Page 19 of Ascendant Moon
Katrine shook her head.
“The last report didn’t turn up anything, though they have a lead that’s being followed up on. Jonah, is it true that the LRC is going to help fund the recovery project?”
“Yep! Alpha Sheppard’s people are working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support their operations. At the moment, there are around twenty wild red wolves in North Carolina, and over two hundred and fifty in the captive breeding program. They have a long way to go, but there’s some hope of success. If we do find red wolf shifters, they’ll have to remain hidden untila much larger wild population is established, or they risk being shot or captured.”
The facts were sobering, especially for Morgan and Julia. In Canada and Alaska, the gray and arctic wolf populations were generally thriving and safe from predation. Shifters were free to live their lives without fear, easily blending in with the natural wolves around them. Though Evan and three of their grandchildren were out of place among gray wolves, Gladstone’s extensive packlands, and common sense precautions, kept them safely hidden from human observation.
Chapter 10
Wednesday, Eagle River WI
Three days had passed without a sign of Lincoln. Bruce’s flimsy excuse of protecting him from a cougar that no one had actually seen left people shaking their heads. Whenever he left his house, it was guarded by pack enforcers, which meant no one could get close enough to see or scent anything. People were too afraid to confront the pack’s Second, and fewer still would dare question Alpha Richmond when he returned from Montana.
As their Omega’s housemate and closest friend, the pack had hoped that Melva would be able to keep them informed. Unfortunately, she, too, was being watched carefully and anyone seen speaking to her was looked at with suspicion. The woman bristled with anger and frustration, growling to herself and flashing amber eyes at anyone that looked her way. Her pain was obvious, yet what could be done? The pack had never faced a situation like this before, and the concern for Lincoln left an anxious stench in the air.
At home, Melva cursed her own stupidity. If only they had escaped earlier instead of waiting! Unfortunately, the enforcers had disabled her car, but even so, she couldn’t leave Lincoln all alone here in the hands of a beast. On top of that, Melva hadn’t thought of acquiring contact information for Alpha Sheppard’s office or Gladstone, and so couldn’t alert them of the situation. The closest packs were miles away and they had no reason to believe her story or get involved, so that wasn’t an option either. The only thing to do was wait and watch for an opportunity to set Lincoln free, even if it cost her everything. She’d find a way. Shehadto.
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That evening, Missoula
Weary from a long day of teaching, Jack showered and changed for bed before calling his mate. They ended each day apart with a phone conversation, and inadequate as it was, they both clung to the connection like a lifeline. William picked up on the second ring.
“Hello, Beloved! It’s later than usual, so I assume you had another long day.”
Jack’s warm growl could be clearly heard over the line.
“I have, my mate. The sound of your voice excites my wolf, yet I must admit to being very tired. Tell me, were you able to complete your business with Walter’s attorney?”
“Yes, just this morning. His will is now in order and he can rest easy knowing his wishes will be followed in the event of his death. This evening, Gray showed me where the Lobo pack dens are located, and I paid them a short visit in wolf form. He isfascinatedwith our people and wants to know everything I’m willing to share. For some reason, he is particularly intrigued with Gladstone, and I suspect you’re responsible for that.”
Jack acknowledged the statement with a grunt.
“Yes, my love. My dreams have revealed something important will happen to Gray at Gladstone, though exactly what and when is unclear. When the time comes, he may need the added impetus to join us for a visit. Until Luna reveals more, say nothing about it, beloved.”
Jack could almost hear William’s eye-roll over the phone line.
“Oh, all right! We seem to have plenty of things to discuss as it is, and Gray can’t wait to compare notes with Walter. It’s impossible for them to talk with Tayen in the room, though I’m planning an outing for the two of us so they can chat privately.”
Jack spent a few minutes giving William a quick review of happenings at the conference, including his impressions of recently met brothers. They were making good progress on bringing everyone up to speed, and Jack himself had learned much through the teaching dreams. His yawns finally ended their conversation, and William bade him goodnight.
“I love and miss you so, mate. Give Ben, Evan, and the others my greetings.”
Jack ended the call, turned out the lights, and fell asleep within moments.
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Some hours later
Despite Jack’s need for rest, his slumber was interrupted by the familiar swirling mists of a dream. When the scene cleared, he found himself walking the empty streets of an unfamiliar Mexican city, rather than the wooded settings he was used to. Approaching from the opposite direction was a fellow Lobo True Elder, dressed in a suit and tie. Upon meeting, they scented one another and the stranger extended his hand.
“Hola, mi hermano (hello, my brother). I am Hector Alvarez.”
The Spanish greeting brought back fond memories.
“Hola, Hector. My name is Jack Eby. I surmise this is León?”
Hector smiled broadly and nodded.
