Page 9 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

Two days later (Sunday)

Following their final breakfast at the Southwest Inn, Milo called for a taxi and William made sure Jack’s bags were packed and ready.

The long separation was finally upon them, as Jack and his bodyguards headed for the national conference in Missoula, while William accompanied Gray to Window Rock, Arizona.

Shane grabbed Jack’s suitcase and closed the door, giving the couple a moment alone to say goodbye.

Wrapped in each other’s arms, they breathed in lungs full of familiar scent and shared soft kisses until William opened the mind-link.

“My poor Jacky. You’ll not have a moment’s rest for at least two weeks! I already miss our sweet pups, and I will worry about you down in Mexico. Yes, I trust Luna to watch over you, but I’d rather do it myself. Call when you can, my beloved, and return to me soonest.”

Jack was used to his mate’s teary goodbyes, yet he found it endearing.

“I do not enjoy leaving you, William, but the work is necessary. You would be miserable with the travel and being left with nothing but a few moments of my attention. Just think how much I will have to share with you when I return! Your presence here is essential, and I know Walter and Gray are grateful for your help. As always, you have my heart and my love.”

Minutes later, Jack, Shane, and Milo were in the taxi and on their way to the airport.

The annual meeting was unique this year, in that nearly every known True Elder from infant to adult would be there.

Jack would be speaking, as well as sharing teaching dreams, meeting with groups of Alphas, and strategizing with council leadership.

And when the week was over, he would fly to Mexico for the lost pack mission, with only a vague idea of what they might accomplish.

William tucked away the sadness of separation to refocus on the tasks set before him while Jack was gone.

He returned to the Inn to collect his bags and thank his hosts for a wonderful stay before Gray led him to his car.

They were to meet with Walter and Tayen for a short visit this morning, and then enjoy a long, private conversation on the way to Window Rock.

After arriving at the Harrison House, both men donned their protective masks—even as William explained that, in his case, it made no difference.

“Human diseases do not affect shifters, and likewise, whatever germs we may carry seem to have no effect on our human friends. Your grandfather knows this, but for Tayen’s sake I will follow the rules.

All this secrecy must be difficult for you—sharing everything with Walter but being extra careful around your grandmother.

At first, you may need to err on the side of saying too little, rather than risking too much. ”

Gray reached for the car’s door handle, but stopped to ask a question.

“Do you think there will ever come a time when more of our people will know the truth?”

William gave Gray’s shoulder a quick squeeze.

“I honestly don’t know, my friend, but wouldn’t it be marvelous if your people and ours could reclaim our shared history?

Until then, you and Walter will have to carry the privilege alone.

If it helps, I’m sorry that the knowledge has created limitations, though I know you understand why it must be so. ”

As they exited the car, William brought a plainly wrapped rectangular package with him. Gray’s scent revealed that he was curious, and William told him what he could.

“It’s a gift for your grandparents. Something Jack and I commissioned. You’ll see.”

Moments later, Tayen answered the door, welcoming them inside with a small gesture. Walter was dressed to go out, and Tayen told them he had a treatment later this morning.

“Come and sit down. We still have a little time to visit, and I don’t understand why Jack is traveling without you.”

While Walter and Gray knew where he was going and why, William had to be a bit creative with the truth for Tayen’s sake.

“The Lupine Recovery Council holds an annual meeting in Montana, and Jack has been invited to attend and speak this year. After that, he’s off to Mexico in search of his mother’s relatives.

It seems they disappeared long ago, and he’s been corresponding with some very helpful folks in Chihuahua.

I have no idea how long he’ll be down there, but I suppose that depends on what he finds.

Since I don’t speak Spanish, it wouldn’t have been a fun trip for me.

We’re hoping he can stop in Albuquerque on the way back so I can join him for the flight home.

Besides, this way I get to spend more time with you. ”

Walter gave him a knowing look and changed the subject with a question.

“Did you have a chance to look over the will? Is there anything I need to change?”

William ignored the pang of future sorrow and answered with a neutral expression.

