Arik took one slow, visible step forward, then another, careful enough that every movement seemed chosen before it happened. Liam did not move, though his fingers tightened against the doorframe until the edge pressed hard into his skin.
Arik's scent reached him before his body did.
Warm stone first, like sunlight held in old walls after rain. Beneath it was a faint undertone of caramel, soft but not sweet enough to overwhelm, only warm enough to soften the sharp edge of the panic tearing through Liam's chest.
His body reacted before his pride could stop it, relaxing almost immediately with relief. His knees almost gave.
Arik saw it and slowed even more. One hand lifted, palm open, not reaching for Liam yet, only making the intention visible.
"May I?" he asked.
Liam hated that he asked.
He hated that the question did more harm than any command could have, because it gave him a choice when he was terrified of losing the ability to make one.
