Second Chance Luna (Phoebe and Jason) novel Chapter 54

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All eyes turned to them as they entered the dining hall.

Phoebe’s cheeks warmed but Jason tugged her close. He didn’t mind if they looked as long as they didn’t come between them.

“Mommy! Daddy!” Emma greeted running up to them.

Jason scooped her up letting Phoebe nuzzle her before they reached the main table. Patting Blakes’s head, he ignored the stares. It was unprecedented for an alpha to adopt pups, and every time he was with them, it stirred whispers, but he didn’t mind. Emma and Blake were not only precious to Phoebe but they had firmly lodged themselves in his heart as well. Lobo offered no disagreement and the pups’ scent was almost as soothing as their Lunas.

A server brought a tray of champagne. Jason offered one to Phoebe before taking one for himself. It was human-made so he had no fear of it harming her. Standing close to her as Blake stood up on his chair, Jason raised his glass, drawing the attention of their guests, though most were already watching them.

“Friends,” Jason announced. “We are here to celebrate an extraordinary she-wolf, the most extraordinary one I have ever met. She came into my life just when I was on the verge of giving up. I spent one lonely night after another cursing the fickleness of the Moon Goddess, wondering what I did to incur her wrath and be punished in such a cruel way as year after year I endured without my mate, my Luna.

“But now I understand. It wasn’t a punishment. It was a trial, a trial to prove myself worthy of this amazing, kind, gentle she-wolf. She completes me in ways I am still discovering. The piece of me I was missing, she returned to me. And for the first time in all my years my heart and life are full. To my Luna.”

Jason raised his glass and all others followed suit. Phoebe felt her face warm at the praise. She didn’t dare look at anyone in particular as Máni swelled with pride.

‘It’s about time we were appreciated.’

Phoebe couldn’t help but chuckle at her wolf’s satisfaction.

The last five years had been rather frustrating for her wolf.

Phoebe always thought it was odd her wolf continued to hide in the back of her mind refusing to assert herself until Jason’s arrival. Odder still was how quickly her wolf became comfortable with expressing itself now. Was it because they finally found their fated mate? If Jason had also rejected them would Máni have remained silent?

“You’re thinking too much,” Jason’s voice flitted into her mind as his arm slipped around her waist.

Phoebe blinked, startled as he pulled her close.

“Anything wrong?”

“No. I guess I’m just expecting myself to wake up and find this is all a dream.”

“If this is a dream I hope we never wake up,” Jason kissed her temple, “because a life without you is a nightmare.”

Phoebe rested her head on his shoulder. She agreed. If this was a dream, she didn’t want to wake up either.

Taking their seats they settled in as the kitchen staff served up dinner: roast beef, steamed vegetables, potatoes, a variety of casseroles and salads. There was more than enough variety for just about any pallet though it was clear their guests were a little surprised.

It wasn’t uncommon for packs to spend ludicrous amount on more expensive fare all in an effort to impress their honored guests. Lobster, caviar and rare delicacies were the usual expectation. However, Phoebe surprised the staff by insisting on a heartier meal. Despite Norah and Lucille’s dismay she stuck to a more moderate food budget. But it wasn’t just the pack’s finances she was concerned about.

In truth, she didn’t care for such extravagant meals. They were pointless and she wanted everyone to enjoy their meal.

Though the guests were surprised by the food choice they certainly weren’t complaining and eagerly asked for seconds. Even Blake and Emma stuffed themselves until they were ready to burst. Phoebe didn’t complain when Jason snuck more servings onto her plate in his campaign to get her to eat more.

He was still preoccupied making sure she ate enough. Máni often nagged her to eat more but it wasn’t always easy to muster the motivation. Perhaps that was by she enjoyed cooking for the pups so much. She ate more when they ate together.

Since meeting Jason her appetite had been gradually increasing and she already put on several pounds. Jason was determined to take advantage and kept adding more food to her plate. Phoebe could only shake her head as Máni also pushed her to eat more. She had a sense that Máni was trying to prepare for something.