Page 98 of Ascendant Moon
Ben’s ominous growling lasted all through Oscar’s report of the mission to Eagle River. He wasn’t angry with the team, and certainly not with Colton, but his wolf was very unhappy about Ballard’s escape.
“If or when that slimy bastard shows up, he’s a dead man. If Scooter doesn’t challenge him, I will, and if Alpha Sheppard has a problem with that…”
Oscar understood what wasn’t said, and in fact, agreed with Ben.
“Ballard’s life has been forfeit since the first time he assaulted Lincoln, and no one will question the punishment for his crimes. If you prefer, I can explain things to Lincoln and Scooter—and by the way, I’m really glad Luna brought them together. I can’t think of a better way to help the Omega heal than having a mate who’ll take care of him.”
Ben heartily agreed.
“You’ve got that right. They’re a great match, and Lincoln has been doing so well. If I were him, I wouldn’t respond well to the news that my abuser was still alive and on the loose. We’ll tell them what’s going on, but I won’t throw you under the bus in the process. Between Scooter and my security team, there’s no safer place for him to be than right here.
“Now, what’s this business about Melva Winchell’s house? I got a message from Alpha Sheppard’s office shortly before you arrived, telling me to expect an impressive sum of money. I take it you know what that’s all about?”
Oscar flashed him a genuine smile.
“I do indeed. The new Alpha at Eagle River wants to purchase it for his family, and my boss is playing middleman. The exorbitant “sale” price includes a generous reward for saving her packmate, and an additional amount for Lincoln and his mate. Since they’re both settling down here, he figures you might know someone who could give them a deal on housing.”
Ben chuckled, shaking his head.
“I like the way he thinks. With that much money, I can build both of them beautiful homes with some cash left over. Considering the bad news coming their way, it’s nice to have something positive to focus on instead. Meantime, I’ll call around to see if there are any storage units available for Melva’s furniture. I realize you haven’t met her yet, but she’s a real pistol. Lincoln’s lucky to have a friend like her in his life.”
############
Meanwhile, at Quad Two…
Three True Elders sat side by side on the couch with Colton in the middle, deep in a teaching dream. Memories of the botched mission flickered across synapses, finding homes in Evan’s and Jack’s brains. Colton had never linked with two brothers at the same time, and he could easily feel their concern and support through the mind-link. When he’d finished, Evan shared his memories of Lincoln’s arrival at Gladstone, his mating with Scooter, and the tremendous progress he’d made thus far. When he ended the dream, Colton’s guilt and discouragement intensified, and Jack spoke softly to the young man.
“From what you showed us, there is no reason for you to feel responsible for Ballard’s actions, nor do I think Lincoln will blame you. Under other circumstances, the mild trance you used would have been sufficient to prevent Bruce and the others from causing trouble. In this case, the sudden death of Alpha Richmond brought their wolves to the surface, who then reasserted control. You were unaware that there are stronger methods to use, yet are easily learned.
“Since Evan will be busy helping Lincoln and Scooter, perhaps I can teach you during this visit. Multiple perspectives are often helpful, as no single True Elder retains the totality of knowledge we need to do our work.”
Alpha Sheppard had said much the same thing to Colton just before the mission, and while Colton liked and respected Jack, he’d feel more comfortable reconnecting with his own mentor. Both men seemed to understand his hesitation, and Evan interrupted the awkward moment with a suggestion.
“Give Jack a chance to help you, Colton. He has more experience than anyone I know, and you need to broaden your perspective. Do this—spend a day or two with him and see how it goes. I thinkyou’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out how much he can still teach you.”
Colton recognized the truth in what Evan was saying, and curiosity made the prospect of learning from Jack even more attractive. He answered honestly.
“All right, Evan. I sure hope the news that Ballard escaped doesn’t mess Lincoln up even more. When I touched Bruce’s mind, I could tell there was something wrong with him. That poor Omega has every right to be afraid.”
Jack and Evan both growled in agreement. Colton’s memories of the man had given them a much clearer, and more frightening, picture of what they were dealing with. Evan’s previous dreams of a bloody confrontation now made more sense, and it seemed Gladstone must prepare for the eventual arrival of Lincoln’s warped abuser.
############
By the time the newlymates returned from their daily run, there was nothing to see except a strange vehicle in the parking lot. Though Melva knew, the couple hadn’t been told of the mission to Eagle River and weren’t expecting news or visitors. Ben and Evan had agreed to keep it quiet until Richmond and Ballard had been dealt with, never imaging that Bruce would escape and pose a further threat. The situation required preparation, careful handling, and privacy.
When they arrived, Security informed the couple that Evan would like to see them. Scooter quickly redressed before they were escorted to the Blair’s front door, and were surprised to see not only Evan, but Ben and Oscar York as well. Their combined scents spoke of regret, compassion, and resolve—alerting Scooter that this wasn’t simply a social call. Evan encouragedthem to have a seat on the couch, and Ben started with a brief introduction.
“Lincoln, this is Oscar York, Alpha Sheppard’s Second. He’s just returned from a mission to Eagle River and has some news you and Scooter need to hear.”
Lincoln’s anxiety jumped several notches, and he began to pant. Scooter put an arm around the slender wolf, gently stroking his neck and chest. Oscar wasn’t looking forward to delivering this report, though he chose to start with the good news first.
“Alpha Sheppard sent a team to find out if the charges against Alpha Richmond and Bruce Ballard were true. They were both found guilty, and Richmond was challenged for the pack and lost. He’s dead, Lincoln.”
The Omega bared his teeth, growling along with Scooter at the satisfying news. Oscar continued.
"Unfortunately, Ballard escaped before we could execute him, and we were unable to track him down. No one knows what his plans are, but it’s likely he’ll turn up here looking for you and the pup. In that event, your security team has all the information to keep you safe. Meanwhile, every Michigan pack has been told to look for Bruce and to kill on sight. If that happens, you’ll be the first to know.”
Lincoln began to shake the moment he heard Bruce had escaped. He’d been doing so well, and now this! Scooter pulled him into his lap, whispering his reassurance.
