People came in relatively similar packages. Alak relaxed further as he realized Rose wasn't anywhere near as scary as he'd imagined. She was a lot like his mother: she did what was necessary for her family under her own terms. The control aspect made Alak want to buck authority with his mother, yet where Jill was concerned?
He was comforted to know someone was looking out for her.
"When they threaten your family? Yes. That is very familiar. My mother is terrifying where family is concerned. Or she was. We're distant now. I like that you watch out for Jill. She's the sweetest girl I've ever met. Ever. What kind of skills, talents, or achievements do I need to get to keep seeing her without you killing me while she's not looking?"
Leaning over to Jill, Alak mock-whispered, "She's pretty, but you're prettier. Think you could take her in a fight if she says I have to stay away from you?"