Occasionally a Vardarian flew overhead. Taking flight let them avoid the throngs, but they still had to dodge fast-moving drones and the occasional air-car. As much as he’d like to have wings, this wasn’t the place he’d choose to use them.
As the crowd thickened, Tix stopped walking at his side and moved behind him. He understood her reasoning, but he didn’t like letting her out of his sight. She was garnering more than a few appreciative looks, and it rankled him. She was withhim. Ifthey wanted a beautiful female to spend time with, they could find theirfraxxingown.
The mag-lifts were packed, but he managed to claim a corner near the door for the two of them. He pressed himself as far into the wall as he could to give Tix room in front of him.
Her grateful smile made the discomfort worth it, and it let him make eye contact with one human male who was clearly working up the nerve to chat with her.
He didn’t know he was growling until Tix twisted around to face him and placed a small hand in the center of his chest. “It’s okay, Mace. We’ll be out of here in a few more seconds.”
He nodded and raised his hand to cover hers. She didn’t pull away. In fact, she moved closer. In a whisper only he could hear, she said, “I know I’m safe with you. That makes it easier to do this.”
Safe. No one had ever said anything like that to him before. Words failed him, but maybe there were no words for a moment like this. He simply squeezed her hand and waited for them to reach their floor.
At that moment, she could have asked him to slay a star-dragon, and he’d have done it without hesitation. Even if they were a myth, he’d find a way.
When they left the lift, it felt like the most natural thing in the universe to keep hold of her hand.
Let them look. Now they’d know she was with him.
CHAPTER NINE
Either the gravitywas lighter in this part of the station, or she was walking on air. She’d heard the expression before, but she’d never experienced the sensation for herself until tonight.
Walking hand-in-hand with Mace made navigating the crowds almost easy, and they reached the music club in no time at all.
The Quantum Forge wasn’t as flashy as some of the other clubs she’d seen around the station. Nor was there a lineup of hopeful patrons waiting for their turn to enter like outside of the major draws like the Nova Club.
The sign was black with lettering that gleamed and flowed as if the words were drawn in molten silver. The doors were closed, but a solitary Vardarian male stood watch outside. He wore an outfit almost identical to Mace’s, and she realized it was a uniform of sorts.
“Welcome to the Quantum Forge,” Mace said as they approached. “Or just the Forge. That seems to be the name everyone is using, no matter how much Rain tries to get everyone to use the longer version.”
“Rain?” she asked.
“The general manager. Oh, I forgot to mention that I spoke with her earlier. She confirmed that you’re welcome to attend as my guest.”
“Thanks for double-checking. I wouldn’t want to get you into trouble.”
He laughed. “You’re worried about me? That’s a new one. Most folks are concerned I’m about tocausetrouble.”
She leaned in and gave him a light shoulder bump. “I can’t imagine why that is.”
They were still laughing when they reached the door.
The gold-skinned male raised his wings in greeting. “Good evening, Mace. You’re early tonight.”
“We’re eating before my shift starts. This is my date, Tix. Do me a favor and tell the others she’s with me. That way I don’t need to make the point myself.”
Or’yn barked a laugh and held up both hands in front of him, palms out. “Consider your message received and passed along.” Then he nodded in her direction. “Nice to meet you, Tix. Have fun tonight.”
“Thanks. I will.”
Or’yn opened the door for them, and she heard him chuckle as they passed through.
“Was that necessary?” she asked once they were inside.
“Yes. Now, no one will bother you. Also, they’ll know that you’re on my tab.”
“Uh-huh.” She nodded as if she believed him. She didn’t. There wasn’t a snowball’s chance in a supernova that was the only reason he’d done it. She already knew he was protective of her, which she appreciated. Tonight, she discovered he was also possessive. She liked that more than she cared to admit.
