Capítulo 47

Startled, Tracy scooted backward and tumbled out of the bed to the floor. Her sudden surprise drew her wolf closer, aiding her sight in the dim room as Phoebe sat up, clutching the comforter close to cover her nudity as she studied the she-wolf with a sigh. It was the second time in as many days a female obsessed with her mate intruded in what was supposed to be their private sanctuary, despite the increase in security measures.

"W-what are you doing here?" Tracy demanded.

"This is my room," Phoebe answered. "Where else would I sleep? Shouldn't I be asking you that... although I think I already know the answer."

Tracy moved to reply but snapped her mouth closed again. What could she say? Phoebe studied the she-wolf with a look of pity, but such behavior couldn't be tolerated. Her eyes shimmered silver as Máni woke from her slumber. As their spirits synced, Phoebe's voice took a richer, huskier tone, "Do you have any idea what you are doing to your mate? He will feel every moment of your betrayal as pain rips through him, shattering his soul into a million pieces. Is that what you want?"

"Nobody asked you," Tracy sneered, feeling her face warm with embarrassment.

"I wasn't talking to you," Phoebe gently admonished, her voice still in its lower register. "You should know most Lunas won't be as understanding as me. If you want to keep your mate, pup, you'll have to be more assertive. You cannot hide in the dark anymore. Understand? You are the daughter of an Alpha. Act like it."

Phoebe's eyes flickered back to gray as the bathroom door opened. The sound of the toilet flushing echoed as Jason stepped out. His form was briefly backlit by the soft glow of the bathroom's light. Tracy softly gasped as her gaze took in his hard, nude form. He was even more magnificent than she guessed. Jason yawned, reaching the bed, and was surprised to find Phoebe sitting up waiting for him. Sliding beside her, his arms immediately engulfed her as he buried his nose into the nape of her neck, kissing her loudly.

"Jason," Phoebe sighed, her voice once again normal. "We have a visitor!"

"What visitor?" Jason slowly pulled away before catching the smell of their intruder. His gaze fell on Tracy and he growled. "What are you doing here?"

Tracy shivered as his enraged aura washed over her. His eyes shimmered amber as his wolf pressed close. There was no sign of sympathy, pity, or desire for her.

"Jason," Phoebe said, stroking his cheek and gently turning his attention back to her. He relaxed, his aura withdrawing. Her scent was calm and all-consuming, causing him to relax and his wolf to subside. She chuckled as his embrace tightened. "Our guest was just leaving. Weren't you?"

"What are you..." Tracy's protest suddenly fell silent as her eyes shimmered. Her voice became nasally and in a higher pitch, "Yes, Luna. I understand."

Tracy turned, walking toward the door. Her gait was awkward, almost robotic, or perhaps like a puppet on strings. But it was to be expected. Wolf spirits were not accustomed to their human form and moving it was not as instinctual as it was in wolf form, but it was not impossible. Reaching the door, she opened it and continued on her way.

Phoebe sighed, opening a mindlink to the guard standing on the landing leading to their floor. No doubt he would be surprised, but she didn't want the young she-wolf harmed. She just wanted her escorted back to her room and watched to ensure she didn't wander again.

"What... just happened?" Jason asked, watching the she-wolf's retreat.

"Just giving her some friendly advice: she-wolf to she-wolf," Phoebe shrugged.

Jason looked at her, confused and somewhat skeptical. Yet she didn't seem perturbed and she wasn't injured. He supposed he could let it slide for the time being, "Have I told you today how amazing you are?"

"Well, since it is past midnight... no. First time today."

"Then let me show you," he pulled her back down to the bed as his attention moved to the mark on her neck. Phoebe moaned with pleasure, letting him pull her back to bed. In truth, she wasn't sure exactly what happened once Máni synced with her. She knew their aura had come rushing out, but after that, everything seemed to happen in a fog. Whatever happened, she felt a heaviness in her limbs, and Máni's exhaustion seeped into her. They were more than ready for their mate to take care of them the rest of the night.

Tracy sat at one of the communal tables eating breakfast alongside her father. Most of the visitors were content to ignore them as Glacier Peak was not a prominent pack and were not proper guests. But there were a few wanting to approach and glean more information about the previous day's events. Her father was embarrassed by the whole fiasco, but Tracy calmly answered their inquiries. If any noticed her fingers occasionally had difficulty holding her fork, or that her voice changed to a different pitch, or that her eyes swirled amber, they didn't voice any concerns. Most were more curious whether she intended to accuse Jason of other infidelities, but Tracy only expressed her desire to return home to her mate, much to their disappointment.

