Page 90 of Dragon Me Through Space

He kept an arm around me as he led me out of the shop and to a nearby bench. I kept my face against his chest and finally got my emotions, mostly, under control. Enough to at least stop the tears.

“Let’s return to the ship,” Preston said as soon as he stepped outside.

“What about food?” Zeke asked.

Preston growled. “Right, where is the restaurant you wanted to take us to?”

“It’s fine,” I said as I stood, my eyes on the ground before me. “Let’s just go back to the ship.”

“No, you’ve been talking about this place for days. We’re going,” Zeke said.

“Really, it’s okay. Preston is upset and⁠—”

“Preston can deal with his emotions later,” Zeke growled and reached down to grab my hand. “Come on, where’s the restaurant?”

Preston suddenly squatted down in front of me, his eyes meeting mine. “We need to eat and we are all tired of the ship’s food. Please, take us to the restaurant you were drooling while speaking about.”

“I never drooled,” I muttered. He continued to stare at me, so I asked, “You’re not too mad at me to go?”

He sighed and dropped his head down for a moment before looking back at me. “I’m not mad at you.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” He nodded.

I didn’t believe him, but I wasn’t going to argue anymore. “Two blocks south and then a right.”

Zeke tugged me along by the hand and I realized it was the first time that he’d held my hand. Looking up at the huge male, I asked, “Are you mad?”

His hold on my hand loosened a bit. “Did I hurt you?”

I shook my head.

“We can discuss everything later. I’m not mad at you, promise.” He raised my hand and to my complete astonishment, kissed my knuckles.

When had the giant, grumpy Dragonkin become so sweet?

The restaurant was exactly as I remembered it and to my surprise, the guys not only ordered food, but once they tasted how delicious it was, they ordered a whole additional set of meals to go.

We had just started our return trip to the ship when a dozen armored Exostalon soldiers surrounded us.

“What is the meaning of this?” Preston demanded.

“Xoe Zarmascas, you are hereby under arrest for the destabilization of Exostalon, a direct violation of the Peace Treaty of the Trinumeria System,” one of the soldiers said.

“We aren’t in the Trinumeria System,” Preston replied sternly. “Your jurisdiction does not work here. Leave, while I’m feeling generous.”

“Hand over the villain or we shall use force,” the soldier snapped.

“The King and Prince of Exostalon pardoned me of all crimes,” I said as I stepped up next to Preston. “Plus, Exostalon broke the Peace Treaty first when they destroyed Caltyrela.”

“Seize her!” the soldier shouted and the Exostalons started to move.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“Get her to the ship!” Preston snapped.

Wayne picked me up with an arm beneath my legs and behind my back, let his wings out, and flew up into the air.