Liam was pacing through the suite like an animal in a cage.
It was just a video call with Arik's parents.
It couldn't be that bad.
That was what Liam had told himself five times in the last ten minutes, with decreasing conviction and increasing suspicion that he had become a liar out of desperation.
He was dressed nicely, which should have helped. His long brown hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, his shirt was dark green and fitted without being too formal, and he looked good. He knew he looked good, objectively. That did not change the fact that he was about to meet Damian Lyon and Gabriel Lyon as Arik's mate, which made the entire situation less like a family introduction and more like an imperial inspection with emotional consequences.
He stopped in front of the mirror, turned slightly, and then frowned at the reflection.
"Too formal," he muttered.
He unfastened the top button.
Then stared.
"Too available."
He fastened it again.
A knock came at the door.
