Page 6 of Laced With Secrets
“Deal.” His response was immediate. “No arguments on my end.”
The Community Center exterior sparkled with Christmas preparations, garland strung between lampposts and twinkling lights reflecting off frost-covered windows. But when I stepped inside the building, there was an underlying heaviness beneath the festive atmosphere.
News had spread about the discovery of Thomas Wong’s remains, casting a shadow over the festive preparations. Residents clustered in small groups, voices hushed as they discussed the shocking discovery found beneath Winslow’s Pharmacy.
I adjusted my oversized cable-knit sweater, the cream-colored wool falling in comfortable folds around my frame. Dominic had insisted on another round of scenting before we could leave for the meeting. His hands had found their way beneath my sweater, his fingers tracing slow patterns over my skin as his pheromones flooded my senses. I’d found myself pressed against the door frame as his mouth teased that sensitive spotbehind my ear that made my knees weak. In the end, I’d had to virtually wrestle my way out of my alpha’s grasp least we never make it to the meeting.
Thanks to that vigorous scenting, I felt incredible—floaty and content in a way that made everything seem manageable.
Through the bond, I could feel Dominic’s contentment too, that satisfied alpha vibration that meant he knew his mate was properly scented and feeling contented. He’d left me at the door to go park the car, but the connection between us hummed with warmth instead of the tension that had plagued us for days.
“Leo, there you are!” Mrs. Henderson’s voice carried across the room like a foghorn. The elderly beta approached with military precision, her clipboard clutched against her wool coat and a determined glint in her eyes that spelled trouble. “Perfect timing. I need to discuss the centennial celebration arrangements with you.”
My stomach sank slightly, though the floaty feeling from my alpha’s latest round of scenting kept me from full panic meltdown. Mrs. Henderson in planning mode was a force of nature that could steamroll a mountain.
“Now that Adelaide is so busy with her mayoral duties, I’ve taken over coordinating the community events,” she continued without waiting for my response, pen already poised over her clipboard. “The Christmas festivities, the New Year celebration, and of course, the big centennial bash. Which brings me to why I need you!”
She flipped through several pages with dramatic flair. “I’ve been thinking about a historical fashion exhibit—or perhaps a historical costume contest for the centennial? People lovedressing up, and it would be such a wonderful way to celebrate our district’s heritage!”
Across the room, I caught sight of Penny examining the Christmas window display, his pink hair bright against the frosted glass. He was trying very hard to look busy, but I could see the tension in his shoulders.
“That sounds lovely, but?—”
“I’ve already spoken with Victor and Sebastian Fairfax about it!” She announced triumphantly. “They’re very excited about the historical design aspects, and your expertise in vintage footwear would be absolutely invaluable for authenticity.”
I opened my mouth, but Mrs. Henderson’s pen was already scratching across her clipboard, her eyes bright with unstoppable enthusiasm. “With your vintage footwear knowledge, Penny’s love for fashion, and the Fairfaxes’ professional expertise, we’d have a dream team of four specialists collaborating—it’ll be one of the highlights of our centennial celebration!”
The contentment from the scenting session took a sharp downturn. The bachelor auction incident with Victor and Sebastian was still a very sore subject for Penny, and forcing them all to work together sounded like a recipe for disaster.
But before I could formulate a polite decline, Mrs. Henderson had already steamrolled forward. “I was hoping you could help with the historical accuracy side of things—making sure any costumes or displays are properly researched and authentic to our district’s timeline.”
“Actually, Mrs. Henderson,” I started carefully, “I’m already committed to a significant project. I’ve been swamped withholiday orders and custom repairs. I’m working on a commission for the Fairfax-Saunier shop’s grand opening. I’m afraid I’m completely booked.”
Her face fell slightly, but I could practically see the wheels turning as she searched for an alternative approach.
“Leo?” Dominic’s voice cut through the seasonal bustle as he approached from across the room. Even at this distance, his presence made something warm and settled purr in my chest. Dressed in a dark charcoal wool coat that emphasized his broad shoulders, he moved through the crowd with that predatory grace that never failed to make my pulse quicken.
His steel-gray eyes found mine immediately, and I felt the bond pulse with recognition and satisfaction. His nostrils flared slightly, pupils dilating as my scent reached him. I watched as his silver gaze tracked over me with lazy satisfaction.
I should still be angry at him—the hurt over learning what he’d initially planned for me should still twist like a knife in my gut, but my inner omega could only focus on one truth.
He wasmine.
No matter how we came about, the certainty that he was mine settled deep in my bones, unshakeable as granite.
“Mr. Steele!” Mrs. Henderson brightened considerably as he reached us. “How wonderful to see you. I was just discussing plans for our centennial celebration with Leo.”
Dominic’s hand settled automatically on the small of my back, the touch sending warmth racing up my spine despite the thick wool sweater between us. His scent—tinged with just a hint ofthat territorial alpha satisfaction—wrapped around me like a security blanket.
“Leo’s been working incredibly hard with the holiday rush,” he said smoothly, his thumb tracing a small circle against my lower back that made me want to lean into him. His cool gray gaze swept over me, lingering. “I wouldn’t want you to take on too much.”
The protective edge in his voice made me practically purr, even as my rational mind noted how he was smoothly inserting himself into the conversation as my spokesperson.
“Oh, but it would just be consulting work!” Mrs. Henderson assured him. “Nothing strenuous at all. Just helping ensure historical accuracy for a costume contest or fashion exhibit.”
Penny appeared at my elbow, his cotton candy and citrus scent sweet and crisp. “Leo’s been pushing himself way too hard lately,” he said brightly, adjusting his burgundy vintage-inspired peacoat. “I keep telling him he needs to slow down.”
I shot him a sharp look, widening my eyes meaningfully while giving the tiniest shake of my head. Penny blinked at me, his expression shifting to puzzled confusion as he completely missed my desperate attempt at silent communication.