Capítulo 35

"Elder Ansel and I were discussing the silver-healing balm," Jason explained, looking from Phoebe to Bridget. "He has some questions about it, so I thought it best he spoke with the inventors."

"Oh," Bridget nodded. "I'll explain all I can."

"You invented it?" Ansel couldn't hide his surprise as he turned his attention to the other she-wolf.

"Yes, with Phoebe's help," Bridget answered. "In our former pack, our Luna coated her claws in silver, and she wasn't shy about using them. We came up with the balm to help our fellow pack members heal from her... punishments."

"Your former pack," Ansel glanced from one she-wolf to the other. "Then you both came from the same pack."

"Yes, Rimrock," Phoebe confirmed. "We were both unranked."

Ansel nodded. The majority of wolves in any pack were unranked individuals; that included any wolf lower than delta but higher than omega.

"So what did you do in your pack?" Ansel asked. "I mean, your former pack."

"I was a nurse."

"I was a teacher... of sorts."

"Teacher?"

Phoebe nodded. "I watched over the pack's pups and taught them lessons."

It was always a bit awkward describing her position in her former pack. Rimrock didn't have a dedicated daycare facility like Blue Moon, and it wasn't like the pack paid her much for the time she spent with the pups, nor compensated her for the money she spent buying supplies for their various projects.

Ansel was silent as he processed this information. It was rare for a Luna to be chosen out of the lower ranks because an Alpha's strength could easily overwhelm lower-ranked wolves. His Luna needed the mental fortitude to withstand not just his aura but also the pack's dependence on her. Yet there was something different about this she-wolf, something almost uncanny. She didn't seem to be suffering at all despite the aura that seemed to be oozing from Jason.

Jason always had a strong presence. His aura easily filled a room, but now it was even more potent. Ansel sensed it when he first entered, but it was even more apparent now that Phoebe was in the room. His aura swirled around her like a protective blanket. A wolf would be a fool to challenge him or, worse, threaten her.

"So this balm was actually invented in another pack," Ansel said. "Why didn't Rimrock file for a patent?"

"Probably because they didn't know about it," Bridget said. "We only used it on the unranked and omega wolves who suffered the most. No one else was interested in something two she-wolves cooked up in their kitchen."

"Cooked up in your kitchen?"

"Mine," Phoebe said. "My backyard was full of healing herbs too, so it was a convenient workspace for us to experiment."

"So... then you didn't use any of your former pack's facilities?"

Phoebe and Bridget shook their heads. Bridget had asked for permission to use the hospital's lab but was denied. No one was interested in what the she-wolf intended to make.

Ansel considered this news carefully before coming to a decision. "In that case, I see no reason not to award Blue Moon a full patent for the balm, and both of you will be credited with its creation."

Phoebe shared a smile with Bridget. She honestly couldn't care less if her name was associated with the balm. Bridget was the one who spent hours researching and experimenting to create it. "So... what happens now?" Phoebe asked.

"Now that we own the patent, we can make and distribute it anyway we see fit," Jason answered, "or we can sell it to another pack to do the same. If we choose to collaborate with another pack, it will decrease our profits somewhat, but if we partner with a pack that specializes in medicine, they'd have facilities to mass-produce and distribute it with ease."

"Meaning more wolves would have access to it," Phoebe said, looking at Bridget.

"I don't mind fewer profits for myself," Bridget said. "I think it's worth it if it means increasing availability, but this is also the pack's finances, so..."

"I agree," Phoebe seconded. "Smaller profits are worth the cost if it means increasing distribution."

Jason chuckled. "I had a feeling both of you would say that. That's why I've already started looking into potential partners."

"Really?" Phoebe looked at him.

"Yeah. Harvest Moon in Kansas is probably the best candidate, though they are sometimes difficult to work with. Once they see what your balm can do, I think they'll be more than happy to work with us."

Ansel nodded. "A good choice. They are leaders in medical techniques and medicine. They'll be able to distribute the balm not just to wolves but other creatures as well: fairies, even humans."

"Why humans?" Bridget asked curiously.

"Our testers indicated that their skin felt much softer after using the balm. There could be a secondary market in beauty products geared toward humans besides the medicinal benefits for supernatural creatures... minus vampires."

"Why not vampires?" Jason asked.

The history of werewolves and vampires was punctuated with several large wars, and a certain level of animosity still existed between them, though they were generally peaceful.

"Vervain," Bridget answered.

Jason raised an eyebrow.

"Vervain is as deadly to vampires as wolfsbane is to us," Phoebe explained.

"Since it's an ingredient in the balm, it would be dangerous for them to use," Bridget agreed. "That isn't to say we couldn't come up with a formula that will work for them, but it would take a lot of trial and error to find a substitute for vervain."

