Chapter 6 Small Moments.and Texts
Chapter six
Small Moments...and Texts
Ivy
Half the corps group had been released for the moment, meaning I had a little break to myself Tuesday morning. I found a secluded spot in the hallway and sat down, pulling out my tablet and settling in to read more omega literature.
Dr. Laughlin had sent me more information on alpha/omega pack dynamics, along with changes I should be experiencing. It all felt like I was stepping into a completely unknown dating world filled with these rules and instinctual responses.
As I read, a faint scent grew closer, slowly catching my nose. A small smile spread across my face, knowing at any moment, Preston would be near me.
Sure enough, he rounded the corner and paused, smiling down at me. I glanced up over my tablet, raising one of my eyebrows curiously.
“Want to join me?” I asked, patting the carpet next to me. My stomach flipped in excitement as he sat down. “How did you find me?”
He tapped his nose in reply. “I’m a trained dog, apparently. Also, I…” He shook his head as his words trailed off.
“What?” I asked, bumping into him playfully with my shoulder. “What were you going to say?”
“I kind of keep tabs on you in the building,” he said with a shrug. “I’m calmer if I know where you are. I’m sorry if that’s weird.” His beautiful, intense green eyes connected with mine, drawing me in.
I shook my head, unable to reply as my voice left me. “I get it,” I managed to squeak out, earning a smile from him. He looked down at my tablet.
“What are you reading?” he asked.
“Dr. Laughlin’s been giving me a lot of reading material on—” I lowered my voice to a whisper— “omega stuff.”
“Oh! Are you like an expert now?” He jokingly asked.
“Definitely not, but it’s been nice to have a point of reference for what I’m experiencing, which apparently I should have gone through like ten years ago,” I said with a laugh, slightly embarrassed.
“You just wanted to skip puberty while the rest of us suffered,” Preston teased as he leaned a little closer to look at my screen. “So what are you reading about right now?”
I blushed a tad. So much of the reading was about sexual relations with a pack. None of that would be an appropriate hallway conversation at work. I skimmed back to an earlier chapter.
“This section was really cool. It talked about some unique side effects of the pack bonding,” I said, showing him a picture from my screen. “Apparently, the stronger the scent-match within a pack, the more unique and interesting effects the pack experiences."
“Whoa, that’s cool. I’d known most bonded packs sensed each other’s emotions, but what else is there?” he asked, scooting a little closer to me.
“Well, one pack could explore each other’s dreams at night,” I said, pointing to a part in the chapter.
“Holy shit, really?” he gasped. “That would be weird.”
“Yeah, and this pack could share each other’s pain. That would be hard for us as dancers,” I said.
His brows furrowed as he replied. “That would be difficult, though I guess we’d know when one of us was overdoing it.”
“That’s true,” I said. “These are like superpowers almost. I wonder what we’ll…” I trailed off. Was I presuming too much here? None of us had talked about bonding, and maybe this whole pack thing wouldn’t work out for me. I shook my head as I scrolled through the pages.
“We'd totally have a superpower. Our scent-match is so strong,” Preston said, leaning in a little closer to me. His enthusiasm was certainly contagious.
Preston turned his head, glancing up and down the hallway before looking back at me.
“Ivy, do you mind if I…” Before I could question him, he brushed his cheek against mine.
I giggled slightly at the contact. “Scent-marking me? I thought you’d had your fill yesterday when I slobbered all over your neck.”
“Unfortunately, the three jerks I call packmates made me shower this morning,” Preston said, touching his neck. “But if you’d like to reapply your scent, I’ll gladly comply and sit still for you.”
The sound of laughter down the hall forced Preston and me to separate, much to my disappointment. Adrienne and one of the soloists, Nerissa, were joking with each other as they slowly walked towards us.
“Hey Preston!” Adrienne called out before her eyes landed on me. “Oh, and what was your name again?”
My stomach knotted as I cleared my throat, forcing a reply. “Ivy.”
“Right, Ivy…” Adrienne turned her attention back to Preston. “We’re taking five, then you’ll need to be in the second studio with Isaac for your solo.”
