Page 15 of Ascendant Moon
Jack agreed, though not necessarily for the same reasons.
“If Luna has shown me anything, it is that sometimes our wishes come true in ways we could never imagine. And sooner than we think.”
Chapter 8
Two days later (Sunday)
Following their final breakfast at the Southwest Inn, Milo called for a taxi and William made sure Jack’s bags were packed and ready. The long separation was finally upon them, as Jack and his bodyguards headed for the national conference in Missoula, while William accompanied Gray to Window Rock, Arizona. Shane grabbed Jack’s suitcase and closed the door, giving the couple a moment alone to say goodbye. Wrapped in each other’s arms, they breathed in lungs full of familiar scent and shared soft kisses until William opened the mind-link.
“My poor Jacky. You’ll not have a moment’s rest for at least two weeks! I already miss our sweet pups, and I will worry about you down in Mexico. Yes, I trust Luna to watch over you, but I’d rather do it myself. Call when you can, my beloved, and return to me soonest.”
Jack was used to his mate’s teary goodbyes, yet he found it endearing.
“I do not enjoy leaving you, William, but the work is necessary. You would be miserable with the travel and being left with nothing but a few moments of my attention. Just think how much I will have to share with you when I return! Your presence here is essential, and I know Walter and Gray are grateful for your help. As always, you have my heart and my love.”
Minutes later, Jack, Shane, and Milo were in the taxi and on their way to the airport. The annual meeting was unique this year, in that nearly every known True Elder from infant to adult would be there. Jack would be speaking, as well assharing teaching dreams, meeting with groups of Alphas, and strategizing with council leadership. And when the week was over, he would fly to Mexico for the lost pack mission, with only a vague idea of what they might accomplish.
William tucked away the sadness of separation to refocus on the tasks set before him while Jack was gone. He returned to the Inn to collect his bags and thank his hosts for a wonderful stay before Gray led him to his car. They were to meet with Walter and Tayen for a short visit this morning, and then enjoy a long, private conversation on the way to Window Rock.
After arriving at the Harrison House, both men donned their protective masks—even as William explained that, in his case, it made no difference.
“Human diseases do not affect shifters, and likewise, whatever germs we may carry seem to have no effect on our human friends. Your grandfather knows this, but for Tayen’s sake I will follow the rules. All this secrecy must be difficult for you—sharing everything with Walter but being extra careful around your grandmother. At first, you may need to err on the side of saying too little, rather than risking too much.”
Gray reached for the car’s door handle, but stopped to ask a question.
“Do you think there will ever come a time when more of our people will know the truth?”
William gave Gray’s shoulder a quick squeeze.
“I honestly don’t know, my friend, but wouldn’t it be marvelous if your people and ours could reclaim our shared history? Until then, you and Walter will have to carry the privilege alone. Ifit helps, I’m sorry that the knowledge has created limitations, though I know you understand why it must be so.”
As they exited the car, William brought a plainly wrapped rectangular package with him. Gray’s scent revealed that he was curious, and William told him what he could.
“It’s a gift for your grandparents. Something Jack and I commissioned. You’ll see.”
Moments later, Tayen answered the door, welcoming them inside with a small gesture. Walter was dressed to go out, and Tayen told them he had a treatment later this morning.
“Come and sit down. We still have a little time to visit, and I don’t understand why Jack is traveling without you.”
While Walter and Gray knew where he was going and why, William had to be a bit creative with the truth for Tayen’s sake.
“The Lupine Recovery Council holds an annual meeting in Montana, and Jack has been invited to attend and speak this year. After that, he’s off to Mexico in search of his mother’s relatives. It seems they disappeared long ago, and he’s been corresponding with some very helpful folks in Chihuahua. I have no idea how long he’ll be down there, but I suppose that depends on what he finds. Since I don’t speak Spanish, it wouldn’t have been a fun trip for me. We’re hoping he can stop in Albuquerque on the way back so I can join him for the flight home. Besides, this way I get to spend more time with you.”
Walter gave him a knowing look and changed the subject with a question.
“Did you have a chance to look over the will? Is there anything I need to change?”
William ignored the pang of future sorrow and answered with a neutral expression.
“You did an excellent job of making your wishes clear, Walter. I don’t see any legal barriers to executing the will as written when the time comes. While Gray is working tomorrow, I’ll go see the tribal attorney you recommended and have him check it over before drawing it up. When we return next weekend, only signatures will be needed. I’ll order two copies—one to keep at home and another for your lockbox at the bank. Now, before I forget, I’ve brought along a gift from us to you and Tayen. We hope you like it.”
Walter accepted the package with a curious look and noticed the plain brown paper had a stamp in the corner:Katrine Abram Studio.With all the artwork she’d created for Walter and the museum, the couple was eager to see what this might be. Inside the protective box, they found a framed painting of the two of them in a desert setting. In the dusky overhead sky, they noticed the faint outline of Gray Feather’s profile. And by Walter’s side stood a handsome Lobo, representing Gray Claw. Tayen spoke while Walter’s eyes filled with silent tears.
“So beautiful! The colors, the symbolism… it will have a place of honor in our home.”
Tayen turned the image so Gray could see it and then handed it back to Walter. He held the painting reverently, assessing it with not only a trained eye, but a personal one. Somehow, it captured the essence of what he held dear in life—a potent reminder in these days of uncertainty.
“Please tell Katrine how pleased we are, and how much we value her friendship. Beyond this painting, has she added the Lobo to her oeuvre?”
