Page 57 of Homecoming

Avenar looked a little wary. “Why?”

Orla chugged the fruit juice. “Because, first, he was hostile, and then, he was super protective.”

Ligo entered the kitchen and frowned. “Orla, why are you out of bed?”

Iro chuckled.

Avenar got up. “I was just talking to this young woman and the other gentleman. Are you sure that she’s a suitable match?”

Ligo froze and looked at his mother, but along his back, a series of tentacles rose. His mother flinched, but Orla just cocked her head. “All right, calamari. Twirl.”

He blinked and then smiled slowly. He walked up to her with a slow swagger, and his tentacles stroked her hair and face. “You are looking better.”

“Couldn’t look much worse.”

His tentacles continued to stroke her hair. “Yes, you did.”

“Thanks for doing my hair.”

He cocked his head. “I like the style. It will keep the hair out of your face when you swim.”

“Sure. Just like any other alpha, focusing on me getting wet.” Orla saw his mother blink and cover her mouth.

He laughed and asked Iro, “How is the healing going?”

“She has some thin spots, but one more nap, and she’s good,” Iro answered.

“When do you return to work?” Ligo asked Iro softly as he continued to touch Orla.

“I have some leave saved up. The hospital has already ordered a replacement. I will head back for shifts in case of emergency.” He smiled. “The air flight is at my disposal.”

The tentacles moved down her body, and she calmly grabbed them to keep them away from her breasts. Ligo grinned.

“I am tired, not stupid.” She started gathering the tentacles in her hands. “No way am I up for your exploration.”

He chuckled. “I did have to try.”

He backed away, and she asked, “So, can you type really fast with those?”

“No.”

Avenar gasped. “Ligo!”

Ligo looked over his shoulder. “What, Mom?”

“You can’t use your tentacles on her.”

Orla leaned to make eye contact with her. “Why not? I was rather looking forward to it.”

Avenar gasped while Iro and Ligo chuckled.

Ligo murmured, “When I talked to Sohar, he explained what he had learned about these altered betas, and they are infinitely accepting of their mates while not letting them get away with anything. True matching.”

“Your father is going to have something to say about this.”

Ligo rolled his eyes. “He will probably ask if she can take us both together.”

“Ligo!” His mother left in a huff.

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