"Caleb, you've been working yourself to the bone," Lucien said, his voice carrying warmth as he slid open the top drawer of his desk. From within, he withdrew a plain, cream-colored envelope and held it out. "Take this."
Caleb's brows knitted in curiosity. "What's this?"
"A token of appreciation," Lucien replied simply, leaning back in his chair.
"I can't accept it, Alpha," Caleb said firmly, the title spoken with the respect of loyalty. "I swore to serve you as your beta. That is my reward."
Lucien stood, stepping around the desk with unhurried authority. "Consider it as a small vacation for you," he said, pressing the envelope into Caleb's palm despite his resistance.
Caleb's jaw tightened. "This isn't the time for any of us to rest. You were attacked by a hybrid in Eboncrest. I need to investigate. A threat from a hybrid is not something we can afford to ignore." Deep lines furrowed across his forehead.
