Chapter 2 #3
“Exactement,” Sebastian agreed, his gaze drifting to Penny with undisguised triumph. “We could create educational displays about the area’s historical fashion evolution, yes? Perhaps offer costume consultations for community members or visitors who want to participate in the contest?”
The way he looked at Penny was definitely predatory—maybe not dangerous, but absolutely hunting. His amber eyes lingered on the graceful line of Penny’s neck where his vintage scarf had shifted.
The attention made my best friend’s scent sweeten with an attraction he was clearly trying to hide.
Victor noticed immediately, of course. His blue eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to Sebastian, one hand settling possessively on his husband’s lower back in an obvious warning signal.
“Sebastian has very… enthusiastic ideas about collaboration,” Victor said, his voice carrying multiple layers of meaning. He locked eyes with his husband, his tight smile revealing the tips of his sharp incisors. “Sometimes he gets quite carried away by inspiration.”
The challenge was unmistakable. This wasn’t really about the fashion exhibit—this was about whatever ongoing power struggle they were dealing with in their marriage.
Only, they were putting my friend directly in the crossfire.
“I’m sure we can all maintain professional focus,” Sebastian replied, meeting Victor’s gaze with defiance.
“Wonderful!” Mrs. Henderson declared, completely missing the subtext swirling around her.
She paused, pen hovering over her clipboard as she looked between Dominic and me with a speculative gleam.
“Speaking of wonderful developments, should we be expecting any wedding bells soon? You two seem so perfectly matched!”
I felt heat rush to my cheeks as my scent probably spiked with embarrassment. Through the bond, I sensed Dominic’s amusement at my flustered reaction.
“The holiday season is keeping us both very busy,” Dominic said smoothly, his voice warm with just the right amount of deflection. “But you’ll be among the first to know.”
“Of course, of course,” she said with a knowing wink. “But when you two are ready, the district would love to help plan something special! Leo is family and we’d very much want to celebrate such a happy occasion with him.”
She turned her attention to the room at large, probably searching for her next victim. “Well, now, I’ll leave you all to work out the details.”
As she bustled away with renewed energy, the five of us were left standing in an awkward cluster.
“We should discuss timeline and logistics,” Sebastian said, breaking the tension.
“My family’s estate would be the most practical location.” Victor’s tone shifted to professional efficiency, though his standoffish body language remained unchanged. “We have storage areas in both the attic and basement filled with clothing dating back generations.”
“C’est parfait,” Sebastian agreed. “Boxes and boxes of historical pieces that could provide inspiration and context.”
Victor’s expression remained carefully neutral, but something sharp flickered in his wintry gaze. “Of course, working in dusty storage areas can be quite… demanding. Lots of heavy lifting, cramped spaces, and items that haven’t been properly catalogued. Some people might find it overwhelming.”
The polite aggression was unmistakable—a clear attempt to discourage Penny from participating. I watched as my friend’s spine straightened with stubborn determination.
“I’ve worked with vintage pieces in less-than-ideal conditions before,” Penny replied sweetly. “A little dust and disorganization doesn’t intimidate me.”
Oh, Penny, no! My temples throbbed as I fought to keep my expression neutral.
“Leo,” Sebastian added, turning to me with what appeared to be genuine enthusiasm, “there’ll be plenty of vintage shoes as well as clothing. If we find anything interesting in storage, you’ll have first claim on footwear.”
A smile tugged at my lips. “I appreciate that.”
Sebastian’s hands came together in a sharp clap. “Now, how about we pick a time to meet at Le Chateau Fairfax? How does tomorrow afternoon sound?”
“That works for me,” Penny said with forced brightness, lifting his chin with that characteristic stubborn pride I know all too well.
Victor’s jaw tightened, but he managed a polite nod. “Four o’clock then.”
As the two alphas walked away together, I noticed the rigid set of Victor’s shoulders and the way his hand remained possessively on Sebastian’s back. Their conversation resumed immediately, voices too low to hear but body language clearly indicating disagreement.
“Well,” Penny said with theatrical flair, “this should be absolutely delightful. Nothing like working with someone who can’t stand you.”
Dominic’s protective instincts sharpened immediately. “If you’re truly uncomfortable with the arrangement, I could find a way to—”
“I can handle it,” Penny interrupted, his chin lifting with mulish determination. “Besides, it’s for the district. I’m not going to let anyone intimidate me out of contributing to our community celebration.”
“Come on,” I said, linking my arm through Penny’s. “Let’s get some hot chocolate and figure out how to survive whatever Mrs. Henderson has set in motion.”
Penny’s laugh carried a brittle edge. “Okay, but I think I’m going to need extra marshmallows to survive this.”