Chapter 14 A Different Dance
Chapter fourteen
A Different Dance
Lukas
It was like a scene straight out of a romance movie, waking up with Ivy snuggled into my arms. My stomach kept doing flips every time I inhaled her scent.
I wanted her to stay here so badly at our packhouse, so I could wake up to her every morning. This could be our life soon.
I reminded myself to calm down. She was probably still going to be conflicted and embarrassed from last night, even though she shouldn’t be.
Her sensuality was so enticing, and she continued to send me right to the edge of losing control.
My thoughts drifted to what she’d be like when our relationship progressed more physically.
I would gladly take her on my lap and help her any way she needed it.
I’d wait as long as she wanted to, but god, I hope she'd want this soon.
Alright, time to focus, I thought as I kissed her cheek. Her nose softly bunched up…so sweet.
Right, time to focus—Gym, shower, change, food, social media content.
Ivy rolled onto her back, letting her hair spill across my pillow. She was still wearing that cute dress from last night. My mind flooded with images of Isaac pulling her top down…
Focus time—Gym, shower, change, food…
***
Ivy
The right side of the bed felt cold as I slowly woke up. This wasn’t my bed, though. I knew I was at the packhouse, but I wasn’t exactly sure where I was.
Isaac was snuggled up next to me on the left. Lukas must have gotten up to get ready for the morning.
Wait, now there was a new warmth to the right. I inhaled that sweet and spicy scent of chili chocolate and burnt caramel deeply. Preston had moved next to me and was burying his nose in my neck.
I squirmed against him, enjoying his touch and wanting him closer.
“Did I wake you?” Preston whispered as Isaac stirred.
I shook my head. “I was already half awake.”
Isaac pulled me tighter with his arms as I tried to look around. “Whose room are we in?”
“Do you remember the double doors we passed upstairs when we gave you the tour?” Preston replied as he rubbed my arm. “This is the group bedroom.”
“Oh. That explains this massive bed we’re on.” I was pulled tighter again to Isaac. “Good morning, Isaac.”
He kissed my shoulder and slowly released my body. “This is how we should wake up every morning.”
“Agreed.” Preston kissed me on the other shoulder.
In my mind, I secretly agreed as well, but I was far too embarrassed from last night to suggest anything. I wish I were bold enough to ask if we could make this our everyday.
Preston sat up in bed. “We need breakfast and showers. Ivy, would you like to shower here or back at your place?”
“Probably my place,” I said quietly. “I can get ready for class quickly there.”
“Let’s get moving then. I’ll get breakfast ready for everyone, then I need to take a quick shower.
If you don’t mind waiting, I’ll be your ride today.
” Preston stretched his arms as he stood up.
“After the day is done, since Dem and I are going to take you to the fundraiser this evening, do you mind if I get ready at your place?”
“Of course not,” I agreed, feeling a bit more excited now. My body was practically begging to spend more and more time with my packmates whenever I could.
Isaac wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest again. “You can stay with me till breakfast.”
I loved that suggestion, so I cuddled deeper into his arms, and we chatted softly about our schedules for the day.
Once I was out of bed, the rest of the day seemed to fly by quickly.
Breakfast was delicious—eggs over toast with fresh-cut fruit.
Preston drove me home so I could shower and change.
Next was company class, where half the room glared at me while I tried to focus.
Rehearsals followed with Preston and me practicing our duet for the upcoming show, followed by Isaac’s new piece.
After rehearsals, I stopped by Demetrius’s office to pick up my tailored dress for tonight.
We had a chance to chat briefly, but soon, Preston was there to walk me back to my apartment, carrying our garment bags in hand.
Back at my apartment, we had about an hour to waste before getting ready, so we killed time watching TV.
Well…it started out watching TV, but soon our lips were locked together as we passionately made out on the couch, cautious not to push each other too far.
I just couldn’t get enough of his intense eyes and that delicious scent.
His hands did wonders as they explored my body with a delicate touch.
After last night, I kept a closer guard on my desires, but even that wasn’t as easy as it seemed. If we didn’t have an event to go to, I would have easily been lost to him.
A text from Demetrius brought us back to reality and scrambling to get ready. Within fifteen minutes, we were both dressed and polished, ready to go—temptation somehow averted.
***
Demetrius
The car idled in line for valet in front of a beautiful, ornate building.
Tonight, this building would host the fundraiser for the State Arts Society Council, but also give Preston and me a chance to see how Ivy did in the public’s eye.
This event felt very red carpet, and as we waited, Preston and I gave Ivy some tips on how to handle any press, pictures, or questions that might come her way.
“I’m a dancer in the company. Deny all rumors of me being an omega. I’m just dating Preston right now, nothing big.” Ivy repeated back a few lines we’d practiced as she casually bumped into Preston in the back seat.
“I very much appreciate being the one who gets to ‘date’ Ivy tonight,” Preston smirked at me.
“Yeah, I bet.” I glanced at Ivy in the rearview mirror of the car. She looked lovely in the dress I’d picked for her. “I’d love to be with you during this event, but if both Preston and I are seen courting you, everyone will quickly figure out what’s going on.”
“I get it,” she said back. Our eyes connected in the rearview mirror, sending a spark of lightning down through my spine. I was honestly not sure how much longer I could keep denying myself from her. This was all for the good of the pack, I told myself. Let them get closer first.
She turned to Preston with a seductive smile. “So what level of dating are we? Is this casual? Are we holding hands, friends with benefits? How affectionate should I be?”
I laughed as Preston seemed to be stuck trying to answer her question. Finally he responded. “I’d say we’re definitely intimate lovers. I’ll need you hanging all over me tonight.”
Ivy laughed as she rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure you’d love that.”
