Capítulo 26

Jason squeezed her thigh hard, struggling to appear calm, while inside, he and his wolf were rolling with glee. Katrina's mouth dropped like a codfish. No one ever talked back to her.

"But... I thought Katrina and Jason were mates," Thomas finally said, trying to regain some control of the conversation.

"And what gave you that impression?" Jason asked. "Everyone knows how long I've been looking for my Goddess-given mate."

"B-but," Thomas hesitated. "Katrina's eighteenth birthday. We held it here because our packhouse flooded. She said she scented you and knew you were mates. You were just playing hard to get."

Jason growled, but the tingles Phoebe's caressing fingers made kept his rage in check. However, it was her reply that stunned him completely.

"Well, she told you half the truth," Phoebe said. "She did scent her mate... a delta warrior named Garrison whom she rejected two seconds after meeting him. You remember, don't you? You said his name when you rejected him."

Phoebe again looked to Katrina, who stood in utter silence. The she-wolf was pale, almost lifeless, at hearing her greatest shame thrown at her.

"You'll be happy to know he's one of our most highly-decorated warriors now," Phoebe said. "He also met his second-chance mate. A she-wolf named Amber. They have an adorable, two-year-old son, Billy, and they are expecting again. Garrison is hoping for a little girl."

Jason shot Luke a confused look, but the Beta could only shrug. He knew of Garrison. The young warrior had made a name for himself by volunteering for some of the most dangerous assignments. Luke thought he was like most young males, always testing the limits of their near immortality, but now... it sounded more like a wolf dancing on the edge of self-destruction, trying to forget his mate's rejection. Luke remembered being relieved after Garrison met his mate. The gentle she-wolf calmed the warrior, and he stopped taking so many risks. When their pup was born, Garrison couldn't stop grinning ear to ear.

"H-how do you know that?" Katrina muttered. "Y-you weren't even here."

"I met Garrison today when he dropped Billy off at the pack daycare," Phoebe answered. "He was surprised when I asked him if it was difficult getting over his first mate. Apparently, he never told anyone about his rejection except Amber. I told him wolves recognize our own kind."

"Your own kind?" Thomas repeated.

"Jason is my second-chance mate. He's already done so much to fill the hole my previous mate left... but a rejection isn't something you just forget. It stays with you, lingers, festers," Phoebe answered without shame. "That's why I was curious how he coped."

"W-what would you know?" Katrina scoffed. "You're just a rejected cow. And you're a liar."

"If you like, we can settle all this right now," Phoebe said. "As Alpha Thomas's daughter, you have a natural resistance to his command, and as Jason's mate, I have the same resistance to his. So let's have Jason command you and tell the truth, and I'll have your father do the same to me. We'll see who is lying. Or we can just summon Garrison. I'm good with either. Or you could sit down... and be quiet."

Katrina sank into her seat. She had never told a soul about her first mate and hadn't thought about him for a moment since the rejection. It was her assumption he left with his tail between his legs and wasted away somewhere. Never once did she consider the possibility he stayed with the pack or that he made a reputation for himself, let alone started a family.

"Alpha Thomas," Phoebe turned her attention to the shocked Alpha who seemed to be seeing his daughter for the first time. Her tone until now had been harsh, but now she spoke gently, "I know it's late, but I want to offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mate. I can't imagine how difficult it had to have been for you."

"...Thank you," Thomas managed, even as his gaze glistened with tears at the mere memory.

"It's amazing how you have carried on in her memory, and I understand why you have doted on your daughter so much," Phoebe continued, "but I hope you are beginning to understand that spoiling her has done her no favors. Since she rejected her Goddess-given mate, she will have to take a chosen mate. Right now, I'm afraid you will be hard-pressed to find one willing to settle with her, even with Blood Moon pack as their prize."

