Page 12 of Ascendant Moon
“Go ahead, Sir. We’re both listening.”
“Excellent. There’s someone in particular I want you to meet at the conference. The Ramsey family literally showed up out of nowhere at the Duluth packlands not long ago, and their son, Colton, is a True Elder. They are prepared to settle down here, and I’m hoping that Colton might eventually work with the council.
“He’s seventeen and has no idea who he is or what Luna expects of him. If you’re willing, Evan, I’d like you to become his mentor.The boy obviously needs to be trained, and I suspect there may be some psychological issues to deal with as well.”
Evan wasn’t surprised by the request, and given his experience mentoring Wilder Calhoun, it made sense for him to do the honors.
“I would be happy to mentor him, Sir. There won’t be time at the conference to focus on him alone, but after we return home, the family is welcome to stay with us while I train Colton.”
“Excellent! I’ll bring them around during the True Elder mixer on Sunday night. I think it would ease their minds to meet you and Ben ahead of time, and anything you can do to reassure Colton would be appreciated.”
After the call ended, Evan remained on his mate’s lap while they talked. Though a little growly, Ben got them started.
“I’ll reserve the guesthouse and give security a heads up. You’re going to be wiped out after the conference. I just hope they give you a few days to rest before showing up.”
Evan kissed him. While Ben respected the work he’d been given to do, Evan was first and foremost his mate, and treated him as such.
“No worries. We can discuss dates when we meet, and a few extra days of waiting won’t hurt anything. Besides, we’ll need some time with the kids after being gone. It’s going to be great having mom and dad watch them for us.”
Conversation ceased as the small office filled with lusty pheromones. Ben cradled Evan in his muscular arms as they got up to head for the bedroom. Busy preparing lunch, Cody spotted the amorous pair as they rushed past, lost in a passion that never got old.
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August 13th, Albuquerque
The taxi was a bit crowded with William, Jack, and Milo in the back seat, and Shane riding shotgun. The driver seemed uneasy with the powerful and quiet group of men, though he couldn’t have provided a specific reason if asked. Jack reached into his mind with a gentle assurance of calm, and the man drove without making small talk or glaring at them in the rearview mirror. Using Tayen’s suggestion, they had booked rooms at a B&B close to the Cancer Center campus.
Their long day began early that morning when they left the twins at the daycare with reminders to be good for Jonah and RJ. There were a few tears and some clingy hugs, but William had a harder time with the separation than either Kiah or Marie. A full seven hours of flight time plus layovers followed before finally being freed from the persistent noise and miasma of odors that overwhelmed shifter senses. At the moment, Jack and William were holding hands and enjoying a mind-link conversation as the taxi weaved its way through traffic.
“It’s been a while since the two of us had a getaway. I can think of several things that might help us pass the time.”
Jack smiled, squeezing William’s hand.
“As can I, my handsome mate, but be careful not to fill the air with pheromones. Poor Milo and Shane should not be made to suffer for our carelessness.”
William rolled his eyes.
“All right, you party-pooper, but those two should be used to us by now and I don’t think anything would faze them. Anyway,I’m really looking forward to seeing Walter, Tayen, and Gray again. I just wish it wasn’t under these circumstances.”
At the mention of Gray’s name, Jack stiffened as a vision gripped him. William waited for it to end and leaned over to kiss his cheek.
“Anything I should know, my love?”
Jack took a deep breath and then shared the images with his mate. William was both surprised and intensely curious.
“Gray at Gladstone? And who was the man with him? I’m almost certain it was a shifter, and perhaps an Omega judging by his size. What do you think it means?”
“I believe the idea is to make sure Gray visits Gladstone soon. Something crucial to his future, I presume. I trust Luna to give me further guidance as I need it.”
The taxi pulled into the drive of the Southwest Inn; a large house that rented out rooms on the upper floor. Shane and Milo exited first and scoped out their surroundings. Shane went into the building while Milo helped unload the baggage and pay the driver. By the time they entered the Inn, the owners were waiting for them at the front desk, just off the living room. According to the website, the place was owned by a gay couple that made quite the pair—one tall and broody and his shorter, gregarious partner.
“Welcome to Southwest Inn! My name is Myke, and this is my husband, Scott. The rooms are all prepared, and we received your request for heavy breakfasts. You needn’t worry, gentlemen, as no one goes hungry in this house. If you will follow me, I’ll show you to your accommodations. If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know.”
Since his guests were already carrying their luggage, Myke led them up the polished staircase with a quick commentary on the house’s history. When they reached the top, their host explained where they could find extra linens and towels and reminded them that breakfast was served at 8 a.m. sharp.
“As requested, we have reserved all four rooms for the duration of your stay. And feel free to use the common areas of the house and the back patio. If you need anything, just ring the bell at the check-in desk.”
Myke left them with a friendly wave and William chose one of the center rooms with a queen sized bed. Milo and Shane took rooms on either side, and they all decided to shower and change clothes before going anywhere. First, however, William dialed Walter’s number to let him know they had arrived. Tayen answered instead.
