“What does what mean?” Keld’s fingers drew nonsensical patterns across Grayson’s stomach.
“This. That. I mean.” Grayson huffed. “You said you don’t want to see me with other Alphas, so…”
Keld was quiet at first. “I don’t want to share you,” is what he finally said.
“I don’t want to share you, either,” Grayson said softly. “But what does that mean for us? Are we… together?”
Keld propped himself up on an elbow and leaned over in an effort to catch Grayson’s eye. “Do you want that?”
“Do you?” Grayson challenged.
“Noivux’asi iakaanswer the question,aiu.”
“Yes,” he half-shouted in irritation. “Yes, I want to be together. But I didn’t think you did.”
The knot prevented them from moving to face each other, but Keld touched Grayson’s cheek, drawing his gaze. “I only want you,” the Alpha said. “Since the first time, I’ve only wanted you.”
Grayson’s pulse hummed beneath his skin. “Really?”
“Really.” Keld kissed him. “But you wanted to keep things separate, so I tried to respect your wishes.”
Grayson turned his face away. “I’m not sure when I changed my mind. I should have said something.”
“You’re saying it now.” Keld grabbed his chin and forced his eyes back on his. “So, does that mean I can call you my boyfriend now?”
A beaming smile split Grayson’s face. “I would really love that.”
∞∞∞
“And hechasedthe other Alpha out of the room?”
Grayson stared around the studio, fairly certain he’d blacked out when Jenna asked him to go to a singles’ pottery event. It wasn’t as if he needed to attend these things anymore. His heart gave a little flutter.
“Grayson! Hello? Details!”
“He didn’tchasehim out,” Grayson hissed under his breath. “And can we not talk about this in public?”
Jenna flapped a hand dismissively. “No one’s listening.”
Grayson locked eyes with someone who was definitely listening. “He just said he couldn’t do it, Reiz said he understood, then he left. That’s it.”
“But why?” Jenna persisted. “It’s not like you guys are exclusive. And didn’t he suggest it anyway?”
“I think he was just as surprised as I was.”
“So—fuck.” Jenna’s theoretical mug went flying off her wheel for the fifth time. She retrieved the glob and slapped it back down. “Does that mean he wants something more?”
“Hang on, I’m not done—”
“Why else would he freak out at the sight of you with another Alpha?” Jenna went on.
“Some weird Alpha instinct thing, I don’t know! Will you just listen?”
Jenna narrowed her eyes at him, but fell silent.
“We didn’t just leave after Reiz walked out. Keld asked…” Grayson dropped his voice, face heating. “He asked to like… scent mark me.”
“Kinky.”