Thomas grimaced, but there was no anger left in him or his wolf. Both were shocked by the revelations she had given them and were beginning to understand their princess had become someone else entirely. He couldn't help but think how different it would have been if his mate survived. Katrina lacked a strong female example in her life, which was why he encouraged her to spend so much time with Blue Moon, hoping Norah could provide that example. But whenever Norah criticized or tried to discipline Katrina, Thomas stepped in to shelter his precious daughter. Now he saw he had done more harm.

Suitably chastised, Thomas nodded in agreement. There would have to be drastic changes. He looked again at the young woman perched on Jason's lap. It was almost laughable he thought Jason and Katrina were mates. It was clear the Moon Goddess planned something important for the young Alpha to give him such a regal mate.

"Thank you for your kind words," Thomas said. "I think my daughter and I have much to discuss. The she-wolf she hurt... if there is anything I can do..."

"That is very kind of you to offer," Phoebe smiled. "As it happens, a friend of mine created a balm to heal silver wounds."

"Really?" he blinked in surprise. Silver was one of their most profound weaknesses, and many sought ways to combat it and the wounds left behind. Could a cure actually have been found?

"I would like to tell you more, but Jason is applying to the Council for a patent. Hopefully, we'll hear back soon and can make a public announcement."

"Yes, of course. That is very wise," Thomas nodded. He would have done no less. "We... should be going. I would like to meet that she-wolf another time and offer my apologies for all of this."

"That would be very kind," Phoebe agreed as she and Jason stood. Shaking hands with them, Thomas offered congratulations before taking his leave, dragging Katrina with him. Luke held the door for them before closing it and escorting their visitors out.

As soon as the door closed, Jason swept Phoebe off her feet, spinning her around before flopping back on the couch. Phoebe's laughter turned to a moan as he buried his face in her neck, sucking on her marking spot while his hand plunged between her thighs. Her body clenched against him, surprised by his intensity. Jason groaned, his desire barely contained.

"Goddess, you were so sexy," Jason mumbled. "The way you handled both of them. And when you said she'd be in your seat... I thought I was going to lose it."

He captured her lips. His tongue plunged into her mouth, swirling around hers as his hand continued to grind between her legs. He caught the spicy top-note of her arousal. He had always loved spicy foods, and now his mouth watered to taste her.

"Goddess, you smell so good," Jason pulled away before he could eat her alive. "Tell me what you want, angel. What do you need?"

Phoebe whimpered, clinging to him as she caught her breath. She had been too caught up in his ardor to think straight. Her skin tingled wherever he touched, and her core was on fire, wanting him to do more.

"Angel, what do you want me to do?"

"...I don't know. I just don't want you to stop."

He hummed, kissing her as his hand moved. Undoing her jeans, he gave himself access, slipping his hand inside to reach her warm core, already wet and ready for him. Phoebe moaned as his thumb stroked her clit, pressing it, twisting it. His finger slipped into her, curling and stimulating her from inside. Phoebe squeaked in surprise as her hips seemed to work on their own, pressing against him. He felt her spasm and her juices coated his finger. The spicy note of her arousal grew stronger, and he plunged two fingers into her as his thumb continued to play with her. Phoebe moaned as his motion quickened and she reached another peak, even more pronounced than the first.

Jason held her close as she slowly caught her breath. Her body quivered from its unexpected release. He groaned, reveling in her scent and her body pressed against his. Goddess, she was divine. He wanted more, but he wouldn't take away her control. She determined their pace.

"How did that feel, angel?"

"Wonderful," she snuggled against him.

"Would you like more?"

"...There's more?"

"Angel, the things I could do for you, to you. Just tell me what you want."

"...What I want?"

What do I want?

'Tell him yes!'

Máni urged.

Phoebe hesitated.

'Oh, stop thinking so much,'

Máni nudged.

'Just go with it!'

"Phoebe? Angel?" Jason whispered, kissing her temple.

"I want you," Phoebe finally whispered.

"What?" Jason pulled away, his throat suddenly going dry. Did he hear right? "Angel?"

"I want you, Jason," Phoebe repeated. "All of you."

He stared at her, his heart racing.

