Page 65 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

Tuesday, early evening, near Cornell, MI

Bruce could smell them in the wind.

Barring any unforeseen obstacles, he’d reach Gladstone tomorrow, but the thought of messing with that particular pack made him uneasy.

Not only were they in Sheppard’s pocket, the place was filled with queers and losers who would probably refuse to hand over the Omega.

In the end they’d have to since, thanks to the pup, Lincoln’s scent now included Bruce’s.

While they weren’t technically mated, his claim on Hart (or at least the pup) was irrefutable.

A lot depended on what Melva Winchell told them, but Bruce was confident he could get around it.

Who would believe the old hag anyway? The other problem was what to do on arrival.

Did he walk in and stake his claim or go for the stealth approach?

As he understood it, the packlands there were enormous, and there’s no way they could be watching every entry point.

All he really had to do was figure out where Lincoln lived and wait for the right moment to grab him. How hard could it be?

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

Lincoln waited patiently for Scooter to come home, flanked by bodyguards as he sat watching the parking lot.

He felt a lot more secure when his mate was at home, though Ben and Evan had explained how they intended to deal with Ballard.

In fact, they had asked his opinion about how likely the plan was to work, giving him more confidence in the operation.

Ballard’s unjustifiable self-confidence and simplistic thinking would be his undoing, and Lincoln just wanted an end to the waiting, stress, and uncertainty.

Scooter pulled into the lot and parked, and by the time he got out, Lincoln had trotted over to greet him with licks and yips—tail wagging furiously.

Nate loved coming home to his mate every day, but especially now while they waited for Bruce to show up.

He spent every workday worrying over Lincoln and wanting to be by his side.

Fortunately, he’d been able to swap hours with his co-workers so he could be at home both Wednesday and Thursday.

After Scooter changed clothes, the couple went to the packhouse for supper.

RJ waved them over, having saved seats so that Jonah could help comfort Lincoln.

While their mates ate, the men got to talking about cooking, and Scooter confessed to having no culinary skills.

He leaned over to ask Lincoln if he knew his way around the kitchen, and the Omega answered with a vigorous head shake.

When the laughter died down, RJ offered to teach them.

“At least one of you needs to learn the basics. Jonah and I aren’t always in the mood for company, so being able to cook for ourselves comes in handy.

Besides, it’s something fun to do together.

Robert would be a great resource too, even though his expertise is tasting, not cooking.

He has access to a ton of recipes and food ideas, but beware—he and Ash like to combine sex with their meals! ”

Midway through dessert, Donna, Lou, and the twins stopped by the table to update Scooter.

“I gave Lincoln his eight-week checkup today, and everything looks good. He’s gained more weight and the pup is right on target.

Keep up the daily runs and let him eat whatever he wants.

If it makes you more comfortable, I would be happy to assist with the delivery—either at home or at the infirmary.

You have plenty of time to decide, but it’s something you should discuss. ”

Before they left, RJ asked Lou for an update on his run for sheriff.

“Voting is in a couple of weeks on November second, and I have two more rallies coming up for a last-minute push. The polls look good, and it will help if all my packmates cast their ballots. Sheriff Tucker seems to think it’s in the bag, and he can’t wait to retire.”

Both Jonah and Lincoln were excited to see Alain and Marcel, licking little fingers and sniffing thoroughly until the boys decided to fill their diapers. Their mates were still chuckling as Donna and Lou took them home to take care of business.

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

Later that night

As they often did before bed, Scooter read to Lincoln—stretched across his lap on the couch.

He really wasn’t much of a reader, but when his mate had asked, he simply couldn’t say no.

Lincoln preferred Regency romances, gay or straight, which Scooter knew absolutely nothing about.

The language, customs, clothing, and food left him bewildered, and yet he pressed on for his mate’s sake.

Being locked in wolf form had robbed Lincoln of so many enjoyable activities, and Scooter would do anything to keep his man happy.

The book he was reading tonight was called “The Duke’s Forbidden Love”—about a rich dude who lusted after his valet.

Aside from footwear, one of the first things to come off was something called a cravat.

Scooter stopped reading to ask what it was.

“Linc, is that the cloth thing around their neck?”

Lincoln lifted his head to nod and lay back down, top ear twitching.

“Okay. Those people wore a lot of clothes, and it’s no wonder they needed a valet to help them. Honestly, I think the Duke is wasting his time on the guy. I mean, how could you undress a hot man day after day and not get horny? If it were you and me, we’d be burying the bone every night.”

The air suddenly filled with pheromones—a potent mixture of desire and affection that demanded attention.

Lincoln whined, jumped down from Scooter’s lap, and stuck his nose right in his mate’s crotch.

The man’s hard-on was obvious, and Scooter undressed and shifted to prepare for a bedtime knotting.

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

Wednesday, October 20 th

By late morning, Bruce had arrived at the Gladstone packlands.

Most of the border was shoreline, so he’d been forced to approach from the north.

Highway Two seemed to be the cutoff, and he stationed himself on the opposite side to observe the main entrance—complete with a guardhouse and electric gates.

These people weren’t fooling around with their security, but they couldn’t maintain this level of caution everywhere.

