“Rekna.” His lips curled into a polite grin. “Do you have a name other thanhuman female?”
“Yes. Call me Grace.” I chuckled.
Having been introduced to the others, he nodded and took his place in front of Riley.
I was taken aback when she didn’t refuse. With her head tilted, she let her ponytail fall to one side, and he gave her a translator before scanning her.
Suspicion filled Avery’s eyes as she glanced at him. “Is there a microchip in there that might cause trouble if we try to make a run for it?”
Riley and I both shook our heads at Avery. She wasn’t convinced that the aliens had good intentions, even though they did nothing threatening.
Rekna’s head flew back as he frowned. “You are not prisoners here.” He paused a moment before asking if she was ready to receive her translator.
Avery grumbled and nodded, giving him permission to install it.
Riley stood beside me, waiting to hear what was wrong with Olivia.
After the scanning was finished, Rekna cast a quick look at Olivia and spoke softly. “Were you harmed by the Zinids during your time with them?” he inquired.
“I...what...what are you trying to say?” she asked quietly.
“You’re carrying a youngling.”
“Youngling?”
He compressed his lips together. “A child.”
She’s pregnant?I stared at her in surprised silence.
“I didn’t see that coming,” Riley noted with astonishment.
Olivia took a moment to clear her throat. “I’m aware. I should be around four months pregnant.”
Rekna’s brows furrowed. “Do you have a mate back on your home world?”
Olivia shook her head while her bottom lip trembled. “My boyfriend broke up with me when he found out I was pregnant.”
I squeezed her hand and smoothed hair away from her forehead. “I’m here for you,” I whispered.
Her cheeks were streaked with tears as she wiped them with the backs of her hands. “Th.. thanks.”
Rekna pursed his lips. “I see. This is a human youngling?”
Olivia confirmed with a nod.
“No problem. I will ensure its health and provide the necessary nutrients for its strength and development.”
Riley frowned. “How can you be sure that whatever you give her won’t hurt her or the baby?”
“Our medical database contains information on human physiology. Alara is one of several technologically advanced planets in this system. Inflicting harm on females or younglings is something we would never do. It goes against our principles.” Disapproval twisted his mouth. “We would also neverabandonour offspring.”
Olivia blushed and averted her gaze.
I helped her get off the table, and she smoothed down her blouse. I wondered how she’d manage being pregnant and alone in space.
My gaze fell upon Rekna. “I used to be a nurse on Earth, so I’m really excited to learn about your medical practices. Think you could give me a crash course on how things work here?” I asked. It was worth a try, at least. The worst he could say was no.
A kind smile spread across his face, and his eyes lit up. “I would be honored to teach you about Alaran medicine and technology.”
