Page 55 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

Lunch

Melva sat next to Lincoln at a table that included Jonah, Doogie and Troy, and the Metcalfs.

She’d settled in nicely, enjoying her new life at Gladstone and spoiling Lincoln as much as possible.

Apparently, the sweet Omega had been terribly upset by something just before lunch, but he seemed to be fine now.

Like every pack, there were few secrets among the members, though no one had specifically explained what had happened to her friend.

It frustrated her not being able to talk to him until she realized how difficult it would be for him to be silent for three long months!

The pack had welcomed the two of them with open arms, making them feel right at home from the start.

There were a lot of names and faces to learn, but Melva was certain she’d eventually get to know everyone.

The packlands were enormous, lush, and filled with wildlife—the perfect setting for a thriving pack.

She certainly couldn’t complain about the food, either.

Perdy and Michelle worked magic in the kitchen, and they’d even asked her what some of her favorite foods were so they could include them in the menu plans.

Her idea to come here had been right on the money, especially considering Lincoln’s awkward situation.

It wouldn’t be easy raising a child on his own, but the folks here were confident that he and his pup would fit right in among “all the other misfits” (whatever that meant).

Perhaps there were stories she simply hadn’t heard yet, though she herself probably fit the bill!

After all, how many packs had an unmated, childless woman in her nineties with nothing to call her own?

By the time lunch was over, Evan came to collect Jonah and Lincoln for an afternoon nap. While that sounded good to her, she was intercepted by Alpha Blair before leaving the packhouse. He asked her to join him in his office for a chat, and got right down to business.

“How are you doing, Melva? Is there anything you need?”

She waved away his question.

“Land sakes, Ben, you’ve already spoiled me too much! I was just thinking that there must be something I could do around here to earn my keep.”

Ben simply smiled.

“Well, you’re in luck because I have a couple of part-time jobs for you to consider. The first one is helping in the kitchen with dishes and cleanup duties. The other is watching after our little ones at the daycare. Do either of those sound interesting?”

Melva pondered the choices for a moment before answering.

“You know, it might be fun to work at the daycare. I was hoping to watch Lincoln’s pup after he delivers, but that’s up to him.”

Ben nodded, as he’d had the same thought.

“You may get to do both. I’ll have Linda Kilburn sit down with you to work out the details, and you can get started whenever you feel comfortable. As far as your housing is concerned, we don’t have any empty apartments, so we’re going to leave you in Quad three for now if you don’t mind.”

Melva cackled, shaking her head.

“Mind? It’s the nicest place I’ve ever lived, so I don’t mind at all! Maybe I could clean the other units when you have guests come through, to help pay the rent.”

Ben’s brows went up a notch.

“Actually, that would be very helpful, as long as it’s not too much for you.

Our people owe you a debt for rescuing Lincoln, and it won’t be forgotten.

I also wanted to tell you that Alpha Sheppard is sending a team to Eagle River on Sunday to deal with Richmond and Ballard.

I’ll let you know what happens, but please don’t say anything to Lincoln in the meantime.

He seems to be improving every day, and I don’t want to spoil his progress with upsetting news. ”

Just the mention of those monsters set her teeth on edge, but she gave Ben an appreciative nod.

“Thank you. I’m glad to hear this whole thing isn’t being ignored. I really think it will help Lincoln to heal when he hears that they’ve been punished—hopefully something permanent , if you get my meaning.”

Ben understood completely.

“No worries there. They’re going to get what’s coming to them, or I’ll take care of it myself. That’s a promise.”

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

Later that evening…

“Thanks again for supper. We had a great time!”

RJ waved and Jonah yipped at Jack, William, and the twins as they left the house.

Like most Alphas, Kiah was a handful, but he’d channeled his natural tendencies into protecting Marie—often from their parents, especially if it was something neither of them wanted to do.

Still, their family was fairly typical for Gladstone, despite having children so late in life.

Speaking of kids, Jonah had requested that Jack do a little womb snooping during the visit, and the couple were giddy with excitement. If Jonah could, he’d be talking a mile-a-minute about Jack’s discovery. Since he couldn’t, RJ felt the pressure to say something.

