Ghian “Aalyan.” His omega jumped, pulse spiking, clearly not having heard him approach. It was a little early for Ghian to be back—he’d just been struggling to stay away today. It was the third day since Aalyan had come back, since they had... been together. Made love, it was the only thing to call it, whatever words Aalyan hadn’t spoken. And today Ghian had a good reason to come home. He licked his lips. “Sorry.” Aalyan was already shaking his head, eyes wild. “I’m just...” He waved a hand jerkily. “Thinking.” “Deep thoughts?” Ghian offered a sympathetic smile. He knew how much Aalyan had struggled with the decision to tell on his older brother and now that Ghian knew it was safe, he could find it in himself to be soft. “Yes,” Aalyan told him seriously, not looking away. “Is every

