Page 85 of Holly Jolly Heat
My family, apparently, was fully invested in this plan.
I called my other clients, quick emails first, then follow-up calls with the three biggest accounts. The conversations were surprisingly positive. Most were supportive, curious, or at least willing to hear us out. Two were skeptical but agreed to wait and see.
Callie texted throughout, offering advice and encouragement.
Ro mapped out the visual strategy, how we'd frame the shot, who would speak when, how to maintain professional aesthetics while still being authentic.
Lucas practiced his talking points, his natural warmth and sincerity making every word sound genuine.
Dex monitored social media, tracking sentiment, preparing for potential backlash.
And I scripted. Talking points, key messages, responses to likely questions. My brain engaged in full strategic mode, channeling fear into productivity.
By seven PM, we were ready.
The living room was set up like a professional broadcast, good lighting, clean background, with the Christmas tree providing a warm ambiance without being distracting. Ro hadthree camera angles ready. Dex had the tech setup running smoothly.
Lucas and I sat on the couch, close but not touching yet. Professional but comfortable.
I was wearing a blazer over my sweater, professional Michelle making an appearance. Lucas looked like himself, which was perfect.
"You ready?" Dex asked from his position at the laptop.
I looked at Lucas. He took my hand, lacing our fingers together.
Through the bond, I felt his certainty. His faith in me. His love.
"Ready," I said.
"Going live in three... two... one..."
The familiar rush of viewers flooding in. The chat exploding with speculation and greetings and excitement.
CozyFan22: WHAT'S HAPPENING
HolidayVibes: emergency stream?!?!
StreamSniper: is this about the pack bond speculation???
RegularViewer: we're here for whatever this is
Lucas smiled at the camera, his streaming persona settling over him like a comfortable sweater. But I could feel his nerves through the bond.
"Hey, Cozy Crew. Thanks for joining us on short notice. Michelle and I have something important we want to share with you, and we wanted you to hear it directly from us."
I took a breath, feeling the weight of this moment. This was it. No going back after this.
"Hi, everyone. I'm Michelle, Lucas's manager. Some of you have seen me on stream a few times now." I managed a small smile. "Some of you have been speculating about my relationship with Lucas based on those stream moments."
CozyFan22: OH MY GOD
HolidayVibes: IT'S HAPPENING
StreamSniper: PACK BOND ANNOUNCEMENT
"You're right," I said simply. "Lucas and I, along with his team members Ro and Dex, are a pack. Fated mates. We scent-matched about a week ago, and they came here to Cedar Falls to work through what that means with me."
The chat went absolutely feral.
