Page 99 of All You Need is Alien Love
With a sigh of contentment, I lean into him. “He’s pretty epic, isn’t he? We’re totally meant to be. Intergalactic destiny for reals.”
General Mama Bellazoid turns away for a moment to talk to someone off-screen before returning her attention back to me. “Looks like our Intergalactic Alliance transport ship for the insurgents has arrived ahead of schedule. I’ll have to sign off so I can assist with the transfer of custody. I’m glad I could repay my debt to you, River Sullivan.”
“I’ll never forget it,” I tell her, “and I hope you and the whole family can come for a visit sometime in Vegas. I’ll definitely make it a trip to remember in the very best ways.”
“It’s a promise. Until then.” She gives me the Vulcan salute. “Live long and prosper.”
I gasp and return the salute, starry-eyed. Just when I thought General Mama Bellazoid couldn’t get any cooler, she did.
The screen goes dark, and I hand it back to my mom.
“She’s majorly cool, isn’t she?”
My mom sighs dreamily. “So damn cool.”
“I love a strong woman in uniform,” Ellie agrees.
Maddox pulls her into his side. “So do I.”
Ellie glows. “I know. Why do you think I agreed to become a captain with the Alliance?”
Kai groans. “There they go again. Aren’t we the honeymoon lovebirds here?”
Grandma Iris chortles. “You’ll get used to it one day. And if not, too bad. You’ll just have to suck it up because we’re family.”
I laugh, my heart full to bursting. This ismyfamily now too and I freaking love them all so much.
My dad moves closer and wraps his arms around my mom from behind, nuzzling her ear. “Don’t tell me you’re getting a wandering eye now.”
Mom snorts. “Just because I’m married doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate averystriking woman like that.”
I blink at her. “Uh… I know this might be kind of weird to ask at this stage, but does that mean you’re bi?”
Mom laughs. “You get your queerness from me and the Quintharian side of your genetics, hon. I thought you knew.” She tilts her head to one side. “Though it would probably be more accurate in human terms to say that I’m pansexual. Quintharians are often attracted to members of all genders, and it is not uncommon for many of us to enter into polycule relationships with a variety of different genders in the mix.” She kisses my dad on the chin. “Chris is the only lover I’ve had who managed to sell me on being exclusive, mainly because I didn’t want to share his sexy self with anyone else.”
Dad rolls his eyes affectionately.
My mouth drops open. “There’s so much I still don’t know about my heritage.”
“You have much to learn,” Grandma Iris agrees. “But now your mom can teach you.”
I guess I shouldn’t be all that surprised by what my mom told me. I’ve learned a lot of alien species tend to fall more along the pansexual spectrum, in human terms. Although personally, I can’t imagine trying to navigate relationship dynamics with multiple partners in a polycule. Talk about stressful. I’m better equipped to deal with the needs of one man. I just so happen to be the lucky sonofabitch who found his perfect partner. Kai truly embodies all that I’ll ever need in a husband!
Mom smiles softly. “Iris is right. We have all the time in the world now for me to tell you more about your Quintharian side.”
I perk up. “That’s true.” I grin at Kai. “But it may have to wait, because my boo and I are going to be going on a honeymoon ASAP before anyone or anything can interfere. When is Tentacular Tales Con again?”
Kai favors me with an indulgent look. “Shortly after Christmas here.”
I rub my hands together with glee.
Universe, here we come!
But before we can continue to get too derailed, Grandma Iris clears her throat to get everyone’s attention, a no-nonsense look on her face.
“Let’s save the rest of this reunion chitchat for later. Right now, I believe my grandson needs to be checked out by the professionals.”
I can’t believe we got so derailed. In all fairness, a lot has happened in a short amount of time and my brain hasn’t fully caught up to it all I don’t think. Also, Kai seems like his usual self so I let down my guard a bit too much.
