Page 76 of Ascendant Moon
“Not exactly, no. He can always be told later, and I trust you to make the right decision.”
More hugs ensued, and not long after Ben and the others left for home. Later that night, around the supper table, a passionate discussion took place that lit a fire in Leland’s heart and mind. With new urgency, he and his mates laid out a plan that could rock the shifter world.
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After dark, near Iron Mountain Michigan
Lincoln had made good time today, traveling over thirty-five miles to reach the Menominee River—the border between Wisconsin and Michigan. Determined not to swim across, he made a mad dash over a highway bridge instead, disappearing into the woods on the opposite side. He might have startled a passing car or two, but staying dry this late in the day was more important than lying low.
Instead of following Highway Two south, he altered his direction by continuing east/northeast to skirt past Iron Mountain until reaching Spring Lake. There weren’t many houses on the south side of the lake, and the trees extended all the way to the shoreline, creating perfect cover. Prey was plentiful here too, and he found a slow opossum for his supper.
It took a while to find shelter for the night, but Lincoln finally located a suitable spot in the underbrush that still smelled of white-tailed deer. It had probably served as a place for mama and fawn in the spring and was then abandoned. It wasn’t as comfy as the bear den from last night, but at least he was protected from the wind and out of sight. If he needed water, a narrow stream fed into the lake within a stone’s throw.
Just as he got comfortable, Lincoln felt the tiniest flutter of movement in his belly. He didn’t know exactly what it was until it happened again a few moments later, and he licked the spot with his tongue while sending warm thoughts to his growing pup.
“Hello little one! Yes, I’ve finally stopped for the day. You’re probably tired of all that movement, but I’ll make you a deal. If I lay still and you stop moving around, we can both get some sleep. What do you say?”
It was probably just a coincidence, but it seemed to do the trick, and Lincoln curled up again to stay warm and drifted off.
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At the same time….
Passing through a popular campground, Melva’s nose led her from one tidbit to another until her hungry belly was full. She felt bad for stealing from innocent campers, but her old boneswere too weary to chase after prey. She was careful not to be seen, but there would be stories to tell around campfires tonight! Unfortunately, she didn’t spot any smores, since those would have made a lovely dessert.
Thinking she would easily find a place to rest, Melva was still searching long after dark until stumbling upon an abandoned farmhouse. It was weathered and forlorn, but looked far more comfortable than anything else nearby. With no one around, she shifted to human form and went inside to scout out the accommodations. Everything was covered with dust, mildew, and mouse droppings but she located a rickety old bed with a mattress. Turning it over, Melva found the underside much more agreeable, shifted, and jumped up to settle in for the night.
Chapter 39
Sunday, October 3rd, early a.m.
Evan lay quietly staring at the darkened ceiling as Ben slept peacefully. With Colton’s training now complete, the Ramseys would be leaving today after their farewell luncheon. The teen’s newly assigned bodyguards had arrived late yesterday so they could protect him on the trip home. They would become Colton’s ever-present companions as he began his new life as a trained True Elder. He’d also be starting college classes in January, majoring in human psychology and minoring in history. The only problem was that Evan wasn’t ready to let him go.
He and Colton were so much alike, both in background and temperament, and Evan had grown to love him like family. He’d had a similar reaction while training Wilder Calhoun, but the connections were even stronger this time. After sharing the new knowledge of turning humans, the final teaching dreams focused on mating, sex, children, and family life—things Colton needed to know but hadn’t experienced yet. He had such a tender heart, and Evan hoped Luna would bring him a mate sooner than later.
Jack had noticed Evan’s strong bond with Colton and pulled him aside for a quiet word after supper.
“Our responsibility is to instruct and then let go. He must live his own life in his own way, though there is nothing wrong with staying in touch as long as you do not interfere. I speak from experience, my dear friend. Every time we are called upon to mentor one of our brothers, we give something away beyond simple memories. Part of you will always be with him, and I encourage you to draw comfort from it. And, of course, we willone day be together in the Afterworld, with every opportunity to rekindle friendships.”
Evan didn’t realize that his face was wet with tears until Ben awoke and wrapped him in powerful arms.
“It’s all right, love. I knew you were going to miss Colton, and I’m sure he’ll miss you, too. He couldn’t have asked for a better mentor, but you don’t want him to leave here sad do you?”
Evan let Ben wipe the tears away and offer what comfort he could. Only another True Elder would truly understand, but his mate’s love and support came awfully close. It took several long, soft kisses to quiet him down and he resolved to send Colton off with nothing but happy memories of their time together. Even if it broke his heart.
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Packhouse, around noon
Since the Ramseys had a five-hour drive ahead of them, the farewell party had been planned for lunch time—albeit with more extravagant desserts. People mingled freely, eating, talking, and wishing the family well. Perdy and Michelle boxed up some travel treats for the journey and slipped Karol a few recipes she’d requested. When all was said and done, the pack escorted them to the waiting vehicles and gathered around while Ben, Evan, and Jack said goodbye.
Jim, Karol, and the girls filed past to shake hands, offering genuine thanks for their wonderful stay at Gladstone. Ben was handed a written note that said what they couldn’t express in front of their son, and they promised to stay in touch. Colton spoke a few words to both Jack and Ben, saving the difficult parting with Evan for last. They hugged and Evan refused to cry.
“You better call every once in a while or I’ll come looking for you. This is an exciting time to be a True Elder, and I can’t wait to see what Luna has in store.”
Colton swallowed hard and looked his mentor in the eye.
“I’m so glad I got to come here for my training. You’re the best, Evan. I’ll never forget you and what you taught me…uhhh, of course I won’tforget, but you know what I mean. Will you come and see me sometime?”