Mindless chatter ceased when Phoebe entered the dining hall with the orphan pair she called her own. Blake and Emma danced around her, perfectly happy and content, as they made their way to the buffet-style breakfast spread. Phoebe chuckled as she loaded their plates according to the pair's cravings. None seemed to notice, or at least pretended not to notice, their audience.

Emma turned suddenly, exclaiming, "Daddy!"

Jason entered the dining hall, chatting with Luke about the border patrols, unperturbed by the Alphas and Lunas watching his every move. They undoubtedly had several questions after the incident at the pool, but as long as Phoebe was unconcerned and their bond undamaged, he didn't really care. Emma's sudden exclamation caught everyone's attention as she rushed toward Jason with her arms outstretched. He scooped her up without hesitation. With a laugh, he tossed her up and caught her before blowing raspberries against her cheek. Emma shrieked with giggles, wrapping her arms around him as he nuzzled her.

Luke chuckled. After so many years of dealing with Jason's often reserved nature, it was still strange to see him acting like a loving father. Jason had always been fair but stern. Now he was far more easy-going and relaxed. Even if he didn't realize it, this change gave the pack even more confidence in him. With their Luna present, the pack was more content and loyal than ever.

Hearing his Beta's chuckle, Jason shot him a "just you wait" look. Luke had been mated for the past few years, yet they hadn't produced a pup. Jason had a sneaking suspicion his friend had been deliberately postponing starting a family in deference to him, knowing how much Jason desired his own mate and family. But now he had his mate and two pups to call his own, so there was no need for Luke to hold back. If he was right, then Blue Moon would see a dramatic increase in pups very soon.

Without a word, he carried the happy pup to a long communal table that had become the unofficial seating for Blue Moon's higher ranks. There, Phoebe was setting down the pups' breakfasts. Setting Emma in her seat beside her brother, Jason gave the pup a pat on the head and roughed Blake's hair. The Alphas and Lunas watching couldn't deny the obvious: Jason was not only wrapped around his Luna's fingers, but their adopted pups' as well.

While Phoebe went to collect drinks, Jason followed to load his own breakfast plate before joining the pups. Luke, Mona, Lucille, Ben, and Norah soon joined them, quickly filling up the table, chatting easily as Alpha Reed finally made his appearance and even chose to sit with them. He was followed by Alpha Atticus and Luna Koko.

This brought a fresh wave of murmurs from the others. Just like in meetings, Alphas from smaller packs never associated with those from larger ones, maintaining their unspoken hierarchy. But Reed and Atticus spoke comfortably with one another as both shared knowledge in herbs.

Phoebe returned, giving the pups glasses of juice. Before she could leave in search of her own breakfast, Jason clutched her hand and pulled her into his lap. She laughed at his shamelessness, rewarding him with a kiss, but when she tried to stand, he held her firm.

"Jason," Phoebe gently admonished, "I have to get my breakfast."

"It's right here," Jason nodded to the table.

She looked to see a plate heaped with scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, bacon, and toast. Looking at him, she said, "That's yours."

"I'll get more, so eat all you want," he nuzzled her.

Since coming to Blue Moon, Phoebe recovered most of her appetite and put on considerable weight, but the portions she took for herself at mealtimes were still far too small for his liking. Her naturally petite form still required more filling out. Jason and his wolf wouldn't be satisfied until then. Lucille and the others chuckled, but Phoebe found she wasn't the least bit embarrassed. No one ever showed her as much care as Jason. Máni was in full agreement, basking in their mate's attention.

Jason growled possessively as Phoebe snuggled in his arms. Though she downplayed her rejection, he knew it had a more profound effect on her than she let on. When they first met, she had been wary and standoffish. It had been her way of protecting herself and her wolf. Even so, it hadn't taken long for her warm nature to emerge. Lobo reveled in every bit of affection she gave them in return. Her love was only for them, though they didn't mind sharing her with the pups.

Reaching for the plate, Phoebe paused as a new couple entered the dining hall. She smiled broadly as they filled their plates before joining them. William and Lily greeted those already at the table. Reed, in particular, was eager to see his sister who had not been seen since yesterday.