Under the Skin

Chapter 16

The weather was cold these days, and with the several snowfalls they had, there was easily a couple of feet of snow piled on the ground. 

Although the pack was well-adapted to the cold winters of the North, most of the pack members tried to stay indoor as much as possible in the warmth of their homes. Fortunately, hunting had been quite good this year, and the storages were stocked full in preparation for the winter ahead. The main hunters of the pack would have a break at least until the end of winter, and by then the snow would start to melt. 

Since there wasn't meat to prepare during winter, Jonah began to help fix different clothes or blankets with other members of the pack. Even though he hadn't minded his work salting the meat, he was glad he wouldn't have to smell the strong stench of blood. 

Sewing and tanning pelts proved to be less demanding physically, and allowed for a more light-hearted atmosphere. Practically everyone was engaged in light chatter while their hands were busy at work on their laps. 

His new daily task was also an opportunity for Jonah to get to know more pack members. After sharing his story the other day, he did notice that the glares and whispers behind his back he was getting used to receive had lessened considerably. Some omegas who were at the dinner also began to greet him and ask about him. The first few times it happened, Jonah was really surprise, but now he only felt glad that people were finally starting to see him as one of theirs. 

Currently, Jonah was sitting beside Alec's mother and Melissa. Zoe was usually there as well, but today she had to accompany her mate to visit another pack. 

Jonah was listening quietly as the two women made conversation with other people. Earlier, he did speak with Vivianne since she wanted to catch up with him, but he usually preferred to listen rather to talk. 

The topic of mates often came back, as people liked to gossip about potential mates and who were the latest mated pair. 

Currently, a beta working close by was raving about how her mate had surprised her this week with a romantic dinner. This prompted other people around to share their own stories with their mates, how they met or anecdotes they shared together. 

While hearing them talk about their partners, Jonah couldn't help but think about Alec. 

Their relationship was still very platonic compared to other fated pairs, and Alec had not shown any signs he wanted to take things to the next level. Even though at the beginning he had appreciated that the beta had not pressured him, now it made him a bit disappointed

Another thing which made Jonah insecure is that he and Alec hadn't completed the mating process yet, even though it had been at least two months since they had met. Most mates sealed the bond almost as soon as they found each other, and Jonah couldn't help but wonder if there was something he was doing wrong. 

The following days, those thoughts lingered in Jonah's mind. Alec noticed he looked troubled, and he asked his mate a few times if everything was alright, but the omega always said he was fine. Obviously, the beta wasn't convinced, but he let him have his space and simply continued to observe him silently. He thought Jonah would come to him when he finally wanted to talk.

It was only on a quiet afternoon he was spending with Zoe that he shared what had been troubling him. 

They did not have work that day, so Zoe invited Jonah to the main house to watch a movie 

It just happened that they decided to watch a romantic comedy. As Jonah saw the two actors go on a date together, he seemed to find the courage to tell Zoe his concerns.