Page 43 of Dragon Me Through Space

Would I? For sure. However … I wasn’t sure I could handle watching them with their mate. Not now. Not after … getting to know them.

“I’m … not sure,” I admitted.

He reached across the table and gently clasped my hand with his. “Consider it,” he whispered. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but I feel drawn to you, to protect you.”

“Why? What is it about me that makes you guys want to protect me? I don’t understand it. I don’t understand a lot of things.” Huffing out a breath, I dropped my eyes down and tried to stop the circles that my brain was spinning.

“I understand that this feels different for you, that you don’t understand why you feel this way. I just ask that you allow us to learn more about you. Allow us to get to know you.”

My eyes snapped up to his. “Why? So that when you leave me for your mate that I feel even more alone than I have been this past decade?”

Why? Why had I said that? Why had I admitted how lonely I’ve been feeling?

His hand squeezed mine again. “Even if we find our mate. Even if we have to divert our attention to her, I promise … No, I swear on my beast, I will ensure that you are provided for. That you are happy and healthy on our planet, if you choose to come with us.”

“What if your mate hates me?” I questioned.

He scoffed. “No one could hate you.”

My cheeks heated at the compliment. “You are not like what I imagined or what I’ve experienced so far in my life out here in this unforgiving galaxy.”

“We are born to protect,” he whispered. “And you, my lovely princess, are desperately in need of some protection. Not just for your body, but your soul as well. I swear I will provide you a safe haven to live out the rest of your days. What do you say?”

“What do I have to promise you to get that safe haven on your home planet?” So many had offered the universe, but with a cost I didn’t dare pay.

“Friendship,” he answered. “I just want to get to know you better. Learn more about you, your past, your people, and strengthen this bond.”

“Bond?” I questioned.

He released my hand to tap his chest. “You can feel it, I know you can. There is a bond between us. I’m not certain what it is yet, but it is there, nonetheless.”

This was all too much. There was so much information and so much uncertainty.

“We have quite a long time until we reach our planet, so please just consider it. I won’t hold you to any decision tonight or require you to make one. I just want you to know that I enjoy your company, even if it’s just as a friend. You make my soul feel relaxed. Something I haven’t felt outside of my quartet in a very, very long time.”

“I feel honored by that statement,” I admitted.

He laughed. “You should.”

Our food was delivered and it was one of the best things I had ever tasted in my life. I devoured it without looking up, but Gage didn’t seem to mind.

We returned to perusing the vendor stalls and a few shops with structures in the town. I found a few more items I liked and despite my protests, Gage bought them for me. He even purchased a backpack to put all of the items in so he could keep his hands free and carry everything.

As we entered a different section of the town, he guided me towards a bar where I could hear music and laughter. The outside was a simple wooden structure with a beer mug light on the hanging sign. Inside, I was delighted by the beautiful interior full of deep reds, plush seating, and a bar with stools that had plush seats as well.

“Choose a seat,” Gage said and waved me inside.

I opted for the bar, pulling myself up onto one of the stools that was just a bit high for my height. Gage had no problem sitting in one since he was taller and I didn’t miss the amused look on his face when he watched me get into mine.

“What can I get you?” an older female with curled, red horns on the side of her head and beautiful bouncy red hair asked. She was beautiful and had her ample cleavage on display.

Gage, somehow, kept his eyes on her face as he ordered our drinks. The female looked at me a moment with a scowl before turning away to get the drinks.

What had that expression been about? Had I done something?

“Would you like to get dessert before we head back to the ship or wait until we return?” he asked.

Although I was enjoying our date, and I would never admit it to them, I missed the others.