Page 27 of Abundant Moon
“It is unnatural for us to suppress either of our dual natures. While I understand what caused Robert to shun his wolf, he walks a dark and dangerous path - risking madness or death. If his wolf regains control, it may lock him in lupine form for the rest of his life.”
Micah held Erin close even as Ben reached out to grasp Evan’s hand. Donna broke the silence with the question on everyone’s mind.
“Is there no hope? Nothing we can do?”
With a slight nod from Jack, Evan responded.
“Any attempt to force him will backfire. Only he can decide to share control with his wolf and restore the normal balance we all take for granted. This is going to be hard for you to accept, Donna, but the best way to help him is to do nothing. Allow him to rest privately and don’t attempt to discuss the issue further. He is tortured here among us, and as soon as he’s feeling better, send him home.”
Incredulous, Donna grew angry.
“You want me to stand by and watch my only brother fall to pieces? He needs us! How can I send him away in his present state? There must be a way to fix this!”
Driven by familial love and her medical training, Donna assumed all conditions were treatable. Jack knew otherwise and came to sit next to her on the sofa. Opening the mind-link with Evan, he chose to use his power of persuasion to prevent her from doing something risky – his soft deep voice reaching into mind and heart.
“Evan speaks the truth. Robert is fragile, and coming here has disrupted the control he enjoyed while living among humans. What he needs most from you and your family is the reassurance of your love, or you risk never seeing him again. Some things cannot be “fixed”, Doctor Follett, as you well know. If Robert is ever to be well, it requires gentle patience and support – not confrontation.”
Having never been on the receiving end of a True Elder’s power, Donna did not know she was being manipulated for her own good. She let go of her physician’s angry determination, replacing it with a sister’s love and watchcare. The worry and concern remained, but her energies were now directed along a different path.
“Thank you, Jack. I need to get home and make sure he’s all right. If something else happens, may I call you?”
Jack nodded, giving her a reassuring smile.
“Of course. You need not face this situation alone.”
Ben and Evan saw their guests to the door with heavy hearts. They understood how difficult it must be for Donna to step back and allow Robert to do as he wished. It was a testament to her devotion that she struggled so, and they were determined to support her no matter how things turned out.
Chapter 15
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING
Nolan grimaced, tossing back his second cup of strong coffee as he and Ash put Kalkaska behind them. They weren’t supposed to have left for home until afternoon, but Evan’s frantic five a.m. phone call ordered them to return ASAP. They took just enough time to pack their things, text Tom concerning the change of plans, and swing by a convenience store for gas, caffeine, and some soggy cinnamon rolls to go.
With Nolan driving this time, Ash slouched in the passenger seat nursing his own cup of Joe and attempting to choke down another bite of breakfast. He shook his head in disgust.
“Shit! I’m not sure what’s worse – this coffee scented sludge or the nasty roll! I could sure use some real food. Cody’s gone and spoiled us so badly we think everything else is awful by comparison. Remind me to kneel down and kiss his ass when we get back.”
Nolan laughed, in total agreement with his packmate.
“I’m not going to argue, but I think Abigail might rip out your throat if you put the moves on her mate!”
Ash smiled, knowing Nolan was right. His grouchy mood had more to do with insufficient sleep and a lackluster breakfast – neither of which were his packmate’s fault.
“Did Evan say anything aboutwhywe needed to get back so fast?”
