Page 65 of Ascendant Moon
The screen suddenly blinked to life with images of Cruz on the right and Sheppard on the left. Both men smiled at the assembled group and President Cruz got them started.
“Hola, mi amigos! It is wonderful to see you again. I am also pleased to meet you, Gray. Your mating and recent, ah,changehas caused quite a stir, and I wish you and Nicolas much happiness. Now, on to the business at hand. The Mexican and North American Councils have joined forces to purchase a working goat and sheep operation, which has been renamed Rancho Lobo. I am sure you have questions, but allow Alpha Sheppard to explain more of the details.”
Sheppard had never met any of the men, including Gray Claw, so he greeted all of them warmly before explaining how things were supposed to work.
“The property includes a three-bedroom home in good condition, and several small cabins the previous owners used for visiting friends and family. When the pack begins to grow, there is plenty of space to add more housing in the future. The operation is being run by several human employees until you take over, and all are willing to stay as long as you need them. To expedite your arrival, I have forwarded funds to Ben for the purchase of a vehicle.”
Like the others, Sergio wasn’t sure he understood what the men were offering.
“Excuse me, but who actually owns the property and business? Without looking at the books, I’m not sure we can afford the payments, at least, not yet.”
Alpha Cruz responded first.
“No need to worry, mi amigo. We wanted to give you a fresh start without debt and have purchased the property and business on your behalf. Legally, it belongs to one of the American Council’s companies, but as soon as you are turning a profit and have some money in the bank, both will be signed over to your pack. Meanwhile, you are free to make changes or additions as you see fit, with no interference.”
None of them had expectedthis! They’d only hoped for a loan, not an outright gift. Dante glanced at his dumbstruck packmates and addressed their benefactors on the screen.
“We don’t know what to say, except thank you. Why did you do it?”
Alpha Sheppard fielded this one.
“For one thing, your pack includes a True Elder, and our policy is to provide whatever resources are needed for a comfortable life of service. In addition, Luna has apparently chosen the four of you for something very special. If the idea is to form a new connection between our people and the Diné, then we want to ensure that you flourish among the natural Lobos. Your presence could very well make the difference in their survival, so we consider this an investment on multiple levels.”
After another round of thanks, Cruz and Sheppard signed off, leaving the action plan to Ben.
The rest of their conversation concerned travel logistics, contact information, bodyguards for Sergio (paid for by the councils),and details on the employees who were actually running the business until they got there. Nick insisted on a stop in Albuquerque so Gray could see his grandparents, and William refused to let any of them leave without a farewell party. Ben finally called for reinforcements to handle the myriad details, resulting in a whirlwind of activity.
Including stops, it would take them at least five days to reach the ranch, requiring long hours on the road. Ben asked his accountant, Zane Metcalf, to assist Gray in purchasing a suitable vehicle and help plan their route west. Meanwhile, Dante called his parents to let them know what was happening and to inquire about obtaining bodyguards for Sergio. If things worked out, they also agreed to bring everyone’s belongings from storage and then stay for a while to help.
Fortunately, things fell together quickly and they made plans to leave no later than Thursday morning. William recruited volunteers to help him with the party, and Jack called Walter to keep him in the loop. That evening, Gray made a call to the ranch’s temporary manager, a Diné woman named Sakari, to let her know when they expected to arrive and to ask if she needed anything. By day’s end, the little pack was both excited and exhausted, but their time in limbo was finally coming to an end.
############
Mid-morning, Tuesday
With the two-hour session nearly over, Evan purposely chose certain memories to share with his new protégé. Colton was an eager student, curious about anything and everything, and like all other True Elders, thirsty for knowledge. Today, Evan had included his own journey of growing up without any knowledge of True Elders—something they had in common.Unsurprisingly, he’d picked up a wide range of emotional responses from Colton, despite the fantastic speeds at which the memories were transferred.
One positive thing they’d shared, however, was loving and supportive parents, and it made a huge difference. So many of the newly revealed True Elders arrived with damaged minds, anger problems, and abandonment issues. Having the love and support of immediate family meant fewer scars on the psyche, and Evan was glad that Colton didn’t need extensive intervention. So far, he’d been able to gently guide the teen through the healing process as they went, and he’d responded beautifully.
To conclude today’s session, Evan went beyond childhood to his arrival at Gladstone, meeting his mate, and the birth of their children. Lastly, he gave Colton a quick summary of Jack’s colorful life and how his reappearance eventually led to the discovery of other True Elders. Sensing Colton’s fatigue, he stopped the teaching dreams—keeping the mind-link open between them but closed to Ben. Otherwise, his possessive mate would sense the training was over and rush home for a vigorous reclaiming.
By delaying the inevitable a bit longer, Evan gave his student the opportunity to ask questions privately through the link. Colton’s sharp and inquisitive mind had stored up a list of inquiries and he fired them off in quick succession, ending with one that truly puzzled him.
“Why does Ben have to claim you every time we do this? I mean,we’re just sitting here holding hands!”
Though Evan was amused, his answer touched on something that would affect Colton personally.
“Sometimes our lupine nature takes over, even while we’re in human form. Adult shifters don’t usually remain in direct physical contact with anyone except their mate. Ben’s wolf feels the need to reassert his claim, even though we both know it’s not necessary. And, don’t forget that Alphas are naturally protective and possessive, especially when it comes to their mates. I’ll admit it’s inconvenient at times, but the sex is fantastic! You’ll understand better when we get to that part of your training.”
Just the mention of sex training got Colton’s teen hormones all riled up, though he couldn’t do anything about it at the moment. Evan quickly reached into his mind to help quiet him down.
Intimacy is natural.
Others will come to you for advice.
Sex is a gift to be enjoyed.
No shame.
