“Jason,” Ariana admonished. She turned back to Alec, but the High Council leader merely grinned. Without releasing Ariana's hand, he tucked it against him and drew her closer. “I see your brother is in his usual solicitous mood. As such, he can fend for himself. However, it would be my pleasure to offer you a drink. Would you like something?”
“Try the scotch,” Kayla called out without looking up from her diagrams.
Ariana smiled up at Alec. “I suppose I'll try the scotch then. Perhaps with a splash of water?”
“Wise choice,” Alec agreed and led her over to the bar area.
Jason followed and grabbed a bottle from the opposite side of the bar. As Jason began fixing his drink, he and Alec began arguing good-naturedly about the qualities in crafting a superior beverage. Ariana glanced over to
