looked at the pill but didn’t take it. “But it’s not like that between us. He hasn’t even kissed me.”
“I understand, and I’m certainly not encouraging you to do anything you don’t want to do, but just in case?”
Elaina hesitated, then took the pill. “Is it a problem that I’m nursin’?”
“Dr. Mekoi said it wasn’t.”
“Are you taking one?”
It was a natural question, but Abby hesitated, surprisingly reluctant to discuss her feelings about Hrebec. Still, she’d never lied to the girls and she wasn’t going to start now.
“Yes, I am. I don’t know that I need it, but…”
“Better safe than sorry,” Elaina finished.
“I guess I may have said that once or twice.” Abby laughed. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
Unlike the previous night, when they gathered for the evening meal, she didn’t try and segregate anyone. Ribel wasn’t there, and after one hopeful glance around, Molly collapsed at one end of the table and didn’t speak. Mekoi walked up to TeShawna and offered his hand to her with a bow. Her back straightened, and for a moment, Abby thought she would deny him, but then her face softened and she took his hand. Amber and Cassie were both surrounded by admiring young males, but Abby didn’t see any signs of the previous night’s rivalry. Many of the babies napped in makeshift bassinets, and the crew members were almost as fascinated by them as they were by the women.
Lucie introduced Abby to Inzen, the chief engineer who had provided her game. After a brief conversation, she saw his eyes move to Cassie. Despite the more relaxed atmosphere, Cassie appeared uncomfortable surrounded by the group of men.
Inzen scowled. “Young fools. Can’t they tell the girl doesn’t want ‘em so close?”
“She’s had a… difficult past,” Abby explained.
“Puts on a brave face, though.” Fleeting sorrow crossed his face. “Kind of reminds me of my daughter.”
“Your daughter?” Shocked, Abby took a second look at Inzen. This time, she noticed the thickness of his ridges and the number of markings and realized that he must be considerably older than Hrebec.
“Red Death took her, too. She was one of the last. I hoped and prayed that she would be spared, but in the end…”
“I’m so sorry.” Impulsively, she took his hand and squeezed it.
His tail patted her hand for the briefest instant before he cleared his throat. “I’ll go keep an eye on the girl.”
“Thank you.”
She watched as he walked over to Cassie, dispersing the group surrounding her with a few well-chosen words. She couldn’t hear what he said, but judging by the abashed expressions, he hadn’t held back. Cassie gave him a grateful smile, and he started talking to her, careful to keep an easy distance between them.
“Why did you touch Inzen?” Hrebec growled next to her ear, and she jumped. She hadn’t heard him approach. He loomed over her, cradling a sleeping Tiana in a one-handed football hold.
“Because I was sorry about his daughter.” Her chin went up. “Why does it matter?”
“I don’t like seeing another man’s hands on you. Or his tail.”
Abby repressed an eye roll as his own tail wrapped around her waist and tugged her to his side. The easy strength he used did nothing to alleviate the arousal that bubbled beneath her skin. His scent enveloped her, and she suddenly felt breathless.
He took a deep breath and his tail tightened possessively. “I can scent your arousal.” His voice deepened. “I’m looking forward to our hankee pankee.”
She was definitely blushing now, and her annoyance disappeared in a blaze of lust.
His eyes heated, and for a moment she thought he would kiss her right there in front of everyone. But then Lucie came running up and the moment was lost.
Despite her constant awareness of Hrebec seated next to her, dinner was very pleasant. Inzen watched over Cassie and Amber, while TeShawna and Mekoi focused on each other. Elaina and Jedan looked like a perfect family as they concentrated on the two babies, although Abby suspected that she and Hrebec and the girls presented the same image. The only unhappy person was Molly.
“I’m worried about her,” she said to Hrebec while Lucie was distracted.
He followed her gaze and sighed. “I’m afraid Ribel is in the same state. The mating bond is difficult to overcome.”
“What do you mean mating bond? There’s no bond. They haven’t done anything yet.” She hoped.
To the best of her knowledge, Molly had only ever been alone with him the one time, when he had told her that they couldn’t have a relationship.
“A