Page 59 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

“ and so Linda’s taking me to see the downtown this afternoon.

I sure wish you could come along. Did you know that I’ll be working with her in the daycare starting Monday?

Goodness me, there’s so much going on around here!

I’d tell you all about it, but I’m having lunch with some of the ladies and they’re waiting for me. Scooter, take good care of my boy!”

Melva patted the top of Lincoln’s head and wandered back to her table near the windows.

Scooter chuckled at the woman’s pleasantly pushy demeanor, knowing she only wanted the best for Lincoln.

Since they were in total agreement regarding his mate, he wasn’t worried about incurring her wrath.

Lincoln simply chuffed and went back to eating his bowl of roast beef chunks covered with thick gravy, while Scooter finished a triple-decker sandwich and a plate full of fries.

Today’s dessert was warm blueberry crisp, topped with ice cream, and Lincoln’s tail continued wagging through three large servings. Scooter wondered how he could pack it in like that, but Donna had explained the need to feed while pregnant, especially in wolf form.

“He’s got less than six more weeks, and a growing pup requires plenty of fuel. Don’t worry, though, he’ll know when he’s had enough!”

With Jonah and RJ eating at home today, their packmates only had one pregnant Omega to fuss over.

Lincoln had been so starved for touch and companionship that he savored the attention.

A steady stream of folks stopped by during the meal to pet him, say hello, chat for a minute, or ask how he was doing.

In less than a week, he’d been made to feel welcome, accepted, and supported, despite the pack not knowing all that much about him.

Scooter was more than grateful, having been in the same place at one time himself.

After lunch, the couple intended to pick up a few things from the Blairs’ home to take back to the apartment. Since it was raining now, Scooter knocked on the heavy security door that the family often used, and was greeted by a disheveled Ben—hair wet and clothes spattered with raindrops.

“Hey! Come on in. I just got done taking a few things over to your place. I think Evan has another bag for you, though.”

By the time they reached the living room, the kids had surrounded them.

Evie, Max, Marco, and Mitchell chose to lavish Lincoln with attention while Derek and Dawson wanted to test Scooter’s muscles.

He’d played this game with the competitive little Alphas since his arrival at Gladstone, lifting a boy on each outstretched arm at the same time.

“Hmm… I don’t know. Derek seems a little heavier this time, but he has his shoes on.”

Scooter let them down and imparted a bit of sage advice.

“To be big, strong Alphas you need to eat all your meals, get lots of exercise, and obey your parents. Can you do that?”

The last one earned him the stink eye—mighty impressive from six-year-olds. Dawson called him out.

“Daddy doesn’t do that. Grandma and grandpa don’t even live here!”

Scooter knew about Ben’s history with his father, but wasn’t about to mention it to the boys.

“True, but your daddy is all grown up now and remembers the good things grandma and grandpa taught him. That’s why he’s such a good Alpha.”

Derek and Dawson seemed to accept Scooter’s declaration at face value, even as Evan stifled a laugh and Ben sported a rare blush.

They appreciated the impromptu lesson anyway, since the boys were still learning that Alphas were more than muscle and teeth.

Evan noticed that Lincoln was yawning and escorted his guests toward the front door.

A large gift bag waited there, wrapped in a plastic sack, which he handed to Scooter.

“This is from Katrine and Mandy to help you keep Lincoln looking his best. You’ll find a few more things at home that might come in handy, but let us know if you need something else.

Lincoln, if you want the freedom to come and go, we can have one of the guys install a wolf door at the apartment.

Oh, one more thing—if you two feel like staying in, just call the kitchen and they’ll deliver your meals. ”

Lincon yipped his thanks as Scooter verbally expressed their appreciation to Ben and Evan.

The kids all waved goodbye as the pair took off through the downpour and made a beeline for the apartment.

They were thoroughly soaked by the time they got inside; cold, dripping, and bedraggled. Scooter immediately sprang to action.

“Linc, stay there on the rug while I get the shower going. I’ll be right back.”

