Micah snapped back to focus, gasping dramatically.“Zig!Just because Pedro is cute and furry doesn’t make them apet.Plus, they have opposable thumbs, so they shouldbe able to get the hang of this… with a little guidance.”
I watched as Pedro snatched the second spoon out of Micah’s hands and launched it across the room. It bounced off the cold storage unit and clattered onto the floor, joining the ‘organized piles’ of displaced weapons and causing the blood pressure in my Earthling form to rise alarmingly.
In the past, I may have responded to this emotional overwhelm by shutting down completely or letting off some steam in a Muonova bar brawl. Both responses helped in the moment, but it was never long before whatever had been bothering me bubbled to the surface again.
And Dr. Micah does not approve of my old methods.
We were about communication and solutions nowadays, and since I wasn’t particularly eager to express my feelings of inadequacy to my mate, I focused on how to master this shortcoming.
“I need to… make a call.” I abruptly stood, grimacing as I preemptively regretted my decision. “To your… brother.”
Micah’s eyes lit up with interest. “Oh? What do you need to talk to Zion about?”
The way he was clearly fighting a smile told me he knew damn well what the subject matter would be, but I refused to confirm his suspicions.
This is embarrassing enough as it is.
“I promised I’d confirm your wellbeing on a regular basis.” A smug smile of my own broke through my terrible mood. “To ensure we don’t repeat the ‘space married’ situation.”
This was partly true. Zion Salah hadasked for occasional ‘proof of life’ updates so he wouldn’t worry unnecessarily about his younger brother. More importantly, digging up the past seemed to have successfully redirected Micah from the current issue at hand.
“Ughhhh…” my stellar collision dropped his head back and groaned, causing Pedro to blink at him owlishly. “I amnevergonna live down my goodbye note, huh? Carve it on my tombstone, why don’t ya…”
Unable to resist, I leaned down and kissed his perfect lips—using my hands to hold him in place, since I’d been told to keep my tendrils to myself in Pedro’s presence.
Yet another reason to be done with this mission.
I was more than ready to have everything in its rightful place again—my ship pointed at the stars, my weapons back on their racks, and my mate impaled on my tendrils and cock.
That shouldn’t be too much to ask.
However, I could also see how much properly feeding and watering Pedro meant to Micah, and since what was important tohimwas important tome,I was determined to do my duty and provide.
Which is why I need to talk to someone more knowledgeable than me.
More knowledgeable in this one area, that is.
“I’ll be back shortly,” I murmured, tearing myself away from my forever distraction.
“No prob. Tell Z I said hey.” Micah smiled encouragingly before a mischievous curve to his lips distracted me all over again. “Go phone home.”
Sigh.
Ignoring the Hollywood alien reference, I star hopped to the bedroom, sat on the sleeping pod mattress, and blew out a slow breath to collect myself.
You can do this, Ziggy.
You can… ask for… help.
I resolutely removed my phone from the intergalactic charging and Wi-Fi station Micah had created for us to stay connected with Earth before deciding atextwould be less traumatizing than a phone call.
Hopefully.
Before I could change my mind, I brought up Zion’s number and sent my missive into the ether.
I have a question that requires immediate attention.
To my surprise—and slight dismay—the reply was nearly instantaneous.
