Page 93 of Holly Jolly Heat
The living room was set up perfectly. The lighting was professional but warm. The camera angles, of which there were three, gave us options for visual variety. And the audio was crystal clear.
Everything was ready.
Except Michelle, who was pacing in the kitchen, talking herself through the messaging one more time.
"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," I observed from the doorway.
She jumped. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to see you've gone over those talking points fifteen times. You know them, Michelle. You're ready."
"What if I freeze? What if I say the wrong thing? What if?—"
"Then we adapt. But you won't freeze. You're a professional. You've handled crisis communications before."
"Not for myself. Not when everything I've built is on the line."
I moved closer, gently stopping her pacing. "Michelle. Look at me."
She did, her brown eyes wide with fear.
"You are the most capable person I know. You built a company from nothing. You navigate impossible situations daily. You fought for your pack even when you were terrified." I cupped her face gently. "Tonight is just another battle. And you're going to win because that's what you do. You win."
"What if I don't?"
"Then we regroup and fight again. But Michelle? You're not alone in this. I'm monitoring for threats. Ro's handling the visual narrative. Lucas is beside you on camera. Your family's waiting for you to be done and ready to celebrate. Callie and other omega creators are already in the chat ready to support you." I held her gaze. "You have an army. Use it."
Through the bond, I felt her fear shift. Not disappearing, but becoming manageable.
"Okay," she breathed. "Okay. I can do this."
"You can do this."
"We can do this."
"That's better."
To my surprise she strode over and hugged me before pulling me down for a kiss. It was brief but fierce, claiming comfort and strength. Everything I wanted to give my omega. Well, noteverything, but we’d get to the rest when she was ready.
"Thank you," she whispered against my lips. "For being my anchor. For protecting me even when the threats aren't physical. For believing I can do this."
"Always."
Lucas appeared in the doorway. "It's time. You ready?"
Michelle took a deep breath, straightened her blazer, and transformed before my eyes. Professional mask settling into place. Manager Michelle was ready to face the industry.
"I'm ready."
We headed to the living room where everything waited. Michelle and Lucas settled on the couch. Ro took his position behind the main camera. I manned the laptop, ready to monitor chat and handle any technical issues.
"Remember," Ro said, "we've got three camera angles. If you need a break, I can cut to the wide shot. If things get overwhelming, we have transition points planned. You're in control here."
"Got it."
I pulled up the streaming platform, chat already filling with eager viewers even though we hadn't gone live yet.
CozyFan22: is this about what we think it's about???
