Page 51 of Abundant Moon
Sheppard turned to Evan.
“What do you make of this, Evan? Do you believe it’s linked to your dreams of humans discovering the true identity of all shifters?”
Evan grimaced, wishing he had a better answer.
“I honestly don’t know, Sir. Jack and I have both experienced dreams, and they seem to have the same theme. That’s why we wanted you to hear it from us first. If a human threat is in our future, then this is Luna’s way of giving us time to prepare for it. Here at Gladstone, we’ve warned our people to be extra careful, especially considering all the interaction this pack has with humans. If it’s only an isolated case of discovery, as it seems to be in Everet’s dream, there’s a good chance of stopping it before word spreads.”
Sheppard nodded and then turned to Jack.
“Do you believe the dreams are connected?”
As always, Jack gave the man a straightforward answer.
“In at least one way, yes. It is instructive that Luna chose to send all of us dreams at the same time, and the common thread involves either a human, or humans, discovering and perhaps revealing our existence. I find it encouraging that we have received such a strong and united warning. Luna would not have done so if there were no way to protect ourselves. I am confident we will be given more details as the danger nears. Of one thing I am certain; Gladstone is once again at the heart of it.”
They all chuckled, as every major event in the last couple of years involved Gladstone. They weren’t looking for trouble, yet it seemed to find them. Sheppard wouldn’t point any fingers, but hewasresponsible for nearly all packs in the United States, and what troubled his people also affected shifters in Mexico and Canada. Finally, Sheppard turned to Ben.
“May I ask if you have discussed any of this with Jonah?”
Ben’s expression alone revealed the answer.
“No, Sir. Jonah has been through a difficult year, and since we didn’t have anything specific, I didn’t want to upset him further. The whole Omega issue is still fresh in his mind, as well as his unmated status. The truth is - Jonah is in constant contact with humans every day at the LRC office and he knows the dangers. I can’t believe he would be at the heart of a breech this serious. We’ll keep an eye on things, of course, and let you know if something happens.”
Sheppard gave them all a tight smile.
“I can ask nothing more, gentlemen, and I appreciate you keeping me informed. I’ll be discussing this with the council soon and if there are any recommendations or action points you will know about them first. If there’s nothing else to discuss, I will say the Delta schools are looking forward to the new modules you’re working on. I am tempted to ship all the students to Gladstone and learn from you first-hand. Perhaps we can try a summer seminar to give some of them an immersive experience. Consider the idea and let me know.”
Sheppard dropped out of the conversation, leaving the others to visit with Everet, Mia, and little Wesley. Jack, too, dragged William and the twins before the camera as they made introductions and shared stories. Evan slipped onto Ben’s lap, recalling their early days as parents and the joy it brought to their lives. It also reminded them that Nolan and Garrett were waiting for them to return home and reclaim their six energetic progeny.
Chapter 28
ASH SAT NEXT TO HISmate on the couch, one beefy arm around his shoulders, listening to his mate’s phone conversation. After Luna brought them together, Robert canceled his assignment for the magazine, citing a family emergency. The search for a Plan B employment situation took a back seat to settling down with Ash in Gladstone, but now he was forced to face the music – his career as a food critic appeared truly over. A life of constant travel, on the run from himself and his people, ended when he and Ash met. Robert snuggled closer to his man and concluded the conversation with his boss.
“I’m sorry for leaving you in the lurch, Gary, but my family situation is going to keep me at home for the foreseeable future. I’m open to writing an occasional article, as long as it doesn’t require any travel.”
Gary sounded none to happy.
“Robert, you’re killing me here! Who am I going to get to replace you? Scratch that – no one can replace you. Are you sure I can’t change your mind?”
“Not happening, my friend. I know enough people in the industry to make a few recommendations and I’ll email you a list.”
“Much appreciated. So what are you going to do now?”
Robert gripped Ash’s hand as he mouthed a suitable, non-committal answer.
