Mama and the Alien Warrior (Treasured By The Alien #1) - Honey Phillips Page 0,66

up.

Kwaret stumbled into the garden, one of the Trevelorians supporting him. Blood streamed from a gash over one eye.

“The ship!” he gasped. “Commander Khaen has escaped.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Hrebec passed Lucie to Abby then strode over to Kwaret. Abby followed close behind, pausing only to leave the girls in Cassie’s care.

“What happened?” Hrebec demanded.

“I don’t know,” Kwaret said. “I was in the med lab. Cuvar and I heard a cry and he rushed out to see what was happening. I followed him, but by the time I arrived, I saw Commander Khaen standing over his body. When I bent down to check his breathing, Khaen must have struck me. As soon as I regained consciousness, I came to find you. I’m afraid… afraid he’ll come after the females or the infants.”

L’chong rushed out, his crest disheveled. “Our security measures have been armed. But if there is a determined attack…”

“If they have any sense, they’ll be more focused on escaping,” Hrebec said grimly. “Inzen, take everyone back to our rooms and secure the space. Take Dornic and Maraq. Jedan, go with L’chong and find out about these security measures. Arrange for guards outside of Amber and Molly’s rooms. We won’t try and move them unless it’s necessary.”

Jedan and L’chong departed immediately, while Inzen began organizing people, babies, and supplies.

“Is there anything I can do?” Kwaret asked Hrebec diffidently.

“When you left the ship, did you see any of my men?”

Kwaret shook his head. “No, but I was in a hurry to leave in case they came back. Cuvar was no longer there when I regained consciousness.”

“Would Khaen harm my men?” Abby could hear the dread in Hrebec’s voice.

“I don’t know.” Kwaret twisted his hands. “There would be little profit in it and that is his usual motivation—but he is resentful that you took his ship.”

“His ship…” Hrebec frowned. “Do you think he would try and take the Defiance?”

“Could he fly it?” Abby asked.

“Not without an authorization code, and no one on board has the code. He may be planning on trying to force the code from me when I return.”

Abby grasped his arm. “Then don’t go back.”

“I have to go back. My men are there. In addition, that ship could do a lot of damage if he can override the security.”

Every instinct urged her to beg him to remain, but she knew that he couldn’t. “At least promise me you’ll be careful.” Despite her best efforts, her voice trembled.

“I will.” He swept her into a hard but all too brief kiss. “I love you, Abigail.”

“I love you too. Hurry back to me.”

When he turned to leave, he stopped for a moment to address the Vedeckian. “Thank you, Kwaret. I appreciate your warning. Will you stay and help protect my family?”

“I would be honored.” Kwaret bowed and Hrebec returned the gesture before gathering the rest of his men and leaving on the run.

Abby fought back her tears and instead went to help Inzen.

The night passed with an agonizing slowness. They had managed to find room for everyone in the suite thanks to some additional bedding from L’chong. She and the girls had taken the smaller bedroom, and thankfully the girls had gone to sleep without any protests.

A hint of grey had begun to touch the horizon before Abby heard a brief conversation in the living area, then a tall figure filled the doorway.

“Hrebec?” she whispered.

“Yes.”

As he moved across the room, she noticed something odd about his silhouette. “What’s wrong with your arm?”

“Just a superficial wound,” he said, sliding into the bed next to her. “It has already been attended to.”

With a relieved sigh, she nestled against the comfort of his big warm body, letting his scent surround her. His tail settled into its familiar position around her waist.

“What happened?” she asked at last.

“Khaen is dead, along with the other two Vedeckians.” He sighed. “They had prepared an ambush, but since we had been warned, it was not successful.”

“And your crew?”

“Most of them were in the brig.”

She could hear the pain in his voice and was almost afraid to ask. “Most?”

“Connep was guarding them. He was killed in the escape. Cuvar is seriously wounded, but L’chong thinks he’ll recover.”

“I’m so sorry,” she said, tightening her arms around him. “What about Pravit?”

“He’s a clever old warrior. When he realized what was happening, he hid in one of the supply bins. Then when he heard us attacking, he hit them from behind.”

She stroked his chest. “I know it’s terrible to lose anyone, but I’m glad that no one