Page 17 of Ascendant Moon
Kallik—"I watched a movie!”
Wesley—“I threw up.”
The adults laughed as they were all hustled aboard the waiting van and got underway. Apparently, Mia’s father, Fairbanks Council Chairman Duncan Roykirk, and his entourage were already en route to the meeting venue. Knowing he and Jack would have little time to themselves, Everet chose to wait for his mentor and then ride together.
Without William to remind him, Jack finally thought to check his phone and found that Ben, Evan, and the others had arrived less than an hour ago. While he noticed the gorgeous scenery flashing past, he was more interested in reconnecting with his friends. They spoke mostly of family life, pack news, and Jack’s upcoming mission to Mexico.
Conversation died down when the van exited the interstate. The Missoula pack and council had been hosting the annual meeting for decades on a large tract of forested land some twenty-five miles northwest of the city, near the Lolo National Forest. It not only included packlands, but a private, well-equipped meeting venue with all the comforts of home. A long, tree-lined drive brought them to the heart of the complex, and Jack spotted the Gladstone contingent, among others, waiting in front of the welcome center.
While Everet was known, very few outside of Alaska had actually met him. He was bound to be overwhelmed, and Jack gave him a sympathetic chuckle as the van slowed to a stop.
“Remember, my friend, that you are free to say no and retreat whenever the demands become too intense. Your bodyguards will help you if they know your limits. I will see you at the mixer tonight.”
Jack watched with satisfaction as Alpha Roykirk and his team, along with Marshall Cuthbert and his guards, formed a protective barrier for Everet and his family. He’d become more comfortable with crowds and people in general, but this event would tax his quiet friend’s patience to the breaking point. Now surrounded by friendly faces, the Kerns made their way inside the building to get checked in.
With Shane and Milo on either side, Jack exited the van to a warm welcome. As the most senior True Elder, he was immediately recognized by the rank and file. William had explained that it made him even more mysterious, often feared, and sometimes hated by his fellow shifters. Jack trusted his team to protect him, though it was unlikely anyone would pose a serious threat at this event. He was gratified to see that the Seney pack, who had traveled with Gladstone, was also waiting for him.
Seth and Finn waved from the back of the group while Leland and Wilder smothered him with hugs and affection. The reunion pleased him, though he found it absurd that he’d traveled across the country to see people who lived only ninety minutes away! Ben and Evan also hugged him before the combined security teams got everyone inside. Evan filled him in as they made their way across the expansive lobby.
“You’re already checked in and the staff will bring your luggage to the room. This place is fantastic! Ben’s been talking about creating something like it for Gladstone so we can host events, too. I sent William a text when you arrived so he doesn’t worry,and he’d like you to call him when you get a chance. You’ve got just enough time to get cleaned up before supper, followed by the mixer with all the council representatives. I suspect Alpha Sheppard had no idea that this year’s meeting would turn into a circus!”
Chapter 9
Later that evening
Except for the denizens of the Afterworld, no shifter had ever seen this many True Elders assembled in one place at the same time. Sixteen gifted children, teens, and adults were gathered in one of the larger meeting rooms, accompanied by their parent, guardian, mate, or packmate. Actually, this wasn’t the full total since the Calhoun triplets and Orion Pickett were not in attendance, and there were reportedly two True Elders among the lost pack in León. Nevertheless, history was being made here this week and no one knew how many more might be revealed by Luna in the future.
This mixer had been arranged so that they could meet one another before the real work got started tomorrow. The only others allowed in the room, besides security, were the regional council members—including those from Canada and Mexico. This, too, was a unique feature of the conference, since it was normally restricted to the American packs. Seeking greater international cooperation, Alpha Sheppard wanted his counterparts to see and be seen this year, and to share in the joy of having the guidance of True Elders in all three nations.
Given their remarkable memories, all they really needed was to match a name with a face and scent. The room swirled with roving True Elders, collecting necessary information on every brother in attendance. Ben and Evan remained in one spot, holding a framed photo of the Calhoun family. It was the best they could do for those who wanted to meet the one-of-a-kind triplets and were disappointed that they weren’t here. Ben struggled to keep his wolf in check while explaining the situation to a clueless, irritated council member from Anchorage.
“All True Elders, regardless of age or situation, are free to live their own lives. Not even Alpha Sheppard has the right to demand anything from them, or in this case, their parents. Lance and Roman are only recently mated, and traveling across the country with three infants would be difficult, expensive, and stressful.”
Ben’s anger-laced pheromones had quickly attracted the attention of the only Omega in the room, and Finn, broadcasting his calming scent, hurried over along with his mates. Ben, however, wasn’t quite finished.
“And other than satisfying your curiosity, what would be the point? The boys are too young to form memories or exchange information through teaching dreams. If you’d care to visit Gladstone in the future,Councilor, I’m sure an introduction could be arranged.”
By this time, the Anchorage Council Chairman, Marv Carino, had joined the small group. Embarrassed by the needless confrontation, he gave Ben an apologetic nod and tugged his fellow council member away for a private word. Evidently, the terse exchange had been overheard by nearly everyone, and the room buzzed with whispered comments. Both Evan and Leland certainly appreciated Ben’s clearly stated position, and were grateful that the situation had been defused without fur or fang. After a few more lungs full of Omega scent, Ben shook off the remaining irritation, kissed his mate, and gave Finn a quick hug.
“Thank you. There are probably other idiots here with the same attitude, but I suspect they’ll keep their heads down now.”
Normal conversation resumed while Ben and Evan found themselves surrounded by relieved parents and guardians. Raising a True Elder had enough challenges without argumentsover their personal rights. If they stood united now, it would set the tone for the future and save them all a great deal of grief later. Ben hadn’t planned for this scenario, but if the confrontation created a teachable moment, then so much the better. Once he and Evan had met and scented the group of True Elder youngsters, Alpha Sheppard approached with a family of five in tow.
“Ben, Evan, I’d like you to meet the Ramsey family. This is Jim and Karol, and their children Naya, Willow, and Colton.”
Handshakes and scenting ensued, though Evan purposely saved Colton for last. The seventeen-year-old’s scent revealed more anxiety than showed on his face, and he was jittery with nerves. Evan simply couldn’t stand by and do nothing, so he eased his way inside Colton’s mind with soothing suggestions.
You’re safe here.
Trust me.
Relax.
Believe in yourself.
Colton’s momentary glassy-eyed stare alarmed his parents, but Evan could hear Ben quietly explaining that this was normal for True Elders and that no harm would come to their son. Once the suggestions took root, Evan withdrew from Colton’s mind and addressed the family.
“I look forward to working with Colton this week, and later when you come to Gladstone. We have a wonderful guesthouse all prepared for you, and you won’t find better food anywhere! If you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce Colton to Wilder Calhoun. I believe the two of them have some things in common.”
