Page 16 of Interstellar Love Song (Villains in Space #3)

MICAH

Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask.

I didn’t have a filter on a good day, but the burning question on my lips at the moment was refusing to let me swallow it down.

Maybe if I take another bite of cereal…

The sound of my Cap’n Crunch crunching filled the Lodger’s revamped kitchen as I struggled to stop the inevitable. After the incredibly enjoyable fuck-fest in the skinsuit closet, we’d decided to spend the night parked on Kaalanesea while we decided where to go next with what little info we had.

Although, we do have some verrrry interesting new intel to work with.

No, Micah.

Just… be cool.

It wasn’t that I didn’t feel comfortable talking to Ziggy about anything. The issue was there were certain topics he was still building a tolerance to.

And this is definitely one of those topics.

Unfortunately, my busy brain was hard at work, weighing the pros and cons of broaching the subject anyway, because even Zig had admitted my “exposure therapy” had helped his communication skills.

But still…

THIS topic is a doozy.

On the one hand, I knew damn well my man wanted me to knock him up.

On the other hand, the old Astrum Force decree of reproducing “for the glory and continuation of Stellaria” had massively disrespected the bodily autonomy of his kind.

Coupled with Zig’s personal history as the “unwanted” result of this exact propaganda, it just seemed safer to stick to making space babies some other way.

But new information has come to light ? —

“Do you think we could reproduce with our tendrils, now that I have my own?”

Oops.

As expected, Ziggy froze like a deer in the headlights, while filling our bond with a contradictory cocktail of lust, fear, curiosity, and aversion.

Aaaand this is why we need to talk about things.

“I’m not expecting you to want that,” I quickly clarified. “It’s just been on my mind, from a scientific perspective. ”

The “for science” angle did its job, as my skerred Space Daddy babygirl visibly relaxed. “I-I’m not sure, sunshine. Perhaps the data you downloaded from The Knowledge would have some insight into Eki reproduction?”

It was my turn to freeze. “You saw me do that?”

Busted.

Now I really felt like a jerk for giving him hell over the stolen lightsaber. Granted, I’d forgiven him almost immediately— coolest engagement present ever— but hypocrisy was never a good look.

Ziggy cocked his head. “The Knowledge is a crowd-sourced, intergalactic library, with information freely available for anyone who seeks it out. They have been nothing but cooperative with providing data for every request Honnor has made. Why would it be any different for you?”

I shrugged and stared down at my breakfast. “I’m not an official member of Astrum Force, though…”

The silence went on so long I finally peeked up through my lashes to find my Space Daddy observing me thoughtfully.

“Maybe you should be,” he murmured before a shit-eating grin appeared on his freckled face. “We could acquire a new certificate before we leave.”

Grinning, I whacked his bicep with the back of my hand. “Don’t even think about it! We traumatized that poor librarian enough for now. I’m actually surprised Nultek hasn’t knocked on the Lodger’s door and asked if we’ve seen any missing artifacts.”

No take-backsies, though .

Ziggy scoffed with all the big dick arrogance of an alpha predator. “Even if they could prove I was a suspect, do you truly think a Kaala would dare accuse a Stellarian of such things?”

I huffed, happily resigned to my fate as the slightly-less-morally-gray half of this mercenary duo.

“Touché. Unfortunately, the Markarians aren’t the only species missing data at The Knowledge.

I already scanned the Caelestis lineage data and there’s absolutely nothing about Stellarians and Eki reproducing with each other. ”

He nodded. “That’s unsurprising. Most alien species are incompatible for reproduction, despite their similar anatomy.” When my face fell, he gently added, “It doesn’t mean it’s impossible, sunshine. Look at how supes were created on Earth, for example.”

I was shocked that Ziggy of all people would bring up this scandalous history involving former nemeses. “Yeah, but… weren’t supes only created once Stellarians took over Earthling bodies and went into a breeding frenzy with Lacertus?”

Sometime after the Eki got involved…

Apparently, my man had no sense of self-preservation, as he blushed and dropped his gaze, looking all pretty and submissive. “I may have been conducting research of my own on the subject, since it appears Earthlings may be compatible with multiple species.”

“Ziiiig…” I set my forehead down on the table with a pained groan. “We need to change the subject before I drag you back to the skinsuit closet for Captured By the Enemy Alien: Uno Reverso! ”

He snickered. “You’re the one who brought it up, but agreed. We should wait until we’re married anyway.”

“WHAT?!” I sat up so fast, I almost gave myself whiplash. “Excuse me, but we should not wait until we’re married to continue playing ‘Get Space Daddy Knocked Up.’ Abso-fucking-lutely not.”

I will riot!

Ziggy tossed his head back and laughed in the unguarded way he only did with me. “That is not what I’m suggesting. I simply want to reach relationship milestones in the correct Earthling order—now that I’ve finally mastered the proposal.”

Oh, you ridiculous alien.

“You got the proposal right the first time, Space Daddy.” I smiled, admiring the raised ring on my finger.

“And you spent long enough on Earth to know not everyone does marriage then kids, in that order. Some people only care to do one of those things and some don’t do either.

