Page 14 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

Gray could hear the muffled sound of a one-way conversation through the bedroom door.

He assumed William was on the phone with Jack, since the couple spoke every day.

Their devotion to one another was obvious, but especially so in person.

Shifters seemed to have very strong bonds with their mates, which made sense if the bond could only be broken by death.

Gray knocked softly on the door to deliver his message.

“I apologize for interrupting, but breakfast will be ready in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, my friend. I’ll be there shortly.”

Gray returned to the kitchen to finish preparations and set the table.

He’d enjoyed William’s company these past two weeks, engaging him in endless conversations about shifters and their lives.

Once he’d learned of their existence, Gray had the distinct impression that knowing about them marked only the beginning of his education, though he wasn’t exactly sure what might follow.

After all, his life was here with his people and Jack and William lived seventeen hundred miles away in Michigan.

He'd actually been to Gladstone to pick up artwork created for the museum, but hadn’t seen the packlands.

His grandfather had stayed for a visit, but then, he’d already been friends with Jack and William for some time.

It sounded like a fascinating place, and one he very much wanted to see.

William had told him many stories about the place and his pack, but it wasn’t the same as seeing it for himself.

William appeared just then, wiping away tears and waving off Gray’s concerned expression.

“Not to worry. I miss my mate and children terribly, and Jack expects the mission to last several days at least. He’s at the airport now, waiting for the flight to Chihuahua. I’m going to return home and wait for him there. Would you consider coming with me?”

Gray nearly dropped a platter of food. He’d just been thinking about Gladstone, and here was an explicit invitation! He and William sat down to eat, while Gray considered the possibility.

“I would love to come with you, but… I can’t afford the tickets. Who would watch the house while I’m gone? What would I tell my employer?”

Gray had no idea that William’s career as an attorney left him with unparalleled skills at demolishing arguments and obstacles. Besides, Jack was counting on him to convince the young man, based on what Luna had shown him in his dreams. While they ate, William addressed Gray’s concerns.

“Jack and I will pay for your travel costs, so don’t worry about that.

As for the house, perhaps your mother can keep an eye on it while you’re gone.

Now, if you told the museum that Walter and Tayen need additional help for a short time, I’m sure they would let you go without question. What do you think?”

Gray didn’t like to lie, but he had vacation time he could use, and it was very likely that his grandfather would have suggested the idea himself.

There really wasn’t any reason to say no, and he gratefully accepted the generous invitation.

The remainder of their meal was spent discussing the fine details as Gray’s imagination worked overtime, wondering what awaited him at Gladstone.

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

Early evening, Chihuahua, Mexico

It was six in the evening before Jack, his bodyguards, Juan, and Alpha Cruz were picked up at the Chihuahua airport.

The True Elders had spent much of the flight discreetly exchanging memories or consulting with Santiago about the mission.

Until they met with the Lost Pack, they could only make logical guesses about their needs.

No doubt the operation would be expensive, time consuming, and a logistical challenge if they agreed to move north.

Fortunately, it wasn’t a long drive to the Full Moon Ranch, and Alpha Cruz’s delighted growls filled the van as they passed through the security gate.

The familiar scent of cattle and horses permeated the warm air, and people were gathered outside the packhouse to greet them with smiles and waves.

Cruz introduced his American guests to the other council members before leading them all inside for a hearty meal.

Jack quickly sent William a text saying that he had arrived safely and would call in the morning.

Milo also made a brief call to Ben, learning that the Gladstone contingent had returned home without incident.

Following a delicious supper, Jack’s human half wanted nothing more than a soft bed.

His wolf, however, insisted on stretching his legs before calling it a night and Jack couldn’t blame him.

Alpha Cruz also felt the need and volunteered to lead the group of travelers on a brief run through the hilly, wooded terrain that formed the northern border of the property.

As the last day of the full moon, the lupine troop felt Luna’s invigorating beams every time they passed through breaks in the overhead canopy.

Their joyous howls could be heard for miles.

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

Hours later, Luna roused Jack from sleep with another dream.

Oddly enough, he found himself at Gladstone, playing host to three other Lobo shifters.

Though their faces were obscured, he had the sense that they knew one another well.

Their scents clearly identified them as an Alpha, a True Elder, and a male Omega—all on the young side.

The scene faded, only to be replaced by a vignette that included the Lobo Omega with his arm around the waist of a lanky, dark-haired human.

Mates? They were surrounded by his Gladstone packmates (including Ben, Evan, and Donna), engaged in a heated argument over the topic of turning a human.

This, too faded, and just before the dream ended, he saw a pair of frisky Lobo wolves running through the forest with tails held high.

Troubled, Jack lay quietly in the darkness of his room, replaying the dream several times.

There were numerous ways to interpret what he’d seen, though most of it seemed straightforward based on what Luna had already shown him.

But turning a human? Why would anyone risk such a thing?

Delving into his considerable memory, Jack realized that he’d never specifically discussed this topic with his mentor, nor had it been mentioned in the journals. What was he missing?

Needing answers, Jack intended to ask Hezekiah while the full moon was still up. He opened the bedroom door, only to find Shane and Milo waiting for him in wolf form; heads cocked and no doubt wondering why he was up at such a late hour.

“My apologies, men, but I must contact the Afterworld while the full moon remains. I promise not to keep you up too long.”

Both wolves chuffed and led the True Elder to the back door of Juan’s home, escorted him out, and stood guard while he consulted those who’d gone before. They’d spent many a day protecting Jack, and at this point, there was very little he could do that would surprise them.

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

Chihuahua Council meeting, Tuesday morning

The room crackled with anticipation as the full Council listened to Juan and Jack describe their dreams. Unbeknownst to them all, Luna had been watching over the lost pack for generations, waiting for the right time to bring them back into the fold.

