Second Chance Luna (Phoebe and Jason) novel Chapter 12

“Is this breakfast?” he said finally dampening his aura.

“Um…yes. It’s almost done,” Phoebe struggled to regain her composure. “C-could you grab the juice from the fridge: apple or orange whichever you prefer.”

“My pleasure,” Jason kissed her temple before releasing her.

Opening the refrigerator he grabbed the carton of orange juice before moving to the table. He paused before filling their glasses smiling to see she had set the table with the place settings beside one another rather than across. It was already progress. Breakfast with his mate sounded no less appealing than dinner. Lobo was already strutting through his mind.

Phoebe plated the omelets and brought them to the table along with fresh toast and jam. Jason held her chair for her and helped her to sit before taking his own seat. His omelet was as large as the plate and hers was nearly as big which he was happy to note given how thin his mate was. He hoped his presence was helping her get back the appetite she lost after her rejection. Pleasing aromas of egg, cheese, bacon, hashbrowns, peppers and mushrooms seeped from his meal letting him know she packed their omelets with a farmer’s market. His mouth watered.

Reaching over he grasped her hand and kissed it saying, “I love eating anything you make…but you know I don’t expect this, right?”

Phoebe blushed, “I like to cook. It’s relaxing.”

Jason kissed her hand again, “As long as it makes you happy, angel. I’ll never say no.”

Phoebe’s blush deepened and he released her hand before he pushed her too far. He didn’t want to ruin the progress they made by rushing her. Turning his attention to the meal in front of him Jason cut into the omelet and took his first bite. Jason softly moaned in ecstasy of the medley of flavors invading his mouth. He knew nothing of cooking so he didn’t attempt to name the herbs she used. But it was heaven.

“Is it really that good?” Phoebe asked watching his reaction trying not to laugh.

“Phoebe…” Jason hesitated then took her hand and kissed it. “It tastes almost as good as you.”

She blushed crimson. He kissed her hand once more before returning to his meal. They ate in companionable silence enjoying their private meal. After weeks of visiting other packs it was a welcome moment of rest for Jason but also a reminder he had a schedule to maintain and today he was supposed to patrol.

The thought of spending even one minute away from his mate was intolerable but her safety was his top priority which meant a patrol of the pack’s land was a must. Lobo prowled restlessly torn between guarding his mate and securing the territory.

“…So do you have plans today?” Jason asked.

“I’m taking the pups swimming,” Phoebe said.

He breathed a sigh of relief immediately picturing them poolside splashing and carefree, “I’m sure they’ll enjoy the pool.”

“Oh no. Not the pool,” Phoebe shook her head. “The Luna banned them permanently after she came here. There’s a pond in the north woods I take them to.”

“A pond?” Jason repeated. Lobo growled.

“Yeah, it’s actually very pretty with a natural waterfall and a rock they like to jump from.”

It did sound picturesque but all he could think about was how far she would be from the safety of the packhouse. From the sound of it she wasn’t planning to take any warriors with her either.

“The pups are banned from the pool?” Jason asked. “Why?”

“Luna Kristie likes to relax beside the pool and they are not allowed to go anywhere she will be.”

“Since when does a luna hate pups?” Jason growled.

“I don’t know other lunas,” Phoebe said after a moment, “but she was a chosen mate so perhaps that makes a difference?”

“So, she is a chosen mate,” Jason said. “My Beta and I had our suspicions.”

“You did?”

Jason nodded.

“Is a chosen mate…bad?”

“They would be fine if they took the position seriously…but a fated Luna wouldn’t have to try. They just do.”

“So what are fated Lunas like?”

“They are strong and dignified,” Jason thought for a moment and Phoebe’s heart sank. She knew she wasn’t up to the position. “They are kind and gentle, maternal and protective.”

Phoebe’s brow furrowed. Could one be strong and kind at the same time?

“A Luna is the heart of the pack. They are a pack’s guiding star and moral compass. That’s why they are so cherished and loved by their pack…and of course their Alpha,” Jason coyly smiled.

Phoebe felt her face warm and looked away.

“My mother used to say an Alpha may lead the pack, but a Luna rules the Alpha.”

Phoebe fought a laugh, “Your mother sounds like an amazing Luna.”

“She is. I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

Phoebe bit her lip. What would she do once she was face to face with such a prestigious Luna? She could only imagine how disappointed Jason’s mother would be to have her as a daughter-in-law and successor.

“She’s looking forward to meeting you,” Jason said watching her reactions closely. “I told her about you the first night I saw you. She said the whole pack is preparing a party to welcome you.”

“Th-they are?”

“They will absolutely love you,” Jason assured her his eyes swirling with desire as his wolf pressed close.

His gaze was too intense for her to hold and she averted her eyes to focus on her breakfast. He sounded so sure but she found it hard to believe. What did she know about leading a pack or being Luna?

“Phoebe,” Jason reached for her hand gently caressing it. He waited until she dared meet his gaze. “You’re a natural. You’ll make a fantastic Luna.”

“What makes you so sure? You’ve only known me for a day.”

“A day is all I need,” Jason smiled, “especially after seeing you with the pups. No wolf could be better than you. I just hope I don’t fall short of your expectations.”

“H-how could you fall short of anyone’s expectations? You’re perfect…and…” Phoebe fell silent and blushed realizing what she said.

Jason chuckled kissing her hand, “I’ll do everything I can to live up to your high standards.”

Phoebe’s blush deepened as she thought it should be her making that promise. Even so it was a nice feeling someone thought she deserved to be earned, that she was worthy. Was it selfish of her to want him to keep saying such things?

Jason suddenly frowned, “I don’t like the idea of you and the pups out there unprotected.”

Phoebe blinked giving him a curious gaze.

“I haven’t patrolled your pack’s lands yet but after seeing the warrior’s train and knowing they are using silver traps…I don’t think it’s safe.”

“The kids and I go to the pond all summer,” Phoebe protested. “It’s fine.”

His grip tightened and he let out a growl that startled her as his aura swept over her. Jason struggled to contain the outrage bubbling up from him and his wolf.

“Phoebe,” he said when he was finally able to speak, “you have gotten so used to being unsafe I can barely stand it. It’s not right. And the pups…The fact the pack thinks it’s all right for them to wander in the woods…Right now all I want to do is rip that so called Luna’s throat out.”

“…Jason.” Phoebe shook her head wanting to protest but his aura surrounded her like a protective blanket. It was overwhelming. He was fighting his wolf for control but she knew they both wanted to keep her safe. What should she say to calm them down?

‘Sit in his lap,’ Máni suggested.

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