Page 19

Licking his lips, Shiloh nodded and produced the sigh sound as well. “At least they’re fighting about how well we’re going to communicate?”

There did not seem to be a good response to their discussion, so Zorin and I both stood quietly. It got another sound, almost like a laugh from Shiloh, but I did not think he was feeling enjoyment in a way I would have expected.

“They seem to be able to feel your bond and they’re both looking forward to getting to know you. Hell, the professor over here was debating if he could move you into his place right away.” Something about Hugh’s words or tone had our mate’s face getting red again.

It made me wonder if our faces had ever responded that way to stress. However, unlike Zorin, I knew not to interrupt the male Hugh while he was speaking to Shiloh. “And eventually having two mates will be very practical. You’ll never have to do anything on your own unless you want to.”

That was a reasonable point in our favor.

Wren opened his mouth, probably to agree, but Hugh did a quick motion and raised one finger as he frowned. “Don’t say it.”

Don’t say what?

Even the professor was glancing back and forth, but he had obviously had more time with the humans because he spoke quickly. “His words were going to be inappropriate, correct?”

Really?

Toman made the Earth sigh that time. “Yes.”

Wren shrugged, but if I understood his expression, did not feel badly. “Yes. But in my defense, it was just the perfect opening.”

There were perfect conversational openings to be inappropriate?

That concept did not translate between the languages or culture, but based on the reactions of the people of Earth, it was correct somehow.

“Shiloh?” Wren of Earth focused back on our mate without giving off excess expressions. “Are you okay with going with them or do you want to come hang out with us for a while? I’m going to be nosy and spend the next hour asking ridiculous questions to Daddy, so you’re welcome to come do that too.”

Daddy?

Daddy?

I understood there were caretaker references to that title and that it signified Toman was the dominant partner in their pairing, but a lack of what they called firsthand knowledge was putting me at a disadvantage.

Our mate understood the social implications of the words, but somehow they made his need to move increase significantly. “I…I think…”

He seemed to think too much but I may not have understood his problem.

After a few more seconds of breathing and staring and possibly worrying, he shook his head side to side. “I should go with my mates.”

Wren’s expressions were difficult to understand, and his words did not make the situation easier. “When in doubt, go full Deputy Talon on them and just call them fucking aliens. They’re only one step removed from being diner men. Don’t let the blank faces fool you.”

That made no sense whatsoever.

However, it did make our mate smile and allowed him to speak easier. “Or I could be Lorne.”

Wren’s laughter filled the room and even made Toman give an Earth smile as he responded strangely. “Please do not tell me if your mates are crunchy.”

Why was that so funny?

Most of the people of Earth were either performing laughter or doing their best to pretend it was not humorous because Hugh even rolled his eyes again. The language transfer did not supply enough cultural context because simply knowing he had mentioned specific dragons of Earth did not help explain the humor.

I was not the only one who was confused. Professor Zorin produced the device humans would call a tablet and began making additional notes. I both understood and found it frustrating, so I ignored it. Everything about him produced confusing reactions from me and I wasn’t sure if us being mates made it clearer or not.

“I’ll behave.” Our mate’s quiet words made Wren smile and everyone seemed to decide at once the situation was not as stressful as it had been before. Even Shiloh’s anxiety felt lower, but I didn’t understand the reason behind it.

“We will give you a tour of your room and then of the community.” Zorin stood straighter as he put his notes away. “Toman said that would make your people feel more comfortable.”

“Yes. I will show you around.” I could do that. Letting Zorin take charge would confuse Shiloh and make him think Zorin was his Dominant. “Would you prefer to touch or to be left alone?”