Page 104 of Forbidden Moon
Ben ended the call, arriving at Jack and William’s home as they and their human guest returned from an impromptu outing. Evidently, Walter wanted to see more of the packlands and experience running with wolves. William gathered a small group for a jaunt to Schaawe Lake, giving the trusted human an experience to remember. They all went inside, leaving Ben and Walter in the living room while Jack and William redressed. Ben began the conversation.
“Have you enjoyed your visit to Gladstone?”
Walter nodded with a smile.
“More than I can say. I find your lives fascinating, as well as the concept of Luna endowing abilities and gifts to you as needed. Remarkable! I wish my people and yours could have a much closer association, as it would benefit both. I find myself not wanting to return home tomorrow!”
Ben laughed softly.
“I suppose that’s one way to look at it, but I believe Luna’s plan to keep us separate from the human population is best. If we hadn’t understood why before, we certainly do now. By the way, did your team make it home safely?”
Jack and William slipped back in quietly at this point to listen, knowing they could pick up the twins from Cody and Abigail’s home a few minutes later than planned.
“They did, thank you. Gray tells me the artwork arrived undamaged and is securely stored in the museum. I will be quite busy installing the various pieces and completing the new gallery. The staff is incredibly excited, and we expect tremendous interest from the public and media. Did you know Katrine and Mandy agreed to attend the opening?”
Ben smiled.
“I did, although how you managed to convince them is beyond me! I think the trip will be good for Katrine, and the media exposure will probably put her work in even greater demand.”
Ben turned to Jack and William.
“I know you need to pick up the twins and put them to bed, so I’ll get to the point of my visit. While you were away, RJ returned to claim Jonah and brought someone with him—Birdman.”
The bombshell had its desired effect, and Ben let it sink in before explaining the whole thing. Jack expected the coming request.
“My apologies, but I need to steal Jack away for a meeting with myself, Caleb, and Oscar. We need to discuss what we’re going to do with Mr. Bluett before taking him back home. Text me when you’re free, Jack, and we’ll meet with you in my office.
“Walter, in case I don’t catch you before you leave, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, and you’re welcome here anytime you care to visit.”
####
IN THE GROWING DARKNESS, three wolves waited silently in the woods behind Russell’s house to monitor the enemy. If they picked up anything important, Ben wanted to know about it.
Once the meeting ended, Russell fired up the grill and returned to the backyard with another beer. Though the man said nothing aloud, the still-hidden trio of spies noticed his frequent smiles and confident scent. By the time he finished drinking, the human appeared to be entirely satisfied—chuckling to himself while he scratched his balls and belched loudly into the night. With a yawn and stretch, Hook headed for the house, mumbling imprecations.
“... twisted freaks... deserve to die... damned hell-spawn ...”
The wolves watched him go inside, slipping through the trees to take up their stations around the home. Hook prepared for bed without saying anything else or making any phone calls and soon fell asleep. They waited patiently for some time until one of the three returned to the woods and their stash of clothing. He shifted, found the phone in the pocket of his jeans, and sent Ben a simple text.
> No new intel. Will report again tomorrow.
If anything were to happen between now and Sunday morning, he and his companions would either report it or call for backup. He stashed the phone and looked up at the three-quarter moon, hoping Luna would grant them success. Anything less was unthinkable.
Chapter 40
