Page 9 of Ascendant Moon
Gray’s face went slack; eyes unfocused as a memory implanted by Jack last year rose to the surface like an air bubble. In it, he heard a beastly growl and saw Jack’s eyes change to a glowing amber—wolf’s eyes that reached into his mind with a message.I am shifter. We are real. Believe.
Walter held his breath while the memory surfaced, hoping it was enough to convince Gray. Once his brown eyes refocused, the young man blinked several times and zeroed in on Walter’s face.
“Grandfather! Jack… hereally isa wolf. Please tell me more.”
Walter proceeded to answer a multitude of questions about the historic interaction of wolf-people and the Diné, when he’d met Jack Eby, and how shifters lived and kept their secret from the human world. Walter also explained the different types of shifters and the unique abilities given to True Elders. The discussion then turned to the journals, including the notes his own family members had made, and the conclusions they’d drawn through the years. Though Walter no longer had them, hepractically knew the stories by heart and had also learned much by visiting Gladstone and through his friendship with Jack.
“As you may have guessed, they’re some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and have very strong pack and family bonds. Things have changed a lot for them in the last few years, and they’ve had to deal with some serious threats, too. Your oversight of natural wolves on Navajo lands will become much more meaningful to you now, and it will help you understand our shifter friends better. And before I forget, Jack and William are coming to see me next month, and they want to meet with you and answer your questions.
“There’s one more thing I need to say before Tayen returns, and I can’t stress this enough. Under no circumstances may you reveal the existence of shifters toanyone, including family. We’ve kept their secret for nearly two centuries, and they are literally trusting us with their lives. I don’t know if that will hold true forever, but until they tell us otherwise, we dare not say a word.”
Gray nodded in agreement, understanding the awesome responsibility he now bore.
“Diné and shifter history have some things in common, and it is an honor to know and protect them. Do not worry, grandfather, the secret is safe with me.”
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That evening, Gladstone
Though the twins had been taught to pick up their toys, their playroom was never completely clutter-free. William didn’t mind, so long as the book nook in the corner remained clean and ready for story time. Tonight, he continued the dragon fantasyhe’d been reading to the twins—a book they’d all enjoyed so far, including their papa. Marie loved the thought of being able to fly, while Kiah, in typical Alpha fashion, wished he could spew fire whenever he felt like it. William explained that they’d have to be content with shifting, growling, and howling—things dragons simply couldn’t do.
Out in the living room, Jack studied maps of Mexico in preparation for his mission next month. He’d never been as far south as León, though if he had, he probably would have found the lost pack on his last visit decades ago. Luna’s dreams, however, seemed to indicate something significant would result from this trip that went beyond the pack itself. Gray Claw was somehow tied to the group, though the images he’d seen so far revealed little. Whatever Luna was hinting at would become clear in time, as always, though Jack could imagine some interesting possibilities. He anticipated reconnecting with his mother’s side of the family, wondering how many of his relatives would be found in León.
She’d lost contact with her Mexico relations after mating with Samuel Eby and moving to the States. Later, after Jack and his parents migrated north to Minnesota for safety reasons, Jane told him about her family and made him promise to find them again someday. In the years that followed, he had only attempted it once and found no trace of them—assuming they had been killed in the purge of Lobos south of the border.
Jack’s reverie was interrupted by a phone call, and he smiled when he saw it was from Walter.
“Hello, my friend. How are you feeling these days?”
“It’s good to hear your voice, Jack. I have good days and bad, and wish the treatment could move along a little faster. Until thechemotherapy is finished, there isn’t much to report. I wanted to let you know that Gray came to visit us today, and I spoke to him about shifters.”
Jack was all ears.
“I see. How did he take the news?”
“He was struggling to believe until I triggered the memory you implanted. I’m happy to report that he is thrilled with the news of your true nature, and has promised to keep the secret just as I have. He understands the danger and responsibility, and while he accepts what I have told him, he would benefit from a demonstration when you and William come to visit me.”
Jack was pleased that his perception of Gray had been accurate.
“This is wonderful news. As long as we have the needed privacy, we would be happy to provide all the evidence he needs. We plan to be with you on August thirteenth, along with my bodyguards, although I can only stay for two days before leaving for Montana. Perhaps Tayen could recommend nearby rooms so that we can make reservations. William will be staying for at least two weeks, and he is bringing all the necessary forms for your updated last will and testament. If there is any other way he can be of service, please let us know.”
“Thank you, Jack. Give William our greetings, and tell him we can’t wait to see you again.”
Chapter 6
Late July, León Mexico
Alpha Navarro had called for a pack meeting at their usual place in the nature preserve, but it took time to align everyone’s schedules. Unable to live together on their own packlands, the group was scattered all over León in homes and apartments, much like their human neighbors. Usually, they met once or twice a week with whoever could make it, though always with great care and under the cover of darkness. Their wolves longed for more freedom and yearned to howl at the moon whenever the mood struck, but it wasn’t allowed.
Over the decades they had been spotted here and there, giving the locals something to gossip about and increasing the likelihood that someone would discover wolves where there shouldn’t be any at all. Based on news reports, the only Lobos found in Mexico now were far to the north in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua. If any other shifters had survived the purge, they were assumed to be living there, but nothing was known of them.
While their lives here in León weren’t horrible, the isolation and restricted way of living was far from ideal for shifters. The purpose of tonight’s meeting was to discuss a recent incursion, Luna’s dreams, and their future as a pack. Everyone had their own opinions, but they trusted Alpha Navarro and their True Elders, Hector and Sergio to guide them. Since the meeting place was in the northeast section of the Preserve, and far from town, pack members left their vehicles around the perimeter and shifted before entering.
As long as they were quiet and careful, it was as close to running free as they would ever get. Though the moon was waning, they still enjoyed what there was of Luna’s light while making their way to the hidden cave that served as a gathering place. Obscured by brush, the entrance was large enough to accommodate even the biggest wolves, and led to a roomy, private chamber. It was lit with battery operated camping lanterns and contained well-hidden storage totes of simple, knee-length tunics.
People shifted and dressed quickly as they arrived, clustered in small groups to chat until the meeting began. Since the uneven, chilly floor was uncomfortable in human form, most chose to remain standing while they conducted their business. Luna had provided a core of five leaders who offered greetings as they mingled with the rest of the pack: father and son Alphas, Javier and Dante Navarro, True Elders Hector Alvarez and Sergio Rivera, and pack Omega, Nicolas Garcia. Once everyone was accounted for, Alpha Navarro began the meeting.
“Hola mis amigos (hello my friends)! Thank you for coming tonight. We have much to discuss but will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion. Last month, for the first time in our history, we were discovered by other shifters.”
