Lorien POV

“A drink sounds lovely,” I said, forcing a light tone. “If you don’t mind, I have a few questions about your… our kind. Maybe you can answer them for me.”

My attempt to ease the tension only seemed to make Auren stiffen further. I reached up, resting my hand on his back, hoping to calm him. To my surprise, his muscles slowly relaxed beneath my touch. My fingers drifted in a slow, soothing motion, tracing small paths up and down his spine.

“Enjoy your meeting, Alpha ...