Page 16 of Delivered to My Alpha Alien Lovers (Mail-Order Matings #20)
Farsel
The next day, I was feeling a little better again. I gave full credit to Amaris for it, even if her leaving had set me back a bit. I’d slept well and dreamed of a beautiful human who saved me from death by giving us herself. And then I had the whole day to relax and get ready for our date. As my friend pointed out, I had to save every bit of strength if I was going to make it through the week and to our mating.
And, as I pointed out in return, if this was my last week to live, I didn’t want to miss a moment of spending it with our mate.
But since we weren’t seeing her until evening, I accepted Tylan’s suggestion and went to lie down on one of the backyard loungers in the shade of a tree. At noon, he brought me out a sandwich and lemonade, and I drifted off again. It should have worried me that I was napping like this, but worry wouldn’t serve at all.
Close to sundown, I woke from yet another dream. This one was even more vivid and took place on our home world. A place that not only Amaris was not likely to see, but neither were we.
It was only longing speaking through my subconscious.
I went inside and showered, dressed, and got ready to spend an evening with our mate. My reflection in the bathroom mirror did not reveal a healthy male, and I was afraid she wouldn’t want someone who looked so bad. We took great pride in our appearance, in showing how we were strong protectors of our females who could be counted on to provide for them. Since arriving here, I’d learned that most females were pretty good providers themselves, but it was hard to let go of that concept.
No matter what our female wanted, it was hers. If she chose to work outside the home, great. If she preferred to stay there and dedicate herself to our family, great too. I had to remind myself we were in a new world and our mate was someone born and raised there. We all had a lot to learn in a short time.
That was the issue. If we had unlimited hours, days, weeks, I had no doubt she would come to see us as her mates. But we had less than a week.
I headed downstairs, ready for an evening that would be enjoyable no matter what came of it. Spending time with Amaris was something to look forward to.
When we arrived at the restaurant, she glanced up at the neon sign that looked like an arrow moving across a track and pursed her lips. “This is such a fancy place. I’ve driven past it, but I never thought of stopping.”
Tylan leaned forward from the back seat. “So you don’t like it?”
“We can go somewhere else.” I started the engine again. “The diner?” It was an hour or so away, and I wasn’t sure it was open for dinner, but we’d try.
“What? No!” Amaris bounced in her seat. “I mean, it’s a very nice place that I’ve seen when I traveled down this way but never happened to visit. Partly because the reviews on it said it’s wonderful but expensive.”
“Oh good.” I turned the car off again. “Wonderful is what we were going for. They have many animal-based dishes.” Which she should like.
“I don’t eat meat at every meal…” She offered us both a shy grin. “Although I’m very relieved that you like dairy and are okay with eggs because I’d miss omelets and cheese and things.”
We escorted her into the restaurant and were directed to the bar for a few minutes while waiting for our table to be ready. But no sooner had we placed an order for cocktails than the ma?tre d’ showed up to escort us to the dining room.
“Your server will bring your drinks, unless you’d rather have some more time in the bar?” he said.
“Amaris?” I would do whatever she wanted, not only because she was our mate, but she was more familiar with the customs here. We hadn’t been to a fine dining restaurant on this planet, and usual practices varied from world to world and even community to community. “What would you prefer?”
“I’m kind of hungry,” she admitted. “I don’t mind having drinks at the table.”
So, we followed the man in the dark suit to a corner booth lit by candles and some very low-wattage ceiling lamps.
“It’s very dark here,” Tylan commented.
“I’ve noticed that the higher the prices the lower the lighting,” our mate said, giggling. “I think they don’t want us to notice how expensive the food is. Are you sure you don’t mind spending so much on me?”
“It’s an honor.” I waited while our cocktails, chosen by our mate, were placed before us. “So, what are these again?”
“Cosmopolitans.” She winced. “Do you even drink alcohol? I didn’t think to ask.”
“I have yet to hear of a world where there is not some sort of intoxicating beverage or food or vapor, if not all three and maybe even other forms. Yes, we have enjoyed alcoholic drinks here.” I took a sip. “Much more refined than lager.”
Amaris nodded. “Yes. Have you tried gummies?”
I glanced at Tylan, who shrugged. “I don’t know what those are. Why?”
She giggled again. “Never mind for now. I don’t usually indulge, but maybe one day we can together.”
As the evening went on, we sat in booth with our mate between us, eating and drinking. Our mate ordered salad and a pasta dish with no animal flesh, even though we assured her we didn’t mind. She seemed to enjoy her thin noodles with a creamy sauce, though, and we held her hands and even got her to let us feed her a few bites. Sitting, thighs pressed together, I could almost hope that things might work out. Her scent surrounded me, her laughter raised my spirits, and the evening went too quickly. I couldn’t wait to see her again.