"I dread losing you," Zayden whispered.
"I am not going anywhere," Ren said, wrapping his free arm around Zayden's shoulder, trying to reassure him.
The alpha shook his head.
"Say, Ren. What did you bring when you came to my mansion?"
Ren's muscles stiffened. Why was Zayden suddenly asking that? It was a memory he wished to erase from the alpha's mind, if he could because it could lead him to wonder whether Ren had truly come from the forest.
Still, he forced himself to keep his composure.
"…I came empty-handed. Unless Ilyan is counted."
Zayden pulled away quickly, letting go of Ren's hand. He gripped the omega's arms, locking his gaze with Ren. There was an intensity in his eyes, but Ren couldn't tell what emotion they carried.
"H-Huh? Y-You came with him?"
