“What does ‘up a notch’ entail?”
“We’re going on a little trip,” Omar says, vaguely.
“Might need a little more info.”
“Okay cuz, don’t get too excited. We’re trekking out to this rock circle. It’s wicked cool. Super sacred. Takes a few hours to get there. Yoki’s already on their way to get everything set up. I’m here to escort you.”
Jasper steps forward. “You’re escorting him where exactly?”
Omar tilts his head, looking confused that his message isn’t quite coming across, then points to the desert. “Out there!”
“No way,” Jasper says, pulling on my hand ever so slightly, making me step backward.
“Don’t worry, muchacho. Max will be completely safe. Yoki will be there. I’ll be there.”
“Exactly what I’m concerned about,” Jasper mumbles so only I can hear.
“Look, it’s sort of a big deal. Not everyone gets to visit this sacred site or participate in this ritual.”
“Ritual?” I ask.
“Yeah, it’s called a moonwalk.”
“Like the…like the dance?”
Omar laughs. “Not exactly. We head out to a spot where the lunar energy is vibing and Yoki performs a ritual and you go on a little journey.”
“Where?” Jasper asks, almost growling.
“The lunar plane,” Omar says, throwing his hands up like we’re the ones being super annoying.
But suddenly I understand what he’s saying. “Whoa. You mean Yoki is going to help me access the lunar plane?”
“Yes, and while you’re there you’ll go on a journey and learn all about yourself and hopefully get to know your blood-wolf self at the same time. Figure out what’s got you blocked and all that. At least, that’s the plan.”
“How long does this take?” Jasper asks.
“I’ll have him back by tomorrow morning.”
“You’re camping out overnight?!” Jasper’s face is beginning to turn red.
“We just need a moment,” I call over my shoulder to Omar as I pull Jasper aside.
“You can’t be seriously thinking of going out into the desert with that guy,” Jasper says.
“Jasper.” I use my most clipped tone so he knows I’m not messing around. “I need to do this. Something has been blocking me and this might be the best way to figure out how to stop it.” He crosses his arms and looks petulantly anywhere except my face. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” He rolls his eyes. “Not many wolves get to experience this.” He twists his foot in the sand. “I’m going to visit the lunar plane! I need to do this!”
Finally, he huffs and stops avoiding eye contact.
“It’s a bad idea.”
“What is? Me going into the desert with Omar or leaving you here alone with the rogues?”
“Both,” he says, full-on pouting.
“Remember what we said about trust.”
“I trust you,” he says. “Just not him.”
