Page 127 of Forbidden Moon
Everet responded with an abbreviated growl.
“Knowledge is never a waste, my brother. Perhaps we can begin with friendship if you don’t mind my full-moon visits.”
“Thank you, Everet. I welcome a friendship with you.”
“I am glad, then. Why don’t we exchange some memories? Have you ever shared a teaching dream with anyone here?”
Owen shook his head.
“I have heard the others speak of them. Can you show me how?”
“Gladly.”
Everet took Owen’s hand, and in this timeless place, the student became the teacher.
Chapter 48
THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, July 12
Pack members and guests grieved together for the five men who’d given their lives to defend Gladstone, and a sad, haunting chorus of howls resonated through the trees around the meadow. Memorial services were relatively new, started by Evan after Lyle Wilburn’s deadly attack. Ben spoke first, thanking them for attending and assuring family members their loved ones would not be forgotten.
Next, Evan explained the ancient use of the memory pouch. Assisted by Jack, they presented them to each grieving family. Traditionally, the pouch was kept for a year and then buried, though some relatives chose to retain them longer. Evan understood why the practice meant so much to their ancestors, as it gave sorrowful families something tangible upon which to focus their grief.
The crowd’s final tears fell as the dissonant song of mourning came to an end. Ben and Evan remained up front near the platform to personally greet any guests who wished to speak to them. The others made their way to the packhouse for a meal and a chance to commiserate. The entire Cooks pack attended the service, still pained by the loss of their packmate—one of the younger single men who’d tended the orchards. His parents and younger brother took his death the hardest, of course. Alpha Frazier and his mate, Molly, accompanied the grieving family on one side, with Lilly Howell, the pack Omega, on the other.
Alpha Sheppard could not attend in person, sending his condolences with Oscar and the others from the Duluth pack, including its Alpha. Gladstone’s two casualties were originally from Duluth—security men “on loan” who’d petitioned to stay. Robyn volunteered to film the event, planning to send her former home pack a presentation in a few days.
RJ regretted missing the service due to work, as it left Jonah and Evie to make the rounds alone. Many of the guests questioned Jonah about life at Gladstone and were amazed to see little Evie Rae learning her duties at such a tender age. Taking her cue from Jonah, she learned what to look and listen for among the grieving. While Evie did not know grief personally, she recognized the intense feelings accompanied by a loss of life.
When the duo reached the Cooks pack, Jonah offered Evie a chance to learn from another adult Omega.
“Evie, you remember my friend, Lilly. Would you like to walk with her for a while?”
Evie drew in Lilly’s troubled scent and reached out to embrace her. The woman drew strength from the contact, and it gave her an idea.
“I know someone who needs your help. When the humans attacked, they killed his older brother, and he’s very sad. His name is Drake. Would you like to try?”
Evie looked to Jonah for approval.
“Go ahead, little one. See if you can find Drake on your own.”
Lilly put her down and took one hand, encouraging Evie to lead the way. Jonah followed behind, wondering if his niece could locate the grieving teen by herself. Following her nose, Evie focused on people from the Cook’s pack, watching faces and listening to conversation. Soon enough, she tugged Lilly towards a tight circle of grownups who parted in surprise at the concentrated burst of Omega scent.
There stood a family of three, radiating a level of misery and heartache Evie had never known. Ignoring her own discomfort, she rushed forward to wrap little arms around the young man’s long legs.
