Page 10 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

Later that evening

Except for the denizens of the Afterworld, no shifter had ever seen this many True Elders assembled in one place at the same time.

Sixteen gifted children, teens, and adults were gathered in one of the larger meeting rooms, accompanied by their parent, guardian, mate, or packmate.

Actually, this wasn’t the full total since the Calhoun triplets and Orion Pickett were not in attendance, and there were reportedly two True Elders among the lost pack in León.

Nevertheless, history was being made here this week and no one knew how many more might be revealed by Luna in the future.

This mixer had been arranged so that they could meet one another before the real work got started tomorrow.

The only others allowed in the room, besides security, were the regional council members—including those from Canada and Mexico.

This, too, was a unique feature of the conference, since it was normally restricted to the American packs.

Seeking greater international cooperation, Alpha Sheppard wanted his counterparts to see and be seen this year, and to share in the joy of having the guidance of True Elders in all three nations.

Given their remarkable memories, all they really needed was to match a name with a face and scent.

The room swirled with roving True Elders, collecting necessary information on every brother in attendance.

Ben and Evan remained in one spot, holding a framed photo of the Calhoun family.

It was the best they could do for those who wanted to meet the one-of-a-kind triplets and were disappointed that they weren’t here.

Ben struggled to keep his wolf in check while explaining the situation to a clueless, irritated council member from Anchorage.

“All True Elders, regardless of age or situation, are free to live their own lives. Not even Alpha Sheppard has the right to demand anything from them, or in this case, their parents. Lance and Roman are only recently mated, and traveling across the country with three infants would be difficult, expensive, and stressful.”

Ben’s anger-laced pheromones had quickly attracted the attention of the only Omega in the room, and Finn, broadcasting his calming scent, hurried over along with his mates. Ben, however, wasn’t quite finished.

“And other than satisfying your curiosity, what would be the point? The boys are too young to form memories or exchange information through teaching dreams. If you’d care to visit Gladstone in the future, Councilor , I’m sure an introduction could be arranged.”

By this time, the Anchorage Council Chairman, Marv Carino, had joined the small group.

Embarrassed by the needless confrontation, he gave Ben an apologetic nod and tugged his fellow council member away for a private word.

Evidently, the terse exchange had been overheard by nearly everyone, and the room buzzed with whispered comments.

Both Evan and Leland certainly appreciated Ben’s clearly stated position, and were grateful that the situation had been defused without fur or fang.

After a few more lungs full of Omega scent, Ben shook off the remaining irritation, kissed his mate, and gave Finn a quick hug.

“Thank you. There are probably other idiots here with the same attitude, but I suspect they’ll keep their heads down now.”

Normal conversation resumed while Ben and Evan found themselves surrounded by relieved parents and guardians.

Raising a True Elder had enough challenges without arguments over their personal rights.

If they stood united now, it would set the tone for the future and save them all a great deal of grief later.

Ben hadn’t planned for this scenario, but if the confrontation created a teachable moment, then so much the better.

Once he and Evan had met and scented the group of True Elder youngsters, Alpha Sheppard approached with a family of five in tow.

“Ben, Evan, I’d like you to meet the Ramsey family. This is Jim and Karol, and their children Naya, Willow, and Colton.”

Handshakes and scenting ensued, though Evan purposely saved Colton for last. The seventeen-year-old’s scent revealed more anxiety than showed on his face, and he was jittery with nerves.

Evan simply couldn’t stand by and do nothing, so he eased his way inside Colton’s mind with soothing suggestions.

You’re safe here.

Trust me.

Relax.

Believe in yourself.

Colton’s momentary glassy-eyed stare alarmed his parents, but Evan could hear Ben quietly explaining that this was normal for True Elders and that no harm would come to their son. Once the suggestions took root, Evan withdrew from Colton’s mind and addressed the family.

“I look forward to working with Colton this week, and later when you come to Gladstone. We have a wonderful guesthouse all prepared for you, and you won’t find better food anywhere!

If you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce Colton to Wilder Calhoun.

I believe the two of them have some things in common. ”

Evan led Colton to the other side of the room and made the introductions, leaving him with Wilder and the others from Kenton.

His brief foray into the young man’s mind revealed confusion, uncertainty, and a pervasive lostness that he understood from his own youth.

Evan was confident that the training would help immensely, and he returned to reassure the Ramseys that their son was in good hands.

############

Meanwhile, Bruce Ballard’s home, Eagle River

Lincoln concluded that this would be so much easier to endure if it were heat season, and he was out of his head with lust. It wasn’t, and he felt nothing but hatred for the SOB who had penetrated him over and over again.

It was “practice,” Bruce claimed, for the full moon coming up on the weekend.

He’d explained how the Change Mate process was supposed to work, and if things went right, Lincoln would soon be carrying his pup.

“We’re gonna start in human form, and then we both shift at the same time in the light of the moon.

After my knot goes down, we’ll know it worked if you can’t shift.

This is why Luna made male Omegas, so you better appreciate what I’m doing for you.

And just remember that I’m straight and don’t get off on screwing your homo ass. ”

Lincoln didn’t believe anything the abusive Beta had to say, for it was clear that Bruce enjoyed the practice sessions much more than he claimed.

Trying to shift at the same time turned out to be more complicated than expected, though by the end of the evening they’d managed it twice out of countless tries.

At least shifting to wolf form stopped the pain in his tender back passage for a few minutes.

When Bruce was finally done with him for the night, Lincoln was taken to the basement, ordered to shift, and locked in a sturdy dog crate just big enough for his wolf.

It contained nothing more than a throw rug to lie on and a small bowl of water.

Ballard gave final warnings before heading to the comfort of his bedroom.

