Page 21 of Made For The Alien Warrior

“The color?” Sim-pony scrunched her nose.

“We’ve only experienced this with our mates,” Korben said, glancing at Sah-ah. “When you mate with someone, it is the deepest connection. You must remain committed for life.”

“It is the Plutonian way,” the Healer rumbled in agreement.

“However, not even this deep connection between mates allows us to hear thoughts,” Pin explained. “If youdidhear a voice, this means you have a connection to someone you have never met.”

“Or…” Clavas broke in, “that someone has access to Plutonian tech and wishes to brainwash the females.”

A chill ran down his spine. He could not imagine Sim-pony coming into harm. It turned his stomach.

“Guys, I have something to confess,” Sim-pony whispered.

“Go ahead.” Sah-ah rubbed her back.

“When I was young, I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia.”

Sah-ah looked troubled.

Si-moon pursed her lips.

Ki-ah immediately released Pin’s hand.

“What is this word?” Tiegan insisted, anxiously glancing at the females.

“It is a problem of the mind. One where a human hears a voice that isn’t there,” the Healer said quietly.

Tiegan’s eyes flew up. Had Sim-pony been ailing, not only in body but in mind as well? He wanted to wrap her in his arms. Swear to her that she would never ail again.

His muscles strained, but he remained in place, listening intently.

“I took medicine and went to the clinic. Right around that time, I got diagnosed with a mysterious illness. The doctors couldn’t figure it out, but the only way to stop the spread was to cut off my arm.” She swallowed. “Right after the surgery, I waited for the voices, but I never heard them again.” Her gaze slid up to his. “Until now.”

“It’s okay,” Sah-ah cooed, giving Sim-pony a hug.

Si-Moon joined their circle.

Korben caught his eye and a look of understanding passed between them. At that