For all intents and purposes, this human was unfamiliar, except Al recognized his eyes—a lovely turquoise at the moment—immediately. This was Z?’x, Al’s favorite of all of his family’s servants. Growing up, Z?’x had been one of the only ones who had been kind and encouraging to Al, and when Al thought about staying on Earth, the thought of no longer seeing Z?’x was one of the few things that gave him homesickness, but now it seemed that would no longer be an issue.
Z?’x smiled kindly at Al, and Al touched the first two fingertips of one hand to the first two fingertips of his other—a greeting meant for old friends. Z?’x immediately reciprocated the gesture.
“Z?’x,” Al said warmly, but Z?’x shook his head.
“I have been preparing myself for this job since your parents informed me of your bonding,” Z?’x said in a gruff voice that was almost low enough to rattle the ground. “I have read many, many books in this language humans call English. This is not a good language, but I found enjoyment in some of the literature, such asDante’s InfernoandThe Baby-Sitters Club. In order to maintain total anonymity, I have also carefully selected a sacred human name. While on Earth, please refer to me as Kyle.”
“I feel understanding,” Al said solemnly. “On this planet I am known as Al.”
“Yes, I was informed of this. I shall refer to you as this, as you will refer to me as Kyle.”
“I feel enjoyment at your presence, Kyle,” Al said. He turned so that Kyle could see Jude and Ezra. “This is my human friend Ezra,” he introduced, pointing, “and this is my True Mate, Jude.”
“I feel very much pleasure in meeting your acquaintances, dudes,” Kyle said with a small bow.
“Hey man, likewise,” Ezra said, bowing back, but Jude held up a hand.
“Um. Back up just a moment, yeah? Want to explain to me what the hell is going on?”
“Kyle is from my planet,” Al said.
“Yes, I got that, but why is he on mine? No offense, of course,” Jude added hastily. “I just have no idea what’s happening right now.”
“Kyle is one of my family’s servants. He assisted in raising me as a child. My parents have filed the necessary paperwork to allow Kyle to come to Earth to care for us and our offspring.”
“That’s—I really appreciate that, honestly I do, but don’t you think the house is kind of crowded the way it is? Two adult humans, one alien, and seven children is kind of a lot for a two-bedroom house—and this guy probably counts as two people.” Jude looked Kyle’s giant frame up and down warily.
“What does your mate mean?” Kyle asked Al with a furrowed brow. Al shook his head.
“I do not feel understanding,” Al said. To Jude, he asked, “Do you believe that we are to raise our children in this very small and bad house?”
“Um.” Jude glanced over his shoulder at Ezra, who shrugged. “I didn’t know there was an alternative…?”
“Al’s parents have a significant role in our planet’s government,” Kyle explained. “As such, a small stipend is allotted to each of their offspring once they have found a mate.”
“A small stipend?” Jude frowned. “How much?”
“Unfortunately, due to the fact that I am simply a miner, my allotment is lower than that of my siblings,” Al admitted, trying not to let his feelings of bitterness show through in his voice. “But it should be enough for us to sustain ourselves.”
“Okay, but how much?” Jude asked again.
“Kyle?” Al looked to his friend.
“In American human money?” Kyle took a moment to think. “Roughly thirteen point seven million dollars, annually.”
“Fuck off!” Jude and Ezra said at the same time, making both Al and Kyle jump.
“I apologize,” Al said sadly. “I wish I could provide more to our family.”
“Provide more—Al! Do you understand just how much thirteen million dollars is?”
“Thirteen point seven,” Kyle corrected helpfully. “We have also created a home for you in the desert, far away from other humans, so that your offspring may have more freedom until they are capable of understanding the necessity of a human disguise. Each offspring will have their own room, and there will be space for guests as well.”
“This is insane, I’m going to die,” Jude muttered.
“The diplomat is also welcome to come along, of course,” Kyle said, nodding at Ezra.
Ezra’s eyebrows skyrocketed to his hairline. “Uh, come again?Who’sa diplomat?”
