Page 54 of Secretly Abducted
"This is irregular," his father says.
"This entire situation is irregular," I point out. "Might as well lean into it."
I head to Vel'aan's kitchen area, gratified when they all follow. His kitchen is basic but functional, and I'm pleased to find he has eggs from some local bird and various vegetables I can work with. I move around the space with surprising ease, already knowing where he keeps things after just a few days here.
"You've already learned his kitchen," Sar'na observes, watching me pull out a pan without hesitation.
"I'm a fast learner," I say, though through the bond I feel Vel'aan's small pulse of pleasure at this sign of domesticity. "And cooking is something I genuinely enjoy."
"What are you making?" Kar'on asks, genuinely curious.
"An omelet. Earth style but with local ingredients." I start cracking eggs. "So, Kar'on, you work with the Council?"
"Sometimes. Translator for off-world communications."
"That's how you heard about us?"
"Everyone heard about you. A human tracking down the Nereidan who saved him? And that Nereidan being reclusive Vel'aan who hasn't shown interest in anyone in years? The Council talked of nothing else yesterday. Things were kept quiet back then but now...now there's no more reason to hide. A mistake was made and my brother stepped back from research.You coming here brought a lot of things to light. Don't worry, no one is in trouble, it's all good things."
Kar'on moves closer to watch me work, placing a casual hand on my shoulder. "It's fascinating, really, how you found each other after—"
Suddenly Vel'aan is there, pulling me back against him, his arm wrapping possessively around my waist. "Don't touch him."
"He's your brother," I say quietly, though I'm not actually bothered.
"He's touching you," Vel'aan practically growls. It's kinda hot, and as his colors change to more gold, I know he feels my reaction too.
Kar'on raises his hands, stepping back with barely concealed amusement. "Just being friendly, brother."
"Be friendly from a distance." Vel'aan's hold on me tightens, and then he's turning me in his arms, kissing me thoroughly in front of his entire family. It's possessive, claiming, and completely out of character for my normally reserved partner.
When he finally pulls back, I'm breathless and his parents are staring in shock.
"Well," Kar'on says, grinning openly now. "That's clear enough."
"Vel'aan," Sar'na says carefully. "That was... unexpected."
He doesn't let go of me. "The bond is new. It makes me... protective."
"Possessive," Tav'ik corrects dryly.
"That too," Vel'aan admits.
I turn back to the stove, still enclosed in his arms. "I need to flip the omelet."
He releases me reluctantly, but stays close, practically pressed against my back as I work. Through the bond, I feel his embarrassment warring with instincts he can't quite control.
"Kar'on," Vel'aan warns when his brother starts to move closer again.
"You've been alone for so long, we thought you'd given up on connecting with anyone," his brother says.
"I hadn't met the right person," Vel'aan replies quietly, still hovering protectively near me.
"And the right person is a human who appeared three days ago?" his father challenges.
"Would you prefer I'd chosen someone you approved of but didn't love?" Vel'aan asks.
"I'd prefer you'd taken time to make an informed decision."
