Page 111 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

He patted the brood’s head. “Chozo.”

“I missed you.” Chozo looked up with liquid in his black eyes.

Lans paused, his hand hovering over Chozo. “Where is your mask?” He turned the brood around. “Are you able to breathe without it?”

“That is thanks to me,” a deep voice spoke.

Lans looked up and saw a Plutonian who seemed mildly familiar stepping into the cavern. He held hands with a human who had long black hair, almond-shaped eyes, and thin pink lips. In the human’s arms was a brood.

Lans gasped and pointed. “Aren’t you…?”

“Rune!” Korben strode into the cavern, arms wide and a brilliant grin on his face.

Rune’s smile was subdued, but it held hints of fondness. “The Ungazi tried to tear into our hideout. They were nearly successful.”

“Ga Eun!” Sah-ah came flying behind her mate. She wrapped the female in a hug. “I can’t believe you guys left the hideout. I thought you would remain in hiding forever.”

Rune’s eyes strayed to his brood. “The Ungazi threaten everything I hold dear. They must be defeated. We want to be an active part of it.”

Si-Moon and Zar joined them.

The moment Si-Moon saw Ga Eun, she rushed over.

Pin and Ki-ah strode into the cavern later, drawn by the noise.

The females happily chatted with Ga Eun as if they had known each other forever.

Korben shook his head. “Human attachment is a very interesting thing, is it not?”

“Have they not met on earth before?”

“Never.”

Lans stroked his chin. “And yet they seem like sisters.”

Korben dipped his head in agreement.

Lans’s eyes strayed to the brood and stayed there. Blue skin. Tiny stub where a tail would grow strong and nimble. Eyes like the mother. Faint tattoos that greatly resembled the father.

He would never get to experience that.

A small twinge hit his chest.

He pushed it away.

Neh.

It was good.

He would not allow the what ifs to invade his mind.

Eema had made her choice and he would be content.

He was content.

A movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention. The Healer stepped into the room, his eyes grim and his lips firm.

The females fell quiet, watching him intently.

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