"Interesting," Jason said.

"Harvest Moon has top-of-the-line facilities, so I'm sure they could help with that," Ansel said, "if you do end up partnering with them."

"Agreed. Their Alpha is coming to the Luna Ceremony," Jason said. "We can discuss it with him when he arrives. Which reminds me, Luke?"

The Beta stepped forward, presenting each of them with a personalized pack card. As Norah assured her, Phoebe's was a black card with unlimited spending. Bridget was surprised to be given a gold card.

"Is this right?"

Jason nodded.

"But I'm just a nurse."

"Who invented a life-saving medicine," Jason said. "As its creator, you'll receive royalties for each sale in addition to your usual pack salary. Believe me when I say it will be quite a sum."

Bridget nodded, still not quite believing it. Not in her wildest dreams did she think their little kitchen project would lead to this. All she wanted to do was help her fellow wolves. She didn't need fame, but it seemed it was finding her anyway.

Bridget looked at Phoebe, but the latter was staring at her new spending card with a frown. It was just too much. Phoebe was happy to see her friend receiving much-deserved recognition, but she hadn't done anything remotely as important. She certainly didn't deserve a card with no limit.

"Phoebe," Jason softly intoned.

She looked up to see his eyes swirling amber with his desire and devotion. It wrapped around her like a protective blanket, assuring her he would always be at her side. After her rejection, Phoebe thought she would never know this level of care and security, but Jason made it known time and time again his world revolved around her. Smiling, she stroked his cheek, earning a low, possessive growl that almost sounded like a purr. He smiled, kissing her fingers.

Though he was keeping his advances chaste in front of their company, his gaze promised much more.

"Beta Luke!"

"Alpha William," Luke nodded, greeting the Alpha of Winter Moon.

They were close allies, so he was a familiar sight. William was rather short for an Alpha, barely clearing five-seven, while most Alphas easily reached over six feet. This did not mean William was a pushover; the exact opposite, in fact.

His complex about his height made the Alpha even more serious about his training. Even when they took their matches seriously, Jason only managed to stay on an even-keel with the other.

"You remember Camilla," William said as he assisted the she-wolf out of the vehicle.

Luke nodded, trying to keep back a grimace. He was no stranger to the female who had been William's companion for several years. She boasted a voluptuous form with large breasts that appealed to a lot of wolves. In heels, she was several inches taller than William, though in actuality, Luke believed them to be the same height.

Luke was not fond of her, as she was cut from the same mold as Katrina. Both were lazy despite coming from upper ranks, and both were looking for Alpha mates, not caring what the Moon Goddess intended. Luke now knew Katrina rejected her rightful mate in her pursuit of Jason, and he wondered if Camilla had done the same. He certainly wouldn't put it past her. In all the time he knew her, she never seemed concerned with finding her fated mate. There was a time Camilla even showed interest in Jason, though she didn't have the guts to challenge Katrina.

"Your usual room has been prepared," Luke said. "Dinner is still several hours away, so please feel free to relax."

"Ah yes," William hesitated. "Tell me. Is it true? Did Jason finally find his mate?"

"He did," Luke smiled. "I was there to witness it myself."

"Then Blue Moon finally has a proper Luna, eh?"

"It does indeed, and I've never felt the pack bonds stronger."

"I can't wait to meet her," William nodded and made his way inside. Like most, he knew how long Jason had searched and waited, foregoing all relationships in the meantime.

Tonight was certain to be one of many surprises. Luke was certain the entire weekend would be full of surprises for their guests. The Luna Ceremony wasn't for another two days, but Jason was using it as an excuse for an Alpha meeting as well since so many were gathering.

Tonight was only a mixer of sorts for them to greet each other in an informal setting as well as introduce Phoebe and the pups. Tomorrow the Alphas would meet formally, and Jason hoped to unveil the new healing balm as long as the Harvest Moon Alpha made his appearance.

The third day would culminate in the Luna Ceremony and a moonlit run led by the new Alpha and Luna. Jason said Phoebe's wolf was speaking to her, and he was certain she would be able to shift. That, in and of itself, was something to celebrate considering what they now knew about her past. They worried she might have difficulties during her shift, but the few times Jason broached the conversation, Phoebe gave no hint of it being an issue.

What worried her was remembering the names of all the Alphas, Lunas, and Betas invited to the event. It was a worry Jason found laughable, since she had no difficulty recalling any pack member she was introduced to, even if it was only a quick hello. Luke turned as the next vehicle arrived, noting its occupants and greeting them. As he ushered them inside and a pack member parked their car, he linked Jason, "No sign of Harvest Moon yet."