“Not a sound from you, or you’ll pay for it in the morning. And don’t even think about trying to run, or I’ll rip out your throat.”

Lincoln curled up, wondering if this was his life now.

Would he be forced to carry pup after pup for someone he despised?

Would Ballard let him go if he never got pregnant?

Could Melva find a way to free him? In a way, he hoped not, for she would surely be punished instead.

Lincoln almost howled in despair, but stopped his wolf in the nick of time.

One day at a time. That had to be his focus until Ballard slipped up, and then he would run for his life.

############

Monday, Missoula MT.

Following a hearty breakfast, the annual meeting started off with a warm welcome by Adam Sheppard.

He introduced their international guests, touting the benefits of cooperation and new initiatives in education, security, and participation in local government.

Next, he recognized the assembled True Elders, all seated together at the front, surrounded by their security teams.

“This is a historic occasion, my friends. For the first time in our history, nearly all the known True Elders have come together to make personal connections, receive help, learn or augment our traditions and practices, and prepare to take their place among us. Luna understood the challenges we face in a modern world, and responded by bringing them to us over vast distances and amid incredibly difficult circumstances. They have been both missing and misunderstood for generations, and the Shifter Councils of America, Canada, and Mexico stand united in supporting every single one!”

Nearly everyone rose to their feet with deafening applause and rowdy growls of agreement—except for a handful of disgruntled Alphas who blamed the gifted Deltas for upsetting their neatly ordered world or hold on power.

Some of the younger True Elders had no idea what the fuss was about, yet the support meant a great deal to their parents, packs, and caregivers.

Many faces blushed with embarrassment as the crowd made their feelings clear, for they normally eschewed the spotlight unless actively teaching.

When the assembly quieted down and retook their seats, Sheppard continued.

“Make no mistake—our future depends on the skills and gifts given to our True Elders if we are to survive and flourish.

As I have been made to understand, we expect more of our brothers to be revealed or discovered in the future.

Each will be provided for, educated, and given opportunities to serve in a place of their choosing.

For those who have questions, Jack Eby and I will host a Q&A session immediately following lunch.

“Most of you have already heard about the pack of Lobo shifters recently discovered in León, Mexico. A special mission has been planned to make contact and offer any assistance they may need. As you know, natural Lobos are few and far between, both in northern Mexico and now in the Southern United States. The LRC is actively involved in helping restore them to their habitat, and have been part of a successful campaign to reintroduce them on Navajo Nation land. This morning, Mexico’s Shifter Council President, Santiago Cruz, and True Elder, Juan Ortega, are prepared to explain this mission, what it means for their people, and why working together benefits us all. ”

It was a treat for American shifters to meet and interact with their international counterparts and hear what was going on in other regions of the world.

The whole concept of the “lost pack” was intriguing, and the report by Cruz and Ortega left the attendees eager to see how the mission turned out.

A short break followed while the True Elder contingent retreated to a separate area of the compound to follow their own agenda of meetings, training, and teaching dream sessions.

There was a lot to do before the full moon rose on Saturday, when many of their brothers would be introduced to the mysterious Afterworld.

############

Tuesday evening, Gladstone

Evan’s parents, Morgan and Julia Reid, were in their element with a house full of little ones.

It wasn’t just the Blair children tonight, but all of the packs’ younger children and their parents.

Both the kids’ wing and the large living room were filled with noise, laughter, and moving bodies—some in wolf form.

At the moment, the Reids were busy spoiling Gladstone’s newest arrivals in the living room.

Morgan was currently snuggling a sleepy Kaylee Post, while Julia, Katrine, and a very pregnant Donna held the Calhoun boys.

Donna marveled at the Reids’ seeming oblivion to the noise and chaos, and finally asked Julia how she could stand it.

“Let me put it this way—after eleven children and thirty-eight grandchildren, it just fades into the background. I love it though, because it’s the sound of life and it keeps me young.

You know, it was rather rude of you to not deliver before we arrived.

Now, I’ll have to wait until the holidays to see your pups, and they’ll be eating solid foods by then! ”

Donna gave her a rueful smile while they exchanged infants.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Julia, but you’ll have to make do with a few photographs. I still have another three to four weeks before these giants I’m carrying make an appearance!”

Jonah, who had somehow convinced Morgan to hand over Kaylee, offered a comment and question for Katrine.

“Speaking of photographs, what’s this I hear about a new series of paintings you’ve started using photos of wolves?”

Though normally quiet in social situations, Katrine loved talking about her work.

“It’s called the Inspired Series—paintings based on photos of struggling wolf populations. I started with the Lobo as a gift to Walter Denali and his wife, and then Finn sent me some wonderful shots of Leland’s red wolf.”

Katrine’s mention of Leland prompted RJ to ask what she knew about the search for red wolf shifters down south.

“Have you heard if they’ve found anyone yet? It would be so sad if Leland was the last of his kind.”

Katrine shook her head.

“The last report didn’t turn up anything, though they have a lead that’s being followed up on. Jonah, is it true that the LRC is going to help fund the recovery project?”

“Yep! Alpha Sheppard’s people are working with the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service to support their operations.

At the moment, there are around twenty wild red wolves in North Carolina, and over two hundred and fifty in the captive breeding program.

They have a long way to go, but there’s some hope of success.

If we do find red wolf shifters, they’ll have to remain hidden until a much larger wild population is established, or they risk being shot or captured. ”

The facts were sobering, especially for Morgan and Julia.

In Canada and Alaska, the gray and arctic wolf populations were generally thriving and safe from predation.

Shifters were free to live their lives without fear, easily blending in with the natural wolves around them.

Though Evan and three of their grandchildren were out of place among gray wolves, Gladstone’s extensive packlands, and common sense precautions, kept them safely hidden from human observation.