"I really like it!" Jared answered instantly, his voice bright and unfiltered, carrying the pure trust of a pup completely comfortable in an Alpha presence.
I checked the clock again. 9:40 PM. Too late for a visit that wasn't planned, too late for a child still awake, and too heavy a night for the strange pressure filling my home. My instincts kept circling the same question without rest. Why is Elliot still here?
I kept my tone polite but careful, aware of the unstable Alpha energy in the room. "It's late, President Presgrave. Jared needs a bath and has school tomorrow. You should head home and rest."
His mood wasn't good. I could feel it clearly now, like controlled storm pressure barely contained inside his body. The Alpha aura around him was heavier than usual, restrained dominance pressing against every corner of the space. I knew better than to push further.
Elliot lowered Jared gently to the floor. "Go take your bath. I'll play with you after."
