Page 10 of Ascendant Moon
The room buzzed excitedly, everyone wondering who they were and what they wanted. Navarro recaptured their attention and continued.
“Our scouts did not see them, but there were at least four distinct scents. One was True Elder and all were Lobos. We believe they were seeking information, perhaps to find out where and when we meet for a future visit. At the very least, it confirms the existence of other Lobo shifters in Mexico. Their scents werealso detected in town, so they must have a general idea of where we live and work.
“As you know, our presence has become more difficult to hide, and we lack the freedom our wolves crave. Meeting in the Preserve has become dangerous with the drug lords now using it for illegal activity. And, while we are grateful for growth, the pack is too large to manage under present conditions. Thankfully, Luna has gifted our True Elders with the very guidance we have longed for.”
Quiet chatter erupted again as Hector and Sergio stepped forward. As senior True Elder, Hector motioned for silence so he could speak.
“In the last month, both Sergio and I have had dreams showing the pack receiving visitors and then enjoying a better life elsewhere. Luna has also revealed that there are thriving Lobo packs in the north—something we have suspected but were unable to confirm. We anticipate learning more in our dreams, but believe the coming changes are close at hand.”
The reaction was mixed, with the most obvious divide a generational one—younger pack members eager to find mates and a better place for their wolves, while the older generation was content to stay rather than being uprooted later in life. Alpha Navarro, Hector, and Sergio fielded questions, doing their best with limited information.
Must we leave or do we have a choice?
If we go, will the pack stay together?
How will we live?
What becomes of our homes and property?
Is there no other way?
Before the meeting ended, Navarro sought to encourage them.
“This pack only exists because our ancestors made a very brave and difficult choice to find a safe haven. It appears that we, too, may be facing a similar decision very soon, but for more pleasant reasons. When Luna reveals more, you’ll be told everything. Meanwhile, consider what is best for the pack and our little ones, not only yourself. A bit of discomfort now is a small price to pay for the kind of life we’ve always wanted.”
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Early August, Eagle River Wisconsin
Lincoln was looking forward to the pack run tonight. He and Melva joined up with several others as they walked to the gathering place at the glen, arriving as a group. Lincoln’s scent and friendly disposition kept the others clustered around him, naturally protective of their Omega. Except for their leaders, the pack had no problem accepting Lincoln as Rosalee’s replacement. They’d known him for years, after all, and having a male Omega was something of a novelty.
Alpha Richmond and his Second, Bruce Ballard, waited for the pack to settle down before making the usual announcements. Richmond’s troubled scent, however, gave everyone pause as he got their attention and came straight to the point.
“In the last month, a lone cougar has been spotted near several of the area packs.”
Nervous chatter erupted at the surprising news. While cougars had once been common, the only ones seen in the area now were males traveling east from western states. Gray wolves, and their shifter cousins may be apex predators, but even they could be threatened. Richmond understood and shared their concern, quieting them down with a rumbling growl.
“It may just be passing through, but until we know more I don’t want anyone traveling alone beyond packland borders. Cougars are big, fast, and stealthy, and even I would have difficulty taking one down. We’re safe as long as we stay together, so don’t go wandering off, and watch your back. If you see or scent anything, sound the alarm.
“One more thing. I’ll be attending the American Shifter Packs’ annual meeting in Montana later this month. Bruce will be in charge while I’m gone, so go to him if you need anything. If there aren’t any questions, let’s run.”
Lincoln began to disrobe with the others and looked up to find a half-stripped Bruce watching him. The man was powerfully built, sporting several days of beard growth and a perpetual scowl. His squinty blue eyes were now heated amber orbs that raked over Lincoln’s bare skin. Revulsion made him shiver, though Ballard only smiled and lifted his chin as if they shared some sort of understanding.
Melva caught the exchange and stepped between them, blocking the nasty Second’s view of Lincoln. She received a heated glare before the man turned away, and Melva whispered, “stay close”before they also shifted. Surrounded by packmates, Lincoln managed to enjoy the run, safely out of Ballard’s reach.
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After the run
Everyone anticipated delicious food and snacks after a run, though Lincoln found himself calming upset packmates instead. Even a single lone cougar posed a real and frightening threat, and despite Alpha Richmond’s assurances, his announcement left people on edge. Lincoln cranked up the output of his scent, and accompanied by Melva, worked to soothe fears andhelp people remain calm. The little ones, who really didn’t understand the adults’ non-verbal angst, were more easily swayed by the sweet Omega.
After a while, the room filled with conversation and laughter as people relaxed and began to enjoy themselves. Relieved by the brief respite, Lincoln headed for the food table to load up a plate, only to find Bruce looming behind him.
“You’re good with the kids. Maybe you should have some of your own.”
Lincoln swallowed hard, wishing someone would rescue him.
“W… well, maybe someday after I find my mate.”
