Page 46 of Slow Heat

“Come along, we’ll complete the introductions in the living room with Yule. He’s eager to meet you, too.” This last bit sounded less honest, and Vale’s nerves tightened again.

But as if he sensed that Vale needed him, Jason stepped nearer, not touching, just closer.

He said, softly, “They really are happy you’re here. Both of them.” He grinned, and Vale’s heart, for lack of a better description, squished. He marveled at his own ridiculous reaction to seeing a set of teeth. “And I’m very glad you’re here, too,” Jason went on. “You look amazing.”

Vale despaired as that vicious kernel of hope grew green shoots. Wolf-god, his bumbling-but-adorable baby alpha was simply too delicious for words.

“So do you.”

Jason’s eyes went wide and he sputtered, losing his cool completely.

Vale laughed. “Oh, my. I forgot how lovely you are and how young.”

“I’m old enough for you. Don’t worry about that anymore.”

Vale tilted his head. There’d been a command in that tone, something he felt in his gut and knees, something that made him quiver inside. “Well, well,” he murmured, fascinated, but that was all he had time to say because they entered the living room and everyone fell silent.

Yule Sabel stood by the fireplace, his arms crossed behind his back and chest puffed up like the king of the castle. Which, Vale supposed, in a way, he was. Vale almost expected the man to lift his chin and say, “You may kneel before me.”

Instead, Yule gave them all a good once over, relaxed his arms, and broke into a gorgeous smile. It was Jason’s bright grin on a different face.

“Welcome,” Yule said, striding forward with his hand outstretched. He took hold of Vale’s hand and shook it soundly. “It’s good that you’re all here. Can I get anyone a drink?”

“Wolf-god, yes.” Rosen swept his long hair back from his shoulders and shot Yosef an amused smile. “I’ll have a lot of whatever you’ve got.”

Miner laughed and Yule followed suit. Jason scooted closer to Vale, taking deep breaths, clearly scenting him, though trying to be delicate about it. Vale’s stomach did another tumble and another embarrassing slide of slick wet his asshole. He shifted, and Jason let out of soft gasp. Vale’s neck burned hot.

“Yes! Let’s drown this tension in liquor, why don’t we?” Yule said, grinning. “Everyone will feel more at ease after a drink or two. Not you, Jason.”

Jason flinched at being singled out as too young or too out of control for alcohol. Vale sympathized with him. It wasn’t fair to the poor kid that their ages were so different, that they couldn’t just contract quickly and neatly, and put their bodily urges to rest.

“Alcohol negates the effects alpha quell,” Vale whispered.

Jason nodded, but he didn’t meet Vale’s gaze.

“Introductions first.” Miner sipped at his own plentiful glass, obviously nervous despite his warm greeting.

“Of course,” Yule said as he moved toward the bar and the rows of sparkling crystal glasses and liquor decanters.

“You’ve met Jason. I’m Miner Hoff, his pater. Please, all of you, call me by my first name.”

“Yule Sabel,” the king of the manor said, turning his gaze to Vale again. “Yule is fine. And who all have we here?”

“Feel free to call me Vale, of course.” He hated that his heart fluttered anxiously. He was a grown man. He had commanded classrooms of young alphas less than a week ago. He could deal with meeting the parents. “Yosef Deckel is my attorney.” He touched Yosef’s sleeve. “Rosen Mann is my friend, and Urho Chase is—”

“Your muscle?” Yule said, a sparkle of amusement in his eye.

Vale wondered if he’d somehow been overheard on the front walk. The windows had been closed, he’d thought, but perhaps not. “Urho is a friend. A clearheaded friend with my best interests at heart.”

“I see.” Yule’s voice made it clear that everyonesawexactly what Urho had been to Vale.

Staring at the wall across the room with a clenched jaw, Jason held very still, as though trying to ignore a strong, unwanted urge. Abruptly, he crossed the room to the window and opened it slightly, letting in some fresh air. No one rebuked him.

Vale was relieved when Rosen put out his hand to Miner and said, “I’m Rosen.”

Similar statements were issued by Yosef and Urho, hands were shaken all around, and the introductions, awkward and quick as they’d been, were done.

Everyone but Jason gathered around the bar, making requests and accepting drinks. The liquor was potent and high quality, burning nicely as it slid down Vale’s throat.