She raised her eyebrows. “Truly?”
“Indeed. This might have been the ship that took him from Earth, but this was also the place which brought us together. Our first home, in a way.”
“I hadn’t thought about it like that.”
Nor had I. I glanced around their quarters, which were the same layout as all executive quarters, but touches of personality were all over the room, which spoke of the small family’s comfort here.
“Bartholomew loves it,” Serlotminden added, bouncing Bobbinvoxlyn. “Though he’s still upset the Cohort has yet to decide on whether he can bring his mothers and sisters here.”
This trip had been rather rushed in the planning as well as the offset. We had departed as soon as possible after Dontilvynsan had discovered a whole horde of humans the xoi had abducted from Earth. As such, Bartholomew, who’d been appealing to the Cohort to bring his family from Earth, had to leave before they made their decision.
He wasn’t alone in the wait. Camden was also appealing to bring someone from Earth, but I didn’t know who.
“They will decide soon, Speedy,” Kalvoxrencol said, moving closer to his brother to comfort him with an arm around his waist. Serlotminden melted into the embrace.
The scene made me smile softly. Kalvoxrencol had used to be so separate from us, all of us, holding himself apart, and now he was freely returning to our sides, content in a way he hadn’t been since he was a small child.
My eyes flicked to Talvax, and I caught a similar expression on her face. Perhaps, though, it wasn’t similar in feeling tomine. Love us all she might, but Kalvoxrencol was basically her child. She felt much more strongly for him than me or my other cousins.
Talvax suddenly stilled, then dug into her pocket and removed her pulsing touchstone. “Yes, Gorgownun.” She closed her eyes and her tail flicked. “Why am I not surprised?” She fell silent, listening to the other person we were unable to hear. “No, we’re coming.” Ending the session, she tucked the touchstone back into her pocket and stood. “Our mates are causing a ruckus."
My soul warmed at her calling Wyn mine, even though I should correct her. But the words caught in my throat. He was my mate, even if I was not yet his.
Serlotminden and Kalvoxrencol surged to their feet. The latter demanded, “Is Seth alright?”
“They’re all perfectly safe,” Talvax replied. “Merely drunk.”
I snorted.
She shot me a look, and I refused to back down. It was unsurprising this was the outcome of all of them gathered in one place. Seth, Urgg, and Wyn often got drunk together—of course Bartholomew had joined them.
“Where?” Serlotminden and Kalvoxrencol demanded at the same time.
“In the canteen,” Talvax answered.
Both were out the door before Talvax had finished speaking.
The two of us moved at a more sedate pace. None of our mates were in danger; they were just intoxicated and causing trouble.
“Urgg got all of the others in the canteen involved in their drinking,” Talvax said.
A breathy laugh slipped my control. “That is hardly surprising, Captain.”
She smiled. “My Urgg does love a good party.”
“They do indeed.”
When we reached the canteen, there was loud singing on the other side of the door. It only increased in volume when the door slid open. Urgg was standing on a table, singing at the top of their voice. Seth was hugging Kalvoxrencol and laughing, red-faced. Bartholomew looked the same as always, but his pinky-white complexion had turned red too and he swayed beside Serlotminden, who fussed over him while still holding Bobbinvoxlyn.
Wyn was half-lying on the table, sobbing.
I was across the room before I even thought to move and scooped my small mate into my arms. His eyes grew larger when he caught sight of me, and he threw his arms around my neck, holding me close.
“Peace,” I said against his ear in an attempt to be heard over the raucous noise. “Are you well?”
“I tried,” he blubbered.
“You tried to do what?” I asked.
