Page 49 of Ascendant Moon
Sheppard wasn’t expecting a curveball on a quiet Saturday morning.
“What?! I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, but that particular pairing could stir up a hornet’s nest. Not only is he human, there aren’t any shifters among the Navajo Nation. Do you know what their future plans are?”
“We’re working on that, Sir. The group of four intend to remain together, and we’re looking at income and housing options. It’s rather complicated.”
“Hmm… most unusual. I’m glad to be of help, but tell Jack I expect a full report on what’s happening. There are serious security issues involved at the very least. In any case, give the couple my congratulations. This must have come as quite a shock to Walter, and not at the very best of times.”
“You have no idea, Sir. I’ll relay your concerns to Jack, but I believe he intended to call you within a day or two anyway. It’s been a little crazy around here.”
“Undoubtedly. Before I go, the legal documents we’ve been working on should arrive next week, and the Ramsey family will join you on the eighteenth. I won’t keep you any longer, Ben. Tell Evan hello for me, and enjoy the rest of your day.”
The odd conversation left Sheppard with more questions than he’d started with. What fresh problems were they facingthistime? Adam sighed but felt nominally better knowing that the Gladstone pack was involved and not someone else. After all, Luna had been testing new ideas on them for years now, and apparently wasn’t finished yet.
Chapter 26
Saturday evening, Gladstone
The night air was warmer than usual, and Jonah chose to enjoy Luna’s light a bit longer after Nick took Gray home to bed. With only a couple exceptions, the transformation process had been an enjoyable, laid-back retreat from their busy lives as RJ’s body changed. Losing a large number of his teeth on the second day made eating difficult, but they were thankful to get that over with in a single event.
Jonah got a small taste of what it was like to look after someone while they were vulnerable, the way Perdy had faithfully cared for him during his heats. He would treasure the memories of this time with RJ, and Jonah looked at him with the love and devotion only mated couples understood.
There was nothing outwardly different about his appearance yet, though Jack and Sergio told him therewouldbe after his first shift back to human form. Mostly subtle changes were expected, such as more muscle definition, additional face and body hair, and the absence of wrinkles, scars, or blemishes. Had he been turned by an Alpha or an Omega, more dramatic alterations would take place, but being bitten by a Beta meant only people who knew him well as a human would notice anything at all.
Now in the habit of checking his mate’s fever, Jonah lay a hand on RJ’s forehead. For the first time since the bite, his mate wasn’t abnormally warm at all. A deep scenting confirmed that the transformation was complete. The man began to stir just as Jack, Evan, and Donna arrived at the meadow. Jonah announced what they’d already detected.
“The fever is gone!”
RJ’s eyes glowed amber as he opened them to see Jonah as an equal for the first time. The others waited quietly, giving them this precious moment without interruption. RJ growled through a passionate kiss, eager to know his mate inside and out. First, however, there was an important piece of business to take care of, and he pulled back to speak directly to Evan.
“I don’t want to wait until morning. Can I shift now?”
Evan gave him a wide, understanding smile.
“Of course, as soon as Ben and the others get here.”
RJ went back to snuggling with Jonah while Evan opened the mind-link, alerting his mate and asking him to call the others. Lance agreed to come over and watch the kids while Ben and Evan were out of the house, and Erin and Sergio arrived at the meadow just as Ben and Evie walked up. She was sleep-tousled and in her jammies, but the little pixie had made her dada promise that she could be there to see RJ shift. Now surrounded by his packmates and bathed in moonbeams, Sergio gave RJ final instructions.
“The shift will happen so fast that you won’t have time to be afraid. You may feel clumsy in your new body at first, but your wolf will know what to do. After a few minutes, Ben will force you to shift back, and then you can practice on your own so you know how to do it.”
RJ nodded his understanding, and Jonah, who would remain in human form for now, helped his mate disrobe and get down on all fours in the soft grass. This was a first for everyone here, and the moment wasn’t lost on Ben—happy for his packmate and friend.
“RJ,SHIFT!”
Seconds later, a striking gray-black wolf swayed on four legs, whining uncertainly at his mate. Jonah kissed his head and hugged him.
“You’re beautiful, and I’m so proud! Let your wolf do what he wants and I’ll be right here if you need me.”
RJ tried out his legs first, walking, then trotting around the meadow with his new nose in the air. It wasn’t long before he threw back his head for a full-throated howl, eliciting laughter from his packmates. Next, he gave Jonah a thorough scenting, interspersed with slobbery licks to the face and neck. His mate didn’t mind at all, ecstatic to see RJ experiment with his lupine senses. Evie clapped her hands at the excited new wolf, pointing out his luxurious coat.
“Look! RJ has a lot more dark fur than we do. He’s so pretty!”
The others chuckled at her observation, though it was true. While all gray wolves had areas of white and rust-colored fur, RJ’s coat contained more dark gray and black. He was quite striking in appearance, and would definitely be noticed among his packmates—blending well among the trees, yet standing out in the snow like Jack did. Otherwise, he conformed to the normal size and shape of all Gray wolves.
Once RJ settled down, he stood next to Jonah—tail wagging and head cocked at Ben, who ordered him to shift once more. Now in his new and improved human body, he pulled Jonah in for kisses, and turned to Sergio for advice on how to shift for himself.
“In your head, focus energy and thoughts on your animal side. Picture yourself as a wolf. He’ll know what you want and the shift will follow. Sometimes it helps to close your eyes first. Try it!”
RJ followed the instructions and his wolf happily returned, visiting each person in the meadow for a quick scenting. He ended up at Jonah’s side and reappeared in his human skin with a wide smile.
