A waitress hurried over, a besotted look on her face, and he braced himself, wishing he had time to warn Blossom.
“Brexton! It’s been a while since you’ve been in,” the waitress said. “I’m so glad they seated you in my section.”
Her nametag read “Britney” but he didn’t remember her.
She placed a menu in front of them, but her gaze was solely focused on him.
“What is the drink humans order when they’re celebrating?” he asked as he opened his menu.
“Champagne,” Britney said. “Did you land a new movie deal? I can’t wait to see the one coming out right at Christmas!”
Brexton looked at Blossom. “Would you like some champagne?”
“I’ve never had any,” she said.
He glanced at Britney, who was frowning at Blossom.
“We’ll have two glasses of champagne. If my mate likes it, then we’ll ask for a bottle.”
“Mate?” Britney asked, her eyes going wide. “Isn’t that like…”
“I believe the human term is fiancée, until we can meet with the Chief Councilor. I see no reason he won’t approve of our mating. Then she’ll be my wife.”
“You’re getting married?” Britney asked. “But…”
He scowled at the waitress and glanced around until he caught the manager’s attention. Why did the population in general think they had a right to decide who he mated? If this was a sample of what he could expect, he’d better get a new manager soon, someone who could spin his engagement and marriage in a way that would have the people cheering for them, or Los Angeles would soon learn to fear his temper. No one was going to treat Blossom like she wasn’t worthy of him.
The manager hurried over, nearly running over a few people in his haste.
“Mr. Brexton! A joy to see you here again,” the manager said, smiling.
“I would like to request a different server. Preferably one who can treat my mate with some respect,” Brexton said.
“Mate?” the manager asked, glancing at Blossom. “Of course. A bottle of champagne then, on the house! Perhaps Antonio would be a better server for you this evening. I’ll make the arrangements now.”
The manger pushed Britney away from their table and Brexton reached across to take Blossom’s hand. Her ring sparkled in the dim lighting of the restaurant, but she looked like she was in pain.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“No one is going to accept me as your mate,” she said.
“They will. Besides, I’m the one you’re spending your life with. Not them. Despite what they think, they don’t have a say in the matter.”
A man who introduced himself as Antonio took their order and delivered a bottle of champagne with two flutes. Antonio poured them each a glass, and said that he would bring out a complimentary appetizer to their table before he hurried off.
“We’ll eat, and then we’re going to the Terran station,” Brexton said.
“What? Why?” she asked.
“Because I want you to feel secure with your place in my life, and I don’t think you’ll do that until we speak to Borgoz and get our mating approved.”
“Brexton, I…”
He held up a hand. “It’s not up for negotiation, Blossom. If you want a human wedding later, that’s fine, but I need to do this. For both of us. It will also give the children a higher level of protection.”
She clamped her lips shut.
“Forgot about your troubles for a moment?” he asked.
