Page 41 of Forbidden Moon
Chapter 17
THE PACKHOUSE FLOORresembled a colorful patchwork quilt, with families and singles clustered together on blankets and rugs. To fit everyone in without undue crowding, Robert relocated all the furniture to the outside edges of the space. Tonight, the screen sat in front of the large fireplace, creating a more theater-like atmosphere.
As always, a constant undercurrent of conversation and comment accompanied the film’s soundtrack. An engaged audience watched with rapt attention as the classic story unfolded before them, eliciting laughter, boos, applause, and cheers. With its life aboard ships, strange aliens, weird planets, and wars in space, science fiction was antithetical to shifter life. Yet, the crowd understood and appreciated well-known themes of friendship, sacrifice, tragedy, and loss.
Moments after the Millennium Falcon escaped the Death Star, Robert paused the film for an intermission and brought up the lights. Excited discussion broke out all over while people used the restrooms, grabbed more popcorn, and answered children’s questions. Evie, strategically placed on Ben’s lap, patted her father’s knee.
“Daddy, why does Princess Leia have cinnamon rolls on her head?”
Evan stifled a laugh while Ben got himself under control and answered the question.
“Those aren’t cinnamon rolls, baby girl; they are big coils of her hair. Instead of one bun on the top of her head, she has one on each side.”
Evie considered this and then nodded as she came to a decision.
“May I have princess buns too, please?”
Evan decided to rescue his mate and volunteered to switch her ponytail to a Princess Leia configuration. With the help of scrunchies and clips, he managed to create two small blond buns. Evie ran off to show Robert and Ash, leaving laughter in her wake. While Evan went for more popcorn, Ben and the boys slipped through the connecting door to their home and used the restroom.
When they returned to the packhouse, Lilly Howell left the family’s spot on the floor and approached him.
“I wanted to thank you for inviting all of us tonight. My family has never done this before, and we’re having a great time! I’m wondering why Jonah isn’t here. He promised to meet us and save seats, but I haven’t seen him.”
Ben growled, eyes briefly flashing amber.
“I don’t know, Lilly. He never misses movie night, so I’m not sure what to tell you.”
Evan hurriedly picked his way through the crowd, arriving at Ben’s side in time to provide the answer—and hopefully calm and distract his mate.
“I guess his errand took longer than he expected. I’m sure he’ll be disappointed to have missed you.”
Lilly shrugged and thanked him before returning to her waiting family. Ben, however, wasn’t satisfied.
“Where is he? Did he give a reason for not being here?”
Evan projected calming thoughts while he responded.
“I told you earlier, babe. He went on an errand and hoped to be back in time for the film. I honestly don’t know where he is.”
Ben knew Evan was telling him the truth, though he let loose with another annoyed growl.
“I’ve had enough of his weird behavior. He and I are having a little chat first thing tomorrow morning.”
Evan merely nodded, now busy resettling the kids before the film resumed. Ben pulled out his phone and sent Jonah a text.
>I want to see you in my office before breakfast tomorrow. NO EXCUSES!”
Evan continued his surreptitious intervention, soothing Ben’s annoyance and reminding him of his love for Jonah. Now back in her Daddy’s lap, Evie Rae turned a quizzical look on her True Elder Papa before snuggling closer to Ben. If his mate noticed anything at all, he’d most likely chalk it up to his daughter’s calming scent. Exactly what Evan wanted him to think
