Page 52 of Ascendant Moon
“Anything for my mate. I love you Jo.”
“Love you too, Rascal.”
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Late evening
Eager to explore in moonlight, Nick led Gray on a meandering path that roughly followed Black George Creek. They had no timetable or destination in mind, nor were they hunting prey. Gray’s wolf, especially, was almost pup-like in his need to see, feel, and smell the forest—testing his senses in the dark for the first time. Eventually, their stealthy exploration led to an encounter with an ornery raccoon, now hissing and snarling at them from the safety of a high tree branch. Ready to change things up, Nick yipped playfully at his mate and took off at full speed.
As intended, Gray’s wolf eagerly followed—dodging trees, jumping over obstacles, and splashing through the shallow stream in pursuit. Gray still found it odd to be a “passenger” in an apex predator’s head, observing and yet sharing in the moment. There’d been some confusion when human and lupine natures clashed, but with each new experience they learned to trust, listen, and learn from one another.
Up ahead, Nick stopped abruptly in the middle of a tiny glade and lifted his muzzle to howl at the moon. Gray joined him, blending their voices in the cool night air. Others soon responded to the sound, creating a joyful celebration of new beginnings. When the song ended, Nick began licking Gray’s face and ears—pheromones clearly revealing his desire to get frisky. Gray’s wolf was certainly on board, but they’d never done it this way before.
Panting, Nick turned to present himself, tail up and off-center. Gray’s wolf seemed to know what to do, and he ceded control tothe beast—mounting Nick with short, rapid thrusts. It took only moments for him to ejaculate, followed by the knot that would lock them together. Gray’s wolf pulled Nick down to rest on the soft grass while they waited for the knot to release them.
It was an odd and fiddly coupling to be sure, though Gray assumed practice would improve their performance. When they were free to move, a frenzy of face licking and body rubs ensued, covering one another with scent. Intimacy in lupine form was undeniably limited in scope, but their wolves enjoyed it and it strengthened their bond. With a final round of yips and licks, the pair took off for home at a leisurely trot.
Chapter 27
Monday, September 6th
Jack and William greeted Nick and Gray at the door, ushering them into the house for their meeting. With Kiah and Marie at the daycare, the adults could enjoy a quiet and productive discussion about the four-pack’s future. Obviously, they couldn’t stay at Gladstone indefinitely, and all were eager to get busy building their lives. Evan would soon complete Sergio’s training, and Ben had already covered a lot of ground with Dante regarding the pack leadership. The four gathered in the living room, and Gray opened the conversation.
“I spoke with my grandfather this morning, and he likes our idea of starting a business on or near Diné land. Raising Churro sheep and Angora goats is a traditional occupation for our people, and could provide a steady income from meat, milk, and textile fibers. He knows of a small ranch of this type that is looking for a buyer, and promised to get some information for us.”
Surprised by the news, William voiced an important question.
“How would that work for your pack? After all, Nick, Dante, and Sergio grew up in the city and don’t know anything about animal husbandry. If you purchased this ranch, who would run it?”
It was a reasonable question, and Gray came prepared with an answer.
“During high school, I worked at the Navajo Nation Zoo in Window Rock, caring for the goats and other animals—so I know some of the basics. Grandfather told me that the currentemployees would most likely help with the transition, and my packmates are eager to leave the city and learn something new.”
Nick felt the need to explain from his own perspective.
“Our wolves are eager to be outside in the sun and fresh air, and it will be easier to keep our secret if we have fewer neighbors. The research shows that it’s not difficult to care for the animals, and we have other skills that will help us succeed. Besides, if the ranch is near the Lobo packs, we can keep an eye on them and blend in when we want to run.”
Jack seemed rather pleased.
“Your plans sound reasonable to me, and I commend your careful consideration of the issues involved. I take it that finances and housing may be your primary concerns then?”
Gray nodded.
“Yes. We have some savings between us, but it’s not enough for a down payment. I was hoping Alpha Cruz or Alpha Sheppard might loan us the money to get started. Would you talk to them, Jack?”
He put both young men at ease with a warm smile.
“I would be happy to present your request, and have a teleconference scheduled with Alpha Sheppard this afternoon. He will be informed of your plans, though he may wish to contact Alpha Cruz directly to discuss the proposal. In any case, let me know when you hear back from Walter.”
Though neither man said anything, it seemed Sergio’s recent dream about their future might come true sooner than they anticipated.
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Early afternoon, packhouse conference room
“What do you mean,humans can be safely turned? Explain!”
Alpha Sheppard hadn’t anticipated Jack’s left field announcement, staring daggers at the camera pickup. Ben, Evan, Dante, Sergio, and Donna were all glad they weren’t physically in the same room with him at the moment. Jack retained a placid attitude and expression, unbothered by Sheppard’s forceful reaction. Sergio swallowed, knowing this was his cue to provide the information.
