Page 45 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)
“I encourage you to contact Jack or Evan, since Gladstone included some new elements that you might want to incorporate. I believe our work here is done, but we must keep a tight lid on this information moving forward. If you need advice or support, call.”
Before the attendees caught their outgoing flights, the Missoula contingent served a hearty meal at the nearby packhouse.
No mention was made of the day’s business amid overlapping conversations, and Alpha Sheppard thanked the group before everyone piled into the waiting vans for a trip to the airport.
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Saturday afternoon, Albuquerque NM
After what felt like the longest three days of their lives, the four-pack arrived in Albuquerque and headed to the Southwest Inn.
Gray had stayed at the lovely B&B last month, and it was conveniently located near the Harrison House where Walter and Tayen were living during his treatment.
The owners, Myke and Scott, were delighted to see Gray again, especially with an attractive new man on his arm.
Three blessedly private rooms awaited them on the second floor—an absolute requirement after several days in close quarters.
Their takeout meal arrived just as they finished showers and donned fresh clothes.
After eating, Gray called his grandfather to see if they were still up for a visit, and the group decided to walk the short distance instead of driving.
What they really needed was to get into their fur and run, but that would have to wait until they reached the ranch.
On the way, Gray spoke to Sergio about the things his grandmother would undoubtedly notice regarding his appearance.
“Maybe someday she’ll know about shifters, but everybody agrees that now isn’t the time. I don’t really understand how True Elders influence someone’s mind, but my grandmother is smart and doesn’t miss a thing.”
Sergio reached over to give his shoulder a squeeze.
“Don’t worry, my friend. I learned from Jack, and he’s been doing it for almost two centuries! I’ll have to alter her memories a little so that what she sees now matches what she remembers. If she has any problem with Nick, I’ll smooth that over too.”
Gray remained quiet, still worried they would miss something important. Of course, when his mother arrived tomorrow, Sergio would have to do it all over again. She’d be an even tougher nut to crack, though no longer sharing a home with her would make hiding his true self easier.
Just inside the building, the group gasped in dismay.
Though Gray had been here many times before, it was as a human.
Like the others, he could now detect the malodorous scent of cancer.
It would be even stronger in Walter’s presence, and Gray tried to steel himself for the assault, gripping Nick’s hand tighter.
Outside door number seven, they stopped to knock and wait.
Walter himself answered with a huge smile, waving them quickly inside.
“It’s wonderful to see you! Tayen is visiting a friend down the hall. What do I need to know?”
Sergio gave him a quick summary of what he intended to do and how Walter should conduct himself. The man seemed quite relieved.
“I’m glad you’re here. Very little escapes Tayen’s attention, so your gifts will be needed. You look amazing, Gray, and I am so happy to meet your mate. Watch your growling, boys, or I will never hear the end of it! Come sit down.”
Just as they settled, Tayen returned to the room and greeted Gray with a hug. As he pulled back, she gave him a curious look and was about to question him when he introduced Dante, Sergio, and finally, his mate.
“Grandmother, this is my partner, Nick Garcia.”
Gray had never dated anyone, male or female, so it was a surprise when word reached her that he’d found a boyfriend in Michigan.
She’d always hoped he would marry a lovely Diné girl and give her great grandbabies to hold.
Gray’s introduction and his arm around Nick’s waist, however, had dashed those hopes.
Nevertheless, she would be kind to the handsome young man for Gray’s sake.
“Welcome, Nick. Tell me about yourself. I want to know the one who makes my grandson so happy.”
Sergio watched Tayen, monitoring her scent for clues as they conversed.
He could sense the questions queuing up in her mind as she noticed numerous changes in Gray and his adoration of Nick.
Before the dam burst, Sergio held up his hand to stop the discussion, even as Tayen’s eyes clouded over.
The others quietly waited as the True Elder skillfully introduced new thoughts to replace the troublesome ones.
Gray’s appearance is exactly as it should be.
You are proud of your grandson.
Nick is a perfect life partner.
He is happy and content, as you wished.
The ranch is a wonderful opportunity.
Gray loves you very much.
Before releasing her, Sergio softly reassured Gray and Walter.
“Tayen will be fine. If I have missed anything, Walter, send Gray a text before we return tomorrow.”
Gray started talking as soon as Tayen’s normal expression returned.
“We’ve had a long day and need to rest, but we’ll be back after breakfast tomorrow before leaving for the ranch. There’s a lot to do, and we’re eager to get started.”
Gray received hugs from his grandparents, though they both offered one to Nick as well. Tayen had seemed more subdued than usual, but Sergio assured them it was a normal response on their way back to the B&B.
“I couldn’t read her actual thoughts, but I could sense her reaction to my suggestions.
I think Tayen’s biggest concern is that the ranch isn’t close to Window Rock, and even further from Albuquerque.
She’s used to seeing Gray often, and of course, Nick is not the life partner she expected Gray to bring home. ”
When they reached the Inn, a platter of caramel brownies awaited them, and not a crumb remained by the time they went up to their rooms. Nick had his clothes off before Gray could even turn down the bed, and they went at it with gusto.
Several orgasms later, the pair cuddled together on the comfy bed, finally ready to get some sleep. Nick, however, had a question.
“I never knew my grandparents. Could I adopt yours?”
Gray was still getting the hang of parsing out his mate’s scents, but he could tell that Nick wasn’t really joking.
“Of course. They already like you because you mean something to me, but it won’t take long before they love you, too.
Things will really change when our babies come along, but you’ll have them eating out of your hand by then anyway.
My grandmother probably assumes we won’t have any children, and I can’t wait to surprise her. ”
Nick pulled Gray in for sweet kisses.
“Me too, mate. Me too.”