Page 26 of Abundant Moon
As they got into Donna’s more practical and roomy jeep, Robert realized how quiet his other half had been the last couple hours, and he took a deeper look. For the first time in years, the beast seemed almost happy – perhaps due to being surrounded by shifters and miles of forest land. Robert didn’t trust the lupine’s smug satisfaction or razor sharp attention to every word and scent. It seemed the unruly beast was waiting to pounce, giving him good reason for concern.
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FOR ROBERT, NO COMPARISONexisted between this spectacular meal and those he endured in his last pack. From the elegantly laid table in a beautiful home, to the finely crafted food and drink, not a criticism worth mentioning could be found. It was, he suspected,supposedto be this way, yet his appreciative tablemates seemed to regard it as nothing out of the ordinary. If this display of civility was for his benefit alone, then he willingly conceded that notallshifter packs were, poor, dirt-grubbing, backwards-thinking dog parks. An assumption made in his youth and never seriously questioned until now.
Prior to the meal, he and Cody shared a few minutes of conversation and the man impressed him. Knowledgeable, eager to learn, and cognizant of current trends, the self-taught youngster might write his own ticket under other circumstances. After tasting Cody’s food, Robert believed he put to shame some of the “famous” chefs he’d encountered in his travels. It seemed a pity for him to languish here where his culinary skills might never reach their potential. Ah well, to each their own.
Robert continued watching his hosts and other supper guests with interest. These people, and their Alpha, were again,nothinglike those from his home pack or others he’d visited in his youth. Intelligent, caring, supportive, and living among - yet separate - from the humans around them. They somehow managed to find an acceptable balance between their lupine and human natures; frightening Robert while exciting his wolf. How did they do it? Why couldn’t it have been this way for him?
The doubts and questions whirled through his mind even as he interacted with the others at the table. His single attempt to discuss the latest Hollywood flicks met with polite silence – disappointing, but not unexpected. Surely people this civilized did something other than run through the woods chasing squirrels!
Donna sat at his right, next to her mate, Lou Harmon. The sight of the gorgeous man in his Sheriff’s deputy uniform had sent inappropriate shivers down Robert’s spine. Apparently, fate had been kind to his sister! Erin’s mate, Micah, turned out to be an equally fine specimen and fully devoted to his niece – something Robert recognized and appreciated for her sake.
The other couples at the table included Ben and Evan, along with Cody and Abigail. All seemed perfectly matched, deeply in love, and utterly content. They, of course, gave all the credit to Luna – a concept he found ridiculous. Somehow these otherwise intelligent people had anthropomorphized a hunk of rock in space, almost treating it like some all-knowing deity who handed out perfect mates whenever it wished. Nonsense! If it made them feel better about their relationships he certainly had no right to judge. At forty-three years old, and much like Ms. Levi from Hello Dolly, the paradewaspassing him by. Believing in Luna, however, wouldn’t change a damn thing.
It startled Robert when the Blair’s little Omega girl suddenly began whimpering. The golden-haired beauty clambered down from her chair, making a beeline for Robert with lifted hands to be picked up. She’d shown a peculiar interest in him when he arrived, and he admitted her scent worked like a soothing balm on his troubled mind. He lifted her easily and she wrapped him in the tightest of hugs while he stroked her back.
Conversation around the table ceased as the strange scene unfolded and Robert squirmed under watchful eyes. His sneaky wolf chose that precise moment to start howling in despair and the poor girl began to weep. What was going on? Why the tears? Did he do something inappropriate? Evan rose from his seat and came over to investigate.
“Evie, honey, what’s the matter? What are you sensing?”
Robert had forgotten Omega’s were supposed to have special gifts – something he’d dismissed years ago as a ridiculous legend. The girl pulled back to look him in the eye, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.
“His wolf is so unhappy, Papa! We have to do something!”
Shocked, Robert wondered how this little child knew anything about his wolf. Evan reached over to pluck her from his lap with soothing words.
“There now, baby girl. If his wolf needs help, only Robert can decide what to do. It’s already late, so why don’t we get you and your brothers ready for bed. Alright?”
She nodded, speaking once more before Evan took her from the room.
“Please help him, Robert. He doesn’t have to be so sad.”
Inwardly, his wolf continued to howl in frustration and Robert struggled to contain him. Dazed, Donna led him away from the table to the living room while Ben and Evan put their children to bed. His head began to throb as he fought his wolf for control - now truly afraid, confused, and desperately needing to get away. Damn it all! He should never have come to this place.
Donna sat close, holding his hand; scent confirming her deep concern and love. When their hosts returned a few minutes later, Ben said nothing about the incident, choosing instead to suggest an early evening activity.
“Why don’t we all go for a run? I can ask Jonah to come over for an hour and...”
Horrified and angry, Robert shot to his feet.
“NO! I know what you’re trying to do and I won’t shift. I don’t need your interference or want your help. Just leave me the hell alone!”
Pressing palms to the sides of his head, Robert fled into the dark night, his face a rictus of pain. Donna tried to follow him out but Lou stopped her.
“I’ll make sure he gets back to the house and call if he tries to leave.”
Concerned and defeated, Donna slumped to the sofa, joined by Erin and Micah. Ben growled as his plan backfired, causing Donna and her family additional worry they didn’t need. Opening his mouth to apologize, Evan interrupted.
“I’m going to ask Jack to help us think this through. I have memories of similar situations in the past, but I’d like his input.”
No one argued, and within ten minutes Jack arrived alone, having left Robyn in William’s care. Cody and Abigail took the opportunity to slip out and go home after a long day, leaving only the two families to discuss the problem. Jack sat down to listen as they explained what they knew of Robert’s past and this evening’s events. The clear concern on his face did nothing to calm frayed nerves.
“Ben, I commend your attempt to help Robert, and there is no need for guilt. This is not a situation our people encounter often and it almost always ends badly.”
Erin and Donna began to cry, wondering what Jack might say and if it was already too late to help their beloved uncle and brother.
Resolute, Jack continued with the unvarnished truth.
