Loriun blinked at him for a moment. Then, cedar and pine washed over Beau’s senses, and the Alpha gave him an uncharacteristic grin.
“I appreciate the compliment.”
Beau wanted to flee the country.
“Anyway…” Loriun set his paper bag on the counter and pushed it in Beau’s direction. “I brought you croissants. That’s a breakfast food, right?”
“Absolutely.” Humiliation mostly forgotten in lieu of buttery bread, Beau slid into one of the bar stools that lined the side of the kitchen island. When he peered inside the bag, he couldn’t help the laughter that burst from his lips.
There had to be at least thirty croissants inside. “Is this breakfast for the next week?”
“Is it too much? I’m not quite sure how much humans eat.”
“Two of these would have probably been enough.” Beau struggled to straighten his face.
Loriun looked shocked. “Two? Are you serious?”
“Why? How much do Mer eat?”
The Mer eyed the croissants. “We cannot digest your dairy products, so I am unsure how much it is in terms of bakery items.”
Curiosity sparked. “Then what do you usually have for breakfast?”
“This morning, I had alligator steak and seaweed salad.”
Beau choked on his croissant. “Alligator?”
“It is quite good. I suppose it weighed approximately three pounds.”
“Three—”
“But Mer Alphas require significantly more calories than Omegas.”
“Yeah,” Beau managed. “Sounds like it. So, uh, why are you here?”
The crimson fins that framed Loriun’s face sank. “Do you not wish me to be here?”
“No!” Beau said hastily. “Sorry, that came out wrong. I mean, what brings you here? Are you just giving me breakfast?”
Moron.
“Your medical checkup is today. Were you informed by the doctors in Gainesville?”
“Oh.” Beau swallowed hard. “Right.”
The Mer appraised his dull expression. “You do not want to go.”
“Not really. Does anyone like going to the hospital?”
“This is not a human hospital. This is an Omega clinic. You will receive the best care and the utmost respect.”
His eyes reminded Beau of tidal pools, even as they burned into his own.
When Beau simply nodded, Loriun frowned. “Would you like me to stay with you at the clinic? Or will that add to your discomfort?”
Beau’s first instinct was to tell the Alpha that he’d be fine and could go alone. He didn’t want to inconvenience Loriun when he was clearly on his way to work. But when he opened his mouth to say it, the words wouldn’t come.
Instead, he said, “I’d like that.”