Bruce decided to move farther east, cross the highway, and enter from the far side.

This area didn’t appear to have any homes or activity, giving him a chance to get his bearings.

After several minutes of cautious scouting, he picked up a concentration of human scents amid the sounds of hammering and the smell of sawdust. Was this part of the packlands or something else?

And what was that noise? He’d heard it twice now, though they weren’t the same.

The earlier one was a high-pitched beeping with a repeating pattern.

The new one was more like loud clicks interspersed with short whistles.

Whatever they were, the noises stopped just as he reached the edge of a clearing.

Something large was being built here, perhaps a campground, and the workers were a mix of human and shifter.

Damn! They would scent him or spot him for sure if he didn’t move soon.

Based on what his nose told him, the central compound was about two miles to the west of his current position.

He’d have to head further south and then curve around to get a better look.

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

At the same time…

Ben stood in the security office doorway, watching as Caleb, Doogie, and Oscar monitored their equipment.

The intruder had been detected before he ever crossed the border, and given his stealthy approach, they all assumed it was Ballard.

He was now heading south and being tracked by a drone.

The pack had been alerted and were gathering at the challenge circle as instructed, including Lincoln, Scooter, Evan, and Jack.

Eager to see Ballard get his comeuppance, Melva insisted on witnessing the coming conflict, and they let her have her way.

Fortunately, Donna and Erin had returned home from the clinic not long ago, and were preparing medical supplies.

As a precaution, the little ones were now gathered at the school and daycare building, surrounded by security personnel.

Ben started when the com channel squawked with an abrupt announcement.

“Base, this is red team four. Intruder is heading north toward the central compound. Should reach Black George Creek in twenty minutes at present speed.”

Doogie responded.

“Copy that, red team four. Do not intercept unless he changes direction. The welcome committee will meet him at the creek. All teams, maintain your surveillance of the border until further notice. Acknowledge.”

All ten teams responded in the affirmative, and Doogie turned to Ben.

“Looks like he’s exactly where we want him. We’ll be watching from here, but be careful.”

Oscar stayed with Doogie to help monitor and remain out of sight.

If Ballard saw either him or Colton, he’d know it was a trap.

Caleb followed Ben out of the building, joined by Nolan, Ash, Garrett, and Tom.

One measly Beta was no match for the six of them, though if things went according to plan, Ballard wouldn’t see any need to challenge them.

They were going in human form, all friendly and welcoming, ready to close the trap Bruce had already walked into.

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

Just as he’d expected, Bruce didn’t encounter a single enforcer as he drew closer to the central compound.

Either they were under-manned or dumb as rocks, but either way it allowed him to get close enough to locate Lincoln.

Up ahead lay a shallow creek he’d have to cross, but still no sign of anyone and no more of those strange noises.

He stopped long enough to get a drink, padded across the creek, and then came up the opposite bank to find six men, including an Alpha, waiting for him.

Since they were in human form and clothed, he wasn’t sure what they wanted. Just as he was about to turn tail and make a run for it, the Alpha raised an open palm in greeting.

“Mister Ballard? Welcome to Gladstone; I’m Alpha Blair. My apologies for not locating you sooner, but we expected you to come in through the main gate.”

Puzzled, Bruce cocked his head. What was going on here? He’d been careful, so how did they know he’d arrived? Why were they being friendly? Blair kept talking.

“Your Omega came to us recently, and was worried about being found. We would have contacted you, but had no idea where you were. If you’ll come this way, Lincoln and some of the pack are waiting for us.”

Bruce didn’t move, needing more information.

To get it, he had to shift. Caleb immediately tapped the portable transmitter in his pocket as soon as Ballard revealed himself.

The signal would confirm that they had, indeed, found the correct spider in their web, and the hidden security personnel would now close the outer circle, preventing Ballard’s escape.

The photo he’d seen didn’t do the Beta justice. He really did look like an escaped prisoner or someone you didn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Caleb swallowed the lump in his throat and continued playing the role of friendly greeter. Ballard addressed Ben directly.

“What kind of lies did Melva Winchell tell you? I’m here to reclaim my Omega and then leave.”

Ben pasted on a smile and nodded in agreement.

“Of course. I’m sure Melva was mistaken about your circumstances, and you must miss Lincoln terribly. We hoped you would come for him, and here you are! I see you arrived on foot, but we can arrange transportation if you’d like.”

Bruce hadn’t expected them to be on his side, but it was far better than what Sheppard’s men had accused him of.

“Thanks, but I’ll just collect my Omega and get going.”

Ben waved in the direction of the packhouse.

“Certainly. This way, please.”

Bruce shifted again and followed the friendly group, passing new homes and well-kept grounds along the way.

None of the men spoke, either to him or to each other, and they soon arrived at what had to be the heart of the packlands.

A large group parted for them as they approached, and Bruce spotted Lincoln and a big, shirtless Beta standing alone.

Though he was relieved to see the Omega, something wasn’t right about all this.

Bruce shifted and when he reached out for Lincoln, the other man blocked his way with rumbling growls.

“Don’t touch him. Lincoln is my mate, and I challenge you to the death!”