Yuri spared him a glare.
"Including you, Nikolai. You are not an exception."
"But what have I done wrong? I'm not like the other alphas. I'm your best friend." Nikolai frowned at him, balling his hands into fists.
Yuri gave a nod, drawling, "Yes, you are my best friend, but I still can't help but feel jealous sometimes. If I were a standard alpha like you, I'm sure my life would have been smooth sailing. I probably wouldn't be a mateless orphan who is nothing except the supreme alpha's consigliere."
"I have my brains to thank, I guess." He burst into laughter, clearly drowning in his cynical feelings.
Nikolai landed a hand carefully on his shoulder. "Yuri, your life could be smooth sailing, you know."
"You are Caesar's consigliere, that's one thing, and I bet you so many of those stupid alphas wish they were in your shoes. And…" he paused, trying to form his mouth around words that seemed stuck in his throat.