Page 90 of Ascendant Moon
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Gladstone, around 5 p.m.
Melva finished setting up the chairs as instructed, and then looked around to see what else needed to be done. She and Robert had become instant friends when Melva discovered their shared passion for films, wishing her former pack had been as forward-thinking. Movie Night was a terrific idea, and she couldn’t wait to enjoy the show with her new packmates. Over on the far wall, the security door leading to the Blair home opened wide, and in came Evan, Jonah, and Lincoln. Her friend trotted right up with a friendly yip, and she bent down to stroke his back.
"There you are! You’ll watch the film with us tonight, won’t you?”
Lincoln nodded agreeably as Evan answered for him.
“He’s going to sit with us, and you’re welcome to share our blanket, too.”
Melva’s face brightened considerably.
“Why, yes, I’d love to join your family. You know, I saw The Great Race at the theater way back when it was released. Goodness, that’s been almost six decades! How did I get so old?”
Robert heard the comment and walked over to give her a side hug.
“You’re not old, honey, you’re aclassic. Now, let me show you how to pop the corn.”
Thoroughly charmed, Melva went off to do Robert’s bidding, and Evan chose the perfect spot to spread out the blanket he was carrying, laying it closer to the main entrance than usual. He didn’t want Lincoln buried in the bowels of the room if heneeded to leave in a hurry during the film. He’d have to react on the fly when Scooter showed up, uncertain if the couple would head for the apartment or stay to watch. It could go either way, and all of his packmates would be here to witness it.
Everyone knew what wassupposedto happen tonight, but now that he thought about it, he needed to give Robert a quick word of warning. The film was scheduled to start at six o’clock, and based on Scooter’s ETA text earlier, he wouldn’t get home until half past or later. Evan stifled a chuckle. No matter how things played out, this was one Movie Night no one would forget!
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Along Highway 2
Though Scooter’s wolf urged him to get there RIGHT NOW, a newly hired sheriff’s deputy couldnotbe caught speeding. While growling didn’t really help, it gave his wolf a means of expressing his frustration while trapped in a moving car. This had been the longest journey of Scooter’s entire life, every minute seemingly slower than the last as he inched toward home. The dashboard clock read 6:27 p.m. by the time he reached the main entrance and slowed to stop at the yellow gates. The guard recognized both him and the vehicle, and waved him through with a cheery smile.
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Laughing along with everyone else, Evan jumped when the phone in his pocket vibrated with a text from the front gate.
>Scooter just arrived.
Evan put the phone away and opened the mind-link with Ben.
“Scooter’s on his way in. Warn Robert!”
Ben lifted his arm and waved at Robert with the pre-arranged signal. He received a sharp nod in response, though the movie continued playing for now. Evan was already whispering in Jonah’s ear.
“Crank up your scent. I need Lincoln calm.”
Jonah understood, settling closer to envelop him with soothing pheromones. With no time to lose, Evan turned toward Lincoln in the darkened room and used his mind to negate the Omega’s expected responses to Scooter’s presence.
Your mate is here.
He is kind and gentle.
Let go of your fear.
No harm, only love.
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Home! He was finally home! Scooter took the curvy road a bit faster than he should, eager to see everyone, get something to eat, and find Lincoln Hart. As he pulled into the parking lot, there didn’t seem to be anyone around, even though the sun was still up. Scooter left his bag in the car and got out, only to freeze as the most tantalizing smell wafted past his nose. What was that?Whowas that? His wolf instantly urged him tofind his mate, howling up a storm in his head.
Where? His nose told him to check the packhouse, but everyone else’s scent seemed to be there too. Scooter ran towards the main entrance, barely noticing the Movie Night Poster and dimmed interior lights. Nothing mattered but finding his mate, and he yanked the door open to step inside. Several things happened at once as the film stopped, people looked up expectantly, and the lights came on. Cutting through the miasma of scents, Scooter zeroed in on his mate and found him lying on a nearby blanket,head up and sniffing madly. Before he could get any closer, Evan stood to block the way, tendrils of thought worming their way into his mind.
