Page 101 of Ascendant Moon
“Based on Leland’s dreams, and the evidence already turned up, I really think Luna is going to surprise us. I have a hard time accepting that red wolf shifters have been lost forever.”
Lance took a quick look around the room and lowered his voice to ask a question.
“How is Lincoln? He must be scared to death that Ballard will come looking for him.”
Evan nodded, though Lance was only one of many who had inquired.
“He’s actually holding up well, and building a stronger bond with his mate every day. He knows it will probably happen sooner or later, but he’s more concerned about Scooter getting hurt. This isn’t over until Ballard isdead, and until then, he feels like a dark cloud is following him around. Security is doing everything they can to prepare, but waiting is always the hardest part.”
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Sunday evening, Newald, Wisconsin
Ginny loved pack runs. Everybody was there, and afterward they feasted at the packhouse amid laughter and the latest gossip. Now in her eighties, she tired more quickly than some of her packmates, and said her goodbyes to turn in for the night. Situated on the outer edge of the packlands, her neat little home was nothing fancy, but had everything she needed. Drawing closer, she picked up a stranger’s scent.
Smelled like a Beta male, though who would have been walking around out here while everyone was gone for a run? Hackles up, Ginny agreed with her wolf’s need for caution and sent a quick text to her closest neighbor before going inside.
The concentrated scent assaulted her senses, just as someone grabbed her by the throat and pulled her deeper inside. Heart pounding, Ginny struggled to get away from the ugly, naked brute. He simply shoved her against the nearest wall and started talking.
“Where are Lincoln and Melva? Tell me now or I break your stupid neck.”
This had to be Bruce! Ginny’s mind cowered even as her wolf wanted to attack. She couldn’t reveal where they were or he’dtrack them down! Ballard’s eyes began to glow as a warning growl rumbled from his powerful chest.
“Last chance, bitch.WHERE ARE THEY?”
Ginny clawed at his hand, desperate for more air, and Bruce eased up the pressure so she could answer, gasping between words..
“Glad…stone…Michigan.”
Bruce’s face lit up with a predatory smile, still holding a wheezing Ginny against the wall.
“You caused me a lot of trouble. Time to die, old woman.”
Busy with his interrogation, Bruce hadn’t noticed the approach of Ginny’s neighbors until they crossed the threshold while calling her name. Shit! He needed to get out of here before the enforcers showed up. Bruce shifted, bowled over the newcomers, and took off through the surrounding forest. Meanwhile, Ginny continued to sputter and cough while her friends shouted for security. It wasn’t long before Alpha Reynolds showed up with several of the men, and ordered them to track the intruder. He kneeled beside her on the floor, noticing the vicious marks on her neck.
“Are you all right? Do you know who that was?”
Frightened and shaky, Ginny nodded, answering in a gravelly voice.
“Bruce Ballard. Lincoln and Melva are in danger!”
After listening to Ginny’s story, and certain she was resting comfortably, Alpha Reynolds slipped into his office to make a late night call. His list of contacts didn’t include the Gladstone pack, so he called and left an urgent message for AlphaSheppard. Like everyone else in the area, he’d heard about what took place at the Eagle River pack. The entire affair had both angered and saddened him, along with the neighboring packs. Luna help them all if shifters couldn’t trust their own leaders!
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Early Monday morning, Ben’s office
… and thank you for alerting us, Sir. I promise—we’ll be ready.”
Ben growled as he ended the call with Alpha Sheppard. Things were going to get ugly in a few days, and his promise wasn’t an empty one. No matter how things played out, Ballard would die, and Ben would personally see to it if necessary. Before anything else, he took a moment to open the mind-link with Evan.
“You busy, Love? Ballard knows Lincoln is here and is on his way.”
“Damn! I just dropped the kids off at school. Be right there.”
Ben opened the office door and spotted Caleb and Doogie finishing their Monday morning working breakfast. They both looked up as soon as they detected his muddled scent, knowing whatever he wanted to say had upset him.
“Sorry, men, but we have a situation. I want round the clock bodyguards for Lincoln and Melva working eight-hour shifts, starting right now, and then meet me in the conference room in ten minutes.”