“You did an excellent job of making your wishes clear, Walter. I don’t see any legal barriers to executing the will as written when the time comes.

While Gray is working tomorrow, I’ll go see the tribal attorney you recommended and have him check it over before drawing it up.

When we return next weekend, only signatures will be needed.

I’ll order two copies—one to keep at home and another for your lockbox at the bank.

Now, before I forget, I’ve brought along a gift from us to you and Tayen. We hope you like it.”

Walter accepted the package with a curious look and noticed the plain brown paper had a stamp in the corner: Katrine Abram Studio.

With all the artwork she’d created for Walter and the museum, the couple was eager to see what this might be.

Inside the protective box, they found a framed painting of the two of them in a desert setting.

In the dusky overhead sky, they noticed the faint outline of Gray Feather’s profile.

And by Walter’s side stood a handsome Lobo, representing Gray Claw.

Tayen spoke while Walter’s eyes filled with silent tears.

“So beautiful! The colors, the symbolism… it will have a place of honor in our home.”

Tayen turned the image so Gray could see it and then handed it back to Walter. He held the painting reverently, assessing it with not only a trained eye, but a personal one. Somehow, it captured the essence of what he held dear in life—a potent reminder in these days of uncertainty.

“Please tell Katrine how pleased we are, and how much we value her friendship. Beyond this painting, has she added the Lobo to her oeuvre?”

William was just getting to that.

“Yes. In fact, she’s creating a special line featuring Lobos to raise support for their reintroduction. A few pieces may already be seen on her website, and she expects to offer much more before the holidays.”

Cognizant of Walter’s appointment, they finished up their conversation and left the building. After final farewells in the parking lot, and a promise to see them again on Friday, Gray and William took off for Window Rock.

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

Meanwhile, Eagle River Wisconsin

The moment Alpha Richmond left for the airport, Melva and Lincoln prepared to make their escape.

Their personal belongings had already been taken to Newald, and since it was unlikely they would ever return to Eagle River, someone else would eventually claim the house and furnishings for themselves.

None of that mattered at the moment, only getting away before anyone noticed.

They’d just reached the car when two pack enforcers, Lenny and Kurt, showed up to grab Lincoln.

The frightened Omega struggled to get away while Melva growled and tried to intervene.

“What are you doing? Leave him alone!”

Lenny wasn’t having it.

“Bruce wants to see him, right now. Go back inside and mind your business.”

Melva ignored the order, following along behind as they marched Lincoln towards Bruce’s isolated home. Had their plan been discovered? How could she protect her friend? Had Alpha Richmond really given Bruce permission to impregnate Lincoln against his will?

Ballard opened the door as they approached and Melva threw caution to the wind.

“What are you doing? Lincoln isn’t your property, and the pack won’t stand for this. I demand that you release him!”

Bruce wasn’t fazed by her little show of courage, allowing an annoyed growl to slip past his smarmy grin.

“Lincoln isn’t safe with a cougar running around, and we can’t risk losing our pack Omega, now can we? He’ll be staying here with me from now on. Go home, old woman, before something unfortunate happens to you.”

Bruce reached out to pull a cowed Lincoln inside the house and slammed the door. Melva started to protest, but a backhanded slap from Kurt bloodied her lip and shut her up. He and Lenny each grabbed an arm, brought her home, and left her with another warning.

“Bruce won’t tolerate your interference. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your big mouth shut. Got it?”

Melva’s eyes burned with a hatred that no shifter could possibly miss as she growled out a response.

“Luna’s watching, and you’ll all pay for this—even if I’m not here to see it!”

The enforcers laughed as she went inside the house, plans already forming in her busy mind.

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

Montana, late afternoon

It was nearly suppertime before Jack, Shane, and Milo landed in Missoula.

Like all the other True Elder arrivals, they were met just inside the terminal by two friendly bodyguards to provide additional security.

After picking up their luggage, they were escorted to a waiting shuttle van for the thirty-mile drive to the Missoula packlands.

As they approached the pick-up lane, Jack caught the scent of someone he’d been eager to see in the flesh.

