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 hiredinto 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.”
Chapter nine
The Arco Packhouse
Lukas
Preston, Isaac, and I worked on setting the table as we all anxiously waited for Dem to return with Ivy. I was so excited to show her around. I wanted to know exactly what she thought of all the rooms, what she liked to do in her free time, and what she found funny. I was stoked she agreed to my barbecue idea.
The truth of the matter was, we still didn’t know Ivy that well, which bugged the hell out of me, and I suspected the others, too. So far, I’d learned she was a beautiful dancer, seemed to be kind, funny, and compassionate, and had that ‘cute-but-doesn’t-care energy’ appeal, but I wanted to know so much more.
“I wonder if she likes burgers or steak better?” Preston frowned in front of the grill. “I also have some shrimp for tomorrow. I could grill that up. She said she liked that the other day.”
“What if she has allergies?” I asked as I set a bowl full of fruit on the patio table.
Preston’s eyes grew wide at the thought. “Oh god, I didn’t prepare for that. She might not be able to eat any of this food. What else do we have in the house?”
“She probably would have mentioned a food allergy by now,” Isaac countered.
“Right, I guess we’ll find out in a bit.” Preston returned his attention to the grill, flipping a few steaks and rotating some brats.
As the patio door opened, Dem called out to us. “We’re here!”
A faint hint of rosewater and white chocolate drifted across the breeze, sending my senses into high alert.Dr. Laughlin had us all trying to reduce our beta blockers to only half a dose over the weekend, so I truly hoped I could contain myself around her.
All three of us jerked our heads to see Ivy standing shyly with him, wearing a blue short-sleeve shirt, jean shorts, and a slightly lifted pair of wedges. On her head sat a pair of sunglasses, and she carried a white purse off her shoulder, rocking more of that ‘I don’t have to try’ vibe.
I couldn’t help but smile as I saw her standing at the door. I immediately rushed over and embraced her securely in my arms. Rosewater and white chocolate hit me like a wave as I inhaled that delicious scent deeply from her neck.
A shy giggle escaped from her as she hugged me back. “Hi, Lukas!”
Isaac came up behind me, wanting to hug her next. I pulled Ivy up to a basket cradle in my arms and gently handed her over to Isaac, earning more giggles from Ivy.
“Hello, gorgeous,” Isaac said as he buried his head into her neck. “There’s that delicious scent.”
“Isaac,” she giggled, squirming in Isaac’s arms from his ticklish touch.
Preston rushed over as Isaac set Ivy back on her feet. She swayed a bit, laughing at each of us.
“Do you have any food allergies?” Preston asked with his intensity focused on Ivy. She inhaled sharply with a quick shake of her head. Preston looked visibly relieved before adding, “I’m grilling steaks, brats, and burgers, or I can make you something else.”
“Brats are fine,” Ivy managed to squeak out.
Preston flashed a big grin before running back to the grill.
