Page 46 of The Alien Warrior's Mate

“I don’t get it. These are feelings, right? They’ll fade with time.”

“Sort of. They’ll be replaced with a steadier kind of foundation. One based on commitment, honor and respect.” At Sara’s clueless look, Ga Eun grinned. “You know how some people are crazy about their coffee and would do anything to get it? Wake up early. Wait in line. Pay a bunch of money? Anything? Foryears.”

Sara nodded.

“That’s the way Plutonians treat their mates. They prioritize her over all else. They wake up early, go to sleep late, brave death just to keep her safe and happy. It’s a choice they make actively every day and it only feeds the fire of love.” She points to her chest. “And makes the connection grow.”

“That sounds…”

“Romantic?”

“Awful.” Sara squirmed. “To be that dependent on someone?”

Ga Eun inhaled thoughtfully. “It’s the bravest thing anyone can do. To be so vulnerable. But what I love about Rune is that heshowsme he’s making the effort. I don’t have to guess. I can trust him.” She laughed softly. “But I’m sure you didn’t want to hear a rundown of my love story.”

“No, I’mveryinterested.”

Ga Eun gestured to her cupboard. “Let me get you a plate first.”

While the beautiful woman strode away, Sara observed the spaceship. The walls were a stark and pure white that rose up into a curved roof. To her surprise, a brilliant chandelier hung from the ceiling pointing to a table fitted with four chairs.

Her eyebrows wrinkled. Ga Eun said she was sequestered here with Rune. Why did she need so many chairs?

Brushing the thought away, Sara continued her inspection. The spaceship boasted a long counter filled with alien flowers that brightened the space. For such an industrious origin, Ga Eun had managed to turn the hull into a cozy home.

“This place is amazing,” Sara said. “It strikes the right balance of super cool and homey.”

Another tinkling laughter graced her ears. “I try. And Rune is so sweet and patient. He’s always down to help me create the vision I have in my head.” She approached the couch and set down a gold tray burdened with food.

“That gold,” Sara pointed to the plate, “reminds me of the sand left over by the acid rain.”

Ga Eun’s eyes popped open. “You were caught in that storm?”

“Korben took several hits for me.”

“That must have been painful.” She winced. “We’re always careful around here. The storms make it difficult for intruders, but it’s also dangerous for us. One time, Rune got caught in the acid rain and I spent several sun rotations putting pulps on his back.”

“Korben applied pulps to my face when we first met. It cleared all my bruises up.”

“Yes. They’re medicinal, although the Plutonians get most of their medical care from someone called the Healer.”

Sara scrunched her nose. “Sounds like a cult.”

Ga Eun shook her head. “He’s more like a superhero. Rune said the Healer emits an energy from his hands.” Ga Eun extended her long, elegant fingers and hovered them over the plate of food. “Like so. Concentrated blasts can heal the body and allows Plutonians to live for centuries.”

“You’re kidding. So Korben is like…old?”

“Probably.” She shrugged. “Rune is too. Since the Plutonians lost all their females to the Red Death, every life is twice as precious. The Healer allows Plutonians to keep their tribas alive by assuring them that they won’t die.”

“I had no idea.”

“Rune left that life behind when he chose me.” Ga Eun sighed. “That’s why I’m always so scared for him. If anything happens, we won’t have access to the Healer.”

“I’m sure he chose you knowing the risks.” Sara squeezed her hand.

“Yeah.” Ga Eun pointed to the plate. “I’m sure you must be hungry. Why don’t you dig in?”

“Thanks. This dish is gorgeous by the way. Is it real gold?”

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