Page 30 of Abundant Moon
Careful not to upset the man, or Donna, even further, Jack ignored the last question.
“Evan and I will reach directly into your mate’s mind and serve as mediators between Robert and his wolf. I believe they will see reason, but the negotiations may be both lengthy and taxing. We must begin soon.”
Without further explanation, Jack asked Ben to recall Jonah from work, fetch Evie Rae, and advised everyone to eat. With space for only one on the exam table, a large mattress was brought into the living room and Robert placed in the center. A tense and quiet meal followed - Ash hurrying to finish and return to watch over his mate.
As directed by Jack, Ash removed Robert’s clothing, leaving him unencumbered for a sudden shift. He marveled at the beauty of his mate: dark hair, lean muscles, long cock. The mating pheromones nearly overwhelmed him with the urge to kiss, fondle, lick, and suck – until his addled brain realized Robert couldn’t respond in kind. With a final shudder, he covered the man with a light blanket, lifting a twitching hand to his lips for soft kisses. Waiting and helpless, he longed for some way to reach his troubled mate - his wolf agreed, equally frustrated and eager to claim.
Out of breath, Jonah arrived from town to find the others waiting for him and received a quick summary of events. As usual, Evie Rae sought comfort in his arms amidst a room full of worried shifters - air thick with uncertainty and stress. Jack began by placing people around the mattress: Ash at Robert’s head, Jonah and Evie at his feet, and Ben and Donna on the sides. Once they settled in, he spoke first to the Omegas.
“Your scent will help keep us calm, but there is another reason you are needed. Tell me, are you sensing anything from Robert or his wolf?”
Both Jonah and Evie zeroed in on the unfortunate man, looking for any spark of emotion or feeling. Eyes wide, Evie shook her head and Jonah answered for both of them.
“Nothing, Jack. It’s like looking into a void of some kind – as if he isn’t even there.”
Jack grimaced.
“Unfortunate, but expected. Evie, I believe Robert’s wolf trusts you, and if you sense something from him I want you to tell Jonah right away.”
She nodded, relaxing in Jonah’s lap while waiting for Robert to wake up.
As a courtesy, Jack faced Ash – even though his words were meant for the entire group.
“Evan and I will enter into a modified teaching dream and use our power to communicate with both Robert and his wolf. Our goal is to reach a peaceful agreement to live together as intended and end the standoff. Donna will watch for physical clues and Ben will order a shift when the time is right. I warn you, Ash - if we succeed, your mate may spend an inordinate amount of time in wolf form before he learns to trust his human side. Do nothing to discourage it.”
Ash looked relieved.
“I don’t care. I just want my mate!”
Jack swept the room with his eyes once more, catching everyone’s attention.
“This may take some time and we must not be disturbed. You may talk amongst yourselves, but we will not be aware of our surroundings. If you have questions, ask Ben.”
Without further delay, Jack and Evan lay down on either side of Robert – each taking one of his hands and joining theirs to rest on the man’s belly. Ash bristled as they touched his mate, but the Omega scent in the room prevented him from acting on it. When the True Elders closed their eyes, the process began and the small, hopeful, group settled in to watch and wait. No one except Jack and Evan were aware this had never been tried before, and should it fail, Robert and his wolf faced madness or death.
Chapter 17
EVAN MAKES CONTACT
Since Robert already knew Evan, he took on the task of reaching the man’s human side. With great care, tendrils of his consciousness wove their way through the ether of Robert’s troubled mind. While not the same as conversing in a mind-link, hecouldtap into Robert’s self-talk and encourage or discourage thoughts and memories while using carefully applied pressure. Probing this deeply involved significant risk, and under normal circumstances would never be attempted. Evan took great care to narrow his focus to the most critical issues, leaving the rest of Robert’s mind untouched.
Waves of competing emotions washed over the True Elder like a tsunami, and he paused to steel his own mind against the assault. Robert was furious with his wolf for interrupting the bond and trying to force a shift – one he feared would be permanent. Evan began by acknowledging his fear and resentment and then pointed out his own actions caused the rift in the first place. Robert willingly admitted fault, yet believed their all-or-nothing situation held no possibility of compromise.
Evan used Robert’s own thoughts and fears, and backed by his power of persuasion, created a back and forth internal dialog: warn, cajole, frighten, plead, declare, encourage.
