Page 91 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“Imagine it from their shoes. If my dad just died and I found out the reason was because a few of my family members had slept with our mortal enemies, I wouldn’t be too happy,” Kia mumbled.

“Humans aren’t the Plutonian’s enemies.”

“But we’re not exactly friends either.” Kia pointed out. “And we did bring the ‘purifier of alien bloodlines’ right to their door.”

Clavas gave them all a reassuring nod. “The Healer will take care of these concerns. You are being hidden away as an extra safety measure. If or when your presence is revealed to the rest of the tribas, it will be when you are ready.”

His interface glowed.

Emma recognized the symbols popping up. It meant that either Korben, Lans, Tiegan, Pin or Zar was calling him. While they were running from the auction house where Lans had saved her, Emma had seen the blue warrior make many calls to his friends.

Clavas looked straight at her. “All will be well, Eema.”

She nodded.

To be honest, the Plutonians breaking through the Healer’s security shields were the least of her concerns. Right now, Emma needed to decide if she would allow Lans to break past hers.

As Clavas left, she studied her surroundings, noticing the zaptens that edged toward them. Helix nudged her in the side and she rubbed her hands over his metal spikes.

Sara laughed, standing next to Korben’s zapten. “Even though Helix is the most scary-looking one with all the spikes,” she pointed to Emma, “she’s the most affectionate.”

“Right?” Simone chuckled.

“Kind of like Lans, huh?” Kia patted Pin’s zapten. “He didn’t take his eyes off youonceat dinner.”

Emma sighed. “I guess.”

Sara, Simone and Kia all exchanged glances. In a snap, the girls crowded around her.

Sara folded her arms over her chest. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

“Is something wrong?” Simone leaned closer. “Are you in pain?”

Kia’s eyes slid over her. “Are you sore?” She pointed to Emma’s hips and lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m guessing Lans threw you off the deep end too soon. You’re bruising.” She patted her shoulder. “Do you want me to ask for medicine?”

“No, I—I mean yeah. Lans got rough, but he didn’t hurt methere.” She sighed. “Something’s wrong, and no, it’s not physical.”

Sara rubbed her stomach and Emma’s gaze fastened there. Her emotions bubbled to the surface. She wished she could distract herself from the pain, but there was no Lans to seduce right now. She couldn’t fall back on that coping method until they’d sent the other Plutonians away.

Sara froze. “Are you… crying?”

“No.” She sniffed and turned away, willing her tears to stay locked up. “I haven’t cried since I was a kid.”

“Well, maybe you should start,” Kia cooed softly.

Simone wrapped her arms around Emma’s neck. “You don’t have to tell us what’s wrong, but just know that we’re here for you.”

“Thanks.” Emma sucked in a deep breath. “I’m just… sorting through something right now.”

Sorting through her future.

Her past.

“I…” Emma sighed. “I can’t have kids.”

Everyone froze.

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