The Morning light came through the curtains Lirien blinked his eyes open, the habit of sleeping clinging to Vael for a moment longer before the reality of his body settled in. He felt hot. Not the comfortable warmth of sleep, but a deeper, sticky heat that had been simmering beneath his skin for days. His scent glands throbbed at the base of his neck, a dull ache that promised to get worse.
He rolled over, burying his face in the pillow, trying to muffle the sweet, honeyed smell that was already beginning to rise from his skin. It was a scent that could get him thrown off a planet, let alone a spaceship, but here, in Vael's apartment on Earth, it was safe. Or it should be.
The mattress dipped behind him. A heavy arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him back against a solid, muscular chest. Vael. The Alpha's scent hit him instantly,pine, cold air, and that distinct metallic tang of authority.
