Page 50 of Where the Current Takes Him
“What Zicoi means,”Jaeisaid, placing his elbows on the table, “is that we are surprised you were permitted to enter the Omega program. Ashford Montgomery does not seem the type to allow his son to become mated to a Mer.”
The memory of Beau’s father in his office flashed through Loriun’s head. The man always had an ulterior motive, but he couldn’t tell Beau that.
“Beau is an adult,” Loriun said, saving Beau from responding. “He can make his own decisions. His father accepts the life Beau has chosen.”
A warm hand crept toward his and gave his fingers a squeeze.
“Of course,”Riuesaid quickly. “We are glad you do not seem to hold your father’s views. We truly hope you may find happiness here. Although…”Riuelooked at Loriun with a smile. “As you have already become mates, it seems that you already have.”
Oiwen choked on a fish tail.“Mates?”
“Did you miss that conversation?” Loriun teased.
His sister stared across the table at him, eyes wide. “You just met him and you already locked him down?” She jerked her head to lock eyes with Beau. “Blink twice if you need help.”
The tension cloying in the air instantly dissipated. Beau’s jaw dropped before laughter overcame him. Loriun had never thought much of his sister’s human education. Admittedly, he thought it seemed somewhat foolish, considering the state of the species as a whole, but he’d supported her decision. Now, listening to her speech and watching her gestures, Loriun was forced to confront just how inhuman he was. A twinge of jealousy prickled his gills.
The rest of the meal passed without further mention of Ashford Montgomery. Instead, Beau peppered the family with questions about Mer culture and Loaish, pausing only to laugh at Oiwen’s witty remarks.
By the time Loriun and his Omega made it out the front door, the moon had risen high in the cloudless sky.
“Your family is amazing,” Beau said as he dropped into the passenger seat. “And Oiwen is hilarious. She’s just so… human.”
Loriun grunted and put his car in gear.
“I learned so much about Mer culture,” Beau continued, oblivious to the Alpha’s sour mood. “I can’t believe how little humans know about your history and way of life. Loaish soundskinda tough to learn, but I hear bilingual people have an easier time learning a third language. I wish I could give it a shot.”
He looked over at Loriun expectantly. When Loriun didn’t respond, Beau’s brows pulled together.
“Loriun? Is something wrong?”
Loriun’s lips thinned. Now that Beau had noticed, he felt like a child throwing a tantrum. Such a ridiculous thing to get upset over.
“No. No, I’m fine.” A strained smile crossed his face, but Beau’s expression remained unchanged.
“You’re not fine,” his mate insisted. “Something’s bothering you.”
Loriun kept his eyes on the road. “It’s nothing. Not worth bringing up.”
A soft, warm hand settled on his.
“Loriun,” Beau said quietly. “You can tell me. I’m intimately familiar with being irrationally annoyed.”
The Mer gave a short laugh. “It really is nothing. I should not feel irritated. But…” He sighed. “Watching you with my sister tonight… It made me realize how easily she falls into human social circles. She speaks like you, gestures like you. She even has a human sense of humor. I have none of that.”
Stars twinkled over the island. One of them, the star which held Usoi in its grasp.
“I am envious,” Loriun admitted. “Envious that she can connect with you in a way I cannot.”
Beau tightened his grip on Loriun’s hand.“L…Luae.”
The word fell, clumsy, from his human lips, yet Loriun felt his very soul alight at the sound.
“If I wanted someone like me, I would have stayed on human soil,” Beau told him. “I left humanity for a reason. Ilikethat we’re so different. Ilikethat we don’t always understand each other.”
Loriun chanced a glance at the man beside him. Beau’s sandy hair was washed out in the moonlight, and his skin paler. His eyes, however, were endlessly deep. They stared, steadfast, into Loriun’s.
“Where’s the fun in life staying the same?” Beau tilted his head and smiled. “Besides, I’m pretty sure I can’t ever go back to human dick ever again.”
