Page 39 of Homecoming

Sohar got up and walked over to wrap his arms around her. “You look beautiful and smart and sassy.”

Aeryn stared at him. “Your speech patterns have changed.”

He grinned. “Did they now?”

“Yes...” She narrowed her eyes.

Loken laughed. “He’s hooked into our brains. He’s a very sweet thug, but his neural pathways need a boost. He has an amazing memory. He will remember anniversaries and birthdays before you do. He knows food preferences and can find anything you have lost no matter how long ago.”

The advertisement made her smile slightly. “So, we are the batteries, and he’s the tool.”

Sohar squeezed her. “Funny.”

He was smart enough not to threaten her with histool,so she considered him highly evolved at that moment.

“The launch is on the horizon and returning. I think they are going to need a drink.” Sohar chuckled.

She looked up at him and chuckled. “And possibly a sedative that has an effect on memory.”

He smiled and rubbed her back.

Loken chuckled. “Come on. We need to get topside so they don’t assume we are enjoying our mate in graphic and enthusiastic ways.”

Sohar touched her shoulders and smiled. “We will save the graphic enthusiasm for later. After the full moon.”

She had a thought and grabbed her hair. “Sohar, can you cut my hair? I have broken a few dozen scissors, and I am guessing that it has something to do with you.”

He frowned. “I like it.”

“It hangs to my ankles. I have to carry it like a stole half the time.”

“But you do it so well.” Loken chuckled.

“Keep it for the photos. I will revisit it afterward.” He kissed her cheek. “But yes, I can cut it for you.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I don’t want to get the hair trapped under you and have to beat you two awake in the middle of the night.”

Loken chuckled. “Nice that you would include us both.”

“We are a pack, a group, a herd? I don’t know what we are.”

“We are together. That is what matters. We are an archipelago, I suppose.” Sohar smiled. “Let’s go upstairs and get what we need for the evening. I believe Ahheel has a vision for it.”

“Oh dear. Well, we had better rejoin the gathering.”

She walked out and felt one hand on her back and the other on her butt. When she glanced over her shoulder, she was surprised at which hand was where. Loken laughed.

They walked up the wide steps with her, and their trio emerged to applause and whistles.

Aeryn muttered, “Did we win a prize or something?”

Sohar chuckled. “Well, we did.”

The port that led to the Wonder Islands was visible, and after they had all discussed what would be needed for the evening, including Thera’s pod, clothing from Ahheel, and some snacks.

Aeryn looked at Mini. “I know where to find the best snacks. We can hit them while everybody else gets supplies and stuff.”

Sohar sighed. “If you think you are getting out of our sight, you are deluded.”

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