Page 56 of Matthew

No response, no sign Sven was listening. It wasn’t about making his father hear him anyway. It was about speaking his heart, so long silenced.

“Goodbye, Sven. You fed me, clothed me, gave me a home. But you were a warden, not a parent. I’ll never think of you as my father again. I’m as glad as you our time together is done.” He nodded to Yalow. “Thank you for allowing me this opportunity, Doctor. I’m forever grateful for your kindness.”

Her expression was sad, but she touched his hand. “Be well, Matthew.”

He left without another glance at the small figure in the bed. He hurried toward the waiting clan and his future.

* * * *

“You’re all right?”

“I’m great,” Matt told Dr. Retel over the com from the rooms they’d rented on Jedver. “It was exactly as everyone told me. I was scared of no one.”

His psychiatrist chuckled. “The situation’s a bit more complicated, but this will make a big difference in your recovery. How soon are you coming home?”

Matt and the clan had already talked about it, but no firm decision had been made. He felt he was still waiting for something, though he had no idea what. Avir had told him, “Then we’ll give it a day or so. There’s no rush.”

“We’re unsure, but no later than the end of the week. I have a demo to finish recording, and Avir’s and Masok’s vacations are almost over.”

“I wish you safe travels home.”

Off the com, Matt wandered from the nicely furnished sitting room to the bedroom. It had been outfitted for Kalquorians, so the bed on which Masok sprawled and the other two sat was appropriately sized. When he entered, the trio shut off their handhelds. Masok sat up and they gazed at him expectantly.

“Yes.” He grinned at them.

It took barely a second for Avir to understand. He jumped up and swept Matt into a hug. His kiss woke lower parts, but Matt forced himself to focus on the romance of the moment instead of the lust.

“Welcome to my clan, my companion,” Avir said when his lips left Matt’s.

“Thank you, my Dramok.”

Masok and Kom joined them, bestowing kisses and laughter. Avir broke away to rummage in his travel bin. He drew a large bottle of sapphire blue alcohol from it.

“Leshella to celebrate.” Masok clapped.

“Isn’t it the high-end stuff?” Matt hadn’t tried leshella before.

“Only the best would do for this occasion.”

Kom went to the sitting room. He brought back three stemmed glasses from the bar and a pitcher, earning laughter.

“No,” Avir chuckled. “If you fill the pitcher, the rest of us will get only half a glass.”

“The pitcher’s for Matt. He deserves it. Haven’t you noticed he puts away a lot for such a little guy?”

More laughter, then Kom went back to the bar and claimed a fourth glass. They raised their drinks to each other.

“To our companion, our Mattie,” Avir said.

“Our perfect fourth,” Masok pronounced.

“Well worth the wait.” Kom’s happiness was of a serious sort, and he gazed at Matt as if he’d never look away.

“To my rescuers. I’m especially thankful for my Nobek, who refused to give up searching for me.” Matt’s voice came out choked.

Leshella was better than advertised. Matt was surprised at its smoothness and how easily it went down. His glass was half gone when he took it from his lips.

Kom snickered at his embarrassment. He topped off Matt’s glass. “Go ahead. I’ll be glad to take advantage of lowered inhibitions.”

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