“Please do me the honor of accepting a meal that I prepare for you?”
Grace chewed the inside of her cheek, then nodded after a brief pause.
Was it my imagination, or did her cheeks flush pink whenever I spoke to her?
“Sure. Okay,” she said then took a seat, running her hands down her hair then flipping it behind her shoulders.
I could see she was feeling more relaxed with me, her breaths deeper and her movements more fluid.
I grinned, then gave her a quick smile, the warmth spreading through me as I felt compelled to elaborate. “In Alaran culture, it is a long-standing practice to provide females in need with food and shelter.”
The custom only applied to mates, but it wasn’t the right time to mention that.
Her lips quirked. “Oh? What makes you think I am in need?”
On cue, her stomach rumbled once more.
With a wide grin, I tilted my head. “You appear toneedsustenance.”And hopefully, me.
Grace shrugged, giving in. “Okay. You’re right.”
I left her sitting at the table and went to fetch some food for her to try.
Placing two full plates in front of Grace, I sat down across from her.
She jerked her head back. “Is this all for me? Aren’t you eating?”
I couldn’t help but smile at her, and my heart swelled with affection. “I do not need to eat yet. This is for you. Alarans eat only once a day.”
“That surprises me.” She gave me a scrutinizing look, and then motioned toward me with a wave of her hand. “I mean...you have a lot of muscle to maintain. I thought...” Her voice trailed off, and her chin dipped. Her neck and face flushed a deep shade of crimson. “Sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.” I smiled.
Her hands rested on either side of one of the plates. “What is all this?”
“That is ciglemia bread.” I pointed to it on the plate. “That is locot...a root vegetable grown on my planet.” I gestured to the other plate, which was filled with more fruit and vegetables.
“This is yudatillo cake. It is one of my favorite sweet foods.” I hoped she liked my people’s food since we did not have human food available.
“I have a sweet tooth too, so I will probably like it,” she smiled then took a small piece of bread and chewed it. “Mmm. Oh my god, this is delicious. Tastes kind of like sweet bread.”
Her sounds of pleasure while eating and the way her mouth embraced each piece of food made me wish I was the food.
My heart was filled with joy when she accepted what I offered. The ancient traditions of my ancestors coursed through my blood.
In the future, I would make sure she was looked after. Ensure she was protected from harm.
And show her the true meaning of being my mate.
I was taken aback by how easily these things came to me, as if they were second nature.
While enjoying her meal, Grace seemed to avert her eyes from mine, indicating a sense of shyness at first. As she ate, she glanced over at me. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but one of the warriors looked different from the rest of you. Is he from a different planet or something?”
“Aza is who you’re talking about. He is of both Tulian and Alaran descent. There are many others of mixed race, some similar to him. There are none on the ship right now.”
Her head tilted to the side as she spoke, her voice filled with a touch of wonder. “What other beings live in this part of space?”
A relaxed smile crossed my face. “The Drakkari, which live on the planet Zeynon. Then there is the Ixul from planet Graacux. Tulians...” I paused. “There are many more which you will learn about in time.”
