Page 69 of Ascendant Moon
Jim growled quietly.
“All of the above, I think. He’s always seemed younger than his actual age, so maybe that’s why the changes stand out. If I recall correctly, Alpha Claybrook said the same things about Wilder Calhoun, though he’s even younger than Colton.”
Karol’s scent alerted Jim that she was unhappy.
“I don’t like them cramming all that history into his head and then expecting him to serve on the national council. He may have a lot of knowledge when this is over, but not much life experience. Everybody keeps saying he’ll be fine, but will he? Really?”
Jim had some of the same doubts, though he believed Evan and Jack were being honest with them about the process and Colton’s future.
“If he’d been born back in the day, he would have started serving at a much younger age. Of course, that was a different era and a much simpler time. I’m sure Luna wouldn’t have chosen him if he couldn’t handle the responsibilities, and he’s not mated yet either. Jack says that the bond has a stabilizing effect on younger True Elders.”
Karol nodded her head, mulling over his words.
“I can see why it might, but Luna! It’s hard to imagine Colton mated and producing pups. Not that I want him to be lonely, but it’s such a huge step. This is all moving so fast!”
Jim gave her a squeeze and kissed her cheek.
“I know, love, I know. After everything he’s been through, he’s finally getting the answers to his questions, and I bet he’s eager to get the training over with and start living his own life. Can you blame him?”
Karol realized that, ultimately, it didn’t matter what she wanted, felt, or thought because this wasnotabout her at all, but Colton. Her son and oldest child. The boy she fought for, supported, and protected for seventeen years so he could be happy and live his best life. Now he had that chance, and she was being selfish.
“No, I don’t blame him. I need to get my head in the game and my nose out of his life—and thank you for not saying so! You know that gets my fur up.”
They enjoyed a chuckle together, because they both knew it was true. Being mated for nineteen years provided a tremendous amount of useful insight. Jim lifted her off his lap and theystood. Before going upstairs, he remembered something that Evan had told him.
“I think we should call the Reids tomorrow and get their perspective. I suspect we have a lot in common, and Evan said his parents would love to hear from us.”
Karol cupped his cheek and kissed him.
“Good idea, mate. I have a lot of questions, and I’m not about to turn down free advice!”
Chapter 35
Friday, Regional Council Headquarters, Missoula Montana
A meeting like this had never taken place before, and only two of the men knew what they were here to discuss. Every shifter council president and chairman, along with their True Elder advisors, were here, representing the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Jack Eby and Evan Blair also stood by via teleconference from Gladstone, ready to assist the conferees in making some very important decisions.
Around the oval table were ten of the most influential men in shifter society, along with four Omegas to keep things steady. Lining the conference room walls were twenty bodyguards—all primed and ready to defend their charges if necessary. At one end of the long table, a large screen had been erected, displaying the Gladstone representatives. Sheppard got them started by announcing their purpose here today.
“You are all aware of the recent discovery of the lost pack in León, Mexico. Jack Eby and Juan Ortega were instrumental in relocating its members to the Chihuahua area, and I’m pleased to report that they are finding new homes and settling in. During that mission, Jack became aware of a common practice among the pack that had been lost to the rest of shifter society. What I am referring to is the safe turning of humans to shifters.”
Indignant growls rose from nearly every attendee as the shock rolled over them in a wave of fear and confusion. The poor Omegas cranked out calming scent at a furious pace, trying to take the edge off before tempers flared or things got physical. Sheppard gave them a few moments to digest the news amidshouted questions that would all be answered in due time. He stood to his feet, reclaiming everyone’s attention, and then gestured to the viewscreen.
“Luna chose to reveal this news to Jack, and as a result, two humans at Gladstone were recently turned with no ill effects. I invite you to listen to the specifics, as they were explained to me not long ago.”
Jack’s steady demeanor and calm voice helped the assembled group understand how, when, and why the information had been altered so long ago. How the isolated pack at León had unknowingly preserved the truth for generations, why the practice had recently been allowed at Gladstone, and what those assembled here today must agree upon.
“I consulted with Hezekiah Matson and others in the Afterworld, and most were unaware that we had forbidden turnings. Those who lied about the practice did so with good intentions, and assumed it would only be temporary until the purge of natural wolves had stopped. They all confirmed that turning humans is an ancient practice, given to us by Luna, and is to be used at our discretion.
“Given the nature of human society today, the practice holds both promise and incredible danger. You must decide if it is to be widely reintroduced, held in reserve for special cases, or banned from common practice. Luna has shown us in recent years that we must find ways to safely integrate with our human neighbors. The addition of more True Elders is one powerful arrow in our quiver, but the ability to safely turn a human is another.”
Evan then described the actual process and how things worked out for the unnamed recipients at Gladstone. He explainedthe necessity for a medical exam or questionnaire with each candidate and an in-depth interview with a True Elder before allowing someone to be turned. He and Jack fielded many questions, including one raised purposely by Everet Kern.
“I believe turning humans could be both useful and necessary, yet there is a darker side to the practice. For our benefit, would you explain the dangers and how we might overcome them?”
Evan deferred to Jack, knowing that his opinion carried more weight.
“Certainly, brother. As we know, some of Luna’s gifts have been used in ways that were never intended, such as the mistreatment of male Omegas and same-sex mates. Turning humans, however, presents opportunities for abuse that could reveal our true identity and result in the destruction of our people.
