Mama and the Alien Warrior (Treasured By The Alien #1) - Honey Phillips Page 0,71
believe that I misjudged the village.”
The other man laughed. “I agree, and I hope you will consider joining us. You would be most welcome. But Hrebec, this isn’t the only solution. No matter what you were taught on Ciresia, you do not have to be surrounded by other Cires. If your mate would prefer city living, stay in the city. If she doesn’t like Trevelor, find another planet. In the end, what really matters is that she is with you.”
Dirigen’s parting words had stayed with him during the flight home. Anxious to discuss them with Abigail, he didn’t expect to walk in and hear his chief engineer announcing his retirement.
Chapter Thirty-One
“What did you say?” Hrebec asked.
Inzen bowed his head. “I said that I intend to resign. Cassie does not wish to return to Earth, and I intend to build a family with her.”
Shocked, he darted his gaze between the pair. “You are mates?”
Inzen shook his head. “No, although everyone seems to be making that assumption. I feel as a father would.”
“You haven’t heard the rest of it,” Abigail said dryly. “Elaina, TeShawna, and Molly don’t want to return either. We were just discussing possible alternatives to having them spend the rest of their lives on the ship.”
“I may have one,” he said slowly. “Does that mean that you would stay also?”
Abigail bit her lip, but before she could respond, Inzen cleared his throat. “We will leave you to discuss this matter.” He and Cassie picked up the two infants and left.
“Well, Abigail?”
“I want to stay with you. But I have a responsibility to Lucie—and to Amber. And you said you had a responsibility to your ship and your crew.”
“I have been considering that.” For his entire homeward flight. “I believe that some of my crew would choose to stay here.”
“Here? On Trevelor?”
“Yes. I’ll come back to that. But I know that not all of them want to stay. They are young, anxious for adventure, and I did make a commitment to the Confederation.”
Her face fell. “I see.”
“No, you don’t. I have spent all this time thinking that I was the only one who could handle the responsibility, but that was foolish.” He shook his head. “I was behaving as badly as the High Council, thinking of it as only a Cire ship that required a Cire captain. If I can find a good captain—of any species—I will donate the ship. My men may choose to stay here or to go with the new captain.”
“But it’s your ship…”
“It’s not as important to me as you are, Abigail,” he said firmly. “I know you don’t want to raise the girls onboard.”
“No, but I didn’t want you to give it up. What’s this alternative you mentioned?”
“I went on a journey this morning.” He told her about the village, watching her face carefully. To his relief, she seemed excited and was not as dismissive of the rural life as he had feared.
“As long as they have a good school, I love the idea of living somewhere peaceful.” She got up and began pacing the room.
“It’s true I’ve always lived in the city, but I could adapt to country life. And this planet is beautiful.” Her footsteps slowed. “But I can’t forget Amber, Hrebec. If she wants to return to Earth, I have to go with her and make arrangements for her. It could take some time, especially with such a new baby. Would you—could you wait for me?”
“I would wait for you forever, my mate,” he said sincerely.
“And you could come back for me?”
“Of course.” How could she doubt it? Despite the fact that it was strictly prohibited, he would never let a mere law keep him from his mate. “I will maintain ownership of the Defiance until you can return.”
“I can’t believe we can actually be together.”
Her eyes filled with tears but then she flew across the room and kissed him frantically. He met her mouth with equal urgency, pulling her closer, hands and tail roaming over her body. He had just worked his way inside her top, when a small voice came from across the room.
“Mama, you’s kissing Papa again—I mean Leonardo,” she added sadly.
Abigail dashed the tears from her cheeks and smiled at their daughter. “Come here, Lucie.”
She came eagerly, climbing up between them and winding an arm around each neck.
“Remember how I said we had to go home?” Abigail asked gently.
Lucie’s face fell, her lip poking out. “Yeah. I don’t wants to.”