Page 21 of Errik

“I apologize, my darling mate. I should have asked you sooner.”

“You’ve done so much already, and it seems rather late, so I assumed you’d already had dinner, and I didn’t want to be any trouble… plus, we’re supposed to be talking. And then mating.”

“Still, I should have asked. You are my mate, and it is my duty to take care of you, protect you, and provide for you.” He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand as he held her gaze. He hoped she understood just how sorry he was for the blunder. He also hoped he could make it up to her with a lavish meal.

She gave him a small smile. “It’s okay, really.”

“Come,” he said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Let us find you something to eat.”

He helped her to her feet, watching her carefully to make sure she didn’t become dizzy. She remained steady, however, and he was relieved to see no sign of the weakness that had plagued her when he’d discovered her lying on the floor of her silver abode. She was truly healed. Thank the Star God.

He led her from the bench near the viewport into the small kitchen area in his quarters. Like everything else aboard his Vaxxlian cruiser, it had been designed with functionality in mind. A sturdy table and two chairs were bolted to the floor, though until now, he had never entertained a guest who would sit in the extra chair. A counter stretched along one wall beneath several cabinets, and at the end of the counter sat the food replicator.

He helped her into a chair before gesturing at the device. “What would you like to eat? The replicator is programmed to make the most common dishes from Earth as well as Vaxxlian cuisine.” While he hadn’t thought to ask whether Holly was hungry, during his preparations before leaving for Earth, he’d made sure to program the food replicator on his ship as well as the one in his home in Starzzia to make human foods.

She looked at the device, then back at him. “Surprise me with something Vaxxlian. Something you really like. I would love to try some of your favorite foods.”

“You want me to choose?” He became nervous at the thought. He didn’t want to accidentally make a meal she wouldn’t enjoy.

She glanced toward the viewport in the direction of Earth, though the planet had already disappeared beyond the stars. “Yes, please. As you’ve probably already surmised, I lived in the silver vehicle—an RV, which is short for Recreation Vehicle. I traveled all over North America in it, and wherever I was, I always made a point to sample the local food. I like trying new things.” She turned back to him. “I’ve never had Vaxxlian food before, but I’m excited to try it.”

He considered his options. What should he make for her?

He searched his memory, and suddenly the answer came to him.

A steamed vegetable dish prepared by the caretaker at the group home where he’d grown up came to mind. Tender green hullusan topped with crisp purple tharr, mushrooms, and small pieces of savory yanna meat, all seasoned and served over fluffy coarssa grains.

His favorite meal by far.

Pleasure filled him at the realization. He might’ve struggled to name his favorite color at first, but he knew his favorite meal, one he’d missed greatly after leaving the group home to live in the barracks. He used to save up his rations just so he could replicate the meal every now and then.

He approached the food replicator and entered the selection. Moments later, the device hummed softly, and there was a bright flash of light before two plates of the steamed vegetable and meat dish appeared on the tray.

He picked up the plates and turned toward Holly.

Her eyes widened. “That smells wonderful.”

“I hope you enjoy it.”

“I’m sure I will.” She smiled as he set the plates on the table.

Before joining her, he placed glasses of water on the table, along with cloth napkins and cutlery. His heart thudded faster when she graced him with another appreciative smile.

His chest tightened, and warmth spread through him.

Star God, he kept feeling it.

He kept imagining he was falling in love with her.

Was it real? Or was he just so lonely and broken that he was becoming instantly attached to the first female who’d ever shown him any attention?

At last, he joined her at the table. As he reached for his utensil, he watched her carefully as she took her first bite. He held his breath while praying she would at least find his selection tolerable. To his great relief, her eyes momentarily rolled back in her head, and a look of bliss spread across her delicate features.

After she finished chewing and swallowing, she gave a soft sigh.

“Oh, Errik. This really is wonderful. Thank you for sharing one of your favorites with me. What’s it called?”

“Seasoned hullusan with tharr, mushrooms, yanna meat, and grains.”