Keld paused just outside his apartment door and rubbed a hand over his face. “Fuck.”
∞∞∞
“He lives in yourbuilding?” Zasia’s jaw hung open, a forkful of fried kelp halfway to her mouth. Keld had managed to keep her nose out of his business for an entire week, and for that, he felt he deserved a medal.
The pub bustled with Friday night activity, mostly humans blowing off steam after a long week. The table of Ikatere employees were some of the only Mer in the room. Omegas shot glances at them as they passed, nostrils flaring as they caught the mingled scents of all four Alphas. So far, none had been brave enough to approach, though Keld suspected that would change as the night progressed. Alcohol always made humans braver.
“Dude.” Eksal, another member of the accounting department, shook his head in exasperation. The Alpha had been working under Keld for a few years now—at least long enough to be intimately familiar with his dating history. “What the hell did you say to the poor guy?”
Keld grimaced. “I’d rather keep that to myself, thanks.” The other tables were occupied by humans, who likely couldn’t understand the rapid Loaish conversation in their midst, but Keld didn’t feel like repeating his words in either language.
“That bad?” Zasia sighed and shared a knowing look with Eksal. At least, she tried. It was hard to tell where Eksal was looking with his solid black eyes. The unnerving trait was shared amongst most deep sea Mer.
Keld’s boss, Loriun, glared at him from the head of the table. “You know, my Omega blames me for your appalling behavior.”
“How does he—” Keld groaned. “Duion Seyez.”
“That’s right,” Loriun growled. His scarlet ear fins flicked irritably. “Turns out the kid has a spectacular memory and quick thumbs.”
“So that’s why you’re here, Loriun?” Zasia teased. “Got kicked out?”
The vivid Mer sagged slightly. “Sort of. Beau said something along the lines of, ‘Why are you alwayshere?’ then told me not to come back until nine.”
Zasia’s grin widened. “Wow, you really are a family Alpha. Pissing off your postpartum Omega by existing. Congratulations.”
Loriun let his narrow chin fall into his hand. “I’m not a fan of this part.”
Eksal patted the CEO’s arm. “It’ll pass. He’ll be thrilled to see you by the time you get home. How’s the nymph?”
Loriun brightened a bit. “He’s perfect. Neither Beau nor I have slept since April 14th, but it’s worth it.”
Keld raised a brow. “Yeah… Sounds great.”
Loriun jabbed a finger at him. “You can’t even get past the first date, I don’t want to hear your critiques.”
“Ouch.” Zasia laughed. “I’ll take that as a sign to order a round of gose.” She waved the human server over with a dazzling smile. The poor Omega man looked like he’d been struck upside the head as he shuffled toward their table.
“Four gose and…” Zasia glanced back at the three males. “Somehongeo?”
“Hell yeah,” said Eksal.
The fermented skate was a human invention, though apparently it was only consumed in two small countries—Korea and Iceland. Most humans found the powerful ammonia flavor difficult to handle. Mer, on the other hand, found it intoxicating.
Keld supposed it was similar to humans ingesting alcohol—disturbing to the Mer, fun for the humans. True to form, the humans near their table wrinkled their noses in disgust as thehongeowas placed between glasses of gose and seaweed dishes.
The ray-like creature was neatly sliced and arranged on a bed of thick kelp. Keld could practically see the fumes wafting up from its aged flesh.
Eksal rolled up the sleeves of his black dress shirt, and speared a slice with one long, ebony claw. He tossed it in his mouth, flashing sharp, predatory teeth—another distinctive trait of deep sea Mer. Unsurprisingly, they had the most difficulty finding human mates. Although, there was an odd sect of human females that sought them out specifically…
“Damn, that’s good.” Eksal stabbed another. “Been too long.”
“Don’t let me eat too much,” Loriun muttered, leaning over for a piece. “Beau will be furious if I show up drunk.”
“You got it, boss.” Keld closed his eyes as the acrid burn of ammonia washed over his tongue. It drifted up his nostrils and flooded his gills, giving the world a hazy edge. Delicious.
“Feeling loosened up?” Zasia asked. She hadn’t touched thehongeoyet, opting to watch Keld closely instead.
“Yep.” Keld sat back in his seat. “Very.”