Adrienne sat down next to Preston and leaned across him, looking at me. “Have you and Lukas gone out on a date yet?”
My heart paused in my chest. “I…what? Why would you ask that?” I stammered. Did she see the three of us last night at the diner?
Adrienne turned towards Preston, resting her hand on his knee. “Ivy and Lukas were really cute together at the Sunday party, dancing and such. I’m pretty sure they have a thing for each other.”
My eyes traveled to where her hand touched Preston. With my fists clenched by my side, it took all my power not to swat her hand away, screaming.
As if reading my discomfort, Preston shot up off the floor, knocking Adrienne’s hand away. “Who wouldn’t like Lukas? He’s the sexiest pack member.”
“Are you bi now?” Adrienne laughed.
“Got to stay warm at night somehow,” he awkwardly joked. I could sense his discomfort being near Adrienne, which, surprisingly, made me feel more secure. He glanced between her and me. “Anyways, off to rehearsals. Thanks for the cat videos, Ivy.”
“Anytime,” I said as he took off down the hallway.
Adrienne watched him walk away before turning her attention back to me.
“Don’t mistake Preston’s nice guy routine for affection.
He’s nice to everyone. And I was wrong on Sunday—you and Lukas would be cute together.
” Adrienne stood and beckoned Nerissa to follow as they walked down the hallway, back to the studio.
My body was extremely agitated, and the only reason why I could think of was her touching Preston.
That wasn't very fair of me. I couldn't be possessive of him like that.
Preston and Adrienne had been dancing together for years before I showed up, and they'd most likely continue to do so.
I couldn't expect him not to dance with other girls, so I was going to need to find a way to accept this situation.
I reflected on Adrienne's comment with Lukas and me. She was clearly threatened when she saw Preston and me together. I shook my head as I thought about her second warning to me as well. Unlike Sunday, her comment didn’t faze me as much.
Preston was a nice guy, but his body language was very clear.
Why couldn’t Adrienne see it? What would happen when Adrienne found out about us?
Glancing down at my watch, I realized my break was over, and I needed to return to rehearsals.
***
By Tuesday afternoon, mental fatigue was setting in.
Not only was I learning a ton of new choreography in a short amount of time, but I was also very tired from getting little sleep.
After my date with Preston and Lukas yesterday, we stayed up late, texting jokes to each other.
As the night wore on, Isaac joined in with far more explicit jokes, which I secretly liked.
Eventually, Demetrius had to tell us all to go to bed so we could get enough sleep, not before sending off one last joke to end the night himself.
I stood in rehearsals, listening to Steven and trying my best not to yawn as he worked with the boys' corps parts.
At the front of the room, Lukas was sitting on the floor with his camera, though he was no longer taking pictures.
His head rested on a chair, propped up by one elbow as he shut his eyes.
If he started snoring, I knew I would laugh.
At the five-minute break, the dancers cleared out of the room, chatting and rushing to use the restroom.
I reached into my bag and pulled out a hair tie, then discreetly aimed it and sent it flying toward Lukas, missing his ear by a few inches.
He jerked awake with a startled snort, then looked around, finding the hair tie.
As his eyes glanced over to me, I shook my head and wagged my finger at him. Grinning, he mouthed, What?
Rehearsals resumed and eventually ended, bringing the Tuesday workday to a close.
Eager for a nap, I walked down the hallway when a warm hand wrapped around mine and pulled me into an empty alcove, out of sight.
I gasped as I looked up to see Isaac smirking at me before he gently swept his nose against my neck.
“Don’t worry, nobody saw me,” he whispered, clearly sensing my apprehension. “I just need to get your scent on me. I don’t like you on beta blockers, by the way. I can hardly smell your scent anywhere.”
I tried not to laugh at him tickling my neck as he intertwined our fingers together. Should I push him away? He certainly took what he wanted and was the most forward when it came to physical boundaries, yet I didn’t hesitate.
Somehow, this boldness felt right, and if the omega literature was telling me one thing, it was to trust my instincts with my pack. I’d need to set firm boundaries, but avoid resisting what my body desired. Easier said than done.
“I heard you had fun with Preston and Lukas last night. Ready for a date with Demetrius and me?” he asked.
“Sure," I replied. "What did you have in mind?” A tiny voice in my head still questioned if I should pull away, but my body was already leaning in more and more—traitor.
“A new art exhibit opened up at the Worley Interactive Museum this past weekend. Demetrius and I have a few free tickets to attend this Thursday. They have a food stand too, so we can have dinner after.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun, I’d love to,” I said, enjoying the sensation of his touch, not to mention that enticing scent of his. It was subtle through the beta blockers, making me want to lick…No, I wouldn’t picture it.
“Perfect. Go get changed, and I’ll walk you home.” He released my fingers and turned me around, nudging me slightly to go.
“Meet you by the front door in ten minutes?” I asked, not quite ready to leave him yet.
“Faster than that, love. I’ll miss you too much,” he smirked as he motioned for me to go.
I rushed to the room and changed as quickly as possible, reflecting on Isaac’s personality.
Unlike Preston or Lukas, Isaac didn’t hide his dominant alpha personality from me.
He took what he wanted and preferred to command.
It was probably why he was such a great choreographer, but as a future mate, I’d have to let him take the lead, most likely.
Lukas and Preston seemed more content to follow my lead, while Demetrius…
I had no idea what Demetrius needed. Maybe this date would shed some light on his actions as well.
Rushing to the front door, my eyes spotted Isaac, who was waiting impatiently for me.
As soon as he saw me, his demeanor lightened up, and he tossed me a cocky smile, making my stomach flip.
The long side of his black hair playfully danced across half his face before he tossed his chin to the side.
Holding the door open for me, we left the building and set out for my apartment.
“Are you enjoying my naughty jokes?” he quietly asked me, intertwining our fingers again as soon as we were clear of others seeing us.
“They make me blush. So yes, I’m enjoying them,” I said, playfully swatting at his arm.
“Excellent, I’ll send you more.” He held the apartment building door open for me. “I need you to send me one, too.”
I laughed at his suggestion. “I don’t know any dirty jokes.”
“Make one up. There’s also this thing called the internet, where you can learn and explore information. I’ve heard it’s a great resource for these kinds of jokes,” he mocked as we reached my door.
“We’ll see, maybe…” I teased, turning my head away, pretending I didn’t care. Teasing him made me a touch nervous—would he view this as playful…
He captured my chin with his hand and turned my face back to his, letting his thumb slide along my bottom lip.
The feeling of his finger was divine, sending butterflies through my stomach.
I could see lust building behind his eyes, which made me tense slightly.
Was he going to kiss me? My heart beat faster as my mind said to pull back.
As if reading my reluctance, he replied, “Soon, Ivy, but not tonight. When you’re ready. Good night.”
“Good night,” I managed to squeak out, savoring that wicked smile of his before quickly rushing inside. My bottom lip still tingled pleasantly from the heat left by the touch of his thumb.
Setting my dance bag down, I reached for my phone as a few cheesy jokes popped into my head.
How’s this: You must be a stretch I haven’t mastered yet…Because I’m always reaching for more! -Ivy
I poured myself a cup of tea, waiting for his response. Quickly enough, I got a reply back.
That was terrible, try again. -I
I thought a bit harder before sending him a new one.
What about this: Are you a choreographer? Because every time you’re near me, my body dances for you. -Ivy
He quickly replied to my text.
Are you reading these from a kid’s book? -I
I laughed at his reply, shaking my head. Fine, he wanted something dirty, I’d give him something dirty.
I keep picturing you behind me at the barre…hands on my hips, correcting my posture—but the only thing I’ll be arching is my back. –Ivy
I immediately blushed upon sending him that. Surprisingly, he took a little bit to respond.
Dear god, I have to drive this car home, you know. Take that pretty little line and repeat it to my face tomorrow. -I
A large shiver ran down my spine as I read his text. He definitely would be different to court than the rest, yet his directness, coupled with his complete sex appeal, made my mouth water. Thursday’s date would be fun.