Page 78 of Forbidden Moon
Chapter 31
LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON, Delta County Airport, Escanaba
William, Jack, and the twins withstood the stares and whispers of the other people waiting inside terminal B for flight 882 from Chicago. They were used to it by now, though it irritated William a great deal more than Jack. Marie and Kiah, fascinated by the strange surroundings and myriad human scents, sat quietly on their father’s laps. Most of the chatter was friendly but misguided, as they were mistaken for grandfathers out and about with their adorable grandchildren.
An overhead speaker announced the arrival of Walter’s flight. People began to stir, gathering up their things and vying for the best vantage points to greet the new arrivals. Ten minutes later, Walter strode through the door, looking much the same and wearing a wide smile. William gave his friend a one-armed hug as soon as he was within reach, prompting Marie to gurgle at him.
“We’ve been looking forward to seeing you for months now, and with everything going on, you’re a welcome distraction.”
Walter beamed.
“I’ve missed you! It was difficult to say goodbye the last time, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever make it out here for a visit.”
A grinning Jack hugged the man, giving Kiah the chance to grab a fistful of Walter’s hair.
“Let go now, Kiah. This is our friend, Walter.”
Wide-eyed, Kiah leaned in to scent the human and scan his face. Walter reached out with an index finger to tickle his belly, and the boy dissolved into happy giggles. Marie wanted in on the fun and reached for him. William handed her over, and she settled on Walter’s hip without any fuss.
Once the greeting ritual ended, they headed out to retrieve Walter’s luggage. Given the airport's size, it took only a few extra minutes to reach baggage claim and be on their way to the car. As William did all the driving, Walter took the front passenger seat, leaving Jack to sit between the twins in the back. The drive home only took about fifteen minutes, but Walter wasted no time getting caught up.
“Has there been more trouble? Is everyone all right?”
Jack spoke up from the back seat.
“There have been several incidents, including a near-assault on Robyn, our Triad Mate. No one has been injured, though we suspect this may only be the beginning. Alpha Sheppard sent a large contingent of men and equipment to help us keep an eye on the packlands. We hope it will be sufficient. Have you seen anything else on Birdman’s blog?”
“Nothing lately, but I’ll check it tonight before bed. He seems to have given up after the post from YooperTrooper appeared. If you ask me, I think it finally frightened him into realizing what might happen.”
Before they reached packlands, William brought up Jonah’s situation.
“For the time being, Jonah and his mate are dating, and RJ is unaware of our true nature. When we cross paths, remember to act as though everyone on the Preserve is human.”
Walter shook his head.
“I hope my presence will not be confusing for your people, and I would love to help RJ as he adjusts to the truth. When will he be told?”
A fussing Kiah distracted Jack, so William replied.
“Jonah will know when the time is right, and we will support his decision. I don’t expect he’ll be able to continue the deception for much longer.”
William announced their arrival and turned in to stop at the gates. Cleared to go almost immediately, Walter commented on the lush green life all around them—much different than his dry, rocky home in Arizona. Soon enough, they rounded the final curve and entered a large gravel lot where William parked the car.
Walter got out and looked around with greedy eyes, finally getting a good look at the packlands of Gladstone. Impressive buildings, new construction, and trees as far as the eye could see. Even the air was alive here, and he filled his lungs with the rich, earthy scent. Despite both friends toting babies, they insisted on carrying his bags while Walter followed them to their home. It wasn’t a long walk, though he did notice the higher humidity here in Michigan.
Envy poked at him when they arrived at the underground structure; the facade made almost entirely of glass and lodged deep in a hillside. The trees were naturally thinner here, providing them a lovely view of green grasses and rolling terrain. There were several other homes close by and more under construction, each situated to provide maximum privacy and unhindered views of nature. He gawked as long as he could before joining his friends inside.
He found it cool and comfortable yet flooded with sunshine, marveling at the simplicity of natural stone and comfortable furnishings. While Jack dealt with the twins, William led him to an ensuite bedroom, which probably belonged to the children, and set the suitcases down.
“If you need anything, please let us know. I hope you don’t mind, but we’ve invited Katrine, Mandy, and the girls over for supper. We thought you might like to become acquainted before showing up at the studio tomorrow.”
“I don’t mind at all and can’t wait to meet them. I think I’d like to freshen up before supper if there’s time.”
“Certainly. They won’t arrive for another forty-five minutes. It’s good to have you here, my friend.”
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MEANWHILE, AT THE DELTAAvenue Apartments
