Page 6 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

Late July, León Mexico

Alpha Navarro had called for a pack meeting at their usual place in the nature preserve, but it took time to align everyone’s schedules.

Unable to live together on their own packlands, the group was scattered all over León in homes and apartments, much like their human neighbors.

Usually, they met once or twice a week with whoever could make it, though always with great care and under the cover of darkness.

Their wolves longed for more freedom and yearned to howl at the moon whenever the mood struck, but it wasn’t allowed.

Over the decades they had been spotted here and there, giving the locals something to gossip about and increasing the likelihood that someone would discover wolves where there shouldn’t be any at all.

Based on news reports, the only Lobos found in Mexico now were far to the north in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua.

If any other shifters had survived the purge, they were assumed to be living there, but nothing was known of them.

While their lives here in León weren’t horrible, the isolation and restricted way of living was far from ideal for shifters.

The purpose of tonight’s meeting was to discuss a recent incursion, Luna’s dreams, and their future as a pack.

Everyone had their own opinions, but they trusted Alpha Navarro and their True Elders, Hector and Sergio to guide them.

Since the meeting place was in the northeast section of the Preserve, and far from town, pack members left their vehicles around the perimeter and shifted before entering.

As long as they were quiet and careful, it was as close to running free as they would ever get.

Though the moon was waning, they still enjoyed what there was of Luna’s light while making their way to the hidden cave that served as a gathering place.

Obscured by brush, the entrance was large enough to accommodate even the biggest wolves, and led to a roomy, private chamber.

It was lit with battery operated camping lanterns and contained well-hidden storage totes of simple, knee-length tunics.

People shifted and dressed quickly as they arrived, clustered in small groups to chat until the meeting began.

Since the uneven, chilly floor was uncomfortable in human form, most chose to remain standing while they conducted their business.

Luna had provided a core of five leaders who offered greetings as they mingled with the rest of the pack: father and son Alphas, Javier and Dante Navarro, True Elders Hector Alvarez and Sergio Rivera, and pack Omega, Nicolas Garcia.

Once everyone was accounted for, Alpha Navarro began the meeting.

“Hola mis amigos (hello my friends)! Thank you for coming tonight. We have much to discuss but will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion. Last month, for the first time in our history, we were discovered by other shifters.”

The room buzzed excitedly, everyone wondering who they were and what they wanted. Navarro recaptured their attention and continued.

“Our scouts did not see them, but there were at least four distinct scents.

One was True Elder and all were Lobos. We believe they were seeking information, perhaps to find out where and when we meet for a future visit.

At the very least, it confirms the existence of other Lobo shifters in Mexico.

Their scents were also detected in town, so they must have a general idea of where we live and work.

“As you know, our presence has become more difficult to hide, and we lack the freedom our wolves crave. Meeting in the Preserve has become dangerous with the drug lords now using it for illegal activity. And, while we are grateful for growth, the pack is too large to manage under present conditions. Thankfully, Luna has gifted our True Elders with the very guidance we have longed for.”

Quiet chatter erupted again as Hector and Sergio stepped forward. As senior True Elder, Hector motioned for silence so he could speak.

“In the last month, both Sergio and I have had dreams showing the pack receiving visitors and then enjoying a better life elsewhere. Luna has also revealed that there are thriving Lobo packs in the north—something we have suspected but were unable to confirm. We anticipate learning more in our dreams, but believe the coming changes are close at hand.”

The reaction was mixed, with the most obvious divide a generational one—younger pack members eager to find mates and a better place for their wolves, while the older generation was content to stay rather than being uprooted later in life.

Alpha Navarro, Hector, and Sergio fielded questions, doing their best with limited information.

Must we leave or do we have a choice?

If we go, will the pack stay together?

How will we live?

What becomes of our homes and property?

Is there no other way?

Before the meeting ended, Navarro sought to encourage them.

“This pack only exists because our ancestors made a very brave and difficult choice to find a safe haven. It appears that we, too, may be facing a similar decision very soon, but for more pleasant reasons. When Luna reveals more, you’ll be told everything.

Meanwhile, consider what is best for the pack and our little ones, not only yourself.

A bit of discomfort now is a small price to pay for the kind of life we’ve always wanted. ”

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

Early August, Eagle River Wisconsin

Lincoln was looking forward to the pack run tonight.

He and Melva joined up with several others as they walked to the gathering place at the glen, arriving as a group.

Lincoln’s scent and friendly disposition kept the others clustered around him, naturally protective of their Omega.

Except for their leaders, the pack had no problem accepting Lincoln as Rosalee’s replacement.

They’d known him for years, after all, and having a male Omega was something of a novelty.

Alpha Richmond and his Second, Bruce Ballard, waited for the pack to settle down before making the usual announcements. Richmond’s troubled scent, however, gave everyone pause as he got their attention and came straight to the point.

“In the last month, a lone cougar has been spotted near several of the area packs.”

Nervous chatter erupted at the surprising news.

While cougars had once been common, the only ones seen in the area now were males traveling east from western states.

Gray wolves, and their shifter cousins may be apex predators, but even they could be threatened.

Richmond understood and shared their concern, quieting them down with a rumbling growl.

“It may just be passing through, but until we know more I don’t want anyone traveling alone beyond packland borders.

Cougars are big, fast, and stealthy, and even I would have difficulty taking one down.

We’re safe as long as we stay together, so don’t go wandering off, and watch your back.

