Chapter 35 Grapes, Glamour, And Grumpy Alphas #3
He pauses, lowering his camera slightly as something occurs to him. His gaze sweeps over me—over my outfit, my accessories, my general presentation—and his eyes go wide.
"Wait. Are you wearing D&G?"
I glance down at myself, momentarily forgetting what I'd put on this morning. The outfit I'd chosen—a beautiful ensemble from the new collection that hadn't even launched yet—suddenly feels very significant.
"Oh. Um." I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear nervously. "Yes? It's from the new line. The one they're promoting with this campaign."
Marcus's jaw actually drops. The production manager appears at his elbow, followed by several other crew members who've apparently been eavesdropping.
"How did you get access to that?" the manager demands.
"That collection doesn't release for another three months.
Even industry insiders have limited access. "
I feel my cheeks burning. Julian's hand tightens protectively on my hip.
"I'm, um." I clear my throat, forcing myself to meet their eyes.
"I'm from the Carlisle lineage. My mother is close friends with one of the fashion directors at D&G.
We receive advance collections for promotional purposes—have for years.
" I shrug, trying to seem casual despite my racing heart.
"I thought wearing something from the line would be supportive of my Alpha.
I didn't realize it would be significant. "
Silence. Every single person within earshot is staring at me with varying degrees of shock.
The Carlisle name carries weight. I forget that sometimes, after years of trying to distance myself from everything it represents. But in certain circles—fashion, high society, old money—it opens doors that would otherwise remain firmly closed.
Marcus recovers first. He turns to the production manager, then to someone who's clearly in charge of the creative direction, then back to me. "This is... this changes things."
"How so?" Julian asks, his voice carefully neutral.
"She could be in the photoshoot." Marcus says it like he's just discovered the solution to world peace. "The authentic dynamic, the real relationship, the brand connection through her family—this is exactly what the campaign needs. Real romance. Real chemistry. Real D&G heritage."
He approaches me slowly, almost reverently, and actually bows. "If you'd be comfortable, of course. Only if you're willing. No pressure whatsoever."
No pressure, he says, while an entire crew holds their collective breath waiting for my answer.
I glance at Julian, searching his face for guidance. He looks... hopeful? Cautious? Something in between that makes my heart race.
"As long as it helps my Alpha," I say finally, a smile tugging at my lips, "I'm fine with it." I turn back to Julian and blink up at him with exaggerated sweetness. "Right, Alpha?"
The flush returns to his cheeks. "Only if she's genuinely comfortable," he says, his voice firm despite his pink ears. "And if anyone—" his gaze sweeps the gathered crew with unmistakable warning, "—intimidates her or makes her uncomfortable in any way, we're done. Immediately. Non-negotiable."
"Absolutely," Marcus agrees quickly. "Of course.
Completely understood." He's already gesturing to his team, his earlier frustration transformed into manic creative energy.
"Let's reset for the couple shots! Someone get the wardrobe team—actually, no, her outfit is perfect as is.
Makeup team, let's just do a touch-up. And somebody tell the other model we're going in a different direction! "
The set erupts into motion. Somewhere in the background, I hear a feminine gasp—the other Omega, Lily, presumably being informed that her services are no longer required. Her manager's voice rises in sharp protest before being hushed and pulled toward the exit.
I should probably feel bad about that. But honestly, I'm too busy trying not to panic about the fact that I just agreed to model in a professional D&G campaign with approximately zero preparation.
A makeup artist materializes at my side, already assessing my face with professional intensity. "Your skin is amazing," she says, pulling out a touch-up kit. "Just a little powder to cut the shine, maybe some lip color to match the outfit..."
I let her work, staying perched on Julian's lap because no one has told me to move and he certainly hasn't released his grip on my waist.
"Are you okay with this?" Julian asks quietly, his voice pitched for my ears only. "Truly? You don't have to do this just because they asked. I can shut it down right now."
I consider the question seriously. Professional modeling? Not something I ever imagined doing. Being photographed alongside Julian for a major fashion campaign? Completely insane.
But also... kind of exciting? The spontaneity of it, the unexpectedness, the way it all fell into place like some kind of chaotic destiny.
"I love spontaneous things," I tell him, and I mean it. "Life's too short for careful planning all the time." I wink at him. "Besides, I get to spend the day being paid to look at you adoringly. That's basically my default state anyway—might as well get compensated for it."
His eyes crinkle with genuine amusement. He leans in, pressing a light kiss to the corner of my mouth—careful not to smudge my freshly applied lip color—and whispers against my skin.
"Thank you, our Sweet Omega."