Page 8 of The Maestro's Mates
Pavel wrenched his arm out of the range of Sebastian’s fingers, stepping back. He wore a look of terror on his face, but he quickly replaced it with a mask of indifference.
Justin, on the other hand, was totally unaffected, seemingly not noticing the maestro’s reaction. Sebastian glanced at him for a moment. There was something strange going on, but he wasn’t sure what he was sensing. So many mysteries here!
“It’s lovely to meet you,” Justin said, shaking Sebastian’s hand. His grip was strong, and his skin was cold, far colder than…
Of course. The man was a vampire. Sebastian should have figured it out sooner. Justin must not be too old, if there were enough vestiges of humanity left that Sebastian hadn’t immediately sensed it. Witches tended to be perceptive to such things, living as they did in the shades of gray between the human world and the supernatural one.
Sebastian turned to Pavel, who had backed a step or two away. Sebastian licked his lips. Performative? Maybe, but also the muscular older man was delicious, and Sebastian loved his irascible masculinity.
“I think the three of us might beverygood friends,” Sebastian said, throwing more wood on the fire. “We should all go out together sometime soon.”
“I, uh, I don’t socialize with my students. Or other employees.” Pavel was keeping his anxiety in check, but it churned right behind his eyes.
“Aw, too bad.” Sebastian quickly glanced around. Theywere the only three people near the desk. Oscar stood a few feet away, and he was another vampire. Coast was clear.
Sebastian smirked as he continued. “It’s not every day you have a vampire, a witch, and a gargoyle together in one place. And all gay.”
“What?” Justin asked, shock spreading across his face. Sebastian wasn’t surprised. Vampires, as a rule, were less sensitive to magical intricacies, mostly relying on their enhanced senses. Witches didn’t have a particular smell, nor did gargoyles, so this was out of left field for him. Not only that, but most vampire covens were insular, with little exposure to other supernatural creatures.
“Or at least bisexual, I should think.” Sebastian laughed, loving that he had pushed these men off balance. He didn’t know Justin, but anyone in a new job needed loosening from all the pressure. And the maestro… Well, Pavel had always hid behind layers of self-protective barriers.
“How did you…” Justin shook his head, confused. Sebastian reached out, cupping the vampire’s neck gently.
“Oh, darling, I’m the witch, in case you didn’t realize. We pick up on things.” Sebastian dropped his hand. Pavel stared at the two of them, still as a statue. “Gargoyles are somewhat sensitive as well, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he already knew you and Oscar were vampires.”
“I did,” Pavel said, his eyes wild. “But I wouldn’t bring it up in public.”
“You’re a witch and an opera singer?” Justin asked, reaching up and wrapping one of his blonde curls around his index finger. Sebastian wondered if it was a nervous tic. If it was, it was adorable, and he would endeavor to make Justin nervous as often as possible.
“I didn’t feel like going into the family business. Mymom’s a lot to take. I love singing, so this was a good alternative.”
“I don’t… I’m not sure what being a witch entails.”
Sebastian opened his mouth to explain more, when Pavel let out a strangled sound. He and Justin turned to the sexy, bearded gargoyle.
“We can’t talk about this here in front of… I need a moment.” Pavel turned, walking away in the direction of his office, calling out behind him. “Sebastian, tell everyone to start prepping for the quartets. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
Sebastian couldn’t help but watch the maestro walk away. He had thick, solid thighs that strained against the fabric of his trousers, and his gait exuded power, even though he was obviously thrown off.
When Sebastian turned back, he saw Justin was staring at Pavel’s exit as well, his eyes locked on the maestro’s muscular ass. Oscar watched the two of them from the side with an amused grin on his face.
Sebastian leaned into Justin. “I didn’t mean to make him uncomfortable.”
Mischievous fire flashed in Justin’s eyes. “Didn’t you?”
“Well, not enough to run him off, anyway.”
“Oh.” Justin glanced back at the maestro as he disappeared into a rehearsal room. “I didn’t know gargoyles were a thing,” he whispered, wonder in his voice.
“I’d never met one before him. There aren’t many left.”
Justin glanced down at the slim silver watch around his wrist. “Isn’t it time for the session to start for the day?”
“Yes, and I suppose I should go tell everyone the maestro will be late.” Sebastian pursed his lips. “I wasn’t kidding about the three of us hanging out.”
Justin’s expression was confused, but not unhappy. “I don’t think it will be easy to convince him.”
Sebastian shrugged. He was good at convincing people to do the things they should, even when they didn’t want to. Well, unless those people were his mother and sister.