If you see or scent anything, sound the alarm.

“One more thing. I’ll be attending the American Shifter Packs’ annual meeting in Montana later this month. Bruce will be in charge while I’m gone, so go to him if you need anything. If there aren’t any questions, let’s run.”

Lincoln began to disrobe with the others and looked up to find a half-stripped Bruce watching him.

The man was powerfully built, sporting several days of beard growth and a perpetual scowl.

His squinty blue eyes were now heated amber orbs that raked over Lincoln’s bare skin.

Revulsion made him shiver, though Ballard only smiled and lifted his chin as if they shared some sort of understanding.

Melva caught the exchange and stepped between them, blocking the nasty Second’s view of Lincoln.

She received a heated glare before the man turned away, and Melva whispered, “ stay close” before they also shifted.

Surrounded by packmates, Lincoln managed to enjoy the run, safely out of Ballard’s reach.

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

After the run

Everyone anticipated delicious food and snacks after a run, though Lincoln found himself calming upset packmates instead.

Even a single lone cougar posed a real and frightening threat, and despite Alpha Richmond’s assurances, his announcement left people on edge.

Lincoln cranked up the output of his scent, and accompanied by Melva, worked to soothe fears and help people remain calm.

The little ones, who really didn’t understand the adults’ non-verbal angst, were more easily swayed by the sweet Omega.

After a while, the room filled with conversation and laughter as people relaxed and began to enjoy themselves. Relieved by the brief respite, Lincoln headed for the food table to load up a plate, only to find Bruce looming behind him.

“You’re good with the kids. Maybe you should have some of your own.”

Lincoln swallowed hard, wishing someone would rescue him.

“W… well, maybe someday after I find my mate.”

Bruce’s oily smile and aroused scent made Lincoln queasy.

“Omegas like you don’t need a mate to have pups, ain’t that right? All them heats you had weren’t for nothing after all. I could help with that…”

“BALLARD! Not now .”

Both Lincoln and Bruce winced at the power emanating from Alpha Richmond. The man’s irritated expression wasn’t hard to miss either, as he spoke first to Lincoln.

“See to the Tinley family while I deal with my Second. Go!”

Lincoln bared his neck, abandoning his partially filled plate, and went to see what the Tinleys needed. Melva joined him, muttering an apology.

“I’m sorry. I was on my way to help, but Alpha got there first. We’ll talk at home, all right?”

Lincoln nodded, relieved to have gotten away from Bruce and his disgusting proposition. Luna! Why couldn’t he be left alone?

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

Later, at home

“… and I overheard them talking about male Omega pregnancies! I didn’t know it was possible, but I suppose that explains why you have heats.

Ballard wants pups, but no females in the pack will mate with him, so Alpha Richmond told him he could try it with you and see what happens.

Did you and Rosalee talk about this before she died? ”

Lincoln couldn’t withhold the tears and Melva pulled him close with a comforting hug. Too bad his own scent didn’t affect him the way it did others, and he suddenly wished he was any shifter type except Omega. Once he’d regained control of himself, Lincoln tried to explain the whole thing.

“Nobody knew male Omegas could carry pups until a couple years ago. Rosalee said that one of the True Elders learned about it and then shared it with Alpha Sheppard. He only told the packs he trusted, and because Alpha Richmond sided with Lyle Wilburn, our pack never knew. Rosalee and I agreed that it wouldn’t be safe to mention it, so I don’t know how they found out.

“If I understood what she told me, the Omega becomes something called a Change Mate during sex in the light of a full moon. It’s kind of a complicated process, but if the Omega conceives, he won’t be able to shift again until after the pups are born.

Besides male Omegas, only an Alpha and his mate can produce pups this way. ”

Melva pondered the situation for a moment before shock registered on her face.

“Oh, no! Alpha Richmond will be gone during the next full moon and Ballard will be in charge! We’ve got to get out of here before then, and I know just the place. Do you have one of those travel apps on your phone?”

Lincoln grabbed his device, and at Melva’s suggestion, uploaded a map of Michigan’s upper peninsula.

Though surrounded by water on three sides, the western portion was actually connected to Wisconsin.

Lincoln adjusted the view so that Eagle River was on the far left side of the screen, with the central part of the U.P.

on the far right. Melva pointed at a particular Michigan city.

“Gladstone! It’s a big pack with lots of land, and they even have True Elders.

You would be safe there, I know it. You can see it’s almost due east of Eagle River, with Iron Mountain at the halfway point, just across the border.

Looks to be about a hundred and forty miles, so you could be there in four or five days in wolf form, if you have to make a run for it.

“Meanwhile, I want you to pack up your belongings so I can take them down to Ginny’s house in Newald for safekeeping.

Everybody knows I visit her at least once a month, so no one will think anything of it.

Then, after Alpha Richmond leaves for the conference, you and I will get in the car to run an errand and never come back.

If you’re not happy at Gladstone, I’m sure they can help us find another place where we can start over. ”

Lincoln teared up again, unable to accept his friend’s sacrifices.

“I love you, Melva, but I can’t expect you to uproot your life for me.”

She held up her hand to forestall any further protestations.

“Nonsense! With Rosalee gone, you’re all I have. There’s nothing left for me here, and I refuse to live under Alpha Richmond’s thumb for another minute. We’re going to do this, and I’m going to help. End of discussion. Now let’s get started on that packing.”