Markus felt uneasy the closer he came to the bedroom that he shared with Valorie. Something was definitely wrong. Opening the door, he looked around the room. Valorie was standing by the window looking outside.

“What’s wrong?”

She didn’t look him in the eyes as she turned and faced him. She smiled but it wasn’t a genuine smile. “Nothing. I enjoyed meeting your mother and sister.”

“Do not lie to me, I can feel your emotions. You’re upset about something. Did my mother or sister say something to make you feel this way?”

“No, of course not. Your family is amazing.”

“Someone said something though.”

“I…overheard what they were saying in your meeting. They want to get rid of me and punish you.”

Markus was furious that his mate was hurt by the careless words said in the meeting. He had to reassure her. Moving forward, he took her in his arms. “I don’t care what they think.”

“But they are your kings.”

“King Reichardt was my king. I haven’t answered to him in ten years. I serve under General Ranier. If our mating is not accepted, we will return to the Zyon. There’s still another planet our people went to that will need to be checked on.”

“Will the kings let you do that?”

“This is not Drakonia. They are no longer kings but clan leaders, and I am not part of their clans.”

“I don’t know. Do you even know if the other planet is inhabitable?”

“The mages wouldn’t have sent our people there if it weren’t.” He pulled out the medallion he wore around his neck. “This was given to me by the Mage Craggen before I left. One side had the coordinates to Earth and the other side had coordinates to another planet. The battle cruiser can’t remain in Earth’s orbit forever—it will draw too much attention. The Zyon will need to restock and refuel, then set out to locate the other planet. We could travel on board. Would you want to go with me?”

“To space? That sounds like an amazing adventure.”

“It’s beautiful, seeing the different planets and being among the stars. It can be quite lonely, though. Many Drakonians took their final flight because they felt alone. My friend Sonar had a break not long ago. I worried that I would lose him, too.”

She reached a hand to cup his cheek. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know. He seems pretty reserved and quiet.”

“He wasn’t always like that. He used to be full of mischief and laughter, always smiling and flirting with females. I look at him…and sometimes wonder how much longer I will have my friend. He’s changed so much.” He had not meant to share something so emotional, but this was his mate and he could share anything with her.

“We will spend time with him to make sure that he knows he’s not alone.”

Leaning down, he kissed her softly on the lips. “My mate has such a kind heart. It’s sweet that you care about others.”

“I love you so I care about what matters to you.”

He felt his heart swell with emotions. “I am filled with love for you, too. I plan to show you off tonight.”

“What’s tonight?”

“The banquet welcoming those on the Zyon. General Ranier will be here and some of my fellow warriors. They are going to be so jealous that I have found such a beautiful bondmate.”

“I guess I can’t fake a headache and just stay in the room?”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because I’m not good with mixing in a crowd of dragon-shifting aliens who hate humans.”

“They don’t hate humans. They actually tried to mate with humans before but none of the humans who attempted it were true bondmates and able to accept the dragon fire.”

“What exactly makes me a bondmate?”

“I felt an instant connection with you. I couldn’t stop thinking of you at all, I was consumed with thoughts of you. My dragon connected with you too, and insisted that we mate with you. Finally, you were able to accept my dragon fire that healed you and will allow you to age along with me.”

“It’s a rare thing?”

“Yes. Many will be fascinated with you, so don’t take offense if you find many eyes on you tonight.”

“I have to be on my best behavior, no pressure there at all.”