Mama and the Alien Warrior (Treasured By The Alien #1) - Honey Phillips Page 0,61

plants. Inside, a wide corridor wound past a number of rooms with gaily painted curtains covering the doorways. Some of the curtains were open, and she caught glimpses of a startling variety of species in addition to the Trevelorians. Her anxiety eased a little.

“Why are there so many different species here?” she whispered to Hrebec.

L’chong was just in front of them but he turned his head at her question. “We are a peaceful planet and, although we did not escape the Red Death, we were not as devastated as many planets. We have welcomed refugees from those troubled worlds.”

“That was very generous of you,” she said sincerely.

“It was to our benefit as well. It has helped to replace those we lost and we have gained much in knowledge and skills. Diversity is nature’s way.” He stopped outside a room, pushing aside a curtain of yellow and blue circles. “Miss Amber will go in here. Medic Mekoi, will you accompany her?”

“You’re going to separate the girls?” Abby asked L’chong in a low voice.

“I think it is best. I have every reason to expect that she will have a normal labor and delivery. Miss Molly will require more specialized care.” He saw her hesitation. “Do not fear. They will not be far apart.”

She didn’t like it, but he seemed to know what he was doing. TeShawna and Mekoi accompanied Amber inside, but Abby was relieved to see that Hrebec gestured for two of his men to remain as well. Biting her lip, she followed Molly’s stretcher.

They passed through a set of glass doors into another section of the hospital. It was quieter here, with an air of hushed serenity that bore more resemblance to a church than to a medical ward. Even the colors were quieter, changing to soft pastels. L’chong led the way into a large room that looked out onto a small garden. Everything in the room was in soft shades of blue, and at first glance there was nothing to indicate that it was a hospital room. She watched in amazement as the stretcher somehow merged with the bed and the monitors floated up onto the walls. Even they seemed to resemble more of an abstract pattern of lights than the blinking, beeping units with which she was familiar.

“Now,” L’chong said. “Where is the father?”

“Back on Earth.”

“Was he involved with the pregnancy?”

“Ha,” she said bitterly. “As soon as he realized that she was pregnant, he dumped her. At least he was thoughtful enough to bring her to me.”

“I see. And the Cire?” He looked at Ribel, who was crouched over Molly, his tail still around her wrist.

“We suspect that they are mates,” Hrebec said.

“Have they been together?”

“No,” Abby said.

The Trevelorian made a disapproving noise and Abby felt compelled to explain. “She is very young—underage by our standards—and Captain Hrebec is returning us to Earth. It didn’t seem wise to encourage them to spend time together.”

“Hmm.” L’chong frowned at Hrebec. “You did not trust your crew member to behave with honor?”

“I trust him. He would—he did—choose to take the honorable action and stay away from her.”

L’chong shook his head. “A bond cannot be dismissed that easily. In this case, it appears to have caused damage to the female.”

Guilt flooded Abby. “That was never my intention! We have nothing like a mating bond on Earth…”

“I’m sure you meant no harm,” he assured her. “And Captain, I suspect that the tragic fate of Ciresia over the past generation has meant that much knowledge of the mating bond has been lost.”

“So what do we do?” Abby asked.

“We will continue administering the supplements that Medic Mekoi started. They will give her body strength. I have also added something to slow her labor, but it will only be effective for a short period. When a child is ready to be born, they cannot be delayed for too long.” His beaked nose twitched. “What I believe would help her most would be to allow the bond to flower between them.”

“What?” Abby had to fight to keep her voice low. “Surely you aren’t suggesting that he have sex with her? She isn’t even conscious.”

“Of course not. A physical joining is only one aspect of the bond.” He observed her flaming cheeks. “Were you not aware of that?”

“Um, no.” Hrebec’s tail patted her hand comfortingly and she clasped it in her hand.

L’chong nodded approvingly. “Yes, like that. I propose that we surround her with his scent, his presence, and hope that she can use his strength to bolster