Mama and the Alien Warrior (Treasured By The Alien #1) - Honey Phillips Page 0,59
to distinguish the many shades of green covering the land masses. The blues of the water were equally varied. In both the oceans and the many lakes that speckled the land, they ranged from a dark, almost purple color to a light and delicate turquoise.
“Here we are!” Cassie said from behind her. Despite her attempt to sound cheerful, Abby could hear the twinge of frustration in her voice.
“That’s good,” she said, turning to face them. All three girls stood in the entrance, Cassie and Amber with babies in their arms, while Molly drooped listlessly on one side. “Isn’t this a magnificent sight?”
Cassie and Amber nodded, stepping forward in awestruck silence. At first, Abby thought Molly wasn’t even going to look, but then her head came up. However, instead of looking at the screen, she searched the bridge, her eyes feverish. There was a crash at the far end of the bridge, but Abby didn’t even need to look to know who was there. Molly took one step forward before her face turned white and she started to crumple.
Ribel lunged for her, pulling her into his arms with desperate urgency. “Molly, Molly! Speak to me, my mate.”
Mekoi joined them, running a scanner over the unconscious girl. “I don’t like this. She appears to be dehydrated and malnourished.”
“This is your fault,” Ribel snarled at Abby. “You separated us.”
Hrebec stepped in front of Abby, every inch an intimidating warrior. “You will never speak to my mate that way.”
Ribel dropped his head in shame. “I’m sorry. I just… Please help her, Mekoi.”
“I will,” the medic promised. “Bring her down to the lab.”
No one stepped forward to take Molly away from Ribel, and Abbie didn’t have the heart to suggest it.
“I think I’d better come, too,” Amber said quietly as she sucked in a deep breath. “My water just broke.”
The approaching planet was forgotten as the bridge erupted into confusion. Someone took Lily, and Inzen stepped forward, lifting Amber into his arms despite her weak protests that she could walk. Mekoi led the way out of the room on the run, Ribel and Inzen close behind.
“I have to go with them,” Abby said.
“Go,” Hrebec responded immediately. “I will take care of our girls and the landing and join you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.” She gave his hand a grateful squeeze and dashed off after her girls.
By the time the ship landed and Hrebec arrived at the lab, Amber’s contractions were still mild and she was more excited than nervous. Abby left TeShawna with her in the newly created birthing room and went to speak to Hrebec.
“Where are the girls?” she asked.
“They are with Pravit.” A grin fought its way through his concerned expression. “He is wearing Tiana in the sling and Lucie is trying to tell him how to make something called ‘cookies.’”
“That’s my girl.” Abby managed a smile in return.
“How are the females?”
“Amber is a little anxious, but she’s doing well.” She looked into the other room, where Molly lay silently on Kwaret’s bed. “Molly hasn’t regained consciousness, although Dr. Mekoi is giving her internal fluids. He asked me if he should let Ribel stay, but I don’t know what’s best. She fainted at the sight of him.”
“Let him stay. It was shock, not repulsion, that made her faint. She will take comfort in his presence, even if she is not consciously aware that he is there.”
Abby nodded, relieved that she wouldn’t have to make the poor man leave. He was crouched at Molly’s side, whispering to her, his tail circling her wrist.
Hrebec frowned. “Where is the Vedeckian?”
“He’s monitoring Amber while Mekoi is with Molly. Remember, he does have some experience with childbirth.”
He opened his mouth, but Mekoi emerged from Molly’s room and interrupted him.
“Have we landed?” Mekoi asked.
“Yes.”
“We should contact their medical facility.”
Abby’s heart did a somersault in her chest. “What’s wrong?”
“The female is still unconscious, but her pulse rate keeps spiking. I suspect that she is about to go into labor as well.” His tail lashed anxiously. “I’m afraid that she will need more help than I can give her.”
Hrebec nodded gravely as he focused on his communicator. “I will make arrangements immediately. Abigail, I assume you will wish to go with her?”
“Yes, of course.” She looked into the other room where TeShawna was holding Amber’s hand. “Should we take Amber, too?”
“I think it would be wise.” Mekoi shrugged helplessly. “I believe I could handle the birth, but it would be better to have trained professionals involved.”