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“Is this something you must work at?” Khoth felt alarmed. The last thing he wanted to be was an additional burden to Jace. He already had enough voices in his head with Gehenna and the Osiris.

“No, not really. It’s a compartmentalization thing.” Jace shrugged. “It’s actually good practice. You remember how before we even went down into the lower levels that I was having those terrible headaches again?”

“Yes.”

“Well, part of it is because I could hear the calls of all the little AIs on Haseon. I could feel all the broken connections. They were plucking at me like millions of fingers,” Jace explained. “I had to learn to keep them out when I need to and only open myself to some of them at a time.”

“That is most sensible. And the other reason?”

Jace cough-laughed and ducked his head. “You know that reason. Typhon.”

“Typhon? Ah, your anger at his treatment of me--”

“That was part of it,” Jace quickly interjected and grimaced. “But the truth was that I was jealous.”

“I do not understand why you would be jealous of Typhon. He is nothing compared to you,” Khoth answered, honestly confused.

“I think you are downplaying him a little bit. The man is like a Greek--ah, a Thaf’ell--god in terms of looks. And he’s clearly smart and brave and capable--”

“Compared to you?” Khoth’s right eyebrow lifted.

“Compared to anyone.” Jace grimaced again. “He just seemed so much more than me. I can’t explain it. He’s Thaf’ell and he was saving your dad and… I know he treated you badly, but people go back to exes who treat them badly all the time, because there’s feelings there. Deep feelings.”

Both of Khoth’s eyebrows were lifted. “I did not--and, clearly, do not--have any feelings for Typhon except disappointment that he behaved as he did with me all those cycles ago. He is a lesson to me on how not to behave.”

Jace let out a soft breath. “You prove just how superior you are to me when you say things like that. Because I realize how silly I am in comparison.”

Khoth caressed his cheek. “You are not silly, Izail. You can be silly, but you are not silly. You are so much more than you know. But, unlike Typhon, you keep yourself grounded and do not believe in your Greek god-ness.”

Jace grinned. “I am a Greek god. Total god material.”

“Yes.”

Jace bent down and kissed Khoth on the mouth. They lingered in this kiss. Khoth’s binding ta’na tingled. He felt fireworks going off in his brain from Jace. His mate loved when they kissed. He especially loved when Khoth fluttered his tongue just so against his palate.

“This reading minds thing is going great,” Jace said breathlessly as they broke apart.

“It is.”

Khoth caressed his face again. Jace turned his head into it and kissed his palm. There was a happy, dreamy look on Jace’s beautiful face that was reflected in his thoughts. It was as if Jace was sunshine inside of his head. Warm and welcoming and healthful.

“I just hope that my need for you didn’t cause this,” Jace whispered. “I mean, I’m happy, but I want to make sure--”

“Izail, read my mind. Look into it. You will see no doubt there,” Khoth told him.

Jace went quiet for a moment, his eyes glowing blue, and then he laughed. A sweet blush covered Jace’s cheeks.

“You see? Neither of us was forced into this. It was exactly what we both wanted,” Khoth assured him.

“So what do we do?” Jace asked, all bright eyes.

Khoth tilted his head to the side. “What do you mean?”

“Well, do Thaf’ell have weddings or something like that? A celebration of being mated?” Jace asked.

“There is usually a small ceremony between the two mates, but I do not think that would be a party in your opinion,” Khoth answered.

“Really?” Jace looked disappointed. “Because weddings for humans are pretty big deals. You have all your family and friends that you can afford to put on a big party for and you eat, drink and dance all night. Then there’s the honeymoon.”