“Were you surprised, Jo? I sure was!”

Jonah chuffed as he ran circles around his mate. RJ continued sharing.

“Don’t worry, Love, I’m not going to spill the beans. They’re just going to have to wait until December to find out, and besides, surprises make things interesting.”

Jonah’s rumbly growls of agreement were accompanied by insistent head rubs against RJ’s lower thigh.

It still felt strange for RJ to be walking along as usual while Jonah was down at knee level.

He hadn’t been a shifter for long, but almost felt guilty being in his human form while his wonderful mate had no choice.

Actually, Jonah was handling the strange switch-up better than he was!

They both knew it was only temporary, and for a very good cause, but it still did a number on one’s perspective.

As they neared the packhouse, RJ spotted a large poster on the door and went to investigate.

“Look, Jo! Another movie night.”

Jonah could still read and understand the written word, and he cocked his head at the unfamiliar title.

MOVIE NIGHT—Friday October 8th, at 6 p.m. sharp!

The Great Race (1965), starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Peter Falk, and Natalie Wood.

Hilarious hijinks galore in this laugh out loud, turn-of-the-century automobile race from New York to Paris.

This is a longer film, so we’re starting early and serving box suppers, with dessert and popcorn during intermission. Don’t miss it!

RJ reached down to stroke Jonah’s soft ears.

“It sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe we should invite Lincoln and Melva to join us.”

Jonah nodded his head and began trotting towards home. RJ was about to ask what his big hurry was until he caught the enticing scent of arousal from his mate. Obviously, a good knotting or three was in store to round out the Wilsons’ evening, and RJ eagerly quickened his steps.

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

Parked on Ben’s lap, Evan was enjoying some mouth-to-mouth with his mate. Things were just beginning to warm up when he felt several pats on his knee.

“Papa, where’s Lincoln?”

Evie looked slightly bereft without her friend, and Evan paused the action to answer his daughter.

“Didn’t I tell you, sweetie? Lincoln and Melva were invited to Donna and Lou’s house tonight. I don’t think he’ll stay out too late, so you should see him when he gets home.”

“Oh. Okay. He’s not afraid of everyone anymore, I can tell.”

Ben answered this one while keeping Evan exactly where he was.

“That’s right, baby girl. You and Jonah have helped him so much that he’s only afraid sometimes now. I’m very proud of you.”

Evie beamed at the compliment and then crawled up on the couch to demand double smooches from her daddies.

They planted loud smacks on each cheek at the same time, and she ran back to the playroom to join her brothers.

Evan returned his attention to Ben, leaning in to resume their own kisses when his phone rang.

He was surprised to see it was from Scooter, and Ben growled at the interruption.

“Hi, Scoot. How’s the seminar going?”

“Hey, Evan. It’s going okay and I’m learning lots of stuff. I was hoping you had a few minutes to talk. Something weird is going on and I can’t figure it out.”

He and Ben shared a puzzled look, and Evan stood up.

“Sure. Give me a sec and I’ll take this in the office so we won’t be interrupted. Hang on.”

Evan closed the door behind him and sat down in the big leather chair, surrounding himself with Ben’s marvelous scent.

“Tell me what’s troubling you, my friend.”

“Well… I’m having like, sexy thoughts and dreams about other guys. I mean, I never really thought about anyone that way before, but my human roommate is hanging out with one of the waiters, and his pheromones are driving me crazy!”

Oho! Evan wasn’t at all surprised, though the timing of Scooter’s sexual awareness had to be Luna’s doing. Either way, he needed some reassurance at the very least.

“I don’t think it’s anything to be worried about, but I understand why it might be confusing. Are you bothered because it’s guys and not women, or is it something else?”

“I never paid much attention to that kind of stuff. Maybe if I had some… experience with sex it wouldn’t seem so weird right now. I’ve been dreaming about it at night and then can’t stop thinking about it during the day!”

“Is there a particular guy that interests you? Is it your roommate?”

