Page 103 of Forbidden Moon
Evan joined him, slipping an arm around his waist while the kids clapped and danced. There were other curious onlookers—all happy for their Omega packmate and the human who would now be living among them. With the need for secrecy gone, the pack was free to be themselves and gradually initiate RJ into the unique world of shifters. The learning curve would undoubtedly involve a few missteps, along with wonder, laughter, and a bit of angst. Given Luna’s tendency to experiment on their pack, they’d handle it just fine.
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BEN SMILED BROADLY, more than pleased with tonight’s events as he made his way to the infirmary. RJ and Jonah were together again,andtheir elusive nemesis, Birdman, was safely tucked away. The troublesome human who started the current crisis represented the last unresolved threat to their safety, assuming Gladstone won the coming battle. First, they needed information from Bluett before they could mop up the mess he’d made.
Donna greeted Ben as he stepped inside the infirmary. On either side of the treatment-room door stood two security men who acknowledged their Alpha with a respectful nod. His nose wrinkled at the unmistakable aroma of a human mixed with the stink of alcohol, and he wondered what sort of person Bluett might be.
He entered the treatment room on Donna’s heels and got his first good look at the man, snoring peacefully on the exam table. He was unremarkable, of average height and looks, and casually dressed. If passed on the street, Ben wouldn’t have noticed him. Donna shared what little she knew.
“I gave him a cursory exam. He seems to be in good health, though he’s three sheets to the wind at the moment. We’ll have to wait until he’s awake and treated for the hangover before being questioned. On top of feeling awful, he’s going to be confused and afraid, especially when he finds out where he is. I’ll need Jack or Evan here to calm him down and encourage cooperation.”
Ben grunted.
“I assumed as much, given what wethinkwe know about him. We’re the last people on earth he wants to see, though if RJ is correct, Bluett no longer wishes us harm. It’s a far cry from repairing the damage he’s done, but it’s a start. I’ll alert Jack to be ready for your call when he comes around.”
Donna stopped Ben as he turned to leave.
“There’s more. Lou dug up some information and discovered he’s an ex-con from the Detroit area, though he’s stayed out of trouble since moving here. He’s single, works with Russell Hook at North Bluff Grocery, and lives in theDelta Avenue Apartments.”
Ben winced.
“Damn! It all makes sense now. Caleb is going to kick himself when he finds out. Do your best to keep Bluett’s contact with us and the compound to a minimum. He already has too many memories for Jack to alter. Good work, Doctor, and give Lou my thanks as well.”
Ben stepped outside and dialed up Alpha Sheppard on his way to Jack and William’s home.
“Hello, Ben, how may I help you?”
“Good evening, Sir. Through a strange turn of events, Birdman is now resting comfortably in the infirmary under Dr. Follett’s care.”
The revelation elicited a surprised growl from a man known for his cool, steady demeanor. Ben held back a chuckle with some effort.
“What?! Did he try to attack you? What have you found out?”
Ben explained RJ’s role in bringing Birdman to them and the few facts they’d already gathered.
“If I understand correctly, Bluett and Hook are employed at the same place but arenotworking together against us. When Bluett sobers up, I intend to have Jack get the information out of him and then alter his memories. I’ll send Robyn along when they take him home and have her delete his blog.”
Ben could hear the smile in Sheppard’s voice.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting you to make a clean sweep of this, but it’s excellent news. If I may, I have a better idea of what to do with the blog.”
Ben listened to the idea, a clever improvement over the simple plan he’d initially decided on.
“I like it, Sir. I’ll let Robyn know and have her contact you if she has any questions. I expect we’ll be able to return Bluett to his apartment sometime tomorrow and then focus on preparing for the incursion on Sunday morning.”
Sheppard pressed on, mixing personal thoughts with professional responsibility.
“I’m sure you realize the regional councils are collectively holding their breath over this entire operation. If you fail, the danger remains, and we’re back to square one. Personally, I have tremendous faith in your people and in Luna’s watchcare.
“I want you to know that some good has come out of all this. Packs all over the North American continent have initiated sweeping reforms of their security. Its also bolstered cooperation between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico councils—something I have been pushing for all along.
“No onewants to deal with the nightmare you’re going through, and it’s resulted in serious and systemic changes at all levels. I regret you, or anyone, has been subjected to such danger, but it has raised awareness and reminded us we all rise or fall together.”
It pleased Ben to know the entire shifter community was safer now, and if things went according to plan, the enhanced safety would also include Gladstone.
“Thank you for telling me, Sir. It’s humiliating to be the cause of a breach like this, and we have only ourselves to blame. Believe me when I saywehave learned our lesson.”
“I can ask nothing more, Ben, but I will remind you of my full and continuing support. Please send along my congratulations to Jonah and his mate. It seems Luna has favored your pack with another “new” idea for us to consider. I’m eager to hear how it all works out.”
