Under the Skin

Chapter 7

Two days had now passed since the incident, and Jonah had almost fully recovered. The only visible signs of the attack was the bruises on his face which had turned from an ugly purple to a pale green. 

Alec had spent the first day with him, making sure the bandages of his abdomen hadn't loosened. The beta used the alone time with his mate to tell him more about the pack and some of its members who he was close with. While he wanted to know more about Jonah's life, he knew it could be difficult for him to talk about it, so he decided to wait until his mate breached the subject himself. 

On the second day, the pair went back to see Moira. She told Jonah that his ribs were fully healed, courtesy of werewolves' fast healing, and that he wasn't on bed rest anymore. As they left the tent, they crossed path with Zoe who smiled at them.

"I'm glad you're okay now. Do you want to come with me to the fields again today?" Jonah nibbled on his bottom lip and hesitated. He instinctively looked to Alec, who seemed also reluctant to let him leave his side.

"Eric doesn't work today, if this can reassure you. I'll watch over him." She addressed Alec. The beta relaxed a bit and looked back to Jonah.

"It's your choice. I have to help train the young pups, but you can accompany me if you want and watch." 

Jonah felt conflicted. He wanted to spend time with his mate, but he also enjoyed working in the  meat house with Zoe, who had proved to be good company. Finally, he figured that since he had spent the whole day yesterday with Alec, he could go with Zoe . 

"I'll come with you," he announced in his soft voice to Zoe. The young luna didn't waste any time as she grasped his hand with a grin. 

"Let's hurry! We have a lot to get done!" 

As much as he looked forward to the day with Zoe, Jonah couldn't help but feel apprehensive because of what happened yesterday. He looked around and over his shoulder as Zoe walk in front of him in the row they went through. 

When Zoe looked back to check on Jonah and saw he seemed anxious, she stopped and turned to him. 

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you again okay?" She held such conviction in her eyes that Jonah couldn't help but believe her. He nodded slightly, and he was a bit startled when she came forward to hug him.

"We're friends now, and friends look out for each other." Jonah felt himself melt into her embrace, and his chest felt all warm inside. 

As they gathered the tools they needed for the day, a woman with grey hair pulled in a bun came to greet Zoe. The young luna grew excited and turned to Jonah.

"This is Alec's mother, Vivian. Vivian, this is Jonah, Alec's mate." The woman gasped in surprise.

"So you're my son's mate! I did hear about him protecting a rogue who had trespassed, but I didn't think you were his mate." A displeased frown appeared on her face and she continued. "Still, he could've at least tell me and present you himself. I'll have to give him a good scolding when I see him." 

Until then, Jonah had stood stock still while the woman ranted. He didn't know what to say or do in the presence of his mate's mother, and the thought of meeting his parents hadn't crossed his mind until now. But it seemed like he didn't have to worry much longer because Vivian took the initiative and embraced him in her arms. 

Vivian did notice him flinch when she approached him, which worried her. She kept the hug brief to make him uncomfortable, since it seemed like the boy was not used to physical affection, which was usually very common among wolves. It made her wonder about what he went through to be this wary of people.