Page 53 of The Pregnancy Pact

“Regardless, I would be a truly awful sire if I chose not to care that attacking the wild humans might bring warfare to Earth.”

“You mean, it will bring warfare to Earth,” I responded, keeping my tone gentle.

“Yes. It will bring warfare to Earth. The wild humans will, undoubtedly, fight back. If there is an assault on the Citadel, will Caide be affected? Will his wife?”

There was a note of genuine fear in his tone. He was afraid for his son. And that made me respect him. Prior to this, I’d been attracted to him. Been a little afraid of the authority he wielded. A little in awe of his position. But I couldn’t say I’d respected him. This was different. This was new. How long had it been since I’d respected my husband? I couldn’t even remember with Charlie. That sentiment had died out years ago.

“Then do something about it,” I urged, setting my palm on the hand he still kept on my knee. “You have the authority. You have the position. You’re the Lead Advisor. You don’t have to bring the Council’s proposition to the Interstellar Coalition.”

He shook his head grimly. “And if I do nothing, and the rebel humans should attack my son, his wife, or her family, when they are outside the safety of Citadel walls, would I have brought that on them due to my refusal to act?” He shook his head. “As I said…I have much to ponder.”

Heavy air released from my lungs. My shoulders slumped. For the first time today, I acknowledged how unutterably weary I was. I think Ellax was feeling much the same. I could see the strain on his beautiful features, despite his cool, stoic demeanor. And then it hit me—if this was a lot for me to absorb, it was a lot for him too. In some ways, more than for me. After all, my sons were fairly safe. His son and daughter-in-law could potentially be in a line of fire, no matter what direction he took. And the future of a colony planet’s species rested on his shoulders.

“You know what?” I said. “We’re here. We’re at our home. We both need rest. Let’s go inside and forget our troubles for tonight.”

I didn’t fully realize what I’d said until I saw the pleased smile twitch at his lips.

“What?” I frowned. “What did I say that was funny?”

“Not funny,” he replied. “I suppose I merely like hearing you refer to my house as our home.”

I blinked, taken aback. I had said that, hadn’t I?

Chapter 32

Ellax

Whether intentionally or not, she’d referred to my house as our home. Together. Surprisingly, I liked the idea of it. And yet, when I climbed from the transport and offered Lorelai my hand to assist her, I felt a tug of guilt and sorrow when I gazed at my mansion. Had I ever considered Druea’s thoughts on our home? I’d been content to allow her to run the household, decorate the house, and do as she pleased, so long as I was not inconvenienced in any way, and as long as my needs were met. When had I ever actually considered her, though? Or our son? The three of us—we had lived entirely separate lives. Bound by blood, but not by affection.

Could that be changed? If I acknowledged my failings as a father, as a husband, would the stars allow me to begin again with this human female? Or even with Caide?

If I brought war to Earth, would I ever be able to forge a relationship with Caide? Caide liked the humans. Sympathized with them. Forged friendships with them. Would he forgive me if the plan to destroy the wild humans went through and I had pushed for it? Or rather, hadn’t fought against it?

“This house is beautiful.”

The simple statement shook me from my thoughts. I turned to the female at my side. Her neck craned as she gazed up my house. Built from white marble, pillars and scrollwork stretched across its front. A wide veranda ran the length of its face. Due to Asterion’s generally warm, temperate weather, it was a lovely place to rest in the sun or to host gatherings of friends or peers. Mountains, luscious with greenery, rose in the background, a firm reminder of Asterion’s natural bounty. Fountains on either end of the house played soft, watery music. Gorgil swam gently in the ponds, playing beneath the fountains.

“Thank you,” I said. “I hope you will be comfortable here.”

She flashed me a smile. “I’m sure it’s far more luxurious than anything I could ever imagine,” she teased. “We both know that. No need to be so formal. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

“True.”

Druea and I had always been formal with one another. It was the way of Asterion nobility. I was slowly gathering that human customs were different.

There was much to ponder as I walked her inside. A mecha stood in the doorway welcoming me home in a slightly tinny voice. Fertis, one of the three mechas who served my household, offered drinks and food. I turned to Lorelai.

“Are you hungry?”

She nodded. “Honestly, yes. I probably shouldn’t be, considering everything that’s gone on, but it’s been hours since I’ve eaten.”

She was correct. It had been.

“Send a meal to my rooms,” I said. “And have the adjoining rooms prepared for Lorelai. She is my new wife, and the new mistress of this house.”

“Yes, sir,” the mecha intoned. He spun about on the tiny wheels beneath the bottom of his feet and glided noiselessly from the room.

Thinking the matter was settled, I started to walk on, leading Lorelai inward. She caught me with a hand to my sleeve.

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