Cyril swallowed. "Harder than everyone."
Eric exhaled, leaning back in his chair.
"Why? Why now?" Cyril asked.
"I don't know, Cyril." Eric dragged a hand through his wet hair. The rain from earlier hadn't fully dried; droplets clung to him, making him look wild and half feral. "I don't know. And now the circus begins." He chuckled darkly. "They've been waiting for this day."
"You really didn't want this, did you?"
"No," Eric said simply. "But I had to help someone."
"Alpha—"
"Please," Eric cut in sharply. "Not yet. Cyril. Not yet." He rubbed his temples. "Just stick to 'boss' for now. While I still feel like myself."
Cyril nodded. "Okay. Boss."
Eric shot him a grateful look.
"I don't think it's as bad as you believe," Cyril offered gently.
