Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,50

asked many questions about Earth and their practices. Ph’eel spent the evening leaning heavily on, and practically petting Ko'San who seemed more than happy with all the adoration directed at him.

Once the meal was finished, and there was nothing left to speak of, Lo'San and Synclare escorted his family back to their rooms.

“Thank you for sharing your meal with us, Lo'San,” Mee'ta said, offering her cheek for Lo'San to kiss.

Lo'San didn’t move toward her, until Synclare squeezed his hand and pushed his arm forward. Giving in to his mate, Lo'San stepped forward and dropped a brief kiss on his mother’s cheek that had her all but tearing up in thanks.

From down the corridor they could hear squeals and laughter. Lo'San turned in that direction.

“Forgive the interruption,” Ph’eel snapped, beginning to walk toward the room her children shared with their nanny.

“Is that your young ones?” Lo'San asked Ko'San.

“It is. They have not had opportunity to play since arriving. They have much energy,” Ko'San said, watching his mate stalk determinedly toward their room.

“Do not chastise them!” Lo'San demanded, hurrying to get ahead of Ph’eel. “They are but young ones and should be able to laugh and play. They have done no harm. Come, Ko'San, introduce me to your young ones,” Lo'San said, genuinely excited to meet his nephews.

Ko'San didn’t even look at Ph’eel since she’d given him unfettered permission to interact aboard Lo’San’s ship. “Come,” he said, catching up with Lo'San, anxious to show off to Lo'San what he’d been able to accomplish that Lo'San needed medical intervention to achieve.

“Ph’eel! Allow Ko'San to introduce your young ones. Come, stand with us,” Mee'ta said, calling Ph’eel back.

Ph’eel came to a stop at once, irritated that her bond-mother was being so controlling. She glanced back at Mee'ta and when Mee'ta beckoned her to her side, Ph’eel turned and walked back to where Mee'ta stood as Ko'San and Lo'San walked past her toward the room her children were in.

Ko'San reached out and activated the sensor which would open the door to his sons’ quarters. When the door slid open, the boys were chasing each other around the room, and came to a sudden stop.

“Is this any way to conduct yourselves?” Ko'San shouted.

“No, it’s fine, Ko'San. They are simply playing. Do you not remember when we did the same?” Lo'San said, smiling uncontrollably at the tiny versions of Ko'San staring at him.

Ko'San glanced toward Lo'San, then back at his sons. “This is my brother, Lo'San. This is his ship,” he said to the boys.

“The whole ship?” one of them asked. “Why do you need such a big ship?” he asked.

“Hush,” the female standing just behind them said gently. “You’ve not been given permission to speak,” she reminded the boys.

“It is fine. They should not have to remain quiet until it is convenient for the adults in their lives,” Lo'San said.

“It is not my ship, but I command it on behalf of the Cruestaci,” Lo'San explained. “I am very, very happy to meet you both,” Lo'San said.

“You look like father,” the same little boy said bravely, glancing at his nanny, thinking she’d shush him again.

“Yes, I do. We’ve always looked very much alike, even when we were young ones like you,” Lo'San said. Lo'San turned to look at Synclare. “Sink Lar, come, say hello.”

“Excuse me,” Synclare said to her mother-in-law and went to Lo'San.

“Did you find a place for us to play?” the boy asked as Synclare approached.

“I was thinking that maybe they could run around the track in the exercise facility. I know they can’t be allowed to roam through the weight training and exercise equipment, but they can run,” Synclare suggested.

“Of course. Would you like to go for a run? We could have a race!” Lo'San said, obviously thrilled at meeting the children and having the chance to interact with them.

“Yes!” both boys chanted.

“Do you see that?” Mee'ta asked very quietly.

“See what?” Ph’eel asked irritatedly from right beside her.

“That is our key to returning Lo'San to us on Eschina. He adores the young ones. We can encourage a bond with them, and do all we can to make it clear that you could give any number of young ones he may desire. It will be even more convincing since his mate is not able to without assistance.”

“I’m tired of having young ones! They take so much away from my personal time,” Ph’eel hissed.

“Do you wish to count Lo'San among your mates?” Mee'ta demanded.

“Of course I do! I’m here, am I not?”

“Then you will befriend Sink