Relationships are unique which means there’s no correct way to do things—no blueprint or instructions you’re required to follow. ”

I should have known my suggestion to be wild and free would turn my by-the-book control freak into a starry ball of anxiety. His pale face paled further and he went so still, I wondered if he’d star hopped out of his Earthling form completely.

Did I… break him?

Space Daddy was saved by the Celestial Cube, as it buzzed on the table between us with an incoming call from Astrum Force Command .

“Mention nothing of our trip to The Knowledge,” Ziggy murmured before turning on the two-way holographic feature.

“Would you care to tell me why you were at The Knowledge?” Honnor asked, radiating judgment despite being light-years away and covered head-to-toe in scary Stellarian armor.

Eek!

Ziggy’s cojones were as big as ever as he smoothly replied, “We were following a lead from a Xuni regarding?—”

“On ‘official’ business, Ziggy?” they interrupted—not with the voice of Head Commander but of an exasperated parent.

Ugh.

“It was my fault, Honnor… Commander,” I hurriedly cut in as I felt Zig start to panic. “I insisted we research the Stellarian-Eki extended family tree because I suspect Kanrienus' disappearance might have been personal. Maybe even an inside job.”

Honnor went completely still—dangerously so—but I knew exactly what I was doing. This rebel fought with the True Stellarians, against the mothership of Astrum Force Command. If anyone would understand the last words of a species wanting to be free, it would be them.

Excruciating silence continued until they finally huffed a laugh. “You do not play fair, Micah, do you?”

“Nope.” I grinned wide, sending another blast of reassuring energy to Zig. “I play to win.”

“Just like a true Stellarian,” they muttered before switching gears. “Regardless, I must insist you both take a break from this mission and return to base ? —”

“I won’t fail again, Commander!” Ziggy abruptly blurted out. “I’m sorry I brought shame to Astrum Force by abusing my title of Ambassador. I promise, I’ll do better if you’ll just keep me on this mission…”

Whoawhoawhoa!

My tendrils were already out and encircling my mate—and I was about to cut the feed, consequences be damned—but then Honnor flipped open the visor on their helmet and stepped the fuck up.

Like a good parent should.

“You are not being taken off the mission, my child. While I was not pleased to be caught off guard by Nultek contacting me about your visit to The Knowledge, you simply need to tell me your plans in the future, so I am better prepared. Thanks to Micah’s list, we now have Star Units guarding high-risk planets, in hopes of catching whoever is behind this before more lives are lost. Therefore, I am asking—no, commanding—you both to return to Stellaria for a well-deserved break.

I miss you. Bron misses you. Pedro misses you. We all want you to come home.”

Ziggy was shaking beside me, not perceptively enough for Honnor to notice, but I noticed.

My poor danger baby.

“Thank you, Honnor,” I subtly turned the cube to face me alone. “We were actually just talking about taking a short break from the mission to get married back on Stellaria!”

As of right this minute .

“Wonderful news!” Bron muscled their way into the holograph frame. “How can we help?”

Uhhh…

“Well, um,” I faltered until I noticed Ziggy staring at me with so much dopey hope in his expression, I knew this needed to happen.

Not that I’m complaining.

“Do Stellarians have any customs similar to marriage?” I asked, even though I knew the answer was no.

When the space dads shook their starry heads, I made an executive decision.

“Okay, here’s the plan. Zig and I are gonna quickly hop back to The Knowledge— unofficially— so I can download wedding customs from across the galaxies.

I’d like to create a ceremony that feels like… us.”

“I support this!” Bron exclaimed, because that one was always looking for trouble to get involved with. “If you need someone to stop at the Muonova market for supplies, we could send a Star Unit.”

“That is not what Star Units are for, my love,” Honnor grumbled, dropping their head into their gloved hands. “What am I going to do with any of you?”

“This is life with family , space daddio!” I laughed, beyond grateful for the day Ziggy Andromeda star hopped into my life. “Which means you’re stuck with our shenanigans, ‘til death do us part.”

Zig’s anxiety spiked all over again at that offhand comment, so once we ended the call I wiggled my way onto his lap and cupped his face in my hands .

“How ‘bout we see if The Knowledge has any lore on hybrid alien’s lifespans while we’re at it?” I kissed his freckles one by one. “Because I’d bet ya boy has enough Eki juice running through his veins to match a Stellarian.”

Ziggy sighed and leaned his forehead against mine. “Thank you for taking over, Commander Babygirl. I’m not sure what’s wrong with me?—”

“Nothing is wrong with you,” I hissed. “You have baggage and trauma that you’re still working through and that’s okay. That’s what I’m here for. We’re a team, remember?”

He pulled back and nodded, smiling shyly. “Very well. Let’s focus on our new mission.”

I frowned. “New mission? Didn’t Honnor just…” I trailed off as I realized what my cheeky stellar collision was saying. “Ohhhh, okay, I see you. Mission ‘Space Married to Our Space Husband’ is officially underway! Are you ready, soldier?”

“Yes.” His smile was blinding, illuminated by every star inside him. “I’m ready, Commander.”