Page 43 of Ascendant Moon
“I’d like to know what Donna thinks about this.”
Nearly every head nodded in agreement, and Donna got to her feet, one hand splayed across her distended abdomen.
“If you ask any of the others who were in the meeting this morning, they’ll tell you I didn’t approve at first. Nick’s pack has been safely turning human mates for a long time, and now that it’s been explained to me, I don’t see any reason why we can’t do the same. My primary concern is that the process can be abused, and I believe Jack has come up with a good set of rules that will keep us and our human friends safe.”
Jack gave Donna a grateful nod, retook the floor, and began to teach.
“Before I get to that, allow me to share some of our history. As you know, Luna is not always directly involved in bringing mates together. Historically, shifter packs were small and widespread, and meeting potential mates involved traveling from place to place, hoping to make a connection. When this failed, our ancestors relied on the human population to provide mates, and while turning them was common practice, it was not spoken of openly.
“As we now know, our long-standing policy of hiding among humans is unsustainable in a modern world. We must, therefore, begin to infiltrate and integrate with society in order to better protect our people and way of life. As we do so, I anticipate more human mates in our packs, and some of those will no doubt wish to be turned. For this reason, I believe Luna preserved the information at León and made certain that we learned of it.
“Even so, it is doubtful that the practice will become an everyday occurrence. Donna is rightly concerned about the potential of turnings being abused, which is why I will recommend certain safeguards. Until the Council makes official policy, I ask you not to share this information outside of Gladstone, and that includes family members or friends. Meanwhile, we have the opportunity to celebrate with RJ and Gray as they undergo the transformation. They and their mates deserve our support and encouragement, and I trust that you will freely give it.”
The meeting ended and pack members scattered to greet whoever was closest. Donna fielded questions regarding the turning issue, along with inquiries about her condition. With roughly ten days until delivery, everyone was eagerly awaiting her pups. She’d been tight-lipped all long about the details, and it only heightened their curiosity. In her experience, secrets were short-lived, fleeting things among a pack of shifters, and she enjoyed the satisfaction of keeping her packmates in the dark.
Nearby, Nick hovered over his mate as people shared their love and good wishes for a safe turning. His scent kept Gray calm amid the exuberant crush of bodies, well-meaning hugs, and overlapping chatter that could rattle a fellow shifter, let alone a human! People were genuinely happy for them and excited about Gray’s future as the only known Diné shifter. Apparently, it was a bigger deal than they thought, though it wasn’t the most important thing on their minds just now.
Observing the scene, Dante and Sergio reflected on what they’d learned today about pack dynamics, leadership, how to share important news, and the intricate balance of interpersonal relationships that held everything together. Ben and Evan were wonderful mentors, sharing much more than information, rules, or opinions, and Gladstone’s vibe set a high standard. Theireducation was still incomplete, of course, and Gray’s turning would give them a few days to consider future possibilities for their little pack.
Amid joyful tears, Jonah and RJ were lavished with affection by their packmates. Though no one talked about it, RJ had harbored a deep and lingering disappointment that he could not produce pups with Jonah. Despite this, they enjoyed a fervent relationship that rivaled any other couple in the pack. RJ was already much like a shifter, so they anticipated an easy transition for him and a pregnancy for Jonah in the near future.
Robyn elbowed her way through the crowd before finally reaching her best friend and his human mate, hugging the pair fiercely. Before Jonah could ask, she told him what he needed to know.
“Don’t worry about work. I already checked with Ben about covering the LRC office so you can be with RJ during the change. You’ve got about two and a half weeks until the next full moon, so if you’re planning to get pregnant right away, we’ll have to ask the Duluth office to send someone to take your place. And just so we’re clear—I have every intention of being there when you deliver!”
While Jack answered more questions, William and the twins went to get some food. He’d been thrilled about Gray finding his mate, the desire to be turned, and the snippets of future plans he’d picked up over the last several days. Luna was doing something new and significant, and he’d played a small part in making it happen. Being mated to a True Elder had never been on his radar, but for a man who’d dreamed of a quiet, sleepy retirement, there was never a dull moment.
They passed Scooter on the way to the snacks, still surrounded by pack members excited about his new job. Lou had known before he got the call from Sheriff Tucker, but hadn’t said anything. Starting Monday, they would be working together for the first few weeks so he could learn the rules and procedures. When Ben and Evan stopped by to offer their congratulations, Scooter teared up and gave both of them warm hugs.
“I didn’t think this would ever happen, but you believed in me. Nobody had ever done that before, and I promise to make you proud. You guys are the best!”
As the couple walked away, Evan was stopped in his tracks by a vision. Ben waited patiently for him to come around and opened the mind-link as they headed for the food.
“Your scent is all mixed up, babe. Wanna share?”
Wearing a knowing grin, Evan hooked a thumb over his shoulder, back the way they’d come.
“Not a lot of detail, but it looks like our new deputy sheriff is going to have his hands full this fall.”
############
Eagle River packlands, Wednesday evening
Lincoln’s humiliation took a new turn when his libido went crazy, attracting Bruce like flies to shit. He hadn’t realized that being pregnant would make him horny and willing to take any available knot, including his captor’s. The repugnant swine tried to pretend he was doing Lincoln a favor by servicing him—even though he was straight.Right.
Now, Bruce insisted on knotting him every night before locking him in the basement crate. Lincoln couldn’t fight him off orrefuse to cooperate, and the worst part was that his traitorous wolfwantedit. Though Omegas could control their output of comforting pheromones, the scent of his arousal was an unstoppable siren song that would catch any wolf’s attention. Perfect, if it’s intended for your mate, but Bruce was a depraved abuser with a diseased mind. Lincoln wanted nothing more than to rip him to shreds if he ever got the chance.
Never satisfied with one pounding, Bruce had taken him three times in succession tonight. The only solace was that the discomfort was far less in wolf form, making it easier for Lincoln to endure the couplings. As usual, Bruce pulled out as soon as the knot went down and shifted. He pulled on a soiled pair of shorts, staring down at Lincoln as he rested on the floor.
“All right, bitch, that’s all you get from me tonight. I’d let the others have a go at you, but I don’t want nobody damaging my pup. Stay there until I get your supper ready.”
Lincoln stretched his legs when Bruce wasn’t looking, wondering what would happen after he delivered the little one growing in his womb. He couldn’t imagine what kind of monster might result from being raised by Bruce Ballard, assuming he lived long enough to see it. No. He couldn’t think that way. Survive. Hemustsurvive. Someday an opportunity to escape would arise, and Lincoln would be free—he and the pup. He didn’t know when or how, but refused to accept any other outcome.
############
Thursday morning, Gladstone
Carol Jo Dowling considered herself a competent and creative real estate agent, and with good reason. The most recent call from Ben Blair, however, had taxed even her abilities, sending her on a lengthy and contorted fact-finding mission. Withpersistence and a bit of sleuthing, she’d tracked down the owners of the old Highway Two Motel, just a stone’s throw from the Preserve on the opposite side of Highway 2.
