“I’ve been on dates before,” Grayson said defensively. “Just… not places this nice.”
“And not with Mer.” A small smile danced on Keld’s lips. “Loriun mentioned you’re new to the island.”
Grayson nodded, eyes on the tealight flickering between them. “It’s been an adjustment.”
“How do you like your new job?”
“It’s good, most of the time. I have amazing coworkers.”
“But the irate Alphas aren’t your favorite?” Keld laughed.
Grayson grimaced. “It’s a little scary. They’re sobig—” He quickly lifted his head. “I mean—Not that you—Sorry.”
The faint smirk didn’t leave Keld’s face. Grayson wasn’t sure if it made the Mer more attractive or simply punchable.
This is going great.
“I’m guessing you didn’t get to see many Mer growing up,” Keld commented, lifting his water glass to his lips.
Grayson watched beads of condensation run down the Alpha’s taut forearm. Bronze splotches dappled the bone, concentrating at his elbow. “None, actually. The first time I saw one in person was when I landed in Miami.”
Keld’s brows inched up his forehead. “So, what, a few weeks ago?”
Grayson nodded.
“No wonder you’re so nervous.”
A twinge of embarrassment shot through Grayson’s chest. He didn’t respond, but he felt a muscle in his jaw twitch.
Duion saved him by appearing with their drinks. Grayson seized his wine and swallowed a mouthful. Maybe this would be more bearable if he was tipsy.
Keld’s attention remained on Grayson as he took a much more measured sip of the foamy liquid in his glass.
“What’s that?” Grayson asked, for lack of anything better to say.
Keld held it out toward him. “Gose. It’s a kind of weak beer. One of the only alcoholic beverages we Mer can handle. Try it.”
Grayson begrudgingly set his wine down and accepted the pint glass. Nothing could have prepared him for the flavor that washed over his tongue. It was tart and lemony, with something herbal, all followed with the warm tang of salt. His face twisted in disgust before he could stop it.
Keld laughed and took the glass back. “I’ve heard it’s more of an acquired taste for humans.
“Are you sure that’s beer?” Grayson slugged another overlarge gulp of wine to chase the bizarre aftertaste from his mouth.
Keld shrugged. “Talk to the Germans.”
Chapter 8
Keld
The Omega was still shivering. His scent was weak, his body begging Keld not to notice him. Typical fear response. It was a shame—Grayson had some sort of sugary flower smell that would have worked wonders on Keld had it been at full strength.
Keld pitied the young human to an extent—he couldn’t imagine what it would be like to go from a life surrounded by humans to a world where Mer were the dominant species. He’d never known a homogenous existence.
On the other hand, he couldn’t help the flares of annoyance that spiked each time Grayson avoided his gaze. Why had he bothered coming if he was this terrified?
Faint, pink patches had bloomed on the Omega’s pale, freckled face. He was on his second glass of wine and their food had only just arrived.
“How’s the pasta?” Keld asked, jerking his chin at the plate.
