Page 67 of Ascendant Moon
“That was fun! I love you Uncle Jonah.”
She planted a kiss on his furry head and got a wet lick on her cheek in return. The boys gave scritches and pats before saying goodnight, trooping off to their rooms for the bedtime routine. At the door, Jonah got the same hugs as RJ, and he thanked the couple for allowing the impromptu visit. Evan offered a final encouragement before they parted.
“You’re welcome anytime, so don’t be strangers!”
On the way home, RJ talked to his mate as he always did—even if he couldn’t respond with words.
“They’re really something, aren’t they? I hope our kids turn out that good.”
Jonah yipped in agreement and then took off at a dead run, leaving his mate in the dust. When RJ reached the house, Jonah was sitting on the welcome mat, chuffing at him.
Chapter 34
Wednesday evening, Gladstone
Most celebrations took place on the weekend, but with Gray and his pack leaving in the morning, it was now or never. William had drafted Robert to help him with the planning and menu selection, and with Perdy and Michelle on board, they were guaranteed to throw a bash their new friends would never forget.
Colorful balloons and streamers gave the packhouse a festive air, with dessert tables placed in strategic locations, loaded with Mexican favorites. With Nick’s encouragement, Gray gorged on the desserts along with everyone else, despite his ingrained Diné avoidance of sweets. It seemed his new shifter nature was stronger than his upbringing, and nearly everything he tried became a new favorite.
First was a moist, rich tres leches cake, topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream. Since the Navajo eschewed milk, Gray had been hesitant to eat it. Nick’s considerable charms might have influenced his reluctant mate, who finally took a bite and then gobbled down two more pieces. Next came the churros—strips of fried pastry dough, dusted with cinnamon sugar. Lime cake, caramel-topped flan, round and nutty wedding cookies, and honey-dipped sopapillas could also be found.
As the men mingled and ate, they got to speak with nearly everyone, hold babies, ask and answer questions, and say their goodbyes. The last month had given them a well-rounded exposure to an American shifter pack and established important connections that would serve them well in the future. As Gladstone knew from experience, being the first to do something could be exciting, challenging, and often scary.
Dante had learned much from Ben, as well as his own father, but nothing could adequately prepare him for the kind of group he was meant to lead. There were no Lobo shifter packs in America. No Diné shifters except one. No previous mixing of cultures, heritage, and language. No guarantee they would succeed. The daunting task before them could only be taken one step at a time, and Dante knew that help was available if he needed it.
As the celebration wound down, Ben gathered everyone for a few parting words.
“It’s been a privilege to host Dante, Sergio, Nick, and Gray for the last few weeks. We’ve made new friends, but they’ve grown andchangedin unexpected ways.”
Gray blushed and RJ shouted, “You got that right!” from the back. The crowd laughed with the two newest shifters in the room and Ben continued.
“Remember this—whatever challenges you face, Luna is watching, and Gladstone will always have your back. I look forward to hearing about your progress, my friends, and I know Jack will be keeping tabs on you.”
Ben went on with a thumbnail sketch of their upcoming journey and a description of their new home in Arizona. After fielding a few questions from the crowd, he invited the men to speak. Though he loathed being the center of attention, Gray stepped forward.
“I didn’t know that my visit here would change my life, and Gladstone will always have a special place in my heart. My grandfather also asked me to express his thanks for your concern as he undergoes treatment. To us, you are not only friends, but family, and you honor us with your love.”
Amid tears and soft growls, Dante took Gray’s place at the front for a few words of his own.
“I’ve been itching to lead a pack for a long time, and learning from Ben has opened my eyes. He’s the kind of Alpha most packs want but never get, and I hope you appreciate him. I’m glad Sergio has such a good memory, because I’m not sure I’ll remember all the great things we’ve heard and seen. Come visit us if you can, and don’t be surprised if our pack looks something like this one.”
Those with little ones said their goodbyes first, followed by others who had invested in their lives, including Ben, Evan, Jack, William, Donna, Perdy, RJ, and Jonah. Now that the time had come, it was hard to leave these people, and even Nick got teary-eyed. Sergio and Jack joined hands briefly for a quick exchange of recent memories and final words of advice. Before parting, Scooter volunteered to take a keepsake group photo; one they would no doubt cherish.
In the morning, they enjoyed one last meal at the packhouse, loaded up their new SUV, and headed towards the future.
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Thursday, Dewdrop diner, downtown Gladstone
RJ spotted his co-worker’s vehicle when he pulled in. Chad agreed to meet for lunch today, and RJ had something important to share with him. His mama would turn over in her grave if she knew the string of lies he was about to tell in order to keep certain things secret, but there really wasn’t any choice. For everyone’s safety, shifters routinely took liberties with the truth, and while RJ understood the reasons and agreed, it went against the grain to be so blatant about it.
“Sorry, Ma. I know you taught me better, but there’s no other way. Wish me luck.”
RJ exited the vehicle and went inside. Darlene grabbed a menu and greeted him with a thousand-watt smile.
“RJ! I was just thinking I could use some eye candy about now, and here you are! Come on, sugar, your friend’s waiting for you in the corner booth.”
Chad waved as they approached, and Darlene jotted down their orders.
