Page 104 of Grulen

“That’s some fucked up logic,” Kara took a sip of her Estalan liquor.

“He would’ve been a child,” Natasha said.“And viewed the loss and grief from a child’s perspective.”

“That’s what I told him.”

“The destruction caused by the virus was like a planetwide trauma.Imagine a tsunami sweeping over every inch of Earth.No one could remain unaffected.”Talia grabbed some green crackers and cheese from a plate before passing it on.

“What happened?”Abby asked quietly.

“He told me his honor demanded he keep his vow and we shouldn’t be together romantically.I asked if there was anything I could say or do to change his mind.He said no.So I packed and left.”Morgan took a piece of chocolate and popped it into her mouth.God, I’ve missed chocolate and right now, I need it.

“Do you love him?Do you believe he loves you?”Ava poured some of the fruity drink from a pitcher.

“Yes, I love him.I thought he loved me.At least he acted that way.”Tears welled up in Morgan’s eyes.

“Then we need a plan to bring him crawling back to you.”Kara punctuated her words with a burp.“Excuse me.”

“Dress you up and can’t take you anywhere,” Rain teased.Everyone laughed.

“I’m not sure he’ll change his mind.If I get my hopes up and it doesn’t work, I’m not sure I’ll survive it.”

“With or without Jevax, what would make you happiest?Going back to the Wing Raiders?Staying here?Going to a colony?Going back to Earth?Something else entirely?”Natasha listed her options.

“I could go back to Earth?”

“I can arrange that.My biggest concern would be how Earth’s leaders would treat you.They might keep you under wraps and interrogate you under the guise of protecting you.”Rachel frowned.“I would know.I was an MI6 agent.We’d have to have safeguards in place before Traxen or I would allow you to go.”

Morgan nodded.She makes sense.

“I honestly wouldn’t want to return to Earth to stay, although I would like to visit and reassure friends I am safe.”

“Do you have anything in mind?”

“I’ve been thinking seriously about teaching at Phoenix House.”

“That’s a wonderful idea.It’s not common knowledge yet, but after we sign some treaties, we’re going to set up some communities specifically for domestic abuse victims and their children.I think the plan for the first one will be near Phoenix House,” Talia said.

“Are you sure having battered women so close to a variety of aliens would be good for them?”Lin bit her lip.“It might make them even more afraid.”

“Traxen and I have been discussing this.We believe we’ll set up a small village with housing and shops between the two.The new arrivals will be in a gated community with everything they need, but as they gain confidence, they’ll be able to venture out into the village.We’re thinking of setting up a joint school so the children can begin interacting right away.From a logistical standpoint, it is easier to provide security for the women and children, the village, and Phoenix House from a central location.An added benefit is that the humans would transition away from largely populated areas.”

“That would be good, not only for their own healing, but I remember how pushy some of the Svesti males were at Court not long ago.”Ava shuddered.

“Pushy?I didn’t have that experience, and I spent a year here.”Morgan’s forehead wrinkled.

“When you were here before, they didn’t know humans could spark fated mate bonds.Even though they don’t appear like they have historically, some of the males still believe they can convince the bonds to show up if they touch a woman.I got so tired of males wanting to touch my arm.Beyond being irritating, I felt bad each time their hopes were dashed.”The edges of Ava’s lips dipped down.

“I was ready to stab someone,” Rachel grumbled.

Natasha laughed.

“How many knives are you wearing now?”

“Three.”

Morgan’s eyes grew wide at Rachel’s answer.I guess she really was MI6.

“So, should we have Morgan push Grulen to confront and deal with his trauma like you did with Karid, Ava?”Lin timidly spoke up.

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