Page 110 of Forbidden Moon
Chapter 42
EN ROUTE TO ARIZONA, late Saturday afternoon
At thirteen thousand feet, a small commuter aircraft winged its way from Albuquerque to Window Rock. Weary, Walter paid no heed to the lack of creature comforts, noise, and the overly-perfumed woman sitting next to him. The flight wouldn’t last much longer, especially with his mind busy recounting the last few days at Gladstone. He’d enjoyed every minute with his friends and their pack, even with Sunday’s expected attack hanging over their heads.
Aside from Jonah’s new mate, Walter was quite possibly the only human privileged to know anything about shifters. He considered it a profound responsibility which both humbled and fascinated him. His relationship with Jack and William resulted from a connection forged generations ago by Gray Feather and Hezekiah Matson. He liked to think his famous ancestor would be pleased to know that the link between two extraordinary peoples still existed.
With Jack’s blessing, he could now pass down the family secret to his grandson, Gray. He would wait for a suitable time and hope the two of them might return to Gladstone together, enabling Gray to experience the wonder of their world for himself. He’d learned much in a few short days, met some wonderful people, and received a taste of pack life with a quick run around the lake, surrounded by wolves. Unforgettable!
Jack’s people were strong, intelligent, and enjoyed ironclad bonds which humans only dreamed of. He admired their curiosity, kindness, and ever-present sense of humor—even in the face of daunting circumstances. Though unexpected, he’d also enjoyed a small role in righting the wrongs caused by Dominic’s blog, hopefully putting an end to the dangerous threat of exposure. If only it were possible for them to live openly in the world! They might be the agents of change humanity so desperately needed.
Between flight time and the layovers in Chicago and Albuquerque, it had been a long day. As the plane prepared for landing, Walter began thinking ahead to the tasks before him. While he’d missed his wife, he itched to get his hands on the new artwork and finish the Gray Feather exhibition. He wanted everything to be perfect for the opening and make Katrine and Mandy’s visit count.
All the same, he worried about the coming confrontation and the safety of his Gladstone friends. Though Jack assured him they were well-prepared, nothing was foolproof. True Elders wielded incredible power, but even he admitted the complexity of the human mind and the dangerous instability of people like Russell Hook. Walter knew he wouldn’t fully relax until it ended, which probably meant a sleepless night and an anxious tomorrow.
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PACKHOUSE, SATURDAYevening
The Surveillance Hub’s subdued lighting lent an artificial calm to those gathered for the meeting. The only way to include Artem and Robyn was to gather here while they watched over their equipment, ready to spot any late-night intrusions. Ben, Evan, Jack, Caleb, and Oscar squeezed into the room on a string of chairs while the flickering security screens reflected off their faces in the cramped space.
Given the uncertainty of tomorrow, the unavoidably somber mood went beyond mere worry. Each person here understood the gravity of their situation and the importance of working together to defeat their enemy. In modern times, no pack had been attacked by humans in broad daylight, and the risks to life and limb could not be underestimated. While Jack reminded them all of Luna’s consistent care and protection, they must take action and defend themselves. Ben spoke with a quiet passion.
“We’ve done everything we can to prepare, and now we wait. We not only defend our homes and families, we fight for the right to exist in peace. What’s happening here could just as easily be happening somewhere else, and the rest of our people are counting on us to end the threat of exposure. We won’t disappoint them.
“The humans may have guns, but we have weapons they know nothing about. I’m confident we can do this, and when it’s over, we’ll be free. Now, go home and get some rest. I’ll see all of you here early for breakfast before we take our places.”
The group filed out, even as Artem and Robyn’s replacements arrived for the night shift. Ben took himself home, eager to love on his mate. Evan and Jack would be required to risk themselves to pull off the needed victory. He hated the idea of placing them anywhere near the danger, but it couldn’t be helped, and his wolf paced restlessly.
He stepped through the door to his home and straight into Evan’s waiting arms, exactly where he needed to be. Leadership exacted a price, and right now, Ben drew much-needed strength from his beautiful mate. Even without the mind-link, Evan understood, leading Ben into the bedroom where they shed the outside world and its troubles. Fully submerged in their bond, nothing existed here except one another.
####
IN HUMAN HOMES SCATTEREDall over the area, preparations took place for the big day. Wives and girlfriends were told only that a hunting trip was planned, as Russell warned against saying anything about their true mission. Their women would find out what they accomplished along with the rest of the world, and it would be glorious.
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JONAH AWOKE WITH Astart as RJ’s troubled scent reached his sensitive nose. His mate needed comfort, and he would give it as he must, for his Omega nature demanded a response. He reached for RJ in the dark while filling the room with his calming scent.
“What is it, Rascal? Talk to me.”
RJ released a deep sigh and pulled Jonah closer, nose buried in the crook of his neck.
“I didn’t mean to wake you. I’m worried, and I want to help defend the pack with everyone else.”
Jonah wasn’t surprised. It bruised his ego to be excluded from the front lines and told to remain at Jonah’s side—tucked away somewhere safe. He must help his mate understand.
“Omegas are never allowed to fight, and because we’re newly mated, your place is with me. I’ll have my hands full keeping people calm, and I could never do it if you were out there and in danger.”
Silence, followed by a reluctant grunt of acceptance.
