Page 46 of Meadowsweet and Marigold (EverAfter CozyXverse #1)

As they stepped out of the greenhouse into the cool evening air, Marigold felt like she was returning from another realm entirely. The real world felt sharper, less magical, but she carried the warmth of their shared experience with her like a secret treasure.

They were walking back toward the main ranch buildings, discussing plans for her to return and learn more about his blending techniques, when they spotted a familiar figure near the greenhouse entrance.

Cypress stood with his camera equipment, apparently having arrived while they were inside, his expression shifting from professional focus to something more complex when he saw them emerging together.

"Gus," he called out with a smile that seemed genuine but carried undercurrents she couldn't read. "I'm surprised to see you here. Haven't visited the greenhouse for years."

Gus's demeanor shifted subtly, his relaxed warmth becoming more guarded though still polite. "Cypress. Didn't expect to see you out this way either."

"I was doing research for the magazine piece," Cypress explained, gesturing with his camera.

"Realized I hadn't been here in a while and figured I should check it off my list of photo collections.

Plus, I'm helping a friend who wants to start a scent factory of sorts, and I need to collect information about local botanical resources. "

The explanation seemed reasonable enough, but something in his tone suggested there was more to his presence than simple professional obligation.

His gaze moved between Gus and Marigold with the kind of assessment that made her slightly uncomfortable, as if he was cataloging details for some purpose she couldn't fathom.

"Speaking of scents," Cypress continued, his attention focusing on her with an intensity that made her take a small step closer to Gus, "Marigold's would make a beautiful perfume. There's something unique about it—complex layers that would be fascinating to capture artificially."

The comment caught her completely off guard. She'd never given much thought to how she smelled to others, had always been focused on suppressing her scent rather than celebrating it. The idea that someone would want to replicate it felt both flattering and oddly invasive.

"What do I smell like?" she asked, genuinely curious despite her discomfort with being discussed as if she wasn't present.

"Wildflower honey," Gus said immediately, his voice carrying the authority of someone who understood scent in all its complexity.

"With base notes of vanilla and something green—like fresh rain on summer grass.

There's also something floral, but not typical roses or jasmine. Something more delicate, more unique."

The detailed analysis made her blush, the realization that he'd been paying such close attention to her natural scent both embarrassing and oddly thrilling. To be known so specifically, to have someone notice and appreciate such intimate details about her...

"Exactly," Cypress agreed, and she noticed that he'd produced a small vial from his camera bag without her awareness. "Which is why I thought?—"

But before he could complete the sentence, Gus stepped forward, positioning himself between Cypress and Marigold in a movement that was protective without being aggressive. His usually gentle demeanor took on an edge she'd never seen before, though his voice remained perfectly polite.

"I respect you, Cypress," he said clearly, "but Marigold's scent isn't to be shared. That's not how this works."

The firmness in his tone, the way he claimed protective authority without being possessive, made something warm bloom in Marigold's chest. Here was someone who understood the intimate nature of Omega scent, who recognized that attempting to capture and commercialize it without explicit permission crossed important boundaries.

Cypress's eyes widened slightly, and he looked between them with what appeared to be genuine surprise. "Oh, I didn't mean to... I wasn't thinking about consent issues. You're absolutely right."

He put the vial away with movements that seemed slightly flustered, his professional confidence shaken by the correction. "I apologize if I overstepped. I won't pursue that idea."

"Thank you," Gus said simply, his protective stance relaxing but not disappearing entirely. "We should get going anyway. Evening responsibilities call."

He reached for Marigold's hand with natural ease, their fingers intertwining as they prepared to leave Cypress behind with his camera equipment and professional obligations.

The gesture felt both possessive and supportive, claiming her presence while also offering comfort in what had become an unexpectedly tense situation.

As they walked away, Marigold found herself processing the encounter with confused appreciation.

Gus had defended her autonomy without making her feel like an object to be protected, had recognized the violation inherent in Cypress's suggestion while still treating him with respect.

It was exactly the kind of response she'd hoped for but never quite received from other Alphas in her life.