“They’re being hasty. We haven’t confirmed a pregnancy.”
Dhiro couldn’t help but wonder if whatever made their own females infertile could do the same to Ella. What if it was environmental? Something they ate? Nothing would be certain this early.
“You’ve given them hope in a time of hopelessness. I won’t stop that. The alternative is much worse.”
He nodded.
“How long does it take human females to become impregnated?”
Dhiro had done in-depth research on the topic. “Every human is different. Some more fertile than others, while a few are never able to conceive. They only carry their babies for nine months.”
“Let’s hope the one you chose is a ripe one.”
“She is young and healthy. I have high hopes,” Dhiro said.
“I contacted you because the taskforce mentioned you would be available for your next shift. There has been movement in the bad lands. Only you are experienced enough to deal with the threat.”
“I’m sure they’ve heard the news by now. It is imperative we keep them at bay, now more than ever.”
“Agreed,” said his commander. “Keep me updated on your mission.”
He switched off the monitor. When he turned around in his seat, Ella was sitting up on the bed in the next room. They made eye contact.
“What mission?” she asked. “Does it have anything to do with me?”
Dhiro returned to her side. “I traveled an unprecedented distance to find you. Your arrival is quite the buzz.”
“And what if I can’t give you what you want?”
“You’ve already given me what I want.” He smoothed a hand over her hair, admiring the unique blue color of her eyes. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“You’re the first man … male that I’ve been with.”
“I know.”
“What happens now?”
He felt her trepidation. She was so young and innocent, untold miles away from her planet in a foreign new world. He’d stripped her of her innocence without her traditional courting period, and she had an entire civilization counting on her to be fertile. It was too much for her to bear.
Dhiro had to ease her burden.
“Now you get to enjoy your new planet. I will take you to one of the older mines. You will enjoy the variety of precious stones. Many are unique to Trenu Zel.”
“You know I can’t resist that offer.” She smiled.
She was hungry for knowledge. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I want you to feel at home here. I’ve tried my best to study your customs, but I am far from an expert. Anything you need, please let me know.”
“Thank you for everything. Not the abduction part, but all the rest. I don’t think I’d ever be able to find a man like you on Earth.”
“No, I found you.” He leaned closer and brushed his lips against hers.
She moaned, her desire perfuming the air, which wasn’t his intention. He wanted her to bond with him emotionally, not just physically. Mating was more than copulation but involved body, mind, and soul.
“I really hope things don’t change,” she whispered.
“All things change.”
“I mean with us. If you ever got tired of me or this experiment, I’ll be alone on an alien planet.”
“You’re not an experiment.”
“Then what would you call me? Savior of an entire race?”
He pulled back slightly. “Please don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself, Ella.”
“It’s true. It’s the only reason I’m here.”
He cupped one side of her face. “Yes, I started my voyage on a mission, but it became so much more once I met you.”
“You say that now,” Ella said.
“We will find another way if you’re unable to conceive.”
She nodded but didn’t appear convinced. They’d researched for years, so even Dhiro knew there was no other way. Ella was their last hope.
“Let’s go to mines. It will bring your thoughts to a happier place.”
Dhiro had a small wardrobe brought in with clothes that would fit Ella’s unique figure. She chose to wear a pale-blue dress that hugged her delectable curves. He couldn’t wait to get her back home tonight to indulge in her sweet flesh.
He led her out to his armored vehicle. The ride to the mines was long and crossed questionable land. As a captain on the taskforce, he had to be cautious at work and when off-duty. Now he had precious cargo. News of their enemies gathering and planning had traveled back to them. He didn’t like it but wouldn’t hide in fear of what might happen. His mate wasn’t meant to be caged like an animal, unable to enjoy the freedoms on their planet. He was well trained and would protect her with his life if need be.
Dhiro enjoyed watching her reactions as she gazed out at the landscape. Everything would be a new discovery to her. She experienced life with the zest of a child. She was refreshing, a miracle in his mundane life.
“Do you like what you see?”
“Your planet is amazing. It’s so different, yet similar to Earth in many ways. I feel like I’m in a movie.”
He’d studied the humans’ fascination with cinema. They had an obsession with escaping reality. There was no such thing on Trenu Zel. “A science fiction horror film or a romance?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I haven’t decided yet.”
At first, he was taken aback until he saw her smile as she turned back to look out the window. He was pleased with his choice. Dhiro had no regrets traveling to Earth for her.
****
The mines were unlike what she’d seen back home. Ella had explored countless sites on Earth during her studies and researched even more. Her hands were calloused from all the digging she did. She’d cataloged hundreds of rare rocks, minerals, and meteorites. But this … she was on an alien planet. Her colleagues on Earth would be salivating if they could see the things she saw right now. Rather than feeling out of place and terrified with her ordeal, she felt like her abduction was a blessing in disguise. What would she even miss back on Earth?
She doubted her parents would notice her absence. And her dating prospects were non-existent. Trenu Zel was a place she’d only dreamed of when gazing at the stars. But it was a real, tangible place, and Dhiro was any woman’s fantasy. She had a future here, or at least she hoped she did. Her only disappointment was not being able to tell her doubters back home that alien civilizations did exist. No one ever believed her.
“What do you think?”
“I’m excited. Can you tell?”
She jumped down from one boulder and climbed the next, trying to get closer to the entrance of the first cave. It was lined with what looked like precious stones in shades of green.
“Are these emeralds?” Ella ran her hand over the edges jutting out of the stone.
“I believe so. They are not considered valuable here. They’re quite commonplace.”
“They’re breathtaking.”
She reached the entrance and cautiously entered. The interior was dark, but Dhiro was behind her with some type of flashlight. The sparkle and range of colors inside the cave were incredible. Dhiro squatted down and pointed to a smooth white piece of stone.