Second Chance Luna (Phoebe and Jason) novel Chapter 8

‘Say yes human!’ Máni howled.

“Um…all right,” Phoebe nodded hesitantly studying him as he smiled at her answer. “How about my cottage? Say seven?”

“Perfect,” Jason eagerly agreed.

He smiled again revealing dimples as his eyes swirled amber. His wolf was close to the surface eager to see her. She shivered as his scent grew stronger and his aura protectively engulfed her. His arms encircled her pulling her close. He bowed his head close to her neck near her marking spot where her scent would be strongest. Breathing deep he filled his lungs with her scent: sage and lilac with just the slightest spicy note he almost missed.

Slowly he pulled away and rested his forehead against hers again, “Seven. And not a second later.”

“…All right,” Phoebe agreed staring at him shocked by his behavior as much as her reaction as she fought the urge to press herself against him.

This wasn’t what she expected but it was making her heart flutter and Máni was practically purring. Before reluctantly departing he raised her hands to his lips and gently kissed them. Studying every inch of her face he committed it to memory before he finally turned to leave.

“Wait!” Phoebe suddenly shook off her stupor and clutched his arm.

Startled he looked at her.

“Be careful where you step,” she warned pointing down at the ground.

He followed the gesture to see a large trap glinting cold silver in the dim light of the woods. His nose wrinkled in disgust as he said, “Is that…”

“Silver, yes,” Phoebe nodded. “That’s our alpha’s solution to the increasing rogue attacks. He and his warriors set traps like that throughout the woods.”

“You’re kidding.”

Phoebe shook her head, “You should warn your warriors if you plan on accompanying patrols.”

“I should ask for a map so they can memorize their locations.”

“There aren’t any,” Phoebe said, “so it won’t do you any good. I doubt anyone even remembers where half of them are located.”

“The pups!” Jason suddenly whirled around looking for them.

“They are all right,” Phoebe said. “We’re in the woods all the time so they know where the traps are.”

“They know…” Jason blinked. “Cam, watch where you put your feet.”

“Yeah, I was going to warn you but I didn’t want to interrupt. It’s not so bad if you keep to the trails. The kids were having a jumping contest over one of them.”

Jason suppressed a growl. Was he serious? These pups were so used to these deadly traps that they treated them like a game? What was wrong with this pack’s leadership? Did they actually think it was okay?

“…Um Alpha Jason?” Phoebe hesitated sensing his boiling anger. She touched his arm. “J-Jason.”

He jerked to attention turning to her voice. His swirling eyes glimmered amber before darkening to his usual brown as his wolf subsided. Seeing her startled expression he gently embraced her calming himself with her scent and assuring her he was fine.

“Be careful, angel,” Jason said. “One of my warriors is out here with you so…”

“I know.”

“Y-you know?”

“Well, yeah. Him and your Beta last night,” Phoebe nodded. “I figured he was doing some sort of security check when he followed me from the packhouse last night.”

“How did you…”

“No one comes out to my cottage so it’s not really hard to sense when something changes,” Phoebe explained as if it should be obvious.

Jason looked at her, blinked then broke out into a laugh. Wait until Luke heard his stealth counted for nothing with their new Luna. Phoebe thought he would be mad with her confession but surprisingly he broke out into another broad smile that brought out his dimples as he chuckled and pulled her close so they stood forehead to forehead.

“You are amazing.” He backed off slowly and kissed her forehead. “His name is Cam. Call him if anything happens. He can contact me directly if you need me so don’t hesitate. I’ll drop whatever I’m doing. All right?”

“Okay.” Phoebe nodded.

Reluctantly he released her and headed back the way he came carefully skirting the trap. Phoebe watched him go with a mixture of emotions. Her heart hammered in her head. His scent lingered in the air making her shiver with longing suddenly feeling cold and wanting his warm body next to hers. What was wrong with her?

‘Nothing,’ Máni answered. ‘It’s natural to want your Mate close to you. Especially one as yummy as ours.’

‘Máni!’

‘What? You think he’s yummy too. Don’t deny the thoughts that have been running through your head the moment he kissed your hands.’

‘Yes! We make Mate feel protected and loved!’

Jason grinned. He and his wolf were in full agreement. They would erase every bad memory their mate suffered one by one.

“Someone looks happy,” Luke commented. “And by your smell…I take it the talk went well?”

“We’re having dinner tonight,” Jason couldn’t wipe the smile from his face if he wanted to. “At her place.”

Luke smirked. Given how long Jason waited for his mate he was certainly entitled to enjoy this moment. In fact Luke was a little jealous. His own mate was a horrible cook but the thought of enjoying a meal cooked by one’s mate was very appealing. If he had any skill in the kitchen he would treat his mate to a meal as a surprise.

“So it went very well.”

Jason’s smile faded.

“What?”

“When I first saw her she asked if I was going to reject her.”

“Why would she ask that?”

“Because that’s what her first mate did.”

“First mate…so you are her second chance,” Luke said.

Jason nodded.

“Well that explains a few things.”

Like Jason Luke now understood why Phoebe avoided the packhouse and lived alone. Depression and loss of appetite wasn’t uncommon for rejected wolves especially if their mate betrayed the bond after the rejection. But it also meant Jason had his work cut out for him.

Wolves who suffered rejection were often reluctant to commit to their second chance mate, afraid of being hurt again. In such cases their mate had to work twice as hard to earn their trust and win their hearts. Luke knew Jason was up to the task. Hopefully he had enough time before they headed back to their pack.

“Well, good luck. Not that you need it.”

“Thanks.” Jason grimaced. Though Luke seemed confident Jason was not so sure. He was not a Casanova and had avoided all romantic entanglements choosing to stay faithful to his mate. With his lack of experience did he really stand a chance of winning over his mate?