Lobo shifters were on the very brink of major changes, and Santiago Cruz presided over both the Council and the largest pack in the country—a point of pride and great responsibility that he would handle with meticulous and deliberate planning.

Assuming the entire pack was willing to relocate, discussion centered around the immediate needs: transportation up north, moving trucks for their belongings, and the sales of homes and businesses.

After their arrival, they would need housing, jobs, financial assistance, legal documents, and plenty of emotional support as they adjusted to their new lives.

It was uncertain if the León transplants would remain together or spread out among the many packs located in Sonora and Chihuahua, and Alpha Cruz halted the discussion momentarily to address their right to choose.

“While we are prepared to welcome the entire pack to the Full Moon Ranch, it’s likely some of our new friends will settle down elsewhere.

Choosing a new pack in a strange place will be difficult and stressful, and our job is to help them find the perfect fit.

To that end, we have a list of places willing and able to accept new members, and financial help is available to those who need it. ”

During their lunch break, Jack called Hector in León to inform him of the Council’s deliberations and confirm the timing of the team’s arrival.

“You may expect eight of us on Wednesday afternoon, and I will send you our flight information. Are your people prepared to meet with us?”

Hector growled excitedly.

“Of course, Jack. We’ve rented a meeting space in town on Wednesday night, large enough to accommodate everyone.

I must tell you, brother, that the information you’ve already provided has been well received, and our people are busy making plans to leave León as soon as it can be arranged.

There were a few who needed convincing, but Sergio and I met with them privately to discuss their concerns.

Most are embracing the move as a long-overdue adventure, and our wolves…

well, let’s just say that we may be spending a lot of time in lupine form after reaching Chihuahua! ”

Though they couldn’t exchange memories over the phone, Jack quickly shared a verbal account of his recent dreams with Hector.

The man easily identified the three individuals that Jack expected to meet and bring with him to Gladstone, unsurprised that Luna had a different path for his young packmates.

When Jack mentioned the purpose of his late-night contact with Hezekiah, he was met with startled silence from Hector.

“I know nothing of the Afterworld, Jack. It seems we both have gaps in our memories that need to be corrected, and I hope we have a chance to exchange teaching dreams while you are here.”

Jack sought to reassure his brother.

“I would enjoy that, my friend, though it is unlikely that we will have time for a complete transfer. My protégé, Juan Ortega, would be happy to supply any memories you may be lacking, and I look forward to meeting you and the others tomorrow.”

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

Tuesday evening, Eagle River, WI

Melva reluctantly left the house to attend the pack meeting—bitter, angry, and frustrated over Lincoln’s wretched situation.

She suspected Alpha Richmond would cover for Ballard’s misdeeds, if he said anything at all.

He’d have to really, given the overwhelming scent of unease and suspicion in the air, and that their pack Omega was being held captive and in isolation.

No Alpha in existence could ignore an issue this obvious without attempting to calm the pack and restore some measure of normalcy.

Melva was convinced the sorry SOB would lie through his teeth, though it remained to be seen exactly what those lies might be.

Entering the packhouse, she said nothing, as usual, knowing the enforcers were watching.

Making a scene wouldn’t help Lincoln, and they could just as easily lock her up, too.

Though galling, she had to give them no additional reason to restrict her movements—not if there was the smallest chance of helping her dear friend escape.

Moments later, Alpha Richmond walked in, followed by Bruce Ballard carrying the expecting Omega in his arms. When the trio reached the front of the room, Bruce set Lincoln on the floor, where he rested obediently on his haunches.

Visibly trembling, his sad eyes hungrily scanned every face he could see; distressed scent washing over the crowd like billowing fog.

Melva met his eye, smiled, and mimicked a hug.

He looked down at the floor, struggling to remain quiet and at Bruce’s side.

What he really wanted to do was gnaw off the scumbag’s leg and run like hell.

The pack couldn’t help but react to the pathetic scene before them, growling and scowling at the sight of their Omega reduced to the status of a frightened pet.

Before things got out of hand, Richmond sent out a wave of Alpha power, silencing the crowd and reminding them who was in charge.

Once they were quiet, he began speaking.

“As I’m sure you all know, Lincoln is now happily carrying Bruce’s pup.

I made some inquiries at the national meeting that should help us understand our packmate’s condition.

Apparently, male Omegas are fragile during pregnancy, and seclusion helps their bodies focus on growing the pup.

Lincoln is well fed and doing just fine so far, and he doesn’t want you to worry about him.

I trust my Second to care for him just as you would, and he’ll bring Lincoln around every so often, as long as it doesn’t stress him out.

I know they both appreciate your concern and well wishes. That is all.”

Melva swallowed her fury while the rest of the pack seemed to reluctantly accept Alpha Richmond’s words at face value.

Before they dragged her friend away, Melva hurriedly left her place in the crowd and dropped to one knee in front of Lincoln.

Both Ballard and Richmond growled at her, but she ignored them to gently stroke the Omega’s face and kiss the top of his head. Behind her, the pack had gone quiet.

“I miss you, sweetheart. You’ll probably get so big I won’t recognize you! Take care of that pup, and get plenty of rest, now, all right? I hope you come see us again real soon.”

Lincoln whined softly and licked Melva’s cheek before Ballard reached down to scoop him up off the floor. She addressed the abusive Beta in a clear voice that was sure to carry.

“Thank you for the visit. We were all worried.”

Neither Bruce nor Alpha Richmond expected her to be calm, let alone kind, and it threw them off center—exactly as planned.

Melva waved and winked at Lincoln as the men turned to exit the packhouse, and she was quickly surrounded by others who wished they could have been equally brave.

While she said nothing that could be construed as mutinous, her scent clearly confirmed what they had all suspected.

Both Richmond and Ballard were lying pieces of shit.