You don’t seem worried. Is there something we should know?”
Jonah wished he could escape.
“What? No, I’m just surprised. Caleb’s done such a good job with security that... well, I never thought it could be us.”
Donna gave him a dubious look, obviously aware he was hiding something and addressed him with herdoctorface.
“Nice try, but you’ve been acting strangely for days now, and everyone knows it, especially Ben. How can we help you, Jonah?”
Darlene arrived just then with an enormous tray, bringing a reprieve along with breakfast. Jonah dug in, hoping to ignore Donna’s line of questioning. She gave him a pass while they ate, waiting until the meal ended before trying to pin him down.
“We’re all worried, now what’s going on?”
Jonah sighed, tired of the lies and deception. If Evan were right, the whole pack would know soon anyway, and these two might be able to help.
“I met my mate. He’s human.”
Lou blanched, hand tightening into a fist on the tabletop. Donna let a small gasp escape, followed by an understanding nod.
“Oh, dear. I”m truly happy for you and can’t wait to meet him. On the other hand, I see why you might want to keep it from Ben. You know he’ll find out eventually.”
Jonah’s shoulders slumped.
“Yes. Evan and Jack have been helping, trying to give us some time alone together before he does. Robyn and Robert know, too.”
Lou leaned forward across the table.
“I hate to say this, but Luna’s timing here is not the best. After what happened this morning, the whole pack is going to be suspicious ofeveryhuman. I take it you have other reasons for keeping this from Ben?”
Jonah nodded.
“He’s been protecting me since I was a kid—first from our dad, and now as my Alpha. I’m not sure he’d thinkanybodywas good enough.”
He found their scents encouraging—love, happiness, and a whiff of concern. Donna flashed him a mischievous smile.
“So? Tell us about your mate!”
While they finished their coffee, Jonah told them the story from the beginning. He freely shared everything he knew about RJ and admitted he was about to spend the rest of the day, and night, with his mate. Donna frowned slightly.
“Be careful with him. You’re much stronger, and he can’t handle the intensity we take for granted in the bedroom. Once he knows about us, I’ll be happy to give him some guidance. Robert might also be a good go-to person for practical advice.”
Crimson blossomed on his face for a different reason this time. Ifhewas embarrassed, he couldn’t imagine what RJ would think of a sex talk from the pack doctor and a woman to boot.
“Thanks, Donna. I don’t know when or how I’m going to tell him about being a shifter. I was hoping we could date for a while first.”
Before they got up to leave, Lou asked one more question.
