Page 95 of Forbidden Moon
Nearly out of patience, RJ snapped.
“Then explain it! Or are humans too stupid to understand?”
Ben let slip a sharp growl, and RJ backed down.
“We spend our entire lives keeping our true selves a secret. Wemustdo it, or we would not survive. As a Black, gay man, you already know the world hates differences. They want conformity, predictability,sameness. Anyone who doesn’t fit in the box paints a target on their back.
“Recently, a blogger named Birdman witnessed some of us shifting and threatened to expose us to the world. The site attracted a reader named YooperTrooper, who claimed to know who Birdman was talking about. It turns out the guy runs a local militia group, and they’re the ones behind the recent incursions here and in town. They want proof that we really are shifters before taking action. When you were assaulted, they got it.
“We fully expect them to attack, and we’ll do everything in our power to stop them. Otherwise, we’re dead, and not only here but in many other places. Frankly, you, too, are a threat since you know what we are. Thousands of lives hang in the balance, and unfortunately, your relationship with Jonah also putsyouin danger.”
Chastened, RJ’s scent revealed a heady mix of confusion, desire, and fear. He looked up at Jonah and saw the pleading in his eyes. It nearly broke him, and he stood up, looking for his keys. Evan handed them over.
“I need time to think. I care for you, Jonah, but I don’t know if I can do this or be what you want. Maybe you’re better off with someone else.”
Broken-hearted, Jonah sought refuge in Evan’s arms. RJ turned towards Ben.
“Am I allowed to leave?”
Ben stood and nodded.
“We won’t try to force you, RJ, but know this—Jonah’s love is true, and we want you to be part of our family. Please don’t throw it all away.”
RJ swallowed hard and walked out the door, leaving his mate behind.
Chapter 37
CALEB AND OSCAR LISTENEDquietly as Ben described the park incident and what it meant for the pack. Their scents revealed equal measures of worry and anger, along with a desire to permanently silence the humans behind it all. Ben completely understood their feelings, but cool heads and clear thinking were needed to keep them safe and remove the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads. He asked for their opinions, and Caleb spoke first.
“Our immediate problem is an attack of some kind, now that the Michigan Foresters have the evidence they wanted. It will be difficult to prepare when we don’t know how many are involved, when they might show up, or what they intend to do. We already know they’re armed and want us dead.
“This is nothing like defending ourselves from Wilburn’s people last year. We fought them wolf to wolf and were able to keep their deaths a secret. If Russell Hook and his men come in here shooting and we fight back, many of them may die. We won’t be able to hide the evidence or even explain why the militia group came after us in the first place.”
Oscar’s grim expression told Ben he agreed with Caleb’s assessment.
“It’s the worst of both worlds. Even if none of Hook’s men spill the beans about us, which we certainly can’t count on, pack members face official scrutiny, legal issues, and possibly prison time. The Preserve’s ruined reputation would mean the end of the Gladstone pack and the total disruption of everyone’s lives. Even if we manage to keep the secret, there will be nothing left here to salvage.”
Ben closed his eyes, scent full of anger, pain, and grief. He simply couldn’t fathom losing everything he’d built here. What would happen to his mate and children? How would his pack members rebuild their lives? Was this the end of everything they’d created? Ben set aside the gnawing despair in his belly and turned to his advisors.
“Options, gentlemen, and don’t hold back—I want to hear them.”
Caleb felt sick even suggesting it.
“Evacuate Gladstone before anything happens, sell the land, and start fresh somewhere else. I’m sure Alpha Sheppard would provide any help we might need.”
