“Juniper, over here,” Shanley called, straightening up and waving as he saw her looking his way.
Juniper pursed her lips and walked over.
“It’s a bit chilly tonight. Wear this.” Seeing her thin t-shirt, Shanley frowned slightly and draped his suit jacket over her shoulders. He leaned in close, and a subtle, woody scent of cedarwood drifted into her nose, crisp and soothing. She couldn't tell if it came from the jacket or from him, but it smelled wonderful.
“Good evening, Mr. Schwartz,” the three friends stammered, their easy smiles vanishing the moment they saw Juniper’s ‘distant relative.’ They were so intimidated by Shanley’s powerful aura that they snapped to attention like they were at a military inspection.
“Hello,” Shanley nodded curtly, his gaze sweeping over Queenie, Dolce, and finally settling on Qadir. More precisely, on the backpack he was carrying.
Meeting Shanley’s icy stare, Qadir’s breath hitched. He immediately held out the backpack with both hands. “Mr. Schwartz, this is Juniper’s bag.”
“Thank you,” Shanley said, taking it while giving Qadir a long, meaningful look.
“No, no, not at all,” Qadir waved his hands frantically, puffing out his chest with a goofy grin. “It’s my honor to be of service to my leader, Juniper.”
Leader? It seemed his worries were unfounded.
“Heading home?” Shanley asked, holding the car door open. His eyes were cool, his voice neutral. “Get in. I’ll give you all a ride.”
Queenie and Dolce exchanged a look, neither daring to move a muscle.
“Thank you, Mr. Schwartz,” Qadir said casually, about to step forward until he caught the man’s indifferent gaze. The look in Mr. Schwartz’s eyes was terrifying. It felt less like an offer for a ride home and more like a trip to the crematorium.
“Actually, it’s out of your way. We can get back on our own. We wouldn’t want to trouble you, Mr. Schwartz,” Qadir said, stopping in his tracks. He bowed respectfully to both of them. “Juniper, Mr. Schwartz, we’ll be going now.”
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