Page 54 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)
As President Adam Sheppard’s private secretary, Evelyn had seen and heard a great deal in the last eighteen years.
Dealmaking, petitioners, friends, foes, drama, secrets, changes, threats, scandals, and enough rude shocks to turn her hair white.
There was, however, a steady stream of perks that made her job worthwhile.
One of those was meeting some amazing people, like the young True Elder who’d just arrived to see her boss.
Colton Ramsey was slowly becoming a fixture around here, and if Adam had his way, this young man would one day be serving the council full time.
“Good morning, Colton. Just knock once and go on in. He’s expecting you.”
Adam Sheppard looked up to greet his sharply dressed visitor with a friendly smile. The young man had changed quite a bit since his training at Gladstone, and the newfound confidence and impeccable manners made him seem more mature than his youthful appearance.
“Welcome, Colton. I appreciate you coming in to see me. Have a seat.”
Though he’d been here before, there was still something intimidating about meeting one-on-one with the American Shifter Council president.
Sheppard had always treated him well, but Colton wasn’t used to rubbing elbows with influential people or dealing with important issues.
He’d been told, however, that True Elders held a special and powerful place in shifter society, and that no one understood this better than Adam Sheppard.
Colton sat across the desk from the man, wondering what they were going to talk about.
“There are a number of things I’d like to go over with you before the council meeting next week.
I also have you in mind for a special mission, but we’ll get to that later.
First off, I recognize that you are free to live your life as you choose, and neither I nor the council has any special claim on your time or talents.
I also understand that for the next few years your first priority is earning a college degree.
“That being said, it is my hope that you will choose to serve our people on the Duluth council.
Mostly, that will involve participating in regular meetings and working closely with the Delta students who are also preparing for lives of specialized service.
You should know that much of what we do requires a high level of confidentiality, honesty, and commitment.
“You may also find it… taxing to interact with strong willed Alphas on a regular basis. I suggest you talk to Jack Eby about his experience with the councils over the last few years. He’s not only a man of integrity, but a skilled statesman who clearly understands the independent role of a True Elder.
In fact, I encourage you to return to Gladstone to spend some time learning from him before the semester starts in January.
I’m not saying that Evan Blair wasn’t a wonderful mentor, only that Jack offers the added benefit of age and specific experience. ”
Sheppard paused to slide a sealed envelope across the desk.
“In here you will find the names and contact information of all the adult True Elders presently known to us. Each has been trained and is actively serving in their respective packs or on various councils in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. They can help you get a feel for what your future responsibilities and experiences may look like. I also encourage you to get to know your brothers personally—on a deeper level than what was possible at the annual meeting.”
Colton couldn’t really argue with anything Sheppard had told him, and the man was being completely honest with him.
The idea of spending more time with Jack and getting to know the other men who were doing this work was appealing.
Evan would always have a special place in his heart, but his deeply curious nature and thirst for knowledge compelled him to also learn from his scattered brothers.
“Thank you, Sir. May I ask what this special mission you mentioned is all about?”
Sheppard’s scent soured as he leaned forward over the desktop.
“Our dear friends at Gladstone have taken in a pregnant Omega who arrived on their doorstep recently. He had been sexually forced, confined against his will, and finally managed to escape with the help of one of his packmates. He’s safe now, but this kind of abuse will not be tolerated among our people.
As I understand it, both the pack’s Alpha and his Second were involved.
We intend to pay them a visit soon and take out the trash. ”
Eyes aglow, Colton’s deep growls echoed off the office walls.
“I don’t get it. Why would someone do that?”
Sheppard sighed and composed himself. Colton was about to learn a harsh lesson.
“Sadly, even shifters are capable of deviant behavior, and this isn’t the first or last time we’ve had to deal with it.
An intervention is required, and a True Elder’s gifts are essential if we are to discover the truth and punish the guilty.
Mostly, you would be present when someone is questioned to verify the truth and accuracy of what they’re saying.
I’ve spoken to Evan, and he believes you’re capable of handling this assignment, but it’s your decision. ”
Colton was inclined to accept anyway, but knowing that Evan vouched for him boosted his confidence.
“I’d like to help, Sir. When are we going?”
Sheppard stood and extended his hand.
“Excellent! Evelyn will provide all the information you need by tomorrow. The team leaves early Sunday morning.”
############
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Between a full belly and a boring speaker, Scooter struggled to pay attention to the afternoon session entitled “Officer Health and Wellness.” Since the guy was basically reading directly from the handout, Scooter wasn’t worried about taking notes, and let his mind wander a bit.
He’d been learning new things, but a constant parade of strange and amorous thoughts fought for dominance in his mind.
Tripp’s new fling was clearly to blame, planting unfamiliar ideas in his head.
He’d returned to their room last night even later than the day before, smelling like sex, sweat, and cum.
At least he’d headed for the shower without being reminded, though it still left Scooter horny and frustrated.
Even worse, his sleep had been plagued by erotic dreams, all featuring men who wanted a piece of him—primarily his dick.
Even now, he was trapped in a room with dozens of fit, attractive guys of all ages, sizes, and shapes.
It took every ounce of self- control to keep his boner at bay while his mind toyed with explicit fantasies.
This was just too weird, and Scooter decided then and there to give Evan a call tonight.
Maybe he could help him figure out what the hell was going on before he got home and humiliated himself in front of his packmates.
