Page 7 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

Gladstone, Ben’s home office

With only a few days left before the annual meeting, Ben struggled to clean up his “to-do” list. Nolan had seen to their travel details, taking a large portion off his plate, but he needed to finish a custom home design for a new customer before they left for Missoula.

Working steadily, he made terrific progress on the plans and should finish them just in time.

The man’s creative flow halted abruptly, however, when his cell phone rang with a call from Adam Sheppard.

“Good morning, Sir. How may I help you?”

“Hello, Ben. I have a special favor to ask of you and Evan. Is he available at the moment?”

“I believe so. Give me a moment.”

Ben opened the mind-link and asked Evan to join him in his office for the call. Moments later, he was sitting on Ben’s lap with the phone’s speaker activated.

“Go ahead, Sir. We’re both listening.”

“Excellent. There’s someone in particular I want you to meet at the conference.

The Ramsey family literally showed up out of nowhere at the Duluth packlands not long ago, and their son, Colton, is a True Elder.

They are prepared to settle down here, and I’m hoping that Colton might eventually work with the council.

“He’s seventeen and has no idea who he is or what Luna expects of him. If you’re willing, Evan, I’d like you to become his mentor. The boy obviously needs to be trained, and I suspect there may be some psychological issues to deal with as well.”

Evan wasn’t surprised by the request, and given his experience mentoring Wilder Calhoun, it made sense for him to do the honors.

“I would be happy to mentor him, Sir. There won’t be time at the conference to focus on him alone, but after we return home, the family is welcome to stay with us while I train Colton.”

“Excellent! I’ll bring them around during the True Elder mixer on Sunday night. I think it would ease their minds to meet you and Ben ahead of time, and anything you can do to reassure Colton would be appreciated.”

After the call ended, Evan remained on his mate’s lap while they talked. Though a little growly, Ben got them started.

“I’ll reserve the guesthouse and give security a heads up. You’re going to be wiped out after the conference. I just hope they give you a few days to rest before showing up.”

Evan kissed him. While Ben respected the work he’d been given to do, Evan was first and foremost his mate, and treated him as such.

“No worries. We can discuss dates when we meet, and a few extra days of waiting won’t hurt anything. Besides, we’ll need some time with the kids after being gone. It’s going to be great having mom and dad watch them for us.”

Conversation ceased as the small office filled with lusty pheromones. Ben cradled Evan in his muscular arms as they got up to head for the bedroom. Busy preparing lunch, Cody spotted the amorous pair as they rushed past, lost in a passion that never got old.

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

August 13 th , Albuquerque

The taxi was a bit crowded with William, Jack, and Milo in the back seat, and Shane riding shotgun.

The driver seemed uneasy with the powerful and quiet group of men, though he couldn’t have provided a specific reason if asked.

Jack reached into his mind with a gentle assurance of calm, and the man drove without making small talk or glaring at them in the rearview mirror.

Using Tayen’s suggestion, they had booked rooms at a B a large house that rented out rooms on the upper floor.

Shane and Milo exited first and scoped out their surroundings.

Shane went into the building while Milo helped unload the baggage and pay the driver.

By the time they entered the Inn, the owners were waiting for them at the front desk, just off the living room.

According to the website, the place was owned by a gay couple that made quite the pair—one tall and broody and his shorter, gregarious partner.

“Welcome to Southwest Inn! My name is Myke, and this is my husband, Scott. The rooms are all prepared, and we received your request for heavy breakfasts. You needn’t worry, gentlemen, as no one goes hungry in this house.

If you will follow me, I’ll show you to your accommodations.

If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know. ”

Since his guests were already carrying their luggage, Myke led them up the polished staircase with a quick commentary on the house’s history. When they reached the top, their host explained where they could find extra linens and towels and reminded them that breakfast was served at 8 a.m. sharp.

“As requested, we have reserved all four rooms for the duration of your stay. And feel free to use the common areas of the house and the back patio. If you need anything, just ring the bell at the check-in desk.”

Myke left them with a friendly wave and William chose one of the center rooms with a queen sized bed.

Milo and Shane took rooms on either side, and they all decided to shower and change clothes before going anywhere.

First, however, William dialed Walter’s number to let him know they had arrived. Tayen answered instead.

“Hello, William. Walter is napping, but we would love to see you tonight if you feel up to it.”

“It’s good to hear your voice, Tayen. How are you doing?”

“As well as anyone can. It’s hard for me to watch him struggle, and we still don’t know if the treatments will help.

We’re taking it one day at a time. By the way, Gray was supposed to be here already but something came up at the museum.

He said he’d arrive by early evening, but none of the rooms here are available.

I need to find somewhere for him to stay. ”

That gave William an idea and he raised an eyebrow at his mate. Jack could hear Tayen’s end of the conversation and nodded at William in agreement.

“It so happens that the B&B you recommended has one extra room that we’ve paid for and don’t need. He can join us here after our visit tonight, and then you won’t have to worry about it.”

William could hear the smile in her voice.

“That’s very generous, thank you. We’re usually done with supper by five-thirty, so any time after that works well for us.”

William ended the call and Jack pulled him close for a blistering kiss.

“A splendid idea, my clever mate. With Gray here, we can answer his questions and show him our wolves without revealing anything to Tayen. I will go downstairs and inform our hosts to expect an additional guest. When I return, I will join you in the shower for more kisses.”

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

A few hours later

The B&B was a short walk from the Harrison House, and Gray was expected to join them shortly to get settled in. Conversing as they went, Jack shared his impression of their visit.

“I must admit that Walter’s appearance shocked me. As shifters, we are most fortunate not to face the realities of sickness and disease as our human friends do.”

William heartily agreed.

“And his scent! I heard that even dogs can smell cancer in humans, but I wasn’t prepared. Now I understand why Tayen and Gray feel so helpless, when there’s literally nothing they can do for him. It will break my heart if Walter dies—and don’t bother reminding me that death is a part of life!”

Jack knew better than to “lecture” William when his emotions were involved, so he chose a different approach.

“Then we shall focus on educating Gray. I suspect his knowledge of shifters is only the beginning for our young friend, and if Walter survives, Gray will have a loved one he can confide in. Do not think me callous, beloved, as I care deeply for Walter. It is only that… when you have lived as long and lost as much as I have, you learn to accept death and its proper place in the world.”

Chastened, William wrapped an arm around Jack’s waist.

“Forgive me. I sometimes forget the burdens you bear as a True Elder, and I’m not very good at hiding my feelings.”

They’d reached the B&B by this time, and Scott met them when they stepped inside.