Page 27 of Ascendant Moon
Transferred at incredible speeds, the process and associated memories took only minutes. Amazed and hopeful, Jack no longer dreaded the event foretold in his dreams. Convincing Ben, Donna, and others in the pack would no doubt challenge everyone’s long-held beliefs. The most difficult conversation would be with Alpha Sheppard, for this knowledge had the potential to radically alter human-shifter relations. On the other hand, Luna had specifically brought the issue to Jack’s attention, which meant the process must be both useful and necessary going forward.
While they were still connected, Jack presented Hector with his questions. If he were to be the principal source of information for the U.S. and Canada packs, he needed to anticipate every argument, fear, and objection. He wasn’t about to shout it from the housetops, of course, but as had happened in the past, it would start at Gladstone and then be selectively revealed fromthere. Was there potential for the knowledge to be abused? Certainly, but Jack’s responsibility was to teach and advise, not to police shifter packs who took liberties with Luna’s gifts.
When their exchange ended, Hector asked Jack what Luna had revealed to him regarding Dante, Sergio, and Nicolas—specifically if they would be rejoining the pack in Chihuahua or striking out on their own. Jack shared what he knew, though the dreams weren’t very clear on the details.
“My impression is that their lives are intertwined, and that Luna has a special task for the three of them. I believe their time of waiting is almost at an end, and I sense that their paths are separate from the León pack. I do not know where they are going, but I believe they are destined to face that future together.”
Hector agreed with the assessment, though it meant saying goodbye to three young, gifted pack members and addressing a family issue that had been brewing for years. Jack had suspected trouble between father and son, and now that Hector had explained the reasons behind it, his advice was clear and simple.
“I encourage you help them clear the air at the first possible moment. Parting in anger may leave a permanent rift that will never heal, and time is short. If my help is needed, you have only to ask.”
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Alpha Navarro’s home, later that night
While Jack talked to Nicolas and Sergio, Hector convinced Dante to meet with him and his parents for an important discussion. None of them understood what it was about or why it couldn’t wait until after the move, but when your senior TrueElder asks for a meeting, there is only one acceptable answer. Once Dante arrived, they gathered in the mostly packed up living room and waited for Hector to begin.
“I do not need to remind you that having two Alphas has been difficult. If we had been living under normal conditions, Dante would have already left home to lead his own pack in another place, and the problem would have resolved itself. That time has come.”
Elena was the first to find her voice and reply.
“What do you mean, Hector? We thought… we thought Dante was only going to the states for a visit.”
Hector smelled Javier’s rising irritation and Dante’s surge of hope, but continued before either had a chance to interrupt.
“And so he is, but based on Luna’s dreams and my conversation today with Jack Eby, I am convinced that Luna is leading Dante, Nicolas, and Sergio to a new place and pack. The details are unclear as yet, but the process begins at Gladstone. Jack and I thought it would be best for father and son to have a frank discussion before he leaves. The animosity between you has been building for years, and separating under these conditions may permanently damage your family. I urge both of you to set aside the anger and resentment, and celebrate the opportunity Luna has handed you.”
Alphas weren’t used to being corrected by anyone, and Javier’s first impulse was to shut down the discussion and walk away. One glance at his mate and son, however, simply reinforced everything Hector had been saying. Arguing with a True ElderandLuna’s direct representative wasn’t a wise option, and besides, Hector was right. The words he needed to say, however, were difficult for a proud Alpha.
“Dante, I’m sorry. You may not believe me, but I love you very much. You’re going to be an excellent leader, and it fills me with pride knowing that Luna chose you for something special. I wish the last years had been different, but I was too stubborn to see that I was hurting you and your mother. Can you forgive me?”
Elena wept openly, having hoped for a moment like this for years. Dante, almost as stubborn as his father, wanted to refuse and make the man suffer. But he couldn’t do it. If Luna was really sending him and his friends away, he might not see his parents for a long time, if ever. He couldn’t live with that possibility, and wrapped his father in strong arms. At length, they stepped back wearing wry grins and then started chuckling. Elena stepped in to hug both of them and they began an excited round of questions and speculation as to what Luna might be doing. Suddenly, an important question surfaced, and Dante turned to Hector.
“What about Sergio and Nick? Do they know what Luna’s up to?”
Hector quirked an eyebrow and smiled.
“Jack has been talking to them while I met with you and your parents. The three of you have been aching to get out of León since you hit puberty, and I assume Luna is tired of hearing your complaints! The only thing I ask is that you keep in touch and let us know where you are and what’s happening. All of you will be dearly missed.”
Chapter 15
Early Friday morning, Duluth MN
With a secure and untraceable phone pressed to his ear, Adam Sheppard jotted down the simple instructions he’d been given. After repeating them back, his caller confirmed the information and abruptly ended the conversation. Making clandestine arrangements was nothing new to the President of the American Shifter Council, and this particular favor involved stealth, the violation of numerous laws, and a healthy dose of intrigue. Fortunately, he had a shifter contact with connections and a willingness to break the rules when Sheppard needed something out of the ordinary.
Moving people from Mexico to the United States without passports wasn’t something easily done, especially by air. The main worry in Adam’s mind was not the legal ramifications, but that precious True Elders were involved, and he was utterly reliant on strangers to deliver them safely. On the other hand, Jack and Sergio had the ability to influence minds—a handy talent they might need to use in this multi-national game of aeronautic chess. It all came down to trust, and Adam would never have taken such risks if he hadn’t known and trusted his contact.
Since Jack and the others were waiting to hear from him, Sheppard used a different secured phone to call Eby. As expected, it rang several times before the man answered.
“Greetings, Alpha Sheppard.”
“Hello, Jack. Your travel plans are all set, so listen carefully.”
Given Jack’s memory, he wouldn’t have any difficulty recalling the uncomplicated instructions, including the code phrase required to confirm the group’s identity. Sheppard also promised to call Ben and explain the plans. Whatever Luna was planning to do at Gladstone must be significant, though even Jack didn’t know all the details. These were interesting days indeed, and Adam wondered what was in store for his Michigan friends.
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Gladstone, after breakfast
