Captured: A Sci-Fi Alien Invasion Romance (Garrison Earth Book 1) by V. K. Ludwig

Author:V. K. Ludwig [Ludwig, V. K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Torin

“Are you certain about this, Torin?” Nifal asked, walking beside me along the upper deck of Ardev Five. “You know as well as I do the Wardens will not agree to adoptions. Should you really take such a great risk?”

My reassuring nod did little to ease his frowns. “I shall concern myself with the future risk once it is due. For now, I want to see the crop placed with families. Surely, if I am willing to adopt one of them, other Vetusians must feel the same.”

Resignation huffed from his chest. “How is Eden this morning?”

“Each passing day eases her grief,” I said. “Her excessive need for touch concerned me at first, but it seems to give her much comfort.”

“Are things improving?” he asked, pausing his steps to examine my reaction. “Between the two of you?”

I want you to stay. “Much improved.”

A warm sensation expanded through my ribcage. Eden had the power to break my chains of control, unleashing what I had spent my life tucking away so tediously. But no matter how my body vibrated with rage and my fingers tingled with roughness, she calmed it all with little more than her presence.

For the first time in my life, I walked this hallway to my bridge, feeling a little less broken. A little less defective. A little more deserving of her.

“We are quite certain she is carrying my child,” I said, pride swelling in my chest. “She is many days behind her expected bleeding and exhibiting early signs of pregnancy.”

“Is she?” Nifal chuckled low, hands clasped against his chest, and yet it didn’t contain their excited quiver. “An heir to the house L’naghal. Ask healer Melek, for she told me many times the Vetusian has her trust.”

“I do not approve of him.”

“And yet your disapproval does nothing to trouble her. If she is comfortable around him, then he should be the one tending to her.” He ignored my grunt, not leaving any room for discussion as he changed the subject. “If only we could prove Zavis’ innocence, so that the two of you may restore the power of the noble houses.”

“You still believe he is innocent?”

“Most certainly,” he said. “You have done well by finding Eden, Torin. She has the strength to stand up to her role as the mate of a Warden.”

“I do not wish to involve her in our tiresome politics.”

“You know as well as me it will be unavoidable,” he said. “Her resilience and kindness are a curious combination indeed. One, I believe, will serve you well during this transition.”

We turned onto my bridge, where warriors and engineers greeted me with salutes and bows. The former state of Virginia extended through the window in front of us. Leaves blossomed in shades of orange and red, the foliage shedding to the ground one by one. It was stunning to behold, and so unlike Cultum, a planet without seasons.

“Commander, sir,” a warrior said, “the Wardens have arrived a while ago and are waiting for you in the conference room.

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