Page 39 of Alien Engineer's Mate

"Is plotting ribbon-based warfare with my daughter?" His thumb traced patterns on her palm that made it hard to think straight. "Yes, I do believe that counts as settling."

She laughed, some of her nervousness easing. "I suppose it does."

"Come." He tugged on their joined hands. "I have something to show you."

Eira let him guide her away from the residential section, his massive frame somehow making her feel protected rather than overwhelmed. Her heart still raced, but now with anticipation rather than anxiety.

Her children were safe. Happy. And she was walking through the station's gleaming corridors hand-in-hand with a warrior who looked at her like she was made of starlight.

Maybe Leo was right. Maybe it was time to have fun and see where this night might lead...

Maax kepthis stride measured as they walked through the station corridors, hyper-aware of Eira's smaller form beside him. Her hand rested in the crook of his arm, delicate fingers against the arm of his jacket, but he felt her touch. It burned through the leather to send electricity through every cell ofhis body. Her soft scent—something floral and exotic—wound around him, holding him captive even as it made his head spin.

He'd arranged for them to have dinner in one of the secluded alcoves at the station's most exclusive restaurant. The curved booth offered privacy while still offering a view of the planet below them. It was night on the side of Earth facing them at the moment, and the lights from the cities below twinkled like diamonds on midnight velvet. He murmured his thanks to the head waiter as he guided Eira to their table. The low, intimate lighting caught in her hair, and he had to steel himself against the temptation to run his hands through her dark waves. To bury his hand in the soft curls at the nape of her neck and hold her still as he ravaged her lips...

He smiled back, trying to make the expression less tight, when she smiled up at him. If she only knew the thoughts that were running rampant through his mind right now... the way he wanted to tear that soft fabric from her curvy body and?—

Behave. He shoved the thoughts down. This war, for her heart, would not be won in one battle, or date, alone. He had to play the long campaign here. Show her that he was the perfect mate for her. That he could provide for her, love her, and her children.

"This is incredible," she said in a soft murmur, looking around with wonder. "I've never seen anything like it."

He nodded, his warrior instincts cataloging everything about her... From the way her dress clung to the curves she normally concealed under practical clothing, to the grace in her movements as she slid into the booth.

He settled beside her, closer than strictly necessary, but he didn't care. He wanted to be close. Heneededto be close. "I wanted somewhere special for our date. For you."

The first course arrived... delicate crystal glasses of wine the color of sunset, accompanied by carefully arranged delicacies.Her eyes widened, and he leaned forward slightly, fascinated by the pleasure washing over her face. Her expressions were so open and honest; he couldn't wait to see what she looked like when she came...

"The chef specializes in combining Earth and Latharian cuisine," he explained, watching as she sampled a bite. "I had them prepare some dishes specially for us."

"Oh?" Her smile made his heart stutter. "Such as?"

He gestured to the course laid out in front of them. "I noticed how you looked at the fresh vegetables in your quarters. The hydroponics labs here grow Earth varieties, but we've adapted some colony crops as well."

She looked up at him through her lashes. "You noticed that?"

"I notice everything about you." The words escaped before he could moderate them, too rough with need. He watched her cheeks flush and cursed himself. He was supposed to be courting her properly, not frightening her with his intensity.

But she didn't seem frightened. Instead, she shifted slightly closer until her thigh pressed against his. The simple contact sent fire racing through his blood.

They fell into easier conversation as they shared the meal. Over dessert, she told him about the hydroponics systems she'd built from salvage back on the colony, her eyes bright. Surprise and pleasure rolled through him as she detailed technical challenges that would have stumped lesser engineers and even some of his own engineering team. He found himself leaning closer, captivated by her mind as much as her beauty.

His hand moved to his pocket, where a small box had been burning against his chest all evening. Now was the perfect moment, but his heart still thundered as he withdrew it.

"I have something for you." He placed the box on the table between them. "A gift, if you'll accept it."

She opened it carefully, and her soft gasp made his chest tight. The bracelet caught the light. Delicate strands of silver twisted together around each other like vines, each leaf detailed. Tiny gems, the same shade as her eyes, nestled among the metalwork.

"It's beautiful," she breathed, lifting it from the box. "The pattern... it reminds me of S'aad's mating marks."

"Yes." He nodded. "Recently, warriors have begun giving tokens to potential mates. To show our intentions."

"A little like engagement rings?"

When he tilted his head questioningly, she explained. "In human culture, when someone proposes marriage, they give their partner a ring. It's worn on this finger." She waggled the ring finger on her left hand. "The circular shape represents eternity, and wearing it shows you're promised to each other. Then, during the wedding ceremony, you exchange another ring."

He tilted his head. "It used to be that a Latharian male would give his mate a bonding collar, but after so long without females, some of the old ways have fallen out of favor. We're learning to blend old customs with new ways to honor our human names." He caught her hand, thumb brushing where such a ring would sit. "Will you wear my gift?"

"Yes, of course. I'd be honored."

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