Daniel’s reaction doesn’t seem like aversion. If Liam didn’t know better, he’d think the submissive was about to come.

Wouldn’t that be something? Anxiety seeps into Daniel’s scent.

And then the front of the sheet is abruptly wet. Release. Not urine, not an orgasm, but his body’s way of getting rid of toxins. Should he give Daniel approval or ignore it? Why is there so much anxiety?

He’s so submissive and so far down into a drop that his body is probably desperate to get toxins out. Desire ramped up now that some part of Daniel has decided he likes Liam.

He can’t think of anything else it could be.

Liam wouldn’t be surprised if Daniel had some fucked-up notions of what he’s allowed to want.

“You need to release, sweetheart. It’s not bad. It’s good,” he reassures, and Daniel finally opens his eyes. There are tears on his cheeks and his breathing hitches. His eyes are hazel and the eye contact feels like a punch in the gut. As if this is the person he’s been waiting for all his life.

“There you are,” Liam says, voice rough. Daniel’s pupils are blown with arousal, glassy with need. He’s so beautiful. “I’m Liam. I’m here to take care of you. What’s wrong, honey?”

“The… release,” Daniel gasps, quick and apologetic. “You said it was okay, but I wanted to make sure, because….” He lets go of Liam’s arm, buries his face in the pillow, and sobs.

“Hey, sweetheart. Hold on to me. Can I scent mark you a little?”

“Oh,” he whispers, sounding ashamed. He mouths the word please but can’t give it sound. And doesn’t that just tell Liam everything he needs to know about Daniel?

Liam leans closer, presses his forehead to Daniel’s cheek, then rubs his nose and his lips on Daniel’s face. Against his jaw.

“Is this real?” Daniel whispers.

“Yes. Yes, it’s real.”

“My dad had a stroke?”

“I’m afraid so,” he says, grimacing at having to be the one to tell Daniel.

Daniel doesn’t meet his gaze. “He won’t die, though?”

“I believe he’s expected to recover.”

A long moment passes. “That’s good.”

It’s so halfhearted Liam doesn’t bother to agree.

“How long will I have you?” Daniel asks, another whisper, as if he’s expecting this to be a trap.

“At least a week. As long as I can keep you.”

His breath hitches. His grip on Liam tightens. “You’re a Dominant. You’re going to treat me like I’m a submissive? Is that true?” Daniel meets his gaze again. The intensity of their connection is electric. A shiver goes down Liam’s back and his knot throbs.

“Yes. That’s true. Have you had a Dominant before?”