Victoria and the Alien Doctor (Intergalactic Brides 2) Read Free Page A

but I never got their names and if I’ve seen them since, I didn’t recognize them.”
    He scowled. “And do you make it a habit to be so reckless?”
    “No. Not since Evie. I was young, only twenty, and I was trying to escape from my life. I had a father who beat me and a mother who whored herself out for drugs. I’ve lived in neighborhoods like this, or worse, all my life. I don’t want that for my daughter. Especially not if she doesn’t have much longer to live. I want her to see the good things in life and get a chance to experience them.” She twisted her hands. “I haven’t had a drink since the moment I discovered I was pregnant with Evie. And I don’t do drugs or smoke. I try to live a peaceful life, and most of my time and energy goes toward Evie. I had a job up until a month ago. I’m on unemployment right now, but it isn’t really enough to pay the bills.”
    “Just how dire is your situation?”
    “We’ll lose this place next week if I can’t come up with the rent money. The utilities are scheduled to be shut off in four days. I can’t afford them either. Evie’s medicine is expensive and takes up just about all of my money. I haven’t been able to afford all of it, so I know I’m responsible for her current condition and the amount of pain she’s in. I’ve done everything but solicit strangers for sex as a way to pay for everything she needs.”
    Xonos sighed. “I can’t let you stay here. Even if the tests haven’t been done yet, I can’t leave you in this place, not knowing all of that. Pack your things. I’ll carry Evie so we won’t have to wake her. Take what you need for now and I’ll send someone tomorrow to pack the rest of your belongings.”
    “We don’t have much. Maybe two suitcases and one box worth of things I’d want to keep. And really, the clothes are more of a necessity. They’re all second-hand and Evie’s don’t fit the best, but they’ve had to do for now.”
    “First thing tomorrow we’re getting the blood samples I need from you and then we’re going shopping. And don’t even think of saying no. I’m not giving you an option. You’re going to be my mate. You obviously need a protector more than I realized.”
    She wasn’t sure if she should feel affronted that he thought she was doing such a poor job of taking care of Evie and herself, but she had to admit he had a point. They were on the verge of losing everything, and she couldn’t afford to take care of her child. She was doing a horrible job as a mother and maybe it was time to accept some help.
    “Just let me change out of my pajamas and I’ll start packing.”
    “Tell me where Evie’s suitcase is and I’ll start packing her things. I promise to be quiet and not wake her.”
    “In the top of her closet. Most of her clothes are hanging up but there are a few things in the dresser drawers.”
    Xonos nodded and followed her down the hall. She pointed to Evie’s room before dashing into her own. Pushing the door shut, she quickly changed into jeans and a tee, and then began shoving her clothes into her suitcase. When she was finished, she took the box out of her closet and began packing the few pictures and knickknacks she wanted to keep. The furniture and dishes could stay behind. If she was moving in with Xonos, she wouldn’t need them. And if things didn’t work out, maybe he’d let them stay at least long enough for to save for another apartment or find a new job.
    He was waiting in the living room when she came out of her room. Her daughter was in his arms and the suitcase at his feet. There was a knock at the door and she hesitantly opened it only to discover a human male in a chauffeur’s outfit standing on her stoop. She ushered him inside, and he promptly picked up the box and one of the suitcases.
    “I’ll return in a moment for the other bag, Mr. Xonos. Is there anything else you need?”
    “I believe that will be all, Ned.”
    The man nodded and carried their meager