Page 45 of Ascendant Moon
“Over the counter medication is available to reduce fever and works well for shifters at higher doses. I suggest adding it to your recommendations for the council.”
Erin asked a practical question she’d already discussed with Donna.
“I understand that the transformation is mostly on a cellular level, but are there any observable changes we should look for?”
Jack assumed this would come up, and he was glad she’d asked.
“Very little on the first day, except for fatigue and fever, though their scent will begin to change. After that, they may be startled by sudden sensory changes, spontaneous growling, and mild muscle pain or spasms. Waves of arousal will also come and go, and it is normal for men to have nocturnal emissions. Those being turned may also seek intimacy with their mate, and gentle sexual contact is encouraged.”
Next came a barrage of questions the ladies had posited in private. Jack had to draw on the memories he’d received in the Afterworld to answer most of them. Following the last one, Erin suddenly went pale and her scent took an acrid turn.Donna reached over her sleeping granddaughter to clasp Erin’s shoulder.
“Honey, what is it? Are you all right?”
Erin swallowed hard and took a deep breath before answering.
“I just finished a class module about treating patients with pacemakers or insulin pumps. What happens if the human has something manmade in their body? I mean, it could be other things too like dental fillings, an artificial joint, or a metal plate and screws. It would be too dangerous to allow them to be turned! Won’t we need to do a medical questionnaire or exam first to make sure it’s safe?”
Though normally steady as a rock, even Jack turned green at the realization they’d missed something important. Donna filled the nauseating silence with her own thoughts.
“You’reabsolutelyright. If we didn’t know, it could cause death or horrific disfigurement at the very least. Jack, youmustadd a medical history element to the safeguards. Erin and I will work one up that anyone can use, but if there’s any doubt, a full-body x-ray would tell us what we needed to know.
“That’s not all, though. We need to check for things that their family or friends might noticeafterbeing turned. Scars, birthmarks, tattoos, and piercings will all suddenly disappear. Missing limbs would return. Even baldness and myopia would be corrected. They’d have to be prepared with an explanation that won’t make them sound crazy.
“What a fool I’ve been! I got so used to our world that I didn’t think about theirs. We need to ask Nick what he knows, or maybe talk to Hector. Meanwhile, I’ll give both Gray and RJ a thorough exam before we proceed tonight.”
Jack’s thoughts veered away from the most gruesome elements suggested by their conversation, and sought to reassure his packmates.
“There now, Donna, do not be quick to assume guilt. You and Erin have spared us from making an enormous mistake right from the start and deserve thanks, not blame. My report to Alpha Sheppard will, indeed, include whatever questions or procedures you recommend. As I did not think to ask about such things during my time with Hector, I will contact him and see what León’s history can tell us.”
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Infirmary, about an hour later
Embarrassed and nervous, Gray sat on the edge of the exam table in his underwear. Nick paced nearby, growling in agitation as Donna touched his almost-naked mate. She’d explained why it was necessary before they started, but Gray just wanted to get it over with. After a close look at his skin and inside his mouth, she allowed him to get dressed. Nick moved right in to hold him tight; nuzzling his neck as Donna began a series of questions.
No, he didn’t have any rods, plates, artificial joints, or devices in his body. No, he’d never had surgery of any kind. Yes, he’d had dental work done. No, he didn’t realize that the small scars on his left leg and arm—the result of a childhood bicycle accident—would disappear after he shifted. No, like most Diné, he was not circumcised. Nick growled at her again, and she gave him her patented “don’t mess with the doctor” glare. He backed down.
“What I’m looking for is anything that would put Gray in danger, cause pain, or become a nasty surprise when he shifts for the first time. You’ll be glad to know there are only two things of concern. The first is his ear piercings. The rings have to comeout before he’s turned, and the holes will fill back in when he shifts. This is something his family and friends will notice, and he’ll need to come up with a reasonable explanation. We don’t normally wear jewelry, rings, or watches because they could cause damage or simply get lost during a shift. It’s something you’ll get used to in time.”
Gray wasn’t happy about letting go of a practice that had family and tribal significance, but it was such a small price to pay that he didn’t say anything. Nick knew it bothered him, but Gray just shook his head. Donna let it slide and continued sharing her observations.
“The second concern is Gray’s teeth. Any that have fillings or crowns will loosen and fall out during the days of fever as your new shifter genes reject the foreign material. I counted six molars with fillings, so one of Nick’s jobs will be keeping track of them so that Gray doesn’t choke in his sleep or during a meal. If he has trouble eating, we can provide soft foods until the change is complete.
“Besides the two of you, Jack, Evan, Sergio, me, and Erin will be there to witness the bite and answer any questions. Meals will be delivered, and one of us will stop by throughout the day to check on you. If you need anything, even in the middle of the night, just pick up the phone or howl a warning to security.
“I’ll see you both for supper at the packhouse, but until then, you might want to take care of any phone calls, chores, or errands that need doing. Better yet, make some memories you can look back on in the future. And, I recommend taking some before and after photos to show your pups someday.”
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Late afternoon
Ben hung up the phone with a satisfied expression. His offer on the motel, well under the asking price, had been eagerly accepted by the seller. No doubt Carol Jo had worked her magic yet again, and would receive a hefty bonus for doing so, but a great deal was a great deal. Nolan and Tom agreed that virtually gutting the place and remodeling would be cheaper and faster than starting from scratch. Better yet, they’d have clean, comfortable rooms available in April for their first gathering, literally within walking distance—on two legs or four.
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Around suppertime
RJ finished his shift and headed home. His request for a week off had been granted, and though he wanted to be turned, he was still a little nervous. As he often did, RJ spoke to his mother as though she was right beside him.
