∞∞∞
Grayson’s knee was a bouncing blur. Anxiety thrummed through him, despite the cozy, calming interior of the coffee shop. Floral antique decor hung from the walls, and glass display cases held collections of handpainted plates. It felt like someone’s rich grandma’s house and was at total odds with what they were doing here.
Keld reached over and rested a hand on Grayson’s jiggling leg. “Relax. Everything’s going to be fine.”
“I know, I know.” Grayson tried to take a calming breath. Even if someone were to directly ask him why his stomach was tying itself into knots, he didn’t think he’d be able to explain.
Maybe he was nervous about meeting a very attractive Alpha. Maybe he was nervous about having a new sexual experience.
Or maybe I don’t want to share Keld.
Grayson brushed the thought away the moment it appeared.
“There he is.” Keld’s voice cut through the tangle of fears clouding Grayson’s mind.
He looked up just in time to see a flash of red pass by the window. A moment later, a bell chimed and the other Alpha entered the cafe.
Keld stood up, smiling.“Reiz, yai peori kalasaowe.”
Grayson got to his feet a second too late. “Hi,” he managed.
Reiz was even better looking in person. His facial scales were a shade of bronzed tan that most humans could only dream of. The rich pinks and reds of his scales were set off by ruffled flares of scarlet fins, and his eyes boasted pink irises that matched his silken, waist-length hair.
Reiz’s gaze remained fixed on Grayson as he spoke.“Tuiket, yai peori itho.”
Grayson shuffled under the weight of Reiz’s stare.
As if reading Grayson’s mind, Keld turned and said, “Sorry, Gray, this is Reiz, Reiz, this is Gray.”
Grayson suddenly wished he’d come up with a more creative pseudonym. “It’s nice to officially meet you.” He stuck out a hand. Did Mer even shake hands?
To his relief, Reiz accepted the handshake. “It is good to meet you as well. I have seen you around, but you never seem to mingle for long.” The vibrant Alpha eyed Keld. “I am pleased you have decided to stop monopolizing him.”
Keld laughed. “I’ll go order for us. Gray, they have a lavender latte I’m told is fantastic, even though flower-flavored mammary secretions don’t sound all that appetizing in my opinion. Want to try it?”
“Wow, you really sold it.”
“One iced lavender latte, then. I’ll get the salted caramel americano. Loriun put me onto them,” Keld added in response to Grayson’s questioning look. “The flavoring syrup at cafes is dairy-free. Reiz?”
Reiz scanned the menu from his seat. “I am curious about this lavender syrup. Are they able to add it to an iced americano?”
“Probably, I’ll ask.” And just like that, Grayson was alone with Reiz.
The Alpha cocked his head. “You appear nervous.”
Grayson winced. “I am, a bit. I’ve never done something like this before.”
Reiz nodded. “You are quite new to the club, correct?”
“Yeah. What about you?”
“I have been a regular for about five years, when Siren was still fairly new. I was one of the first Mer to attend.”
Grayson smiled, despite himself. “You must have been popular.
The corners of Reiz’s mouth curled. “I was.”
“Have you ever done this? I mean…” Grayson’s face was already growing hot. “With another Alpha?”
