Page 61 of Forbidden Moon
“Ben! It isn’t appropriate to joke about something like that. Now, what’s going on?”
“I’m as surprised as you are, but it’s true, mom. Jack and Evan say there have always been a few mixed couples among us, and for some reason, Luna picked a human mate for Jonah. His heat was triggered, and Evan convinced RJ to stay and help him through it. He doesn’t know about us yet. We want to give them time to build a relationship first.”
The questions flew thick and fast, and Ben told them as much as he could without betraying confidences. Confusion, some disbelief, and a lot of “what was Luna thinking?”. Ultimately, the family settled on a somewhat reluctant acceptance of the bizarre situation, wondering how Jonah was supposed to hold onto a human without the mating bond.
“Normally, I would have let Jonah tell you himself. I figured doing it this way would give you time to get used to the idea. I’m sure he’ll arrange an introduction but don’t expect it anytime soon. Try not to bombard him with questions if you can help it. It’s a delicate time for them, and he needs to focus on winning over his mate. Evan and I will keep you posted as things progress, all right?”
It sounded like Anita was collecting various comments from those around the table before she spoke again.
“I’m glad you told us now, Ben. We need to adjust our thinking a bit, but we’re all happy for him. I think I can safely say he has our support, so give him our love and congratulations. If it helps, we can come down there some Sunday and get to know RJ better. Let us know when would be a good time.”
“I’ll tell him, Mom, and I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. Before I go, I need to talk to dad for a minute.”
A bit of rustling, and then the speaker shut off.
“Is there something else, Ben?”
“I’m afraid so. The situation here just got worse.”
Chapter 25
LATER THAT AFTERNOON
Walter’s new evidence upped the ante, both in Duluth and Gladstone. Sheppard’s people picked apart YooperTrooper’s message, concluding the threat was genuine. Ben and Caleb Vogel welcomed the Council’s input and then met to discuss needed changes—resulting in an evening pack meeting. The scent of supper lingered in the packhouse air as people entered and found a place to sit. Except for Caleb, the entire security team was absent—spread thin along the border. Lou and a few others who worked on Sundays were also unable to attend. Robyn volunteered to film the meeting so those missing could view it later.
Ben, Evan, Jack, and Caleb gathered near the large fireplace—the best vantage point to be seen and heard. A mix of scents filled the oversized room: curiosity, worry, and an undercurrent of perplexity. They were already stressed and weary of having to watch their back all the time. This meeting didn’t bode well for a return to normalcy, even if all four men projected confident solidarity. Ben stood to start things off.
“We have a lot to discuss, so I’m asking for your patience and attention. Caleb is here to share some new information and update you on our security.”
Ben sat down, wrapping an arm around Evan’s waist, and nodded to his security chief.
“As you already know, Birdman claims he’s witnessed our people shifting on many occasions. We’ve made changes to our patrols to prevent it, and he seems to have backed off the threat of exposing us until he can secure proof. In addition, he refused to disclose the location of the “shapeshifters” to his readers. I believe he’s afraid of us and worries for his safety if we discover who he is.
“Whatever his plans may be, the situation has taken an unexpected turn. This morning, one of his blog followers posted a message claiming to know who we are and where we live. Not only that, it seems this individual is part of a group who intends to prove our true nature and then take action.”
Anxious chatter erupted all over the room, the scent of anger and fear clogging the air. Overwhelmed, Evie began to cry and climbed into Evan’s lap for comfort. Caleb raised a hand to quiet his packmates and continued.
“It’s entirely possible that this threat is only an attempt to frighten Birdman or trick him into revealing where we are. This is supported by the fact that he removed the post almost immediately from his site without comment. We did, of course, forward the information to Alpha Sheppard. His people believe the only reasonable course of action is to assume the threat is real and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves.
“Even as we speak, a special task force is being assembled to assist us. Both men and equipment should arrive as early as tomorrow to help secure our borders and prevent anyone from reaching the central compound.”
Scooter stood amid the hubbub to ask a question.
“So, are we confined here? I have classes, and lots of our people work in town. Are we just going to sit here and wait for something to happen?”
