Page 28 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)
Thursday morning
Following a teaching dream session with Sergio, Jack sent him back to the Quad to rest while he went home to be claimed by William.
Afterward, he, too, needed a nap and by then it was almost noon.
After lunch, Jack headed to Donna’s home for an information meeting regarding the details of tonight’s turnings.
Despite being nearly to term, she wanted to personally observe the transformation of both men, and her medical training insisted that she be fully prepared.
Jack arrived to find that Donna had invited Erin and little Kaylee to their meeting.
Given their close working relationship and desire to serve the pack, it made sense for Erin to learn about the turning process.
Strictly speaking, it wasn’t a medical procedure, though there were possible complications that might require someone with training.
Since the majority of packs, past and present, lacked members with medical knowledge, Luna had made the turning process easy to learn and implement.
Jack started the conversation with some basics.
“Familiar scents and surroundings work best, and the person should not be left alone for any length of time. Jonah and Nick intend to remain with their mates through the entire process, but they will need occasional breaks and meals brought in.
“Most of the transformation is sleep, especially the first day, though they can be awakened to eat or drink, use the bathroom, or go outside to rest under Luna’s light.
The forecast predicts cloudless night skies for the next several days and evening temperatures in the mid-fifties.
Only an hour or two of moonlight is necessary, and the security team will create a safe perimeter. ”
Both women took notes while Jack spoke, and Donna began their Q nuzzling his neck as Donna began a series of questions.
No, he didn’t have any rods, plates, artificial joints, or devices in his body.
No, he’d never had surgery of any kind. Yes, he’d had dental work done.
No, he didn’t realize that the small scars on his left leg and arm—the result of a childhood bicycle accident—would disappear after he shifted.
No, like most Diné, he was not circumcised.
Nick growled at her again, and she gave him her patented “don’t mess with the doctor” glare. He backed down.
“What I’m looking for is anything that would put Gray in danger, cause pain, or become a nasty surprise when he shifts for the first time.
You’ll be glad to know there are only two things of concern.
The first is his ear piercings. The rings have to come out before he’s turned, and the holes will fill back in when he shifts.
This is something his family and friends will notice, and he’ll need to come up with a reasonable explanation.
We don’t normally wear jewelry, rings, or watches because they could cause damage or simply get lost during a shift.
It’s something you’ll get used to in time. ”
Gray wasn’t happy about letting go of a practice that had family and tribal significance, but it was such a small price to pay that he didn’t say anything. Nick knew it bothered him, but Gray just shook his head. Donna let it slide and continued sharing her observations.
“The second concern is Gray’s teeth. Any that have fillings or crowns will loosen and fall out during the days of fever as your new shifter genes reject the foreign material.
I counted six molars with fillings, so one of Nick’s jobs will be keeping track of them so that Gray doesn’t choke in his sleep or during a meal.
If he has trouble eating, we can provide soft foods until the change is complete.
“Besides the two of you, Jack, Evan, Sergio, me, and Erin will be there to witness the bite and answer any questions.
Meals will be delivered, and one of us will stop by throughout the day to check on you.
If you need anything, even in the middle of the night, just pick up the phone or howl a warning to security.
“I’ll see you both for supper at the packhouse, but until then, you might want to take care of any phone calls, chores, or errands that need doing. Better yet, make some memories you can look back on in the future. And, I recommend taking some before and after photos to show your pups someday.”
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Late afternoon
Ben hung up the phone with a satisfied expression.
His offer on the motel, well under the asking price, had been eagerly accepted by the seller.
No doubt Carol Jo had worked her magic yet again, and would receive a hefty bonus for doing so, but a great deal was a great deal.
Nolan and Tom agreed that virtually gutting the place and remodeling would be cheaper and faster than starting from scratch.
Better yet, they’d have clean, comfortable rooms available in April for their first gathering, literally within walking distance—on two legs or four.
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Around suppertime
RJ finished his shift and headed home. His request for a week off had been granted, and though he wanted to be turned, he was still a little nervous. As he often did, RJ spoke to his mother as though she was right beside him.
“Hi, Ma. Tonight’s the night I get turned.
I’m not having second thoughts, but it’s probably gonna take a while to get used to the new me.
I never thought I could be a shifter like my wonderful mate, but things changed and now I’ll be able to claim Jonah and have some pups.
Not sure how many yet, but if you knew Jonah the way I do, you’d understand why I want a whole houseful.
“He’ll be a great dad, and you were the best parent I could have wished for.
Yeah, I remember how things were growing up, but our little ones will have the whole pack to help raise them right.
They’ll have more aunts, uncles, and cousins than you can shake a stick at!
And don’t worry; I’ll tell them all about you and dad. ”
The drive wasn’t a long one and RJ soon arrived, parked his truck, and headed for the house.
He had just enough time to shower before Jonah got home, and then Donna expected him for an examination before supper.
She hadn’t said why, but he figured it had something to do with the turning tonight, and hoped there wouldn’t be any delays.
At least they didn’t have to wait until a full moon, though the next one was less than three weeks away.
Jonah managed to get home sooner than expected, heading straight for the bathroom and his fantastic mate.
They didn’t have time to make love properly, so Jonah dropped to his knees in the soapy tub and sucked a load out of his man.
RJ gladly returned the favor after chasing Jonah into the bedroom, which of course made them late for their appointment with Donna.
She knew exactly what they’d been up to, but explained the purpose of the exam as RJ stripped down to his underwear.
She asked him the same set of questions that Gray had answered, and, fortunately, found no issues except his dental work. Dealing with that was explained in short order, and would be much less of a problem than the lack of acne scars or the missing tattoo on his forearm.
“If anyone asks, tell them your dermatologist tried some new techniques and you couldn’t be happier.
Eventually, people will forget the old you and not give it another thought.
You may need to leave your wedding ring at home or wear it around your neck from now on, in case you have to shift in a hurry.
“My guess is that you’ll have an easier time of adjusting to your wolf than Gray will.
You’ve lived among us long enough to be familiar with our world.
Even so, Jonah will help you figure things out, and so will your packmates.
We’ve scheduled Gray first, right after supper, and then we’ll meet you at your home.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can voice them before we get started. ”
Donna paused and then spoke directly to RJ.
“I understand you asked my brother to deliver the bite. We were both so pleased, and it really made Robert feel special. You’ll make a wonderful Beta mate for Jonah, and I’m so happy for you both!”