Chapter 8 #4
He chuckled softly, kissing my hair. “You don’t understand. That’s not going to be us. We’re the scent-matched partnership here, and everything else needs to move out of our way. You and I are not partnering with other people anymore. We physically and mentally can’t take it.”
A sigh of relief escaped from me as more tears bubbled out from my eyes.
The thought of other women touching him made my stomach nauseous.
I pressed deeper into his arms as I inhaled his scent to calm me down.
Looking at Preston’s shirt, I tried to wipe my tears away. “I’ve got some tears on your shirt.”
“It’s fine. Besides, I got you to talk to me some more,” he joked as he lifted my chin, wiping more of my tears. “This is new for all of us, and we have to figure out how to navigate through this so we can all get what we need.”
The intensity of his eyes locked with mine, forcing a sharp inhale. Suddenly, I was speechless again, only mustering out a squeak in understanding.
He smirked at my squeak and cradled my head back into his chest.
“There you are,” Demetrius said as he walked into the studio. “How can I help?”
“Dem, I’m sorry, but we can’t dance with other people. It’s too much of a strain on us,” Preston shook his head. “I’m breaking knowing I put her through this with just a touch.”
“I get it, and we’ll fix this. Take a break. I need to talk to the company, then we’ll head out.” Demetrius ran his hands through his hair as he exhaled loudly and left.
“We’ll get better at this, I promise,” Preston whispered, holding me tight against his chest.
***
Demetrius
I cleared my throat as I gestured for the company to sit down on the floor of the main studio.
Lukas and I had spent the last half hour drafting a quick message before being alerted to a problem with Preston and Ivy.
After briefly checking on them, I rushed over to where the rest of the company was standing around, gossiping.
Standing before the company, I looked out onto their faces, about to confirm the one thing that would change our company’s trajectory forever.
Some of the company girls gave me a dead stare, clearly pissed about Ivy.
Whatever…I wasn’t here to make friends. I’d always had to be the tough, bad guy who demanded more and more.
An Artistic Director always had to be emotionally removed from the dancers, something that had been harder to do this week with Ivy’s presence, especially when my alpha instincts kicked in.
The company dancers, almost twenty before me, settled down on the floor and waited for me to begin.
Lukas took his spot behind me, taking a few pictures of the company.
Away from the main group and standing in the back were Preston and Ivy, holding hands and listening in.
Lastly, Isaac entered and leaned against the piano, gesturing for me to start.
“Alright, everyone—thank you for joining me these last few minutes of the day. I want to address a rumor circling this company. Yes, we’ve welcomed an omega into our company this season, and it's Ivy Turin. And yes, she is scent-matched to the Arco pack.”
A few dancers whispered, “I knew it,” as a fresh round of chatter rose from the group.
Trying to ignore the reaction, I continued.
“Arco Ballet has always been an alpha pack company. From the beginning, we built this space with the dream of creating something extraordinary—something that only a unified, bonded pack could achieve. That vision has never changed, but now it’s within reach.
“Some of you may remember the legendary European scent-matched couple—Mireille Laurent and Viktor Dane. They toured the world together and, for two decades, brought a level of intimacy and artistic synchronicity to the stage that no one could touch. Audiences all over the world fell in love with them. Companies like ours have dreamed of finding a pairing like that ever since, but until now, no company has been able to do it. We’re right at the precipice of something amazing here.
This isn’t just a shift for us. It’s a shift for the entire world of ballet.
“That said, some things will change—starting with a partial recast of the first production. We’re restructuring a few roles to reflect where the company is heading and what is needed for Ivy and Preston.
If you're affected, you’ll be notified individually.
This is not a demotion—it’s a shift designed to help everyone shine in the right place.
“I expect you all to rise to this challenge. Gossip, exclusion, or disrespect—toward Ivy or anyone else—will not be tolerated. This is a professional company. Every dancer in this room was chosen for a reason. Ivy was hired into this company based on talent alone; the rest has just been a remarkable coincidence. Let’s honor the talent in her, and in every one of you.
“As the Arco pack walks forward with all of you on this journey, I personally ask that you please leave Ivy to her privacy and not ask intrusive questions. If you’ve got questions, ask Steven or me.
But know this: we are on the brink of something brilliant.
Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you all on Monday. ”
Several dancers nodded, seemingly encouraged by my words.
Some sat with bigger scowls than they had before.
Others shrugged at each other, not really caring to get involved in the drama.
Either way, the second week of the season was over, and I’d never felt more tired, excited, anxious, eager, and ready in my life.
Ivy had no idea how much everything was about to change—for us, and for her.
As the company dancers dispersed, the rest of the pack approached me—each of them with a focused tension like they’d been holding their breath all day. This was only going to get harder, but we had to get it right for Ivy.
“Grab your things and let’s walk Ivy home.”