'Our Mates want us!'

Lobo howled.

'What are you waiting for, human!'

"...Not here," Jason shook his head, scooping her up and standing. He refused to allow her first time to be on his lumpy office couch. Practically sprinting, he abandoned his office, carried her to the Alpha floor, and disappeared into their bedroom.

Carefully setting her on her feet, he kissed her, tenderly caressing her.

"Do you trust me, angel?"

"Yes."

He peeled off her top, running his hands along her smooth skin. She shivered as his touch sent electric charges through her body. Jason growled low, happy to see her bra was front-clasped. Even so, he almost tore it off in his eagerness to free her breasts. She moaned as he fondled them. Her hands suddenly came alive, working the buttons of his shirt. Groaning, he shed it and pulled her body against his, finally feeling her skin against his. He kissed down her neck. His erection pressed painfully in his pants, but he was determined to take care of her first.

Pulling down her jeans, he laid her on the bed, kissing down her heated body before removing them completely, leaving her bare in front of him. Groaning with pleasure at the sight, he kicked away the last of his clothes before joining her. Phoebe shivered at the sight of his erect member. It was her first time seeing one, and she wasn't sure how it would fit in her.

He started at her feet, slowly working up her toned legs, caressing her smooth skin, gently stroking the bandage that remained as her injury healed. Every stroke sent tingles through her body. She moaned as he reached her thighs, kissing them, caressing them. Phoebe couldn't believe how good it felt to be touched.

Jason hesitated as he reached her sweet-smelling entrance. He had overheard his warriors talk enough to know the basic idea and technique, but he had never done it before. Lobo pressed against his mind, urging him on, until he finally ran his tongue through her moist folds. Phoebe gasped, trying to jerk away in surprise, but his hands held her hips in place as his tongue swirled around her clit, still swollen from his earlier handling. Phoebe whimpered as he buried himself in her rich scent and worked deeper inside her. She moaned as a new wave of pleasure overcame her. He hummed satisfaction, and the vibration stimulated her even more.

Moving higher, he finally reached her breasts, sucking one as his hand returned to stimulating her core. Her hips grinded against his hand as his fingers worked inside her with somewhat practiced ease, while his mouth moved to her other breast, nipping her erect nipple. Her next climax made her writhe with pleasure. Jason moved higher, finally capturing her mouth. Her scent and moans were driving him mad. He had waited for so long.

His tongue plunged into her mouth, twisting around hers as he entered her, slowly easing himself in. Phoebe moaned, her body tensing at his entry.

Jason groaned, "Easy, angel. Relax."

Her body responded, relaxing around him. Jason continued easing inside her until he was completely sheathed. He kissed her, letting her body accommodate him. Many warned him a she-wolf's first time could be painful if he was too forceful. When she seemed ready, he pulled back before thrusting into her again. Phoebe moaned as he slowly increased his pace. Her back arched and her hips lifted to meet him as she rocked with his thrusts. She prayed he wouldn't stop as he found the rhythm he liked. Jason sucked on her marking spot, causing mini explosions of pleasure to erupt through her.

"J-Jason!" she cried out as her body clenched and her next orgasm rolled over her.

He groaned at the sound of his name. His body shuddered, reaching its climax with hers and sending his release deep inside her. Jason growled satisfaction as he filled her with his essence and, somewhat embarrassed, couldn't last longer. Phoebe moaned, falling back, trying to catch her breath.

Jason lay on top of her, shuddering with the aftermath of his climax. Slowly, he pulled out of her, kissing her gently. She whimpered as his body left hers.

"Shh. Angel," Jason whispered. "It's all right."

She drifted off to sleep as he stumbled to the bathroom. He returned with a warm washcloth and cleaned her lovingly, wincing at the small amount of blood. It was another thing he was told to expect for a she-wolf's first time, but he hoped he hadn't hurt her. Tossing aside the cloth, he crawled back into bed and took her into his arms before falling into contented sleep, his mate sound asleep in his arms.