Page 21 of Forbidden Moon
“What did you learn from Jack this morning?”
“Nothing new regarding the human threat, though we believe Luna will reveal more when the time is right. President Sheppard sent an update to each of the councils, and your father requested my attendance at tomorrow’s meeting.”
Mia considered his words, unable to meet her mate’s eyes.
“I suppose we always knew the day might come when humans discovered us. If not now, then another time under other circumstances—but it frightens me so. What would become of our people? Do we fight back? Go into hiding? Give up?”
Mia’s distress, evident in her expression, body language, and scent, prompted Everet to pull her into his arms. She burst into tears, and Everet realized too late he’d underestimated her need for reassurance. Indeed, all of their people must be anxiously waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop, all while looking to their True Elders for guidance. Very well. He would start with his own precious mate and pulled back to look her in the eye.
“You assume, my love, that the human response is something to be feared. We cannot know with certainty what they will do, though I admit it is unlikely they will calmly accept our presence among them.”
Mia’s scent made an abrupt change, and she reared back to stare at her mate in confusion.
“Of coursetheir response is something to be feared! How could it be otherwise? I realize you’re still trying to catch up, but history leaves no doubt that humans donotrespond well to those who are different. Your loving, generous heart has left you with a blind spot, and I’m afraid you don’t understand the danger we’re in.
“How many Jews were eliminated in the second world war? When will racism finally end? What more can be done to protect those who are not straight or are non-conforming? How many hate groups exist on social media? What about immigrants who only want a better life?”
Everet loved his intelligent and passionate mate, but this visceral response wasn’t something he’d seen from her before. He remained quiet, listening carefully.
“If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that humans willnotcalmly accept our presence among them! Our mere existence frightens them, and they will undoubtedly try to lock us up or kill us outright. You and I know better, but nothing we say will convince them we’re harmless. They will insist we have been hiding all this time because of some secret plan to take over the world.
“It isn’t just me—talk to more of our people and see what they have to say. Ask my father and the council for their input. Consult with Evan and Jack and see what others are talking about. Then you’ll understand why there is so much fear among us.”
Everet searched Mia’s troubled face and realized he’d been glossing over the issue so as not to upset her. Yes, he was supposed to protect his mate, but she wasn’t fragile nor a silly child. Her impassioned words made him sit up and take notice of some very unpleasant truths, and any attempt to minimize the genuine threat they faced would undermine his leadership.
“Forgive me, my darling. I did not intend to belittle the danger or ignore the facts. On the other hand, Luna’s watchcare and protection over us are undeniable, stretching back to the beginning of our kind. We have always lived with the possibility of discovery, yet millennia have gone by, and we remain.
“The dreams, as they often do, provided a warning—useless if the end result is predetermined. Therefore, itmustbe within our power to remove the human threat or at least contain the breach. I understand how difficult it is to wait, yet things are progressing exactly as they should.”
Mia scrubbed away the remnants of her tears and lay her head on his shoulder.
“People are afraid, and only a few have direct access to our True Elders. We can’t communicate with Luna the way you do, and our level of trust and confidence is all second-hand. I think... I think it would help if you, Jack, and Evan were to make a formal statement and send it out.”
Everet stroked her long silky hair while he considered the idea. Her suggestion might be helpful if handled correctly.
“A splendid idea, my love. I will contact my brothers and see what they think, though it cannot be implemented without Alpha Sheppard’s approval.”
Mia nodded.
“Yes, I understand. Has he said anything about a plan of action if weareexposed? Our people deserve to know what’s expected before it’s too late.”
Everet stilled in her arms, his scent now closely matching his mate’s. He understood why she asked about such plans, but there were consequences.
“I feel certain the Council has already devised detailed responses, yet revealing them might cause needless panic among our people. If the breach only exposes a single pack, I expect a different reaction on our part. I understand your concern and will contact Alpha Sheppard to discuss it. Will that suffice for now?”
“Yes, thank you. By the way, did Jack say anything about Jonah’s involvement in all this?”
Everet nodded, a certain twinkle in his eye as he stood and led Mia out of the office. A glance in Wesley’s room confirmed he was asleep, and they continued on their way to a comfortable settee near the fireplace. Everet’s grin did not prepare Mia for the story he told.
“By all accounts, Jonah’s situation is not exactly what we feared, though hewillbe forced to reveal his true self soon. It seems Luna has gifted the young Omega with a human mate.”
At first, Mia thought Everet merely meant to tease her. When his scent confirmed otherwise, she wasn’t quite sure how to respond.
“A humanmate? They could never bond properly, so how is that even possible?”
Everet gently gathered Mia’s hand into both of his own and slipped into teaching mode.
“There are many examples of such couples throughout our history, though none I am aware of in our day. It is true; a traditional bond is not possible. Nonetheless, a deep and meaningful relationship may be achieved. Their most difficult days will occur at the beginning when the human partner must accept and embrace their mate’s true nature.”
