"That's me." His head swivelled back and forth as he watched the schoolchildren to make sure they were behaving. "What can I do for you?"
"My name is Marcellus, and I was actually hoping to see some of your restorations. I heard you have a gallery showing, too, and am more interested in seeing your paintings, but I thought I would start here first."
Wes still looked distracted as he raised a hand to direct another group of kids over to a line on the left. Marcellus watched him, mesmerised even more up close than he'd been from far away. Wes glanced at him, and their eyes lingered before the omega turned back to the children he was directing.
Marcellus hoped Wes would believe him and not think he was just a member of the media or press. They would only ask probing questions and nothing of any real substance about the man himself. There were plenty of things he wanted to know about Wes, but not until they had got to know each other a bit, at least, so the ultra-personal questions would have to wait.
"Yeah," Wes finally answered, nodding as he caught Marcellus' eyes again. "I can take you to see my paintings since they’re here awaiting transport to the gallery showing, but can you wait just a moment?" He gestured around himself to the chaos. "I need to make sure everything is in order first."
Marcellus held out a hand. "Take your time. I can see that you're busy." He looked at the throng of children. "I'll just wait here."
"Thank you for your patience." Wes smiled at him, and Marcellus had to restrain himself once more from pouring out every word in his head about fated mates and all the rest.
"I'll be right here," he repeated instead.
Wes smiled. "Thank you. It should only take a few more minutes."
Marcellus nodded. He watched as Wes turned back to the children in question and wrangled them to where they needed to be. Once they were calmed and quieted, Wes sent them on their way with a brilliant smile and a wave. The children walked out of the lobby and into the museum in two perfectly straight lines.
Wes grinned. "Sorry about that. We had an unexpected school trip." He glanced at the retreating backs of the kids. "Two. We had two." He turned to Marcellus and smiled. "Children are great but exhausting." He shook his head. "You wanted to see my art, right?"
"I did." Marcellus smiled back at him. "I'd love to in fact. I've heard a lot about you."
Wes beamed and waved an arm. "Follow me then. I'll show you some of what I’ll have on display."
Marcellus watched as Wes turned on his heels and led him deeper into the museum. The alpha's eyes examined every inch of his body from the back. He was dressed professionally, but the clothes still clung to his body, pointing out his shapely ass and smaller waist. Marcellus could only imagine his hand on his hip and his breath whispering against Wes' waiting ear. He gave an involuntary shudder as images filled his mind. No matter what Marcellus did, he couldn't stop daydreaming about the omega.
Marcellus was taken into another room of the museum, and he glanced around. Paintings were hung on all the walls and there were others covered on easels, and it was nice and quiet, a welcome change to the cacophony of sounds that echoed through the main lobby. The faint sound of children laughing could be heard in the room, but it was mostly still and calm. Marcellus glanced around the exhibit, and his mouth dropped.
"They're all yours?" Marcellus gazed at each of the canvases. "They're... amazing."
Each painting was done in such detail. They had the look and air of the classics about them, all wonderful movement and impressive design. Marcellus could see the uniqueness behind each picture. They told their own stories; some light, some dark, some neutral, and they left you to wonder about the subjects as well as the artist. They were beautiful.
"Wow." Marcellus reached to one of the paintings that contained a small boy and a lone figure beside him. "These are breathtaking."
"Thank you." Wes smiled up at him. "I've poured my heart and soul into them." He slowly ran a hand over a delicate wood frame. "I really want them to shine."
Marcellus was entranced by Wes. The way his eyes sparkled at the paintings made Marcellus' wolf want him even more. There was sweetness and vulnerability behind those eyes. Marcellus smiled back at him. "They already shine just the way they are."
Wes' cheeks reddened. "You really think so?"
"I know so." Marcellus walked around the room and took in each carefully detailed painting one by one.
"That's great." Wes' voice came to him. "Who are you working with?"
"Working with?" Marcellus asked, his eyes still transfixed on the artwork.
"Yeah. I assumed you were with the media or the press or... something?"
Marcellus turned on his heels. "No, I'm not part of the press." He fidgeted with his shirt. "I know your brothers."
Wes' face instantly fell. He quickly closed the space between the two of them. Marcellus drew back a bit and only realised it when he moved forward again and forced himself to relax. Wes' eyes searched his, and his lips went into a tight, straight line.
"In that case." He walked toward his paintings and turned around abruptly. "You should go."
"Why… What did I say?" Cellus asked as he took a step toward Wes.
Wes crossed his arms in front of his chest. "We have nothing more to discuss." He extended an arm toward the doorway. "The lobby is that way, and if you need further assistance, I'm sure someone can guide you to the front exit."
