Mama and the Alien Warrior (Treasured By The Alien #1) - Honey Phillips Page 0,43

as she stared and stared. Hrebec stood there, letting her take in the sight, seeing the magnificent display as if for the first time through her eyes.

Eventually, she wiggled. “Does you have Frozen?”

“Frozen?”

“The movie? With Queen Elsa and the ice palace?”

He wasn’t entirely sure what she was asking for, but it sounded like entertainment of some kind. “I’m afraid not, little one.”

“You can’t see any other shows?”

“No.”

“This is a good one,” she said. “But I like singing ones too.”

He had the most ridiculous urge to sing for her. Instead, he lowered her down to chest level. “Would you like to see what we do here?”

“Okay,” she agreed, her sweet smile lighting her face.

He hugged her, his tail curled around her back, before taking her from station to station and introducing her to the rest of the bridge crew. When she got bored with that, Inzen handed her a tablet and showed her how to play a simple game.

When Lucie became engrossed in her game, Hrebec settled her into his chair before strolling over to Inzen. “I wasn’t aware that Reserve tablets were equipped with children’s games.”

Inzen’s cheeks darkened, but he shrugged. “I just wrote a little program. If she likes it, I can make more.”

Hrebec clasped his shoulder. “Thank you, my friend.”

“There is no need for thanks.” Inzen’s eyes went to Lucie. “It does my old heart good to see a child again, especially such a happy one. I will pray to Granthar that she is always this content.”

“As will I,” Hrebec said, following his gaze. For as long as she was with him, he would do everything in his power to ensure her happiness.

Chapter Nineteen

Lucie pouted when Hrebec said it was time to return to their cabin, but Inzen consoled her when he assured her that she could keep the tablet. Instead of returning to her seat on Hrebec’s shoulders, she ran ahead of him, her voice echoing through the corridors as she skipped along singing an incomprehensible song about letting go. As soon as they reached the cabin, she rushed inside.

“Mama! Leonardo’s got TV but he only gots a pink show, not Frozen. And I’s got a present.”

“You do? What is it?” Abigail smiled at her daughter from where she was sitting on the couch, sorting through a pile of clothing.

“It’s a game! Inzen gave it to me. I like him a lot! But ‘course, not as much as Leonardo.”

“Of course not,” she agreed solemnly.

“Do you like him best too, Mama?”

“Yes, sweetie. I do.” She looked directly at him as she spoke, and joy coursed through him.

“Do you likes us best too?” Lucie asked him.

“Yes, I do,” he assured her.

“Good,” she said, around an enormous yawn.

“Time for a nap, sweetie.”

“I’s not sleepy, Mama.”

“You can still go lie down,” Abigail said firmly. “And you have to be quiet. Tiana’s asleep.”

With a defeated sigh, Lucie turned to him. “Carry me, Leonardo.”

He obeyed, carrying her into the bedroom and laying her down in the center of his big bed.

Before he could stand up, her tiny arms closed around his neck and she kissed his cheek. “I love you, Leonardo.”

His throat tightened to the point where it was difficult to speak, and his words came out in a hoarse whisper as his tail tenderly touched her cheek. “I love you too, little one. Now close your eyes and rest.”

“Okay,” she said, smiling up at him.

As he turned to leave the room, he glanced at Tiana and realized that Abigail had done something to the container. The walls were no longer clear but had fabric fastened to the outside with tiny bows. The delicate touches made it appear more comfortable, like home, and less like the dreadful incubators. His chest ached. Abigail had done that for him.

When he returned to the front room, Abigail was still sitting on the couch. He swept her up and settled down in her place with her on his lap, kissing her until she was breathless.

She stared up at him, her pale eyes dazed. “What in the world was that for?”

“For covering the container.”

“The container? Oh, you mean the bassinet.” Her cheeks turned that lovely shade of pink. “I saw how much you disliked it, but you can’t carry her all the time.”

“It is a vast improvement, and I thank you.”

“I’m afraid she’ll outgrow it soon. We—you will need to find another place for her to sleep. Do you still have baby stores on Ciresia?”

“No,” he said shortly. Perhaps there were some that had not yet decayed, but