Mama and the Alien Warrior (Treasured By The Alien #1) - Honey Phillips Page 0,15
wrist but couldn’t figure out how to fasten it. Hrebec took over, his big fingers warm and a little rough against her skin.
“Your wrists are so delicate and small,” he said softly, and she was suddenly acutely aware of how close they were standing, his subtle citrusy scent washing over her again. His tail came up to circle her other wrist, just as he stepped back. With an oddly resigned look, he flicked it away and gestured to the door. “Come, Abigail Wentworth. Let us take care of the small one.”
As Abby turned to follow him, she abruptly realized just how nice it felt to have someone helping her with her daughters.
Chapter Eight
Hrebec led the way to the medical bay, trying his best to keep his wayward tail under control. His thoughts were just as unruly, disrupting his usual weary resignation. While he would admit that he was certainly attracted to this human, with her fierceness and her determination, the fact that his tail was acting as she were a potential mate was exceptionally disturbing. He had to remind himself that they were going to return the women to their planet, just as he had promised. Ignoring the surprising ache that caused in his chest, he led the way towards the sick bay.
A group of his men blocked the doorway, all peering in eagerly at the human females. “Gentlemen, return to your duties. Now.”
Obviously reluctant, they obeyed. When he and Abigail finally entered the room, he sighed when he saw Ribel at the other end, once more in close contact with the young pregnant female. The girl didn’t look much stronger than she had earlier so he decided to let Ribel remain. Jedan was there as well, still holding the infant with the bright red hair.
The girls had gathered around a central table to listen to Mekoi explain the absorbent bandages. He unwrapped the uniform shirt from around one of the infants. Unfortunately, he had chosen the male child, and as soon as the shirt was removed, the child urinated in a great arc that hit Mekoi directly in the face. There was a moment of shocked silence, and then everyone erupted in laughter.
Even Mekoi grinned ruefully as he shook his head and wiped his face. “I’m afraid that’s not the first time that’s happened. The negative part of being a medic.”
Hrebec saw TeShawna give Mekoi a contemplative look before turning her attention to the rest of the demonstration. All of the girls, except the youngest one, took turns washing and wrapping the babies. Jedan took care of the red-headed child while Elaina watched approvingly.
When it was Abigail’s turn, the tender care she took with the tiny Cire infant made his chest ache again. Once the child was changed, Abigail picked her up and cradled her while she surveyed the girls. He followed her gaze and realized they were all starting to droop with fatigue.
“What are the sleeping arrangements?” she asked him quietly, not entirely masking the suspicion in her eyes.
“Everyone volunteered, of course, but I asked the men to vacate the four forward cabins,” Ribel said, stepping forward. “If that meets with your approval, sir.”
It was an excellent suggestion. The four cabins were grouped together to one side of the stairs and would provide some privacy. He would arrange for a man to be stationed at the corridor, to prevent his men’s curiosity from leading them astray. After a brief explanation to Abigail, he led the way to the rooms. Each of the small cabins was equipped with two beds.
“Amber, you and Molly should share a room,” Abigail said firmly, shepherding them into the room farthest away from the stairs. “That way you’ll have someone on hand in case you go into labor.”
Molly gave Ribel a longing look but obeyed and entered the room, followed by the other pregnant girl who carried an infant. Each of the other girls quickly picked a room.
“You’d better give Ginger to me,” Elaina told Jedan. “She’ll be hungry when she wakes up.”
His lieutenant reluctantly handed over the red-headed infant, his tail reaching out to stroke Elaina’s arm briefly. “You are very strong to take on the care of two infants. Is there anything I can do to assist you?”
The girl’s speckled face turned pink again, and she gave a nervous laugh. “Not unless you wanna help change them bandage things.”
“I would be honored.”
The pink deepened but she didn’t look away.
Abigail watched the exchange warily. “Maybe I should stay here with my girls.”