Page 77 of The Baritone's Rival

“I refuse to lose you,” Oscar whispered into Trent’s ear, wrapping his legs around Trent’s waist.

“You never will.” Trent squeezed their bodies even more tightly together. “You never will.”

Chapter 24

Epilogue: 6 Months Later – Trent

Insiem vivremo, e moriremo insieme!

The applause thundered from the packed house of the Manhattan Lyric, rolling over Trent and Oscar like waves crashing against the rocks. With the bright stage lights in their eyes, the sea of faces appeared as an amorphous cheering mass. Oscar turned his head toward Trent, a tiny, adorable smile on his face.

“I guess they liked it.”

Trent winked and grabbed Oscar’s hand, prompting him to bow. Trent’s insides vibrated with the thrill of performing at the Lyric for the first time. The gala introducing the new Young Artists to the subscribers was an important fundraising event. That’s what they’d been told, and Trent knew they had absolutely killed it.

It had been a whirlwind six months. He had mated with Oscar. He’d moved into the Grosvenor covenhouse. And they’dbothgotten into the Young Artists Program.

He wasn’t sure exactly how that had happened, but he suspected Anthony might have played a role. All he knew wasthat the program had somehow found funding for one more slot. Which meant they took both Oscar and himself.

They were only a month in, but it was already life-changing. They spent their days working with professional singers and directors and musicians. They were preparing small roles in the upcoming season. Trent was exhausted and happy. And he was so grateful he had Oscar by his side for it.

The reception after the concert was a glittering affair. Trent didn’t know anyone there, but he could tell these people hadmoney. The older women were decked out in huge jewels and long gowns. Most of their husbands sported very expensive tuxedos that also tended to be fairly wrinkled. Trent did his best to make small talk, but he was thankful he had his mate next to him. Oscar was just so much better at it.

“Trent! Oscar!” Before he emerged from the throng, Trent knew who was calling from the sound of his light tenor voice. Justin.

He squeezed past a confused-looking older woman sporting a strange silver fascinator. Justin was riding the line of appropriate clothing, wearing a mesh tank under an open blazer. He did look good, though. He threw himself at Trent.

“Oof.” Trent recovered and wrapped his arms around the tiny man, accepting the overeager hug. Justin stepped back.

“You were so good!” he squeaked as hugged Oscar.

“Thank you, friend,” Oscar said.

“We agree with Justin.” A deep rumble came from the tall, redheaded coven master as he approached with Anthony on his arm. Freddie flashed a rare smile. “You were wonderful.”

“Thank you,” Trent said. “That means a lot. I mean, youhaveto think we did a good job, but?—”

“Well,Idon’t have to think that, but I do.” Trent turned to his left to see the director of the program, Maestro Zaslavsky, approaching them. Dressed in an elegant navy suit with a vest,the man cut a dashing figure. In his forties, the Maestro had a salt-and-pepper beard that many of the participants were absolutely drooling over. He wasn’t Trent’s type, but Trent got the attraction.

The Maestro was a man of few words, and even fewer positive ones, so when he gave a compliment, you treasured it.

“That’s very kind of you,” Oscar replied, extricating himself from Justin’s hug.

“Not kind. Just the truth.”

The Maestro sauntered off, waving at a tiny, elderly woman who was swimming in her huge red velvet dress, and heading to the open bar.

Trent smiled at Oscar. He hoped the Maestro’s words bode well for a great year ahead. Trent believed in himself, but he believed in the two of them more. He knew the future they were forging together would be glorious.

“Who wasthat?”

The breathless question came from Justin, who stared at the conductor as he walked away.

“Maestro Zaslavsky?” Trent said. “He runs the program.”

“Whatwas that?”

Trent furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. He glanced at Oscar.What does that mean?

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