Page 7 of The Alien Warrior's Heart

As he roared in pain, she shook in fear.

She was trapped in a dark room with a monster.

But there was a silver lining.

This alien hadn’t touched her. He was, in fact, enduring severe agony rather than forcing himself on her.

But would that last? How far would the lion aliens push him before he broke?

I can’t trust him.

There was no guarantee that he wouldn’t turn on her. With her wrists bound like this, she couldn’t do anything if he decided to…

No. She wouldn’t even think about it.

The alien groaned softly and climbed to his knees. His long hair swung behind his shoulders and his tail twitched. Despite the pain clouding his eyes, he lifted his chin and rattled off harsh words to the guard outside.

Simone didn’t understand anything. It all sounded like alien gibberish to her. But she didn’t need to understand this blue alien warrior to know that he was fiercely proud and strong. Despite the pain flashing in his purple eyes, his tone rang with strength and confidence.

Simone took courage. Maybe, as fragile as she was, as overwhelmed and powerless as she felt, she could be a little brave too.

Solutions, Simone. Find a solution.

Her eyes caught on the collar around the blue warrior’s neck. It seemed like a shock collar, the kind used on animals.

Simone had a degree in data analysis, but she was fascinated by technology in general. If she got her hands free and could see that collar close-up, maybe she could reset the controls.

But that would require trusting the blue alien.

Could she?

Should she?

Her fellow prisoner staggered towards her. Clearly weakened, he put his hand up on the wall and leaned against it.

Their eyes met.

Held.

She saw… brokenness.

Anger.

So much it nearly scared her.

But beneath all that, she sensed that he was an ally.

She had to believe it.

Did she have a choice?

The fact was, he could have pounced on her by now. The guards stripped her of her underwear, forced her legs wide and presented her to him for the taking. With her hands tied, she couldn’t fight back if he climbed on top of her.

But he didn’t.

Not after being tortured.

Not after being threatened.

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