Kai's breathing was uneven as he stared out the tall windows of Adrian's penthouse. Rain streaked down the glass, mirroring the chaos swirling in his chest. He hadn't been home in days. Adrian had insisted no, commanded that he stay after the last vampire attack, and Kai hadn't found the strength to argue. Not when every night, Adrian's arms felt like the only safe place in the world.
But safety was a lie. He knew that now.
"You're pacing again," Adrian murmured from the couch, voice low and honey-slick.
Kai froze. "I'm not."
"You are," Adrian said smugly. "Want me to pin you down until you stop?"
"Don't you dare," Kai snapped, though the heat crawling up his neck betrayed him.
Adrian smirked, eyes glowing faintly red. "Tempting me with that little tone, omega."
"Stop calling me tha
