“I warned you of the risks.”
“Yes, but I mean… look at you… look at me!”
“I know. I can explain the dream to you if you’d prefer.”
“I’d prefer if I didn’t have dreams like that.”
“Yes, that would be easier, wouldn’t it.”
“If I’m pregnant, why would I have a dream about a boy?”
“Children appear to mothers in their dreams before they’re born. It’s a chance for you to get to know your child and to forge the telepathic bond.”
“Like what we’ve done?”
“Deeper. More intense. Your child may be half-human and perhaps it will be apparent to my people, but Devoran genetics are dominant, including the genes for telepathy.”
“You said I was only a partial telepath.”
“That’s true, however during pregnancy, your abilities will become heightened as you form a symbiotic relationship with the fetus.”
She flopped onto her back, resting her palms against her tummy.
“I never wanted kids.”
“Never?”
“Not before you.”
Mating had affected her too. The illogical response to Devoran pheromones defied every social convention on her planet.
I relaxed and she sensed my release in tension.
“I just don’t know how I expected any of this to happen. Not like this.”
I didn’t want to give her the bad news right then. She was trepidatious, but excited.
“Did you find out about your family today?” I asked.
“Yes. You were gone for a long time and I worked up the courage to call someone. They showed me my hometown and what’s happened there.”
“You’re upset,” I whispered, pulling her tiny frame close to my torso.
“Yes. I am.”
“What’s happened?”
“My roommates are dead.”
“What?”
“There was a fire… a horrible fire… they’re all dead. Henrik and Taylor too…”
Jessica sobbed, leaning into my chest. I held her close allowing myself to feel her sadness, which was complicated by feelings of relief. Relief and deep concern that her safety too would be compromise.
“What of your mother?”
“She and my father made up. It was all bogus. She was never going to leave him.”
