The Breeding Experiment - Laurann Dohner Page 0,67

the list. You’re both expected.”

He looked down at Darla in his arms. She met his gaze, her face a little pink. “I actually forgot she was here the moment I saw you. Jessa’s going to pack up my stuff, since she said you wanted me to live with you. She’s right. We should be seen before my hair and this dress get messed up.”

He groaned and spun away from the sleeping room, marching toward the exit. He paused before they reached it and gently put her down. “Take my hand?”

“I’d love to.” She clasped the one he offered.

They left her cabin, and he slowed his pace for her shorter legs. More humans were on their way to the closest lift and they openly gawked at them. It angered him, but he didn’t snarl at them. He did keep glancing at Darla, and he tugged her closer. She kept her chin up, eyes forward, and seemed to be ignoring the reactions they got.

He called for the lift and was grateful it was empty as they entered it together. The second the doors sealed, he reached down and gently cupped her chin, tilting her head. He examined her face. She didn’t appear upset.

“Does it bother you that humans react that way to me?”

“No.” She smiled. “I’m just not used to being stared at. I was raised with just my family in a greenhouse, remember? They’re probably jealous because you’re so handsome.”

His uneasiness faded and he grinned again. “They are taken with your beauty.”

The lift stopped and opened. He released her chin and walked out, heading toward Jorgio. He was told it was a nice place where human males liked to eat and take females while they were having a date.

The corridor was much wider in that section of Defcon Red. Instead of being closed, the double doors were open, with scrawled writing above them and merchandise displayed inside. He’d avoided the stores where humans liked to shop. The map he’d memorized told him that the place they sought would be farther up on the right.

Dozens of humans paused to watch them pass. Darla’s hold on his hand tightened, and he gave her a gentle squeeze back. “It is fine,” he softly assured her.

“I know,” she whispered. “It’s just that we’re really drawing attention.”

“They used to do this to Drak and Abby but humans adjusted quickly. These humans will adjust to seeing us together as well.”

Darla looked up at him and nodded.

“Someone is desperate,” a male yelled out.

Gnaw stopped, searching for the source, knowing it was an insult.

A familiar form stepped out of the shadows of one of the open stores and grabbed hold of a human male. Maith wrapped his hand around the human’s throat and snarled something low. Then he released him with a shove.

The human ducked his head and quickly fled in the opposite direction.

“What’s going on?” Darla pressed against his side.

Clark Yenna stepped out from another store to their left, and winked. He jerked his head for them to keep moving. “We’ve got you covered,” he said softly. “Nobody is going to give you or your lady any problems. Teams five and six are here, too, dressed in civilian clothing to get rid of anyone who needs to learn some manners.”

“Everything is fine.” Gnaw released her hand and put his arm around her waist. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes.”

He found the restaurant easily. Two members of team five were standing near the entrance, giving him slight hand signals that it was safe to go inside. He really appreciated their support. It also made him relax. He had backup if any humans decided to show their dislike of aliens.

The human female inside didn’t appear surprised when she saw them step inside. Her next words confirmed it. “Welcome to Jorgio, Mister Gnaw and Miss Darla. Please follow me to your table.”

The table was tucked into a corner but within sight of all the other occupied tables. He saw a few more familiar faces already seated, males sharing meals with some of the female members of their tactical teams. The interior was much nicer and smaller than the cafeteria. They’d decorated it differently, too.

“Here are your menus. Your waiter will be here shortly.” The female left them at the table, returning to the front.

Gnaw looked at the thick paper and scowled.

“What’s wrong?”

He looked at Darla. “I don’t read your Earth.”

She scooted her chair closer to his. “I can help you with that.”

“You are so beautiful and sweet,” he murmured.

She smiled at him. “Thank you