Just as their lips were about to meet, the door creaked open, Varek stepped in, forcing Alpha Lucien to pull away instantly.
The Beta Varek walked in with practiced ease, acting as if he hadn't just caught the Alpha in a moment of near-intimacy with the sleeping lady. But for a second, just one, he had seen Lucien's lips nearly brush hers.
Lucien's face hardened. "What is it?" he growled, his voice clipped with irritation.
"Zara called earlier," Varek replied smoothly, holding out a black phone. "She sent a video update on how Seraphine's birthday is going. I thought you might want to see it."
Lucien reached out and collected the phone from his hand. After lowering the volume so as not to disturb Valessia's sleep, he hit play. The screen lit up with soft colors and cheerful laughter.
