Page 48 of Holly Jolly Heat
"Chat's asking questions," she said instead, settling onto the arm of my chair like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Should we answer some? Reassure them that the community is safe?"
It was a business decision, but the way she said it, the way she positioned herself between me and any potential threats, was pure omega protection.
My alpha wanted to purr, to scent-mark her right there on stream, to tell everyone watching that this was my omega, my pack, mine.
Instead I said, "Let's do it."
The next thirty minutes were some of the best content I'd ever created, and I barely had to do anything.
Michelle stayed beside me, close but not touching after that initial shoulder squeeze, answering chat questions with professional competence and occasional dry humor that made my viewers love her instantly.
CozyFan22: Michelle how long have you been managing Lucas?
"About three months officially," Michelle answered. "Though I've been consulting with his team for about six months. Ro and I have been working together on content strategy for a while."
HolidayVibes: are you the mystery woman from the cookie stream?
"I'm the woman who lives in this house, yes. My family is hosting Lucas and his team while they film holiday content in Cedar Falls."
StreamSniper: do you always defend your clients like that?
Michelle paused, and I watched her choose her words carefully. "I defend all my clients when they're being treated unfairly. Lucas works incredibly hard to create a positive space. He deserves a community that respects that."
CozyFan22: we respect it! we love him!
RegularViewer: best manager ever
HolidayVibes: but like... you two have CHEMISTRY
I watched Michelle's cheeks flush slightly, but her voice stayed steady. "Lucas is a great client and a good person. I'm lucky to work with him."
"I'm lucky to work with you," I countered, and the chat went wild.
CozyFan22: THE WAY HE'S LOOKING AT HER
StreamSniper: I SHIP IT
HolidayVibes: PACK DYNAMICS????
"Okay," Michelle said, clearly trying to redirect. "Lucas, don't you have a gingerbread house, or, uh, mansion, to finish?"
"Right. The build." I turned back to my screen, very aware of her proximity. "Where were we? Roof section, then decorative elements?—"
"You were about to add the candy cane fence posts," Michelle supplied, reading my notes over my shoulder.
"You've been watching?"
"I was monitoring chat metrics. It's my job."
"Uh-huh." I smiled, placing a virtual fence post. "And did the metrics look good?"
"Until the trolls showed up? Very good. Excellent engagement rates. Your regular viewers are incredibly loyal."
CozyFan22: because Lucas is the BEST
RegularViewer: cozy crew for life
HolidayVibes: and now we have Michelle protecting him!
