Page 8 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)
“Myke just finished making cookies, and we’ve set them out on the back patio with some cool drinks. When our new guest arrives, I’ll show him to his room and then send him outside to join you.”
A single shifter, let alone four, could have demolished the entire plate of treats by themselves, and William reminded the others to save some for Gray.
Fueling their need to feed while traveling was always a challenge, which was one reason shifters avoided it when possible.
Before long, they heard and scented Gray’s arrival, and he soon joined them on the patio.
Always polite, he thanked Jack and William for providing the room and coming to see his grandfather. Jack introduced him to the other men.
“This is Shane and Milo. They serve as my bodyguards when I travel, and can be trusted with anything we say here. It would have been difficult to discuss certain topics in front of Tayen, so we thought it best to offer you a room here. I am certain you have many questions for us.”
He did indeed, though William urged him to have some cookies before they disappeared.
“Natural wolves live a feast or famine lifestyle and go days or even weeks between feedings, depending on what they can find. Shifters, on the other hand, enjoy frequent, heavy meals—you’ll see what I mean at breakfast tomorrow.”
Gray’s calm dark eyes noticed that all four men appeared to be fit and healthy, and he marveled that Jack looked far younger than someone in their seventeenth decade of life. These people were fascinating, and he wanted to know everything. Now, where to start?
“My grandfather told me many things, but I’m not sure I understand the types of shifters. Are all of you True Elders?”
When the chuckles died down, Jack, as expected, stepped in to teach.
“Allow me to explain. There are four types: Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omega. Alphas lead, Betas serve, Deltas guide, and Omegas balance. Both William and I are Deltas, though I am the only True Elder present. Both Shane and Milo are Betas, which is the most common. There are far fewer Alphas and Omegas, and both are gifted with special abilities that help our packs function. All of us have heightened senses of sight, smell, hearing, and taste, even in our human form.”
The questions flowed after that, with Gray asking about packs, how shifter life differed from human society, and their relationship to the moon.
“I was told that your people rely on the moon to provide knowledge and guidance, though I don’t understand what it means.”
Native American beliefs varied widely on the subject, with some seeing the moon as a symbol and others as sacred. Jack needed to employ careful diplomacy so as not to offend Gray.
“It is true that a deep relationship exists between us and the moon. Its power and presence are commonly felt during mating rites and when the moon is full. True Elders, in particular, rely on Luna’s dreams and visions to help us in our work.
Shifters do not regard the moon as a deity, but rather a powerful force that guides us.
There is much more I could tell you, but you might find it difficult to accept or understand.
I will say this—if the moon did not exist, neither would we. ”
Gray’s eyes widened at the tantalizing bits of information he’d heard, and as he ruminated on them, Jack gave the young man’s mind a gentle suggestion to leave deeper questions for another time. Instead, Gray asked about their personal relationships and family traditions. William replied first.
“Thanks to our Alpha, Ben Blair, and my wonderful mate, nearly all shifter packs are now inclusive, as they were meant to be. Some still hold outdated views, but the councils deal with them as they become known.”
Gray zeroed in on a specific term William used.
“When you say mate , is it the same as husband, wife, or partner? Do your people get married?”
“Many of us do, as it offers some legal protections and benefits, but “mate” is the term we prefer and has a much deeper meaning. Mating bonds are lifelong, whether we come together ourselves or with Luna’s guidance.
Of course, some remain single, as I did until meeting Jack.
At Gladstone, all are welcome, and everyone nurtures the little ones.
Let me show you a picture of our twins!”
He accepted William’s phone and gawped at the photograph of a beautiful boy and girl. They each had features of both men, plus a distinct third, and Gray was curious.
“May I ask about their mother?”
Jack fielded this one.
“One of our pack members volunteered to carry our children, and using a special process, Kiah and Marie are a three-way genetic mix. In fact, there are several ways for gay couples to have offspring, just as Luna intended.”
While Gray said nothing aloud, every new bit of information left him fascinated by a people he’d never known existed until very recently. This finally prompted him to ask the question he’d been holding back for fear of it being too personal.
“I do not mean to be rude, but would you be willing to show me your wolves?”
All four men smiled, having prepared for this moment earlier in the day. Jack replied.
“We would be happy to demonstrate, just as we did for your grandfather. Why don’t we go up to our rooms, where there is less chance of being seen?”
William grabbed the empty cookie plate, pitcher, and glasses as they got up, depositing them on the check-in desk on their way upstairs.
Jack guided Gray into their room and William closed the door—leaving Shane and Milo to keep watch in the hall.
Jack could smell Gray’s excitement, even as he glanced back at the closed door.
“Relax, Gray. Shane and Milo will prevent anyone from disturbing us while we demonstrate.
Now, there are four known wolf shifter types that still exist today—Gray wolves in the northern states, Lobos in Mexico and the southern states, Arctic wolves in Alaska and Canada, and at least one very rare Red wolf who we have come to know recently.
“Shifters must live in areas that support a natural population of the same type of wolf so that we blend in. At Gladstone, we are fortunate to have large, private packlands in which to run freely without being easily spotted. When you come to Gladstone, I will introduce you to the arctic wolves among us.”
Gray’s glassy-eyed stare revealed that Jack was influencing his mind with a strong desire to visit Gladstone.
Based on his recent dreams, it might be needed to convince the young man to come at the right time.
William merely raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
The moment passed quickly, and Gray didn’t realize that Jack had stopped speaking.
“I know what Lobos look like, of course, but have never seen a real gray wolf, except on film.”
William explained what would happen next.
“Well, you will in just a few moments, and the differences are very noticeable. Jack and I need to remove our clothes before we shift, but watch carefully because it happens fast. Once we shift, we’ll approach to scent you and you may touch us if you wish.
We will understand everything you say, but keep your voice down so our hosts don’t overhear anything they shouldn’t.
Remember, you have nothing to fear from our wolves. ”
While uncomfortable with their nakedness, Gray was too curious about the actual transformation to risk missing anything.
It took mere seconds, and there before him were two magnificent beasts, wagging their tails and sniffing the air madly.
William’s Gray wolf was significantly larger and heavier than Jack’s Lobo, but they were both impressive.
They walked right up to him and began sniffing and licking his hands, tails still swishing back and forth.
Gray spoke to Jack first, reaching out to stroke his head and chest.
“Ever since the Lobos arrived, I’ve wished for a chance to touch them like this. Your coat is beautiful, Jack, and you are very handsome.”
Jack yipped softly and sat down on his haunches to watch Gray interact with his mate. He gave William the same treatment, eyes filled with wonder that he could touch an animal he’d only seen images of.
“You are even bigger than I imagined. Someday, I would love to see you run and hunt. Is that possible if I came to Gladstone?”
William nodded his head in human fashion and then licked a stripe across Gray’s lightly whiskered chin, eliciting warm laughter.
The young man stood, backed up to watch them shift, and then turned away to give them privacy while they dressed.
As they settled down to finish their conversation, Gray’s wistful smile and scent gave away his conflicted feelings.
“To think that our people and yours once lived together and interacted freely… it must have been amazing. The Diné also lost much when the wolves were being destroyed, and I wish we could go back and change things. I’ll have to be satisfied watching over the Lobos we have now and see that they have a chance to grow. There is so much to learn!”
Jack agreed, though not necessarily for the same reasons.
“If Luna has shown me anything, it is that sometimes our wishes come true in ways we could never imagine. And sooner than we think.”