Page 74 of The Alien Warrior's Mate

Ga Eun pointed to the door. “Korben is going to meet up with his tribas at a hideout a few hours east. The other females are going to end up there eventually too. Rune told me.” Ga Eun patted her shoulder, right above Sara’s birthmark shaped permanently like Korben’s face. “You are the anchor holding Korben to a personal connection with those females. He doesn’t know Emma like you do. If he’s heartbroken and alone, missing his mate and frustrated by whatever caused him to kidnap humans in the first place, who do you think will be there to stop him from dark thoughts? Who do you think will fight for the rights of our females?”

“I thought you said Korben was a good guy?”

“I said he will protect his mate.” She licked her lips. “But, like any other species, Plutonians decide who they will be and what principles they will follow. There is no such thing as a perfect alien or human.”

“You want me to be his conscience.”

“I want you to help Emma and the other females. Even if Korben doesn’t give them up to the Heronas, they will still be stressed and struggling to adjust. I remember how terrified I was my first few days here. Rune was a perfect gentleman, but I felt overwhelmed and lost. Your strength would have given me courage. And you can do that for others.”

“But I’m not strong.” Tears flitted into her eyes. “Didn’t you see what just happened? I gotplayed.”

“You don't know that.”

She pierced Ga Eun with a dark look.

Her friend shuffled her feet. “Look, the choice is yours. You aremorethan welcome to stay here with me. Rune and I would love to have you, but that means you must stay in hiding. You’ll probably never see Emma again. Is that what you want?”

“Are you sure you weren't a lawyer back on earth?”

Ga Eun slanted her a grin. “Very sure.”

“Fine.” Sara folded her arms over her chest. “Fine. I’ll go. But only for Emma and the other girls. Not because I’m Korben’s mate.”

“Of course.”

Sara reached up and hugged Ga Eun. “Thank you for everything. You have made a wonderful home out here and you have a beautiful family.”

“Stop it. You’re making me tear up.”

Sara dipped her chin to hide her tears. “Am I ever going to see you again?”

Ga Eun lifted one shoulder. “You never know. Rune and I might discuss coming back to the settlements once it's safe.”

“I would love that. I mean, if I’m still there.”

“You will be.” A knowing glint in her eye, Ga Eun said, “You and Korben will work it out.”

Sara pinned her lips shut. She doubted that, but she didn’t want to end this goodbye on a sour note.

The women returned to the living area. Ga Eun handed her the satchel and gave her another hug. Sara held on for dear life and then headed outside where Korben and Rune were standing by Enthara. The zapten immediately strode toward her and nuzzled her side with its spiky head.

Sah-ah gave Enthara the comfort she sought. It wasn’t the zapten’s fault that her owner was a lying bastard.

“Are you ready?” Korben asked, his eyes peering into hers.

Enthara pressed her head low to the ground for better accessibility. Sah-ah climbed on, relief sweeping through her when she managed to do so successfully. If she’d embarrassed herself and fallen, she would have been burning with horror for days.

Korben nodded at Rune, got on behind her and took off. Sara could feel the tension pouring off his shoulders, but why washeannoyed withher?She wasn’t the one who’d kidnapped and then lied to him. She wasn’t the one who’d pretended to care for him just so she could tear off his pants and ride his—

Korben reached out and dragged her against him. When their bodies collided in the middle of Enthara’s back, he let out a pleased grunt as if to saythis is how it should be.She swatted his hands away and scooted forward, grabbing the handlebars and clinging to Enthara’s spikes instead.

Korben growled. “Sah-ah.”

“I told you not to speak to me.”

“Do you really believe that I would ever hurt you?” Korben whispered. “You are my mate. You belong by my side. And I would fight—”

“Let me make one thing clear. I don’t care about your little speech. I’m not falling for the shtick. I’m only coming with you to protect my friends.” Anger crackled in her voice. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell them what happened out here.”

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