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“Bear, Ellie, for you and your new pack, what’s in store for the Winter Pack?” Candace questioned.
Using my name was probably meant as an insult. We never talked about what name we would go by, it was only because of the show that we referred to the other packs that way. Despite her best efforts my alphas both remained unaffected, offering me a wink when I turned their way.
This time, it was Bear who answered. He was full of confidence and happiness as he spoke.
“We’re going to live our best lives together. Ellie and I have found exactly where we belong in the world and we intend to soak up every second we can with our pack and our growing family. Neither one of useverintend to return to TV.”
Ellie
The smell of fresh popcorn filled the air as we walked into one of the last movie rental stores in existence. Lockwood loved to hold onto nostalgia and I certainly wasn’t complaining. It felt like the epitome of adulthood, having a tradition like Friday movie nights.
My stomach rumbled as we made our way toward the back wall that held the new releases. I genuinely loved this place. Not only did the baby love popcorn, but it was one of those weird things that I always dreamed we could do as a kid. Of course, family movies weren’t exactly something our parents gave into.
Now it was one of my pack’s favorite date nights in. Or maybe they liked it because it made me so happy. Now that the pregnancy cravings had kicked in fully, popcorn was at the top of my list.
“Two large popcorns again, kids?” Stanley, the owner, called out when we walked in the door. He was my second favorite old man in town. Walter would always be the top.
“You know it,” I answered, giving him a bright smile. He always threw in extra popcorn just for me.
The social media storm that followed the reunion episode had finally died down and it felt like life was truly normal for once.
There was only one small hiccup. Morgan and my parents were still in town. They kept their distance as if they were biding their time for something. I just wished I knew what. At this point, I was growing impatient. They were the one last hitch in our happiness.
“So, we know the baby is craving popcorn, but what kind of movie are you wanting to watch?” Dean asked.
“Something funny,” I started. “Wait, no, that’s a lie. I want to watch a scary movie.” Again I paused, tapping my chin as I thought it over. “You know what, let’s just grab a mix.”
“We’ll make a weekend out of it,” he promised. “No worries. May as well make use of that huge nest. We need to just install a theater screen at this point.”
We browsed the shelves, picking out a few new releases and then hit the candy section before finally throwing everything on the counter by Stanley. My eyes widened as he laid two large bags of popcorn down. We’d done this for a few weeks but this week the bags were twice the size.
He laughed at my reaction.
“Well, when I heard my popcorn was a pregnant omega special I had to invest in bigger bags.” A pregnant omega waddled our way. She was sporting the shop’s uniform and munching on popcorn from another large bag. When she reached Stanley’s side he gave her a hug.
“You’re not the only one. I think my daughter works here for the perks,” he teased, giving her a wink.
“Cheers,” was all she offered as she popped another handful in her mouth. From the swell of her very pregnant belly I’d say she was getting closer to the end of her pregnancy.
“Congrats,” I told her as I grabbed my bag and let Dean pay.
“You, too,” she said with a smile. Stanley bagged up our movies and treats before handing them over.
“Just bring them back Friday when you come back,” he teased. “I’ll have the popcorn hot and ready for you.”
“You’re my hero,” I told him before Dean led me out of the shop. “Have I mentioned lately that I love Lockwood?”
“Only a time or two,” he said with a chuckle.
My happiness drained the moment we stepped outside and I spotted Morgan and my mother walking across Main Street. They were heading right for the inn and I handed my popcorn off to Dean after one last bite.
Determination filled me. I was ready to cross this final bridge and move on with my life.
“I have one more thing to take care of. Please just wait for me here?” I begged. Dean looked reluctant at best but nodded once.
“Only if I can wait in the lobby,” he offered. “I’m not trying to get killed by Collin or Ezra tonight.”
“Deal,” I agreed. We waited for a break in the traffic before hurrying across the road. I entered the lobby just as my mom and Morgan were turning the corner to the first floor hallway.