“His name is Tripp, and yeah I think he’s attractive, but there’s no one in particular. I just can’t seem to stop looking! Almost every guy gets my attention and I’m constantly fighting a boner. Is this normal?”

Evan wished he could be having this conversation in person. Voice-only left out a lot of the clues he relied on to know what to say. He’d have to go with his gut this time.

“Nothing you’ve told me is abnormal or wrong, so rest easy.

You’ve matured a lot in the last three years and have been focused on schooling and your deputy training.

You haven’t had time to process all the other things that someone your age might have—including sexual attraction, love, and finding a mate.

“This conference is the first time you’ve been away from home and doing things on your own.

It makes sense that your mind is now forcing you to think about something other than your career.

That would confuse anybody, Scoot, so don’t be hard on yourself.

Tell me this—have you come to any conclusions about romance and relationships?

You know, what feels right and what doesn’t? ”

Scooter didn’t answer immediately, though Evan could hear him growling.

“Yeah, sort of. I think women are pretty and everything, but when I beat off, I’m always thinking about a man. I guess that means I’m gay, but it doesn’t bother me. I just always believed that nobody would want me, so why get excited about it?”

Evan couldn’t allow that comment to stand unchallenged.

“Hold on, my friend. There is absolutely no reason to think you aren’t mate material.

Just take that idea out with the trash and leave it there.

You have more to offer than you realize, and that means adjusting your self-image.

Meanwhile, open up your mind and heart to possibilities, and I don’t mean just sex.

Keeping everyone at arm’s length could lead to spending your life all alone. ”

Scooter hadn’t thought things through quite that far, but he trusted Evan to be honest with him or he wouldn’t have called in the first place.

“Thanks, Evan. That’s a lot to think about, but I’ll try. Umm, how are things at home? Am I missing anything?”

Oh boy. Answering the question gave him the opportunity to plant some important seeds, but he couldn’t give away the farm.

“Everything’s great here, and we have some new people who arrived a few days ago.

It’s a long story, but Lincoln Hart is a pregnant Omega who’s been through a really rough time.

His friend, Melva, helped him escape their pack in Wisconsin and they both showed up here looking for a new home.

He’s doing better, all things considered, and both Jonah and Evie have been helping. ”

Scooter had an instant and visceral reaction to Lincoln’s name and the fact that a pregnant Omega had to escape from his own pack. Evan waited while the man’s angry growls rumbled down the phone line.

“Will he be all right? Is he safe?”

Evan expected the big-hearted Beta to react strongly, and that bode well for their actual meeting on Friday.

“It may take a while, but I think Lincoln will be fine. Security is keeping a close eye on him, so yes, he’s safe. We didn’t tell him, but Alpha Sheppard is sending a team this weekend to investigate the pack and see that justice is done.”

“Good. Tell Ben that I’ll go if they need extra men. Nobody should get away with abusing an Omega! It’s not right.”

“We all agree with you, Scooter, and Lincoln is a real sweetheart. I’m glad he came to us for help, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to meet you.”

Scooter grunted softly, mind awhirl with new thoughts.

“Thanks again, Evan. Tell everyone hello for me.”

Evan ended the call and returned to the living room to snuggle with his mate. Before the kisses resumed, Ben opened the mind-link and asked a question.

“What was that all about?”

“It seems that Luna’s been preparing Scooter, but I didn’t tell him that Lincoln is his mate.

He’d probably come rushing home to claim him, and Lincoln needs more time to heal before they meet.

I doubt either of them is stable enough at the moment for a typical mating, but there isn’t much I can do until we see how they react to one another. ”

Ben pondered his mate’s words before responding.

“Your dreams didn’t reveal anything nasty, so I’m going to hope for the best and trust that Luna will guide you if things go south.

To be on the safe side, I’ll ask Perdy to prepare Scooter’s apartment so they have what they need, and you’ll have to make another set of flashcards for the newlymates. ”

Soon after, Lincoln came home and the whole bedtime routine began. While everyone else was counting sheep, Evan enjoyed the focused, pleasantly exhausting attention of his mate.