Page 126 of Forbidden Moon
Hezekiah’s eyes grew wider, wondering what else Jack might reveal.
“Indeed! Luna often uses events such as these to lead our people in new ways of thinking. Were I to live again and return with you, I question my usefulness. You and the others have a heavy burden to bear, one made more difficult by the dearth of living True Elders.”
Still troubled, Hezekiah encouraged Jack to share the rest of his concerns about humans. They entered into a teaching dream once more, and Jack showed him the story of Jonah and RJ and presented Alpha Sheppard’s ideas. When the memory transfer ended, Hezekiah shared his impressions.
“I rejoice with Jonah and his human mate. Such a mixed pairing could be part of an overall plan to provide more allies among the human population, but I advise careful monitoring in each case. My counsel is to remain silent about the practice until a pattern develops.
“I find Sheppard’s ideas a good balance of forward-thinking and necessary preparation in case the worst happens. Such things were never contemplated in my day, yet from what you have shown me, I believe there is merit in taking precautions. At any rate, it will not harm our people to infiltrate human society in places of authority and influence. Such power has never been available to the shifter community and would include dangers of its own. Alpha Sheppard must prepare those engaged in this work to be abundantly cautious.
“I am eager to present these ideas to my brothers and hear their conclusions. They do not know you as I do, Jack, and may not understand or accept as easily. In the end, our opinions may prove less than helpful. It is the living through which Luna now works, andtheymust decide how to proceed.”
Jack appreciated Hezekiah’s wisdom, unsurprised they came to similar conclusions. Weary in mind and body, Jack explained that he wished to introduce Evan on the morrow and continue their discussion about the future. With an end to their connection, Jack awoke and made his way home in the moonlight.
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SOME HOURS LATER, FAIRBANKSAlaska
A four-wolf security team escorted two shifters in human form as they made their way through the trees. Guided by the brilliant glow of a full moon, the trek led them to a small glade, perfect for Everet Kern’s attempt to contact the man who could have been his mentor. Jack’s detailed advice, and the names supplied by Hezekiah Matson, should enable him to make contact and tap into the enormous well of shifter knowledge found in the Afterworld.
Mia insisted on coming along for this most unusual meeting, even if she could not directly participate. Her parents, caring for Wesley, were equally curious about this previously unknown bridge into the past. Besides the Gladstone pack, only Alpha Sheppard and Mia’s father, Duncan Roykirk, were aware of Jack’s amazing discovery in Hezekiah’s journals.
When they arrived, the security team used their superior senses to clear the small glade of any nocturnal creatures, leaving the area empty and quiet. Using Jack and William’s experience as their guide, the pair spread a soft blanket on the grass near the center. Mia carried an additional blanket for warmth, and a pack filled with water, snacks, and her cell phone. Once they were comfortable, Everet spoke.
“Only touch me or open the mind-link if you must, my love. Jack tells me time has no meaning in the Afterworld, though I will tire just the same. It may be hours before I return if all goes well, and I do not wish to worry you. Tomorrow, I will share what I have learned.”
He pulled her in for a soft kiss and then laid back on the blanket, leaving space between them. Sitting crossed-legged, Mia watched as Everet closed his eyes and entered into a teaching dream. Hezekiah provided a list of names to try, confident he could make contact despite having never met. Everet called out one name at a time, only to be met with silence. On the fourth attempt, something happened.
“Owen Mott! Are you there?”
The mists immediately parted, replaced by a simple clapboard house on the edge of the woods. Though Everet had no direct memory of this place, his mother told him about the home in which he was born. Logically, it made sense for Luna to recreate this location if Mott were to have arrived for his birth as intended.
On the front steps sat a man in rough, tattered clothing and no shoes. His longish brown hair was a mass of tangled curls, roughly parted down the middle. While he wore a frown, he was a handsome fellow with a stocky frame and well-muscled. As Everet approached, the man stood, obviously curious at being summoned by a stranger. He spoke first in a deep, gravelly voice.
“Who are you, and what is this place?”
Everet ignored the curt greeting.
“I am Everet Kern; the True Elder Luna wished you to mentor. This is where my parents lived at the time of my birth.”
Mott considered this briefly, heaved a deep sigh, and invited Everet to sit next to him.
“I heard you might attempt to contact me, but I am of little use to you now. When and where were you born?”
“February thirteenth, 1923 in Lynden, Oregon. Why did you not attend my birth?”
Regret troubled Mott’s features, and he refused to meet Everet’s eyes when he answered.
“I died three years before you were born. It would not have mattered because I did not know what a True Elder was until I got here—wherever this is. I had already outlived my parents and ended up wandering for a while. By then, the natural wolves were being hunted, and I joined a small pack for protection. We migrated north, eventually ending up near Anchorage.”
Everet wrapped an arm around Owen’s shoulder for a quick side hug.
“You and I have something in common, then. Neither my parents nor I knew why I was so different. I ceased speaking of it when quite young. My father worked in town as a merchant until I was six years old and then decided his wolf would be happier living free. We, too, traveled north, settling in the wilderness along the Yukon River. We lived in wolf form among the local packs, and for a while, found it exciting.
“I was lonely after they died and plagued with dreams I did not understand. Not long ago, Luna led Jack Eby to seek me out and offer me a better life. He became my mentor, taught me what I needed to know, and found me a home in Fairbanks. Now, I have my work among our people, a mate, and a young son. Jack discovered how to contact his mentor, Hezekiah Matson. Do you know him?”
Mott nodded, a smile on his face.
“I do, yes. He is kind, patient, and full of stories. I fear you wasted your time pursuing me. I have nothing to offer you.”