############
Meanwhile, at Gladstone
Flanked by two members of the security team, Lincoln and Jonah trotted happily along the new walking path between the conference center and the packland’s central compound.
Jonah had been curious to see what was happening out there, though they were forced to observe from the relative safety of the forest, lest they be spotted by the human construction crew.
Except for open space, Johnston Creek, and a small lake, there hadn’t been much to look at.
Now, the transformation was well underway with several structures, a parking lot, a reconfigured access road that connected to Highway 2, and a lovely obstruction-free meadow.
Since Lincoln was feeling more comfortable at Gladstone, Jonah decided to use their daily runs to show him around.
This was certainly a nice day for it, with crisp, clean air, sunshine, and fall leaves painting the forest with swaths of gold, green, red, and brown.
Most of the wildlife scattered to hide from the pack of predators as they chuffed in amusement—passing by without slowing down to chase after them.
The walking path led directly to the Eastside housing area that included a number of homes and the below ground apartment complex.
Jonah’s intended destination was the packhouse and the promise of lunch for his ever-hungry belly.
Lincoln, however, had veered off to investigate the apartments, sniffing madly when he arrived at a particular door.
Jonah noticed it was Scooter’s apartment, though he wasn’t at home and wouldn’t return until late Friday.
Lincoln didn’t know that, of course, but he was now pawing at the doorknob and whining in earnest.
Uh oh. Jonah recognized the randy pheromones pouring off of Lincoln, since he himself was nearly always horny, demanding RJ’s undivided attention as soon as he arrived home each day.
It could only mean one thing—Scooter must be Lincoln’s mate!
The poor guy would either have to suffer alone or allow someone else to mount him.
Their bodyguards couldn’t help but notice the poor Omega’s sexually enticing scent, and Jonah warned them off with growls and teeth.
Lost in a fog of desire, Lincoln was no longer aware of his surroundings or in complete control of himself.
Since no one seemed to know what to do, and Jonah couldn’t explain, he lifted his snout to howl a general alarm.
Home and apartment doors opened all around them, heads popping out to see what was going on.
Fortunately, Donna and Erin had just arrived home from the clinic and heard Jonah’s cry for help.
While Erin came towards them, Donna scurried over to the Blair’s front door.
Moments later, she and Evan came running.
The heady scent reached them en route, confirming what they already knew; Lincoln had scented his true mate, kicking off a powerful need to be knotted.
Given the abuse he’d already suffered, the situation presented Evan with a new and delicate problem.
First, he needed to disperse the growing crowd of concerned onlookers.
“I know you’re worried, but Lincoln will be all right. Give us a little privacy, please.”
Donna and Erin assured the Alpha Mate of their support before leaving the area, while the security team formed a protective barrier. Only Evan and Jonah remained, with Lincoln huddled near Scooter’s apartment door, trembling with need. Evan spoke quietly to Jonah first.
“Use your scent to calm him while I influence his mind. He won’t remember any of this, and should be fine until Scooter gets back. Follow me when I pick him up.”
Jonah nodded in understanding, trotting over to offer body rubs and encouraging yips until Lincoln suddenly lay still, eyes unfocused. Evan leaned down to scoop him up, carrying the Omega to Jonah and RJ’s home. He stopped on the front porch and put him down so Jonah could curl up behind him.
Somehow, Evan had to turn off the sexual need and replace it with something else, though only temporarily.
Anything relating to the mating drive, including pregnancy, was hard-wired into the lupine psyche, so getting Lincoln’s wolf to understand and cooperate would require some delicate tinkering.
First, he erased the last few minutes of memory, enabling Lincoln’s body to relax and his mind to float peacefully like a feather on a still pond.
Now came the difficult part of convincing him to ignore Scooter’s scent, and accept substitutes for randy thoughts of his mate or the need for sex.
His scent is a soft promise.
Wait for your mate.
No one else will do.
Food. Friends. Sleep.
Food. Friends. Sleep.
Food. Friends. Sleep.
Evan repeated the suggestions until Lincoln’s wolf accepted them without resistance.
Once Scooter returned home, his scent and presence should be more than enough to overcome any lingering doubt or fear in Lincoln’s mind.
If not, he would help the damaged Omega to embrace a new life with his true mate—someone who would love, respect, and care for him as he deserved.
Evan impressed Lincoln with a very strong desire to eat, and then held up an index finger to let Jonah know he needed a few more moments to set the stage.
He moved off the porch and positioned himself so it looked like he’d just walked up to the house.
A bit of mental karate followed as Evan withdrew from Lincoln’s mind, and lifted his hand to wave at the two “resting” Omegas.
“Hi, guys! Are you feeling good after your run?”
Jonah caught on to the ruse and yipped playfully at his brother-in-law, while Lincoln got to his feet and looked around to get his bearings.
“It’s time for lunch, and I hear we’re having bacon wrapped pork roast with garlic potato wedges, and lemon crème cake for dessert. How’s that sound?”
Lincoln gave a happy howl of assent and jumped off the porch, urging Jonah to follow him.
Evan watched as the security team escorted them to the packhouse, while he set a more relaxed pace back home.
It seemed his intervention had worked, for now, though keeping Lincoln away from Scooter’s apartment door might be the better part of wisdom until the man got back on Friday.
By then, he’d be the only one besides Lincoln who didn’t know his mate was waiting for him!