Lincoln fought the need to shake out his coat, knowing what a mess he’d make if his lupine instincts took over.

He heard the rustling of clothes and then the water turned on.

Seconds later a very naked Scooter returned with a dry towel.

He wiped off enough to stop the dripping and grabbed the gift bag on their way to the bathroom.

The ladies had given them several bottles of liquid soap designed for sensitive canine skin, and well-made brushes for Lincoln’s heavy coat.

“Wasn’t that nice of them? Let’s get in the shower and I’ll clean you up.”

Not only had Lincoln never bathed with someone before, he’d never imagined it with a sexy, muscled, hairy-in-all-the-right-places mate.

Drawn by the scent glands at his groin, Lincoln’s wolf wanted to investigate Scooter’s impressive manhood, now at eye level, and drool-worthy in either form.

Taking advantage of that lovely gift would have to wait, and he mentally thumped his wolf on the nose to get those thoughts under control.

The warm, soothing water made an instant difference, washing away the chilled rainfall.

Lincoln relaxed, leaning against Scooter’s massive thigh as he drizzled the soap over his coat and worked it in.

Big, gentle hands thoroughly cleaned and rinsed every inch of him, saving Lincoln’s head and face for last.

“Close your eyes, Linc. I don’t want to get soap in them, okay?”

Lincoln yipped, pleased to hear Scooter use his nickname and that his mate was so considerate. By the time he’d finished, Lincoln felt terrific—warm, relaxed, and ready for a nap. They weren’t quite done yet though, and Scooter gave him more instructions.

I’m going to block the water so you can shake, and then jump out and wait on the rug while I get cleaned off, too.”

Lincoln sprayed water everywhere, though most of it stayed inside the tub enclosure.

When he’d finished, Scooter drew back the curtain so he could hop out and draped a clean, dry towel over him.

Unwilling to miss the show, Lincoln wormed his snout around the far end of the curtain to watch his mate bathe.

Even the man’s ass was a work of art, and he began making a list of all the body parts he wanted to investigate once he’d taken human form again. How had he gotten so lucky?

Scooter moved quickly, knowing that his mate was patiently waiting for him—even if he was spying on him at the moment.

Cute! Apparently, Linc liked what he saw and Scooter wasn’t shy about showing off a little.

The sudden urge to rub one out came to mind, and while it would certainly feel good, he’d save his spunk for a good knotting later, if his mate was interested.

Shutting off the water, Scooter grabbed another towel from the rack, dried off with haste, and wrapped it around his waist. Lincoln moved over to make room, and Scooter stepped out to kneel by his side on the rug.

It took two towels to get his coat reasonably dry; Lincoln alternately yawning or licking his mate’s face when he could reach it.

“No worries, my love. I’ll be done in a minute and then we’ll take a nap.

Once you get your human skin back, we’re gonna have even more fun in the shower.

You wouldn’t believe what some of my packmates get up to, especially Nolan and Garrett.

Robert is full of good ideas too, though most of his involve food. ”

Lincoln wasn’t exactly sure what his mate was referring to, but any kind of sexy stuff would be enjoyable with Scooter, despite their current lack of experience.

His mate hung up the wet towels, led Lincoln to their bedroom, and threw a clean sheet over the top of the mattress.

Moments later, they were curled up together for an afternoon siesta.

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

Sunday October 10 th, Eagle River, WI

Two passenger vans and a nondescript black SUV approached the turnoff on the north side of Eagle River.

As expected, the RestStop Inn parking lot contained a maroon extended cab pickup truck, parked by itself away from the building—leaving the three arriving vehicles to pull up nearby.

Oscar York, Alpha Sheppard’s Second, stepped out of the SUV—along with True Elder Colton Ramsey, stern-faced bodyguards, and two others.

The passenger vans contained a crew of Beta enforcers, specially picked for this mission, who also got out to stretch their legs after a three-hour drive from Duluth.

The pickup truck’s doors opened, revealing two Alphas and three more enforcers, all hailing from the Crandon pack, about forty miles to the southeast. Oscar recognized the older of the two Alphas, and went to shake his hand.

“Good to see you again. Allow me to introduce Colton Ramsey, the True Elder now working with the Duluth council. Colton, this is Felix Muir, Alpha of the Crandon pack.”

Muir gave the young man an assessing look that made Colton uneasy. He got a revealing whiff of the man’s scent and decided to take the bull by the horns, the way Evan taught him.

“It’s nice to meet you, Alpha Muir. Are you uncomfortable because I’m a True Elder or because I’m young?”

Muir’s eyes widened and he let go of a startled chuckle.

“If I say “both,” would you believe me?”

“Yes, Sir. I always know when someone is telling the truth.”

The group had little choice but to laugh, as it wasn’t too often that Alphas were bested by, well, anyone . Oscar intervened to save Muir from further embarrassment by gesturing toward the rest of their group.

“And who else do we have here?”

Muir jumped right back in with introductions.

“These gentlemen are two of our best enforcers, and this is my nephew, Ron Tindall. He’s prepared to challenge Stu Richmond for the Eagle River pack—assuming he’s guilty as charged.”

The young, brawny Alpha reached out to shake Colton’s hand. There was no hesitation in his manner or voice as he spoke.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Colton, and I look forward to seeing your gifts in action.

We’re going to need your help to get to the bottom of this mess and see that justice is done.

My mate and I have an Omega son at home, and I don’t want him growing up thinking he can be preyed upon by his own people. ”

Colton knew he meant every word sincerely, despite his uncle’s obvious discomfort with a young True Elder being assigned to the team.

“Thank you, Alpha Tindall. With Luna’s help, I’ll do everything I can to make things right.”

Tindall gave him a resolute nod, and probed for more information.

“Is the Omega in question in a safe place?”

Colton knew exactly what he could, and could not, say.

“The location is a secret, but both the Omega and the person who helped him escape are safe and being cared for.”

Amid growls of agreement, heads nodded all around. As the team’s leader, Oscar then began a final briefing before they hit the road for a short drive to the Eagle River packlands.

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

Bruce spread the paper map out on his kitchen table, studying the black “X’s” that marked the places he’d already investigated.

He’d checked nearly every known pack between Eagle River and the eastern border of Wisconsin—and found nothing.

No trace of either Lincoln or Melva, but no dead bodies either, which meant they were still on the run or found a place to hide.

They’d gone too far east for it to be a feint, but if they had continued that direction, they’d be in Michigan by now. But where? Checking every pack in the Upper Peninsula could take months and the pup was due in less than six weeks.

Damn! If he could get his hands on that Winchell bitch, there would be nothing left of her to identify.

This was all her fault, and he should have taken Lenny and Kurt up on their offer to dispose of her saggy old ass when he had the chance.

He’d certainly been tempted, but it would have pissed off Alpha Richmond and got him into even more trouble.

As it was, Richmond insisted that he personally find Hart and bring him back home or he’d be cast out and disavowed.

The little shit had betrayed him, but that was his pup the worthless Omega was carrying, and he’d never see the little one if he didn’t find Lincoln in time.

He’d been so close to getting what he’d always wanted, and now the whole plan had backfired on him big time.

There was no telling what vicious lies Melva might be spreading about what actually happened here, though Lincoln wouldn’t be able to say a word until after the pup was born.

Bruce pulled a Michigan map from the drawer and spread it out on the table. If he started in Ironwood and worked his way through the Ottawa National Forest and points north, he could…

The sound of multiple vehicles pulling in broke Bruce’s concentration.

He hadn’t heard anything about expected visitors today, so who the hell was that?

An insistent pounding on the front door compelled him to get up and see what was going on, and it better be good.

He opened it to find the house surrounded by strangers, with a big Beta at the front looking him in the eye.

“Bruce Ballard? I’m Alpha Sheppard’s Second, Oscar York, and I have some questions for you.”