Page 36 of Santa Has Tentacles

Good grief.

“There are many speakers of those languages.” Starting with the biggest populations made sense. “However, I have found this country to be where I would like to call home as humans say.”

“I bet those were interesting to learn.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.

“Reading in a native language provides factual information not always given in translations.” He shrugged like that was just how it was. “It was necessary to understand those details to pick where I would be most likely to find my mate.”

Oh.

“That makes sense.” Had to understand the locals to figure out where he wanted to live and have a family.

“Earth governments were not always factual regarding social conventions.” That seemed confusing to him but I was glad he hadn’t taken everything any of the governments had said at face value.

“You were smart and took your time, though.” I laughed as Saint did a happy wiggle, rocking the water back and forth. “And then you found me.”

Giving me another hum as he stroked over me, Saint made a very human pleased sound. “Additional education results in superior decision-making.”

I was betting half the people who could hear him were rolling their eyes, but I thought his bragging was cute.

“You did a wonderful job.” Saint smiled at the praise, but unfortunately, I could only see that because he shifted me around to rinse me off. “And you take very good care of me.”

And based on the way he was focused on me, I had a feeling he wasn’t done taking care of me yet.

Chapter 11

Colby

I should’ve realized aliens who didn’t sleep much would be morning people.

“Groaning is usually a human indication of pain.” Saint picked up the pillow I was hiding under and leaned down to put his face right against mine. “Please communicate the problem area or I must notify the human helper.”

I was pretty sure he was using that as an empty threat…but not sure enough to take a chance. Teasing him about it seemed like a reasonable plan, though. “I think you’re being sneaky.”

He tried to shrug and look confused, but he needed to work on his acting human skills. “I have no knowledge ofsneakyin this context.”

Bullshit.

He made me smile, though, and that signaled a clear win for the alien Dom. “You are not considered amorningperson, my Colby.”

Picking me up before I could even nod, he moved me to his lap and wrapped me in his arms. “He is fine. He is just what humans considerdramatic.”

Fuck.

Forgot the audience.

Trying not to groan in embarrassment that time, I buried my face against his torso and dragged one of the larger tentacles over my head. I didn’t get much sympathy but he did give me a pat as I gave him more human drama and whispered, “I forgot they could hear. What did they say?”

I was hoping he’d deny hearing any conversations.

He didn’t.

“Several immediately understood the human response which is a refusal to wake. It shows they are ready for their own human. Unfortunately, several responses indicated worry. They are not ready for the human reaction called drama.”

So you had to be able to tell a dramatic sub from one who was truly emotional before they’d encourage you to go find one of your own?

Made sense to me.

“You knew I was just being dramatic, so you teased me.” I managed not to laugh but it was close. “The human helper threat was a good one.”

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