The valet opened the doors, allowing Preston and me to step out, followed by Preston helping Ivy.
We turned to a row of cameras set up, casually taking our pictures.
I kept a close eye on Ivy to ensure she didn’t grow nervous, but she reacted to the scene like a polished professional; her shoulders back, chin lifted, and a dazzling smile on her face.
Soon, the questions started to roll.
“Who is this dancer?”
“This is Ivy Turin, a new member of Arco Ballet Company. She’s wearing a dress donated by Lily’s Dress Boutique on 5th and Elm. We always appreciate the support from our sponsors.”
“How long has she been seeing Preston?”
“I believe this is a casual relationship for them.”
“Any truth to the rumors circulating that the Arco Pack has found a dancer to be their scent-matched omega?”
“Just rumors, thanks.”
I waved to the cameras as I led Preston and Ivy forward.
The ballroom inside was dazzling with glitzy decorations, elaborate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and tables full of delicate finger foods.
The checkered marble floor felt decadent as we entered farther into the room, navigating through hundreds of people.
The three of us found our designated table and let Ivy set down her purse.
As we took in the room, Preston pulled Ivy close to him and pointed at the open dance floor nearby.
Some couples were already dancing, and Preston led Ivy out to the floor for a dance.
Calm down, Preston, I laughed to myself as they rushed off. Though honestly, I wanted to be out there dancing with her as well. She looked stunning in that maroon dress; it thrilled me greatly that she chose mine to wear. I guess I was the type to enjoy spoiling my mate.
With a sigh, I refocused my efforts and scanned the room to identify the crowd. Time for the annoying part of the night—talking with rich patrons and hoping for donations.
Always start with a friendly face, I told myself as I walked over to Lily Mayhew.
“She certainly looks fabulous in that dress,” Lily tilted her head hello with a smile to me as she watched me approach.
“Very much thanks to you,” I replied.
“They make a sweet couple, though it will be exciting to see all of you together soon.” She dropped her voice to a whisper so as not to be overheard. “There are a few rumors out there. How long do you plan…”
I subtly shrugged my shoulders, heading off her question.
“It’s a big transition for all of us. We’re trying not to move too fast. It’s not just the ballet company that’s affected here.
It’s our personal lives, too.” My eyes moved to Ivy as she laughed at something Preston said.
“We don’t want her to get overwhelmed with any of this. ”
“Well, you’re running out of time with the rumor mill, just fyi…” Lily said before leaving my side. I could hear the warning in her words.
The next three patrons I talked to went on and on about last season’s final performance and how much they loved it. I showed gratitude and appreciation for their comments, but in the back of my mind, I laughed. Just wait until you see my mate soon.
As the evening rolled on, Preston and Ivy moved back to our table, enjoying a plate of finger foods. He was feeding her a few bites while she laughed in amusement. The heat rose off my chest with each bite she took. I wanted to feed her.
Next, he fixed a stray curl that caught on her earring. Why was I so invested in watching him help her?
“Demetrius, how are you, my friend?” Evan Stornwalker, owner of several chain restaurants across the state, pulled my attention away.
“Evan, it’s good to see you. Enjoying the evening?” I acknowledged him back with a friendly smile.
“It’s always nice to put on something fancy and step out to elegance.” He moved closer to me and lowered his voice. “I was going to congratulate you on last season’s closing production again, but I’m beginning to think that’s old news.”
“The past always feels like old news,” I chuckled softly, trying to prevent my eyes from drifting back to Ivy. I needed to focus here.
“I’ve seen Preston at many of these events with several different girls. He usually ditches them within ten minutes and wanders off by himself. Not this girl though…Who is she?”
“That’s Ivy Turin, a new company dancer this year. I believe he’s showing her the ropes on how to handle these events.” I shrugged, trying to sound casual in my voice.
Evan laughed softly, stepping between me and my view of Ivy. A flash of anger shot through me as he blocked my view, but I quickly tamped it down.
“I’m not so easily fooled, my friend. It’s one thing to see how Preston looks at her. It’s a whole other thing to see your reactions, too.” Evan stepped in closer. “So, are the rumors true?”
I paused, letting out an exhale as I thought for a moment. “I’m not here to confirm or deny rumors today, merely to celebrate the wondrous State Arts Society Council.”
“If these rumors are true, you’re about to have the entire ballet world eating out of the palm of your hands.” Evan leaned in closer. “I want in on the ground floor, many of us do. You understand that, right?”
I nodded, trying to keep my cool. “It’s a lot of work running this company and keeping the finances in order. Sometimes I have to put announcements on the back burner to ensure we can afford future promotions and events. An Executive Director would go a long way…”
“Done, I’ll find someone for you. Just let me be one of the first…”
“I think that can be arranged,” I said as we shook hands.
“Always good talking with you, Demetrius,” Evan flashed a satisfied smile. Speaking softly, he added. “Also, congratulations. She’s beautiful.”
“She sure is. We’ll be in touch soon,” I replied to Evan before we parted ways.
Just like that, the night had already proven to be extremely successful. But between Lily’s subtle warning and Evan’s eager pitch, we were running out of time to keep this quiet.
***
Driving in the car on the way home, I continued to glance through the rearview mirror at Preston and Ivy, who alternated between kissing and laughing in the back seat.
I’d let her get close to everyone else, but after watching her all night with Preston, my patience was gone. I needed her badly. Did she feel this same pull I did?
Maybe I’d kiss her when I dropped her off at her door.
I pulled up to her apartment complex, but Preston jumped out of the car so fast I didn’t even have time to turn the car off.
“I’ll be back,” he practically shouted at me as he led her into her apartment building.
I exhaled loudly. Not tonight.