Page 18 of Ascendant Moon
Evan led Colton to the other side of the room and made the introductions, leaving him with Wilder and the othersfrom Kenton. His brief foray into the young man’s mind revealed confusion, uncertainty, and a pervasive lostness that he understood from his own youth. Evan was confident that the training would help immensely, and he returned to reassure the Ramseys that their son was in good hands.
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Meanwhile, Bruce Ballard’s home, Eagle River
Lincoln concluded that this would be so much easier to endure if it were heat season, and he was out of his head with lust. It wasn’t, and he felt nothing but hatred for the SOB who had penetrated him over and over again. It was “practice,” Bruce claimed, for the full moon coming up on the weekend. He’d explained how the Change Mate process was supposed to work, and if things went right, Lincoln would soon be carrying his pup.
“We’re gonna start in human form, and then we both shift at the same time in the light of the moon. After my knot goes down, we’ll know it worked if you can’t shift. This is why Luna made male Omegas, so you better appreciate what I’m doing for you. And just remember that I’m straight and don’t get off on screwing your homo ass.”
Lincoln didn’t believe anything the abusive Beta had to say, for it was clear that Bruce enjoyed thepractice sessionsmuch more than he claimed. Trying to shift at the same time turned out to be more complicated than expected, though by the end of the evening they’d managed it twice out of countless tries. At least shifting to wolf form stopped the pain in his tender back passage for a few minutes.
When Bruce was finally done with him for the night, Lincoln was taken to the basement, ordered to shift, and locked in a sturdy dog crate just big enough for his wolf. It contained nothing morethan a throw rug to lie on and a small bowl of water. Ballard gave final warnings before heading to the comfort of his bedroom.
“Not a sound from you, or you’ll pay for it in the morning. And don’t even think about trying to run, or I’ll rip out your throat.”
Lincoln curled up, wondering if this was his life now. Would he be forced to carry pup after pup for someone he despised? Would Ballard let him go if he never got pregnant? Could Melva find a way to free him? In a way, he hoped not, for she would surely be punished instead. Lincoln almost howled in despair, but stopped his wolf in the nick of time. One day at a time. That had to be his focus until Ballard slipped up, and then he would run for his life.
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Monday, Missoula MT.
Following a hearty breakfast, the annual meeting started off with a warm welcome by Adam Sheppard. He introduced their international guests, touting the benefits of cooperation and new initiatives in education, security, and participation in local government. Next, he recognized the assembled True Elders, all seated together at the front, surrounded by their security teams.
“This is a historic occasion, my friends. For the first time in our history, nearly all the known True Elders have come together to make personal connections, receive help, learn or augment our traditions and practices, and prepare to take their place among us. Luna understood the challenges we face in a modern world, and responded by bringing them to us over vast distances and amid incredibly difficult circumstances. They have been both missing and misunderstood for generations, and the Shifter Councils of America, Canada, and Mexico stand united in supporting every single one!”
Nearly everyone rose to their feet with deafening applause and rowdy growls of agreement—except for a handful of disgruntled Alphas who blamed the gifted Deltas for upsetting their neatly ordered world or hold on power. Some of the younger True Elders had no idea what the fuss was about, yet the support meant a great deal to their parents, packs, and caregivers. Many faces blushed with embarrassment as the crowd made their feelings clear, for they normally eschewed the spotlight unless actively teaching. When the assembly quieted down and retook their seats, Sheppard continued.
“Make no mistake—our future depends on the skills and gifts given to our True Elders if we are to survive and flourish. As I have been made to understand, we expect more of our brothers to be revealed or discovered in the future. Each will be provided for, educated, and given opportunities to serve in a place of their choosing. For those who have questions, Jack Eby and I will host a Q&A session immediately following lunch.
“Most of you have already heard about the pack of Lobo shifters recently discovered in León, Mexico. A special mission has been planned to make contact and offer any assistance they may need. As you know, natural Lobos are few and far between, both in northern Mexico and now in the Southern United States. The LRC is actively involved in helping restore them to their habitat, and have been part of a successful campaign to reintroduce them on Navajo Nation land. This morning, Mexico’s Shifter Council President, Santiago Cruz, and True Elder, Juan Ortega, are prepared to explain this mission, what it means for their people, and why working together benefits us all.”
It was a treat for American shifters to meet and interact with their international counterparts and hear what was going on in other regions of the world. The whole concept of the “lostpack” was intriguing, and the report by Cruz and Ortega left the attendees eager to see how the mission turned out. A short break followed while the True Elder contingent retreated to a separate area of the compound to follow their own agenda of meetings, training, and teaching dream sessions. There was a lot to do before the full moon rose on Saturday, when many of their brothers would be introduced to the mysterious Afterworld.
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Tuesday evening, Gladstone
Evan’s parents, Morgan and Julia Reid, were in their element with a house full of little ones. It wasn’t just the Blair children tonight, butallof the packs’ younger children and their parents. Both the kids’ wing and the large living room were filled with noise, laughter, and moving bodies—some in wolf form. At the moment, the Reids were busy spoiling Gladstone’s newest arrivals in the living room. Morgan was currently snuggling a sleepy Kaylee Post, while Julia, Katrine, and a very pregnant Donna held the Calhoun boys.
Donna marveled at the Reids’ seeming oblivion to the noise and chaos, and finally asked Julia how she could stand it.
“Let me put it this way—after eleven children and thirty-eight grandchildren, it just fades into the background. I love it though, because it’s the sound of life and it keeps me young. You know, it was rather rude of you to not deliver before we arrived. Now, I’ll have to wait until the holidays to see your pups, and they’ll be eating solid foods by then!”
Donna gave her a rueful smile while they exchanged infants.
“Sorry to disappoint you, Julia, but you’ll have to make do with a few photographs. I still have another three to four weeks before these giants I’m carrying make an appearance!”
Jonah, who had somehow convinced Morgan to hand over Kaylee, offered a comment and question for Katrine.
“Speaking of photographs, what’s this I hear about a new series of paintings you’ve started using photos of wolves?”
Though normally quiet in social situations, Katrine loved talking about her work.
“It’s called the Inspired Series—paintings based on photos of struggling wolf populations. I started with the Lobo as a gift to Walter Denali and his wife, and then Finn sent me some wonderful shots of Leland’s red wolf.”
Katrine’s mention of Leland prompted RJ to ask what she knew about the search for red wolf shifters down south.
“Have you heard if they’ve found anyone yet? It would be so sad if Leland was the last of his kind.”
