Page 97 of Ascendant Moon
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Soon after
This was not a phone call Oscar wanted to make, but Alpha Sheppard was waiting for a report—even if the mission had gone off the rails. His boss picked up the call after one ring.
“What’s your status, Oscar?”
“This one’s a mixed bag, Sir. In a nutshell, Richmond lost the challenge and is dead, but Ballard escaped and there’s no trace of him.”
Sheppard’s ominous growl rumbled across the connection and Oscar bared his neck by reflex alone.
“Ballardescaped? All right, start from the top and then give me your recommendations.”
“Thanks to Colton, we discovered that the charges against Stu Richmond and Bruce Ballard were true. As we suspected, Richmond chose to accept the challenge rather than give up his position, but he seriously underestimated Tindall and was defeated. The Eagle River pack is happy to move on and start over under new leadership. Ron will be moving his family up here within the week, and I’ve assigned a half dozen of our men to act as his temporary security force.
“While we were dealing with Richmond, Ballard and five of their enforcers shifted and attacked the three guards assigned to watch them. Ballard jumped through a window and escaped during the ruckus, though our men managed to take down the rest. They’re recovering from their injuries as we speak.”
Oscar overheard an understandable sigh of frustration, and knew what his boss was about to ask.
“Who was responsible for leaving three guards to watch overfiveenforcers?”
“That’s on me, Sir. Colton had done something to make them all drowsy and passive, so I believed that three men was enough. We needed the rest at the challenge circle, but somehow they woke up and decided to make a break for it. I think you should know that Colton is blaming himself for what happened, and he’s asked if we could take him to Gladstone from here instead of returning directly home. He’s really fragile right now and, in my opinion, needs to spend time with Evan or Jack.
“First, I recommend that we issue an alert bulletin to all the Michigan packs to watch for Ballard and report any contacts. Second, I’d like permission to send the remainder of the team home in the morning. Third, Alpha Tindall would like to purchase Melva Winchell’s home for his family, but we need to pack up her things so they can move in. If we rent a truck, we can load it up and bring it, and Colton, to Gladstone with a single trip. While I’m there, I’ll brief their security regarding Ballard, and return to Duluth by the end of the day, if necessary.”
Sheppard’s sharp mind had already decided on a response by the time Oscar finished speaking.
“Excellent! I concur with your recommendations. We’ll send out that alert bulletin today, but it would be helpful to have a photograph of Ballard if one is available. Tell Alpha Tindall that my office will forward the funds to Melva Winchell, and he can purchase the home through my office at his convenience. Make sure he and his new pack know that we stand ready to assist them if they have needs we haven’t thought of.
“As to Colton Ramsey, I will inform his family that he’ll be consulting with his fellow True Elders for more training. Be sure he understands that I want him to take all the time he needs. Perhaps he simply wasn’t quite ready for this assignment, but I don’t want to do anything to discourage him. I’m also granting you several days off to enjoy a visit with our friends in Michigan. When you return, I expect a full report on how Hart and Winchell are settling in. Enjoy yourself, Oscar, and give Ben and Jack my greetings.”
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At the same time
Heart pounding and chest heaving, Ballard remained on the move. Slipping in and out of creeks and streams would disperse his scent and make him difficult to follow. It had been some time since he last heard the sounds of anyone behind him, and Bruce assumed they would eventually give up the search entirely. He had no idea how long he’d been running or how far he’d gone, but he finally reached the point of utter exhaustion and slowed to rest in a concealed thicket.
Though tempted to give himself a lengthy break, he paused only long enough for food and drink—continuing on into the night until he could go no further. At a sprawling farm, Bruce found an old machine shed that stank of oil and grease—perfect to disguise his scent. Slipping through a gap in the weathered boards, he curled up in a dusty corner to get some sleep. In the morning, he’d figure out exactly where he was and then continue the search for his runaway Omega.
Chapter 49
Monday morning, Eagle River
Since Melva had packed and transported most of her and Lincoln’s personal belongings before the escape, it left only the furniture and household items to load onto the rental truck. Oscar had drafted one of the younger Betas from the team to drive it, while he followed in the SUV. That left Colton and his two bodyguards as passengers—none of whom seemed interested in conversation. Young Ramsey spent the journey staring out the window; somber, contemplative, and giving off a scent filled with guilt and regret.
He'd attempted to reason with the discouraged True Elder last night, but Colton hadn’t been in the frame of mind to listen. Oscar decided to let it go, knowing Evan or Jack was better equipped to counsel and comfort him. In his opinion, the teen simply needed more experience—both in life and in his new work among their people. Besides, even True Elders made mistakes from time to time, and he’d heard Jack say that Luna did not expect perfection, only a faithful discharge of duties.
Their two and a half hour drive was almost complete as Oscar pulled in front of the truck to lead the way around the northern tip of Little Bay de Noc, heading southeast on Highway 2. His mouth watered at the thought of arriving in time for lunch, for in all his travels he’d never eaten better than at Gladstone. The real reason he enjoyed visiting here, however, was the people. They’d carved out a special place in his heart, and literally saved his life, making every visit like a homecoming.
After a brief pause at the main gate, he noticed several improvements on the way to the central complex. The entry roadhad been widened to allow two-way traffic, with some of the wicked curves eliminated or straightened considerably. Amid a riot of fall color, they arrived at the parking lot and noticed Ben, Evan, Jack, and Caleb Vogel waiting for them.
Only this small group knew all the reasons for their visit, though Lincoln and Scooter would have to be told soon. While Caleb compared notes with the driver and bodyguards, Oscar and Colton received warm hugs of welcome—amid scents heavily laced with concern. Ben got everyone moving in the right direction.
“We’ll deal with business later, but for now let me show you where you’re staying and get everyone fed.”
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Later, in Ben’s office
