Claus (Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides #7)

Chapter 8

Claus bit into the brownie and groaned. After chewing and swallowing carefully, he regarded Aubrey with a sense of wonder. “The meal you prepared was exquisite, sweet human, and this brownie is the most delicious dessert I’ve ever eaten.”

She blushed and avoided his gaze, then murmured, “Thank you, you’re too kind.”

“Aunt Aubrey makes the best desserts,” Finn said as he reached for a second brownie. “I like her pineapple upside down cake the most. It’s so yummy. But brownies are okay too.”

Aubrey laughed and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Just okay? I can’t help but notice you’re having seconds.”

The child grinned and took another bite. Meanwhile, Marcus and Wyatt had already finished their dessert and were busy clearing the table. Wanting to be helpful, Claus shoved the last bite into his mouth and rose to his feet. He set to work clearing the table and placing the dirty dishes on the counter near the sink.

“Oh, I appreciate your help, Claus, but you really don’t need to trouble yourself,” Aubrey said as she took a stack of plates from him. “You’re our guest.”

He hesitated as he peered at the remaining dirty plates. Would it be rude if he didn’t continue helping? Or should he insist on washing the dishes himself? He suddenly wished he’d researched more about human culture before coming to Earth. Or that he’d spent more time around Vaxxlian-human couples in Starrzia. Even after moving to the main settlement on New Vaxx, he’d still remained a hermit, only leaving the house for work or to acquire food.

Aubrey shot him a warm smile. “I’ve traversed the galaxies enough to know what you’re thinking. I promise you aren’t breaching any sort of human etiquette by not helping to clean up. It’s considered polite for a guest to offer, but most hosts would usually decline the guest’s help.” She laughed and her eyes lit up. “Sorry, I hope that’s not confusing. But seriously, Claus, just have a seat in the living room. The boys usually watch their favorite television show after dinner. You can keep them company while I finish up in here.”

He closed the space between them and cupped the side of her face. Emotion tightened his throat. Did Aubrey have any idea what her dinner invitation meant to him? “Thank you, sweet human, for gifting me with companionship this evening,” he said in Vaxxlian. “I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with you and the boys. When I am with you and your family, my heart brims with hope and happiness. Truly, I thank you.”

Her eyes shone with moisture and she blinked fast as she peered up at him, her face beautifully flushed. “You’re very welcome, Claus. It really was a pleasure to have you,” she replied in his tongue. “Since I got here, you’re the first guest we’ve entertained. I think it was good for the boys. I-I appreciate how patient and kind you were as they asked you dozens of different questions.”

“I have long dreamed of having children. And a mate to call my own. I won’t lie. There were a few times during dinner that I pretended you were my family.”

She blinked faster and swallowed hard. “Claus,” she whispered his name, unsure how to respond to his sweet but vulnerable admission.

“ Aubrey .”

In the background, he heard the boys giggling and chattering amongst themselves, but their conversation soon faded and he could only hear his pulse thudding in his ears.

Not for the first time in Aubrey’s presence, his tongue buzzed with the urge to kiss her. But the children were watching, and he was expected in the living room to watch a television show with them.

So, he didn’t kiss her, but he gave her the most loving look he could muster. He also sent out waves of affection straight from the depths of his soul, praying she would feel the strength of his need for her. Praying she would start to believe a mating union between them wasn’t just a logical choice, but a romantic one.

He dropped his hand from her face and stepped back, only to grasp one of her hands and bring it to his lips. He kissed the back of her hand, and a faint quavering gasp left her throat. “If you were my mate, sweet human, I would give you my unwavering devotion. I swear it on the souls of my ancestors.” He kissed her hand again before releasing her and stepping away.

The pretty human remained standing in the middle of the kitchen, staring at him with tears in her eyes, her face still flushed. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and she appeared at a loss for words.

Finn ran up to Claus and tugged on his pants leg. “Aren’t you going to kiss Aunt Aubrey on the lips?” the young boy asked.

Aubrey’s eyes flared with alarm. “Uh, boys, you’d better go watch your show. You’re on the eighty-ninth episode, in case you forgot.” She spoke in the same high-pitched tone he was coming to understand she used when nervous.

Claus regarded her with another warm smile, then he ushered the boys out of the kitchen and followed them to the living room. He practically floated across the floor as he headed for the couch.

For the first time in his life, his heart was singing, and he knew beyond a doubt that he must convince Aubrey to become his mate. Her sweet presence calmed the storm that often clouded his mind. She brought light to his world, bright vibrant light that made him long to spend forever at her side.

Whatever it took, he would not rest until she belonged to him.

Until they belonged to each other.