Page 85 of Ascendant Moon
Though he’d been here before, there was still something intimidating about meeting one-on-one with the American Shifter Council president. Sheppard had always treated him well, but Colton wasn’t used to rubbing elbows with influential people or dealing with important issues. He’d been told, however, that True Elders held a special and powerful place in shifter society, and that no one understood this better thanAdam Sheppard. Colton sat across the desk from the man, wondering what they were going to talk about.
“There are a number of things I’d like to go over with you before the council meeting next week. I also have you in mind for a special mission, but we’ll get to that later. First off, I recognize that you are free to live your life as you choose, and neither I nor the council has any special claim on your time or talents. I also understand that for the next few years your first priority is earning a college degree.
“That being said, it is my hope that you will choose to serve our people on the Duluth council. Mostly, that will involve participating in regular meetings and working closely with the Delta students who are also preparing for lives of specialized service. You should know that much of what we do requires a high level of confidentiality, honesty, and commitment.
“You may also find it… taxing to interact with strong willed Alphas on a regular basis. I suggest you talk to Jack Eby about his experience with the councils over the last few years. He’s not only a man of integrity, but a skilled statesman who clearly understands the independent role of a True Elder. In fact, I encourage you to return to Gladstone to spend some time learning from him before the semester starts in January. I’m not saying that Evan Blair wasn’t a wonderful mentor, only that Jack offers the added benefit of age and specific experience.”
Sheppard paused to slide a sealed envelope across the desk.
“In here you will find the names and contact information of all the adult True Elders presently known to us. Each has been trained and is actively serving in their respective packs or on various councils in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. They can help you get a feel for what your future responsibilitiesand experiences may look like. I also encourage you to get to know your brothers personally—on a deeper level than what was possible at the annual meeting.”
Colton couldn’t really argue with anything Sheppard had told him, and the man was being completely honest with him. The idea of spending more time with Jack and getting to know the other men who were doing this work was appealing. Evan would always have a special place in his heart, but his deeply curious nature and thirst for knowledge compelled him to also learn from his scattered brothers.
“Thank you, Sir. May I ask what this special mission you mentioned is all about?”
Sheppard’s scent soured as he leaned forward over the desktop.
“Our dear friends at Gladstone have taken in a pregnant Omega who arrived on their doorstep recently. He had been sexually forced, confined against his will, and finally managed to escape with the help of one of his packmates. He’s safe now, but this kind of abuse will not be tolerated among our people. As I understand it, both the pack’s Alpha and his Second were involved. We intend to pay them a visit soon and take out the trash.”
Eyes aglow, Colton’s deep growls echoed off the office walls.
“I don’t get it. Why would someonedothat?”
Sheppard sighed and composed himself. Colton was about to learn a harsh lesson.
“Sadly, even shifters are capable of deviant behavior, and this isn’t the first or last time we’ve had to deal with it. An intervention is required, and a True Elder’s gifts are essential if we are to discover the truth and punish the guilty. Mostly, youwould be present when someone is questioned to verify the truth and accuracy of what they’re saying. I’ve spoken to Evan, and he believes you’re capable of handling this assignment, but it’s your decision.”
Colton was inclined to accept anyway, but knowing that Evan vouched for him boosted his confidence.
“I’d like to help, Sir. When are we going?”
Sheppard stood and extended his hand.
“Excellent! Evelyn will provide all the information you need by tomorrow. The team leaves early Sunday morning.”
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Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Between a full belly and a boring speaker, Scooter struggled to pay attention to the afternoon session entitled “Officer Health and Wellness.” Since the guy was basically reading directly from the handout, Scooter wasn’t worried about taking notes, and let his mind wander a bit. He’d been learning new things, but a constant parade of strange and amorous thoughts fought for dominance in his mind.
Tripp’s new fling was clearly to blame, planting unfamiliar ideas in his head. He’d returned to their room last night even later than the day before, smelling like sex, sweat, and cum. At least he’d headed for the shower without being reminded, though it still left Scooter horny and frustrated. Even worse, his sleep had been plagued by erotic dreams, all featuring men who wanted a piece of him—primarily his dick.
Even now, he was trapped in a room with dozens of fit, attractive guys of all ages, sizes, and shapes. It took every ounce of self-control to keep his boner at bay while his mind toyed with explicit fantasies. This was just too weird, and Scooter decided then and there to give Evan a call tonight. Maybe he could help him figure out what the hell was going on before he got home and humiliated himself in front of his packmates.
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Meanwhile, at Gladstone
Flanked by two members of the security team, Lincoln and Jonah trotted happily along the new walking path between the conference center and the packland’s central compound. Jonah had been curious to see what was happening out there, though they were forced to observe from the relative safety of the forest, lest they be spotted by the human construction crew. Except for open space, Johnston Creek, and a small lake, there hadn’t been much to look at. Now, the transformation was well underway with several structures, a parking lot, a reconfigured access road that connected to Highway 2, and a lovely obstruction-free meadow.
Since Lincoln was feeling more comfortable at Gladstone, Jonah decided to use their daily runs to show him around. This was certainly a nice day for it, with crisp, clean air, sunshine, and fall leaves painting the forest with swaths of gold, green, red, and brown. Most of the wildlife scattered to hide from the pack of predators as they chuffed in amusement—passing by without slowing down to chase after them.
The walking path led directly to the Eastside housing area that included a number of homes and the below ground apartment complex. Jonah’s intended destination was the packhouse and the promise of lunch for his ever-hungry belly. Lincoln, however, had veered off to investigate the apartments, sniffing madlywhen he arrived at a particular door. Jonah noticed it was Scooter’s apartment, though he wasn’t at home and wouldn’t return until late Friday. Lincoln didn’t know that, of course, but he was now pawing at the doorknob and whining in earnest.
Uh oh. Jonah recognized the randy pheromones pouring off of Lincoln, since he himself was nearly always horny, demanding RJ’s undivided attention as soon as he arrived home each day. It could only mean one thing—Scooter must be Lincoln’s mate! The poor guy would either have to suffer alone or allow someone else to mount him. Their bodyguards couldn’t help but notice the poor Omega’s sexually enticing scent, and Jonah warned them off with growls and teeth.
Lost in a fog of desire, Lincoln was no longer aware of his surroundings or in complete control of himself. Since no one seemed to know what to do, and Jonah couldn’t explain, he lifted his snout to howl a general alarm. Home and apartment doors opened all around them, heads popping out to see what was going on. Fortunately, Donna and Erin had just arrived home from the clinic and heard Jonah’s cry for help. While Erin came towards them, Donna scurried over to the Blair’s front door. Moments later, she and Evan came running.
