Page 56 of Ascendant Moon (Gladstone Shifters #6)

There were only two things on Scooter’s mind at the moment, and listening to the final conference speaker wasn’t one of them.

Checking the wall clock every few seconds didn’t make time go by any faster either, and the yearning to leave made him antsy.

Home. He wanted—no, needed —to go home. He’d endured five days of hiding his true nature, pretending to be human with no opportunities to shift and run.

He missed the sights and smells of Gladstone, his packmates, the food, and even his job!

Something, or rather someone else called to him as well, though he couldn’t explain why.

He didn’t know Lincoln Hart, other than what Evan told him during their phone conversation.

Somehow, the stranger got under his skin and brought out a protective streak a mile wide.

Agitated since the initial phone call, his wolf demanded that they return and make sure the sweet, abused Omega was safe.

Beneath that was a simmering layer of desire that defied logic.

His attraction to men in general was now focused on Lincoln—a man he’d never even met!

Maybe it really did make sense, since Scooter’s occupation and experience with pack security predisposed him to protect others.

Not being present when Lincoln showed up only roused his natural curiosity and need to see for himself that the poor fellow was being cared for properly.

Surely that’s all this was, and yet his conclusion lacked conviction.

Some other force was at play here, leaving him confused and on edge.

Hopefully, Evan could sort it out once he got home, and that moment couldn’t come fast enough!

############

Not long after…

While the others mingled and conversed, Scooter tore out of the conference hall like a scalded cat the moment they were dismissed.

Even four flights of stairs didn’t slow him down as he raced to his room for a quick bathroom break and to grab his suitcase.

He was just about to go when the door opened and Tripp walked in with a relieved smile.

“I was hoping to catch you before you left. I’m glad to have met you, Scooter, and I can’t thank you enough for helping me meet Austin.”

Tripp’s scent revealed a friendly sincerity, and Scooter paused to say goodbye to his roomie.

“You’re a great guy, and I wish you the best. Are you and Austin going to keep seeing each other?”

Tripp’s pale, freckled cheeks flamed with heat.

“Yeah, we’re going to give it a try, anyway. It’s only an hour’s drive between us, and if it gets serious, he could easily find a job out my way. If you ever visit the island, be sure to ask for me at the station. I could be your free tour guide!”

Scooter gave him a warm smile and extended his hand.

“Sounds good. You take care now.”

Tripp surprised him by leaning in for a kiss on the cheek.

“I envy the lucky man who catches your eye.”

Red-faced, Scooter grabbed his things, waved goodbye, and left the hotel room. Five minutes later, he was on the highway heading home at last.

#############

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 a classic . 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 he needed 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 was supposed to 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!

############

Along Highway 2

Though Scooter’s wolf urged him to get there RIGHT NOW, a newly hired sheriff’s deputy could not be 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.

############

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.

############

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? Who was that? His wolf instantly urged him to find 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.

Lincoln is your mate.

Slow and easy.

Let your scent do its work.

Gentle touches.

Most had never witnessed him or Jack influencing another’s mind, and even the little ones stopped fussing while the scene unfolded.

Unfortunately, Scooter’s wolf resisted the ideas, more interested in knotting and claiming.

In the hushed silence of the packhouse, people watched as perspiration dripped from Evan’s face while he struggled to get through to the stubborn wolf.

It wasn’t surrender Evan sought, only compromise with Scooter’s human half.

The delay had given Lincoln a few moments to size up the man who his wolf recognized as his mate.

He was a Beta, though almost as big as an Alpha, and rippling with muscle.

Too much like Bruce—only… this man seemed different somehow, and he was pleasantly handsome.

No one else appeared to be threatened by him, and the majority of scents reflected love and happiness.

Lincoln had thought that a mate was the very last thing he’d ever want, but surprisingly, the idea wasn’t repugnant at all.

Evan detected a change in Lincoln’s scent about the time Scooter’s wolf gave up the fight for control. He released his friend, leading him over to the blanket for an introduction.

“Lincoln, this is Nate Scoon, your mate.”

A look of wonder and affection came over Scooter’s features, ignoring everyone else in the room. Lincoln’s scent was something of a mixed bag—apprehension, anticipation, and a good dose of curiosity. Scooter dropped to one knee, focusing on the beautiful wolf before him.

“ Mate.. . Lincoln. Don’t be afraid, sweetheart. I won’t ever hurt you. May I sit with you for the movie?”

Lincoln still looked dubious, and Evan made a suggestion that could break the ice.

“Scooter, why don’t you shift? I think your mate would be more comfortable if you were in wolf form.”