Sure enough, there stood Everet Kern and his family, attended by his own security team.

Everet met Jack with open arms, pulling the smaller man into a bruising embrace, followed by a thorough scenting.

“Jack! How I have longed to see you. I notice that Shane and Milo are still watching over you in your travels. Come, say hello to Mia, and meet my boys.”

Mia, too, greeted him with a hug and an affectionate smile.

“Your invitation to Fairbanks is still open. When can we expect to see you, William, and the twins?”

“It would be a pleasure, though I do not know when we might work it in. William regrets not being able to come with me, but I can tell you about that later. Right now, I need to make the acquaintance of your sons.”

“This is Wesley and Kallik. Boys, this is Jack, our dear friend from Michigan.”

Jack bent down to shake their hands, scenting each of them without getting too close.

Wesley had certainly grown, his smiling face framed by wavy red locks.

Though almost two and a half in apparent age, he was still a bit shy around strangers.

Kallik, on the other hand, was filling out nicely with a steady diet and a good home, and seemed interested in everything around him.

Jack offered a neutral question to break the ice.

“It is a long way from Alaska to Montana. Did you enjoy riding on a plane?”

Kallik—"I watched a movie!”

Wesley—“I threw up.”

The adults laughed as they were all hustled aboard the waiting van and got underway.

Apparently, Mia’s father, Fairbanks Council Chairman Duncan Roykirk, and his entourage were already en route to the meeting venue.

Knowing he and Jack would have little time to themselves, Everet chose to wait for his mentor and then ride together.

Without William to remind him, Jack finally thought to check his phone and found that Ben, Evan, and the others had arrived less than an hour ago.

While he noticed the gorgeous scenery flashing past, he was more interested in reconnecting with his friends.

They spoke mostly of family life, pack news, and Jack’s upcoming mission to Mexico.

Conversation died down when the van exited the interstate.

The Missoula pack and council had been hosting the annual meeting for decades on a large tract of forested land some twenty-five miles northwest of the city, near the Lolo National Forest. It not only included packlands, but a private, well-equipped meeting venue with all the comforts of home.

A long, tree-lined drive brought them to the heart of the complex, and Jack spotted the Gladstone contingent, among others, waiting in front of the welcome center.

While Everet was known, very few outside of Alaska had actually met him. He was bound to be overwhelmed, and Jack gave him a sympathetic chuckle as the van slowed to a stop.

“Remember, my friend, that you are free to say no and retreat whenever the demands become too intense. Your bodyguards will help you if they know your limits. I will see you at the mixer tonight.”

Jack watched with satisfaction as Alpha Roykirk and his team, along with Marshall Cuthbert and his guards, formed a protective barrier for Everet and his family.

He’d become more comfortable with crowds and people in general, but this event would tax his quiet friend’s patience to the breaking point.

Now surrounded by friendly faces, the Kerns made their way inside the building to get checked in.

With Shane and Milo on either side, Jack exited the van to a warm welcome.

As the most senior True Elder, he was immediately recognized by the rank and file.

William had explained that it made him even more mysterious, often feared, and sometimes hated by his fellow shifters.

Jack trusted his team to protect him, though it was unlikely anyone would pose a serious threat at this event.

He was gratified to see that the Seney pack, who had traveled with Gladstone, was also waiting for him.

Seth and Finn waved from the back of the group while Leland and Wilder smothered him with hugs and affection.

The reunion pleased him, though he found it absurd that he’d traveled across the country to see people who lived only ninety minutes away!

Ben and Evan also hugged him before the combined security teams got everyone inside.

Evan filled him in as they made their way across the expansive lobby.

“You’re already checked in and the staff will bring your luggage to the room.

This place is fantastic! Ben’s been talking about creating something like it for Gladstone so we can host events, too.

I sent William a text when you arrived so he doesn’t worry, and he’d like you to call him when you get a chance.

You’ve got just enough time to get cleaned up before supper, followed by the mixer with all the council representatives.

I suspect Alpha Sheppard had no idea that this year’s meeting would turn into a circus! ”