Page 15 of Forbidden Moon
sorely test him. Your desire to support him is commendable, but we may be kept busy reassuring both him and the rest of the pack.”
Evan managed a weak smile.
“I agree we’re going to have our hands full. As far as it relates to Ben, I feel guilty not telling him what I know. I’ve never kept a secret from him before, but I think I have to this time.”
Jack’s scent and wry smile told Evan he was in teaching mode—exactly what he wanted.
“As True Elders, we are neverrequiredto divulge what Luna reveals to us, whether it be to the pack, the council, or our mates. Your guilt over not telling Ben is pointless, yet you must have reasons. Tell me.”
Evan found Jack’s forthrightness amusing.
“Ben’s desire to protect Jonah runs deep and goes back to their troubled home life. I don’t think he’s ever let go, especially now as Jonah’s Alpha, big brother, and protector all rolled into one. Honestly, I think Ben would have a hard time with whoever Jonah ended up mating, but a human? In the middle of a threat that could destroy us as a people?
“I love Ben with all my heart, but if he knew what was coming, I seriously doubt he could keep his hands off where Jonah is concerned. You’ve seen the dreams, so you know this mixed mating is going to be a rough road. Not only for him either! I can’t imagine how hard it will be for his human mate. Ben will find out sooner than later, so I hope to give Jonah and his man enough time to make a connection without interference from his Alpha big brother.”
Jack nodded sagely.
“Jonah will undoubtedly come to one of us for guidance. Should he confide in me, I will advise him as I would any other pack member. There is much he needs to know about human-shifter matings, and I have no desire to see him struggle more than necessary. I support your decision to refrain from telling Ben at this time. He may react badly to being kept in the dark, yet this is a lesson every True Elder’s mate must learn. Are you prepared?”
Evan shrugged.
“If you’d asked me a year ago, I would have said no. It’s going to be unpleasant, but I hope Ben will understand I did it for Jonah.”
The rest of their conversation centered on Jack’s time with Hezekiah. Evan asked if they had discussed the current threat posed by humans.
“He expressed concern yet believes Luna’s watchcare over us will prevail. Examine the memories I gave you in detail, as they contain similar incidents throughout our long history. Hezekiah does not fully understand or appreciate the far-reaching changes our society has undergone since his death. In his day, the transfer of information was burdensome and slow, and stories of our existence easily covered up or silenced.”
They were on their own dealing with this crisis, though perhaps the treasure trove of memories contained a helpful trick or two. While they both believed Luna would assist them, they did not expect to be handed a victory without effort on their part. At the moment, they were exploring every avenue open to them, knowing it was far easier to prevent a breach than to clean up the mess afterward.
The issue of finding Everet’s mentor, while not critical, remained unresolved. Among the group of deceased True Elders of appropriate age,andwho never actually met their replacements while living, none found Everet Kern’s name familiar. He intended to contact Kern, explain the situation, and provide him with a list of names. Hezekiah believed a connection was possible, though the two would start as total strangers. It would be Everet’s choice to pursue the idea or let it go. Evan commented on a bittersweet realization of his own.
“I’m glad you and I will never really have to part.”
“As am I, young Evan. It brings me great comfort knowing we, and those after us, will have a wealth of knowledge from which to draw. It is now possible to regain much of what our people have lost. I intend to inform only President Sheppard for now. No doubt he will have many questions of his own, along with those already posed by the Delta school students.”
“They aren’t the only ones! Do you think I can meet Hezekiah at the next full moon?”
Jack laughed at his protégé’s enthusiasm.
“I did not think to ask him before our time ran out. If you and I are connected before he is called, we may achieve three-way contact. I would enjoy introducing him to you.”
The front door opened suddenly as William and the twins arrived back home. He’d utilized two baby carriers, Kiah in the front and Marie in back. Evan’s scent reached the twins simultaneously, and they began to fuss—wanting to interact with their visitor. William apologized as he removed the carriers, handing Kiah to Jack while he extracted Marie.
“I tried to give you plenty of time to talk, but they’re both hungry.”
The reminder prompted Evan’s stomach to begin rumbling. Hurriedly, he kissed both babies, hugged his friends, and made a beeline for home—stomach empty and mind full to overflowing.
