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Jace’s lips were puckered as if he were tasting something sour. “Yeah, we sort of made a quick getaway.”

“Sometimes you have to do that,” Jack said.

Khoth lifted an eyebrow. Jack was a believer in command, but he, evidently, also saw a reason to break the rules.

Jack put a hand behind Jace’s neck. “C’mon, let’s go see your mother and that very anxious piglet. The others are just secondary, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jace grinned.

They let Jack go first followed by Jace with Khoth in the rear. Despite him being last, Chili greeted Jack and Jace but ran directly to him. He leaned down and scooped her up into his arms. She oinked happily and appeared to be smiling up at him. He petted her soft, pink body. Her eyes went half shut with pleasure.

“Pilot, do you have a good time flying around Ylore?” Typhon asked dryly.

Jace grinned that irrepressible grin of his. “Yes, Justiciar Moturin, I did. And we had to pick up my father from the space port.”

Jace turned his face towards Khoth. He was beaming. His eyes held such love. Khoth knew that Jace wanted to shout to the stars–and all the people present–that they were mated. But he did not.

Because he knows I wish to do this my way, Khoth realized.

He sent a wave of love towards Jace who looked a little like Chili did as she half-snoozed in his arms.

“With your parents both here, we thought to have a small dinner with a few people,” Amana was saying sweetly to Jace. “Everyone here.” Her eyes cut to Nova who was standing slightly apart. “Well, those who wish to attend.”

Jace’s expression was open and gracious, but inside he was worried about the eggs that were larva and other Thaf’ell delicacies that his stomach wouldn’t be able to take.

Do not worry, Izail. I will make sure there are human dishes for you to enjoy, Khoth assured him.

Jace’s expression softened. Thank you. My stomach thanks you more than you’ll ever know, Khoth!

If only your stomach would thank me for feeding it something other than junk food, Khoth sighed.

Never!

I know. Khoth shook his head. I wish to go speak to my parents privately.

Jace’s emotions flipped. To tell them about us?

Yes, Khoth said.

Shouldn’t I be with you to deliver the, ah, happy news? Jace asked.

No, I would prefer to do this by myself. Anticipating Jace’s worried reaction, he added, Not because they will react badly, but rather the opposite. I do not wish you exposed to Nova’s… reaction.

Jace was frowning slightly. I don’t want you exposed to it alone either!

I will have Chili. Khoth lifted up the pig for him to see.

Your emotional support pig. Ah, I see! True porcine love strikes again! Jace’s mouth was twitching into a grin, but his eyes still held worry.

In truth, Jace, I am worried about what revealing this to the others will do as well. Not our crew, but Typhon, Amana and such, Khoth admitted. They will seek to use it to their advantage.

That’s so strange to think of, but I suppose you’re right. But I don’t want to keep this secret! Jace cried.

We will not. Not for long in any case, Khoth admitted as the desire to curl his arms around Jace nearly overcame his sense of propriety. He tightened his hold on Chili, causing her to oink softly. Let us just see what people want right now. How they behave. You have saved Haseon. You had saved the Alliance.

We saved it, Jace corrected. But I see what you mean.

I will go with my parents now and meet up with you soon, Khoth said.