Page 4 of Abundant Moon
“The humans don’t know about us, but if they did, many of them would be afraid. Since we’re bigger and stronger, we could easily hurt them. That’s why you must never ever tell any humans what you are or shift in front of them unless it’s to save your life or protect someone. We have to keep it secret, always. Do you understand?”
Mitchell, as the family’s unofficial historian, nodded his messy dark head, a somber expression on his little face.
“Yes, I think so. We won’t tell.”
Sensing the importance of the lesson, the others all heartily agreed and the moment passed without further angst. Evan smiled; pleased with the way Garrett handled the situation and turned a fun story into an opportunity to learn something important. In all likelihood, they’d remember it better simply because it came from someone other than their parents.
Evan’s stomach growled at the same time an insistent beeping came from the kitchen. He sent Ben a quick warning through the mind-link before dispatching a messenger.
“Who wants to go get Daddy for lunch?”
Chapter 2
BEN’S OFFICE
The financials Zane delivered this morning were both interesting and encouraging. Income was up across the board and the new year promised to be even better. One of the most significant increases came from packlands rental income and home sales – freeing up a lot of cash for further investment and new projects. Some of it, reserved for the next round of construction in the spring, included more new homes and the Quads remodel project. The rest could be invested in any number of ways, and Ben already had feelers out.
A healthy pack required affordable housing and employment opportunities for its members. At the rate they were growing, more jobs would be needed soon. The city of Gladstone offered little for his people unless they wanted to start a business of their own. Ben decided to offer starter loans, and resolved to contact his real estate agent to keep him appraised of any viable opportunities in the area.
The phone interrupted his musings with a call from Tom Kilburn. He must have been looking over his own copy of Zane’s report.
“Tom! I was just studying the financials. The Kalkaska branch is performing way over our estimates, and I have you to thank.”
The man chuckled; his thunder stolen before uttering a word.
“I appreciate your confidence, boss, and the substantial bonus check Zane sent along. If you have a minute, there’s something else I wanted to discuss.”
Ben’s warning antenna started to quiver, wondering if a shoe were about to drop. He could neither see nor scent the man for obvious clues; one of the reasons he hated phone conversations.
“No problem. What’s on your mind?”
“To put it bluntly, we need to move back to Gladstone.”
Ben frowned at the unexpected pronouncement.
“Has something happened? Is the family all right?”
“Yes and no. The business is doing well and I have a great crew, but my family and I need our pack and Alpha. The kids are growing up and I can’t raise them properly all alone down here. I hope you understand.”
Ben winced at the true regret in Tom’s voice, realizing occasional visits to Gladstone would never have been enough. With no wolves in the lower peninsula, and hence no shifter packs, the Kilburns were alone in a sea of humans. Amazingly, it took fifteen months to broach the subject.
“I do understand, and I apologize for not acting sooner. I’m glad you said something, Tom, and I want to do what’s right for your family. If my suspicions are correct, you already have a proposal in mind, so spit it out and let’s discuss it.”
Relieved laughter told Ben he’d guessed it right.
