Malukti smirked. “Why should I?”
“What are you saying about me?” Tara demanded, leveling a pair of tongs at them. “Grayson, what are they saying about me?”
Grayson’s brows shot up. “You thinkIknow?”
“We were commenting on how lovely this gathering is,” Malukti said, switching back to English. “And how kind it was of you to invite us.
“Oh, well, I guess that’s okay. Beer?” She offered Keld and Malukti a can each.
Aureli appeared from the bathroom as Keld took his first sip. “Hey, Keld. It’s been a while since I saw you. Hearing you on the other hand…”
“Shut up, Aureli,” Grayson hissed, but Keld just winked.
“You’re welcome to listen anytime.”
Grayson punched him in the arm.
“Okay, everyone to the living room!” Tara called. “Assume the bad-movie-viewing positions.”
“Can you explain to me again why we are watching poorly made films?” Malukti muttered to Aureli.
“Because it’s amusing,luae,” he said, snatching a handful of chips.
“Tara doesn’t have a partner coming?” Keld whispered. He pulled Grayson into his lap and sat up against the sofa.
Grayson shook his head. “She’s dated around a bit, but no one’s clicked yet. Why, you have someone in mind?”
Eksal kicked Keld’s back. “Are you thinking of Zasia?”
Keld twisted to look back at the other Alpha. “Yeah, what do you think?”
“I have been thinking the same thing.”
“Tara?” Jenna called. “You need help?”
“I’m good!” A crash sounded from the kitchen. “Okay, I’m not good.”
Jenna laughed and got to her feet, tousling Eiru’s white curls as she passed by. The polar Mer glanced back over at Keld.
“So, are you two dating?” she asked, in English this time.
Keld felt Grayson stiffen in his arms.
“Yep,” Keld answered. “This is my boyfriend, Grayson.”
Grayson glowed a rosy red. “We’re telling people, huh?” he muttered.
Keld kissed his nose. “Yep. I have to broadcast that you’re taken.”
The smile that split Grayson’s face was so wide it hurt Keld’s heart to look at. What had he ever done to deserve an Omega like this?
Tara and Jenna returned with a platter of seemingly Mer-safe food and a delivery bag radiating ammonia.
“Hey, uh, Eksal? I think you may have accidentally ordered rat poison,” Tara said, dropping the bag in his lap.
“It’shongeo!” Jaeyong said. “It’s actually really good.”
Tara shook her head. “Sorry Jaeyong, I think I’m too white for that.” She studied the guests scattered around her coffee table and sofa. “This isn’t going to work. Everyone up!”
