Page 18 of All You Need is Alien Love
I hold up a hand and wince. “Please. No more. I accept the three-day abstinence requirement, okay?”
Her smile is smug. “Smart choice.”
She and my mom high-five one another and I have the sinking realization that I’ve just been played by my family.I will remember this and have my revenge one day.
Dad shoots me a sympathetic smile. “It’s only three days. You’ll survive. Following tradition isn’t always bad, and more importantly, it will make your grandmother happy.”
Mom stabs a fork into her food and cackles. “And, because we’re your parents and we love you, it’s only fair that you experience the same torture we all had to.”
I cross my arms. “Sounds pretty petty to me.”
She shrugs. “You say potato, I say potahtoh.”
Dad leans back in his seat, expression turning serious. “How are things going with River’s parents? I assume they’re going to attend the ceremony, but your mother and I haven’t spoken with them recently.”
I swirl my wine in my glass, mood darkening. “River was trying to make time to get to know them better, but they got some intel about Layne Madison from one of their connections and decided to go off planet to learn more.”
Mom mutters something that sounds like “oh, for fuck’s sake” under her breath, a scowl fixed on her face.
Dad winces. “I’m guessing River didn’t take that well.”
Just thinking of my mate makes me smile, but it’s tinged with sadness. “River’s far more forgiving than I am. It breaks my hearts that he’s been without his parents for so long, and even now, they haven’t done what they should to become part of their son’s life again.”
Mom reaches over and rests a comforting hand on my arm. “Look, I don’t like how they went about things in the past either. But I suspect they’re dealing with a lot of their own insecurities and guilt over what happened. After being gone for so much of River’s life, it’s probably not easy for them to shove their way in. They might be scared to try. As a parent, I can empathize with that.” She scowls. “Doesn’t mean I’m going to let them off the hook for anything where River’s concerned, but I can imagine how they feel. River’s a self-sufficient adult now, married even. He doesn’t need them anymore. Not in the same way he did as a child, I mean. They may not know how to even approach him now.”
“Your mother makes a good point,” Dad says. “And if nothing else, they appear to be genuinely committed to keeping their son safe. They’re not gallivanting around the universe without a purpose after so recently being reunited with River. They’re taking an active role in helping us prepare for this next threat coming our way.” He sips his wine, ruminating for a moment. “If they can provide us with crucial information about Layne Madison and his plans, that will be in everyone’s best interests.”
“I know.” I sigh but don’t hold back a faint scowl. “It’s just… River deserves so much more. I want that for him. He loves his parents and I want him to be able to have the kind of relationship with them that I have with both of you.”
Mom sniffles. “Maddox, we did good with our boys.”
“We raised them right,” he agrees.
I smile as I watch them. I really lucked out in the parents department. If River and I ever have kids, we will give them the same kind of love, care, and support my family always gives me.
On my other side, Grandma Iris reaches over and squeezes my hand. “You’re a good man and an even better husband, Kai. No one can doubt how much you love River. But this is something he and his parents need to work out. All you can do is stay by River’s side and offer him the moral support he needs.”
I know she’s right but I want to be able to fix everything for my mate. It’s a difficult pill to swallow when accepting that I can’t make everything right for him. And I know River well enough to recognize that he doesn’t want me to solve his problems for him, so I’m hanging back a bit for the moment and trying my best to take my cues from him. It’s not easy, though.
“Holding back where River is concerned is so much harder than I ever imagined,” I admit.
Dad wraps an arm around Mom’s shoulder and she leans into him. “Being a team as life mates is important, butit’s equally essential to recognize and support one another’s autonomy.”
“I couldn’t have put it better, my dear,” Mom says. “You need to trust River as an equal partner. If he needs your help, then he’ll tell you. It’s not like he’s shy when it comes to his feelings. Or much of anything, really.” She grins. “I love that about him. His honesty and openness are refreshing—and just what you need from a partner, Kai. If anything, you’re going to be the one who needs to be open and honest with him aboutyourneeds. You have a tendency to keep things to yourself and want to handle them on your own. River is ready and prepared to back you up anytime you need him to.”
I swallow back the lump in my throat, my tentacles coiling and uncoiling in agreement.
“Galactic gods, I know you’re right. When it comes to River, reason and logic seem to fly out of my mind and my instincts take over.”
Grandma Iris chuckles. “Of course they do. That’s what happens when you find your life mate. It will get easier over time. But I agree with Ellie, open and honest communication is one of the fundamental pillars to a successful relationship.”
My lips twitch. “In other words, I need to come out and ask him if he wants my help with his parents?”
“Bingo!” Mom cries.
My tentacles flutter happily inside me.Sometimes my parents and grandparents really do know best, so I’ll listen to them on this one.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice hoarse. “I know I don’t always tell you, but I love you all so much. Knowing I can always rely on you to tell me the truth, even when I don’t want to hear it, means more to me than I could ever say.”
