Mama and the Alien Warrior (Treasured By The Alien #1) - Honey Phillips Page 0,65
facility. I truly do not know where they came from, but I do know that they came here as a last resort. Her father had contracted an illness during their travels, and we were unable to save him.”
“And her mother?”
“She, too, was in a weakened state. Without her mate?” His head dipped. “I was surprised she lasted long enough to give birth, but she held on long enough to see her daughter.”
“Tiana inherited her strength. She survived until Abigail arrived to find her and nourish her.”
“In other words, to bond with her?”
“Yes.” The thought that had been tormenting him emerged. “What will happen after Abigail leaves?”
“She is leaving the two of you?” L’chong looked shocked. “I thought you were a family unit.”
“We are, but it’s complicated. Abigail thinks it would be best for her daughter and the other females to return to Earth.”
“I see.” His head bobbed. “Has the infant bonded with you?”
“Yes, I think so. I love her as a daughter.”
“That is an excellent start. I will examine her tomorrow and see what progress she has made.” He shook his head. “I find it hard to believe I was so wrong about the Vedeckian.”
“You knew he was a Vedeckian,” Hrebec couldn’t help pointing out.
“Every member of a race is not the same.” L’chong’s voice was gently chiding. “You should know that.”
“You’re right. I do know that. And he has been quite helpful,” he admitted reluctantly.
L’chong dipped his head in acknowledgment. When it rose again, he studied Hrebec’s face for a long moment.
“What is it?” he growled, uncomfortable with the scrutiny.
“I am wondering how you will do without your mate and the other child you have claimed as yours.”
Pain spiked in his chest but he refused to give in to it. “I will do as I must. Tiana will need me.”
“Yes, perhaps you are strong enough to go on. I suspect you already know how difficult it will be. Have you considered asking your mate to stay?”
“Of course. But as I said, she has a responsibility to her females, and I have a responsibility to my ship and my crew.”
“I see.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes before Hrebec got up to leave. At the door, he turned back. “I would like to visit this colony.”
L’chong smiled. “I suspected as much. I have already sent a message and asked them to allow you to visit. I should hear back tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
With what seemed to be characteristic thoughtfulness, L’chong arranged for Hrebec’s group to have dinner together in a small garden area. The crew members Hrebec had assigned to the hospital joined the small group of families. Elaina and Jedan were never more than a few feet away from each other, and Abby noticed that Mekoi was just as close to TeShawna. Inzen had taken over caring for Lily, and he watched both her and Angel like a proud grandfather. Abby was grateful that he also kept a watchful eye on Cassie, and the young girl seemed comfortable in his presence. Lucie couldn’t be still, racing around on the grass, picking flowers, and talking to everyone with breathless speed.
“She’ll sleep well tonight,” Abby laughed, as she watched her daughter trying to do a cartwheel in the soft grass.
“Good. I have plans for you,” Hrebec growled in her ear, the deep rumble causing an immediate ache between her legs. She squirmed in her seat.
“I can tell you like that idea,” he murmured.
“Oh, I do.” She squeezed his tail where it was wrapped around her waist. “And I’m not sore anymore.”
It was his turn to shift uncomfortably, and she saw him surreptitiously adjust himself.
Abby was pleased that Amber was able to join them briefly, looking tired but happy with her new daughter in her arms.
“I’m going to call her Trevi,” she said. “After this beautiful place.”
“That’s a good name,” Lucie decided. “Almost as good as Tiana.”
They all laughed, but Abby couldn’t help but be conscious of the missing member of the group. L’chong said that Molly was improving, but he was still deeply concerned. He wanted to hold off as long as possible before removing the drug preventing her from going into labor.
The evening wound to a close as the sun set and tiny bugs with colorfully lit bodies danced through the air. Amber returned to her room and most of the babies settled down for the night. Lucie had finally given up on chasing the tiny insects and was climbing up on Hrebec’s lap when a muffled gasp made Abby look