Page 103 of Made For The Alien Warrior

Metal clanked and exoskeletons surrounded them in an instant. The metal slats peeled back to reveal four concerned human females.

Ki-ah spoke up first. “Symphony, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She smiled. “You guys look so cool. I’m jealous.”

“Honey, you don’t need an exoskeleton,” Adhi said. “Youarethe exoskeleton.”

“Huh?” Si-Moon arched a delicate brow.

“Where are the rest of the guys?” Sim-pony asked, lifting her head.

“They’re rounding up the bad guys.” Sah-ah rolled her eyes. “There’s this super lame law about not killing other Plutonians, even if they suck.”

Tiegan scooped Sim-pony into his arms. “Are you sure you do not wish to see the Healer?”

“I just need to sleep for a while.” She cuddled into his chest.

“Very well.” He squared his jaw. “Let us go home.”

“We’ll finish up here,” Eema said, nodding at him.

Tiegan cradled Sim-pony in his arms and carried her to the zapten. Sim-pony slept all the way to the camp. Her breath on his chest was reassuring and he was reluctant to wake her.

When he’d entered into the camp, Leel came running to him. “Tiegan, where...”

He widened his eyes at her. “Sh.”

“Oh.” She lowered her voice. “Sorry. I didn’t realize.”

“I will put her to rest first. She has been through much.”

Leel nodded.

Tiegan strode through the empty streets, taking the back roads so he did not meet anyone who wished to speak to him. The moment he saw his dwelling, he hurried his steps and moved inside, gently placing Sim-pony on the bedding in his room.

The sound of her light snoring made him smile. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. Her skin was soft against his lips. Sim-pony let out a contented sigh and rolled closer to him as if seeking his warmth.

He caressed her twists. “You frightened me today. I do not ever want your life in danger like that again.”

“Tiegan,” a voice out front called.

Leel.

Frowning, he rose and strode to the door.

Leel stood outside, her curls bound by a tie and a sheepish look upon her tan face. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. I figured you two wouldn’t have any food so I brought some stuff over.” She gestured to a tray. “I also brought some clothes for Symphony to change into.”

He watched her suspiciously.

“I’m just extending a hand in friendship. It’s nothing more or less than that.”

Nodding, he accepted the tray from her.

Leel turned to leave.

Just then, Tiegan had a thought and called her back. “Leel.”

“Yes?” She whirled around.