Page 46 of Abundant Moon
Robyn signaled them with a yip, and they crowded into the bedroom to find her pacing the floor, teats full of milk and panting. Jack and William scented her up and down, rubbing up against her on both sides as they kept their mate company. It wouldn’t be terribly long now, and Jonah found a seat on the bed, filling the room with his calming scent.
Chapter 25
SHOWTIME
Robert stood just inside the packhouse doors, ready to greet the first guests. He looked striking in his fifties-era usher’s uniform of red pants and jacket with gold buttons and epaulets, topped by a round, red, bill-less cap. Behind him were the main characters of Beauty, played by seventeen year old Susan Metcalf, and the Beast, an unrecognizable and unhappy Ash.
“Are you ready? It’s time to open the doors!”
Susan, beautiful in her off-shoulder, bell-shaped gown and long white gloves, merely nodded. Ash growled at his mate, voice muffled behind the intricate mask.
“You’re going to pay for this, Robbie!”
“Hush now, babe. You’re supposed to be afriendlyBeast. Remember? And don’t call me Robbie.”
Robert opened the door, allowing his chilled guests to enter the “theater”. It certainly smelled right with the scent of buttered popcorn heavy in the air. Colorful framed posters rested on easels – reproductions from the original Disney film run. The lights were dimmed for ambiance as the guests looked around in wonder at the transformed space. Rows of chairs, with a center aisle, took up the back two thirds of the room, with seating on the floor at the very front and sides. It was the two costumed characters who enjoyed the most attention, looking much like those in the posters.
Ash played his part well – growling at the kids and handing out bags of popcorn. Meanwhile, Susan bowed and welcomed everyone to the show; blushing when her father twirled her around to show off the dress. Ben and Evan arrived with their little ones in tow; gob smacked by the metamorphosis of the packhouse. The kids didn’t know what a real theater looked like, nor had they ever encountered people in costume before. As they moved deeper into the room, Evan paused to encourage Robert.
“This is amazing! You went to a lot of effort here, and I can tell people are already having a good time. Be prepared for requests, because I suspect this is going to be a regular thing from now on.”
When the family reached Ash in his costume, the children weren’t quite sure what to do. On cue, he growled at the twins. They growled back and asked for popcorn. Evie looked up at him with wide eyes.
“I know who you are, but I won’t tell!”
The room filled quickly with a happy, laughing crowd, all talking or munching on popcorn as they found places to sit. Precisely at seven, the lights went out and the film began to play. The first-ever Gladstone movie night was off to a smooth start.
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ROBYN WHINED, PASSINGthe plug with shaky legs. Jonah moved in to clean it up as her mates licked face and ears, tails wagging. They all knew birth was imminent now and only a matter of time. Robyn lay down in her comfy nest with Jack and William on either side; close by without limiting her movements. No doubt she would resume her pacing soon enough, but for now she seemed to be handling the unfamiliar sensations well.
Jonah checked the stack of clean cloths, ready to help wipe down the pups or dispose of the afterbirth. There were bowls nearby for when Robyn felt like eating or drinking, and a space heater if the room wasn’t warm enough. They were well-prepared to welcome the little ones whenever her body was ready. He leaned down to speak to her without getting close enough to upset her mates.
“You’re doing great, Robyn. It won’t be long now, and there’s nothing to worry about. You and the pups are safe and we aren’t going anywhere.”
Robyn cocked her head and yipped softly at him. She appreciated his encouragement, as well as his scent, though her wolf shared the contentment for different reasons. With a proper nest, mates nearby, and no external threats, what more could a wolf want?
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AS SUSPECTED, THE SCENEwhere Belle’s father is chased by a pack of vicious wolves did not sit well with the lupine viewers. Evie and her brothers complained loudly while others booed, all mixed with growling and a sour scent. The moment passed quickly as the crowd got caught up in the musical numbers and Belle’s budding relationship with the surly Beast. Halfway through, Robert stopped the film for an intermission and brought up the lights. He, Ash, and Susan mingled with guests as they used the restroom, grabbed more popcorn, and tended to their children.
After a three minute warning, the film began again. At the back of the room, Ash leaned over to whisper in his mate’s ear.
“They love it, babe, and I’m proud of you. You still owe me for this damn costume, though. I’m going to punish your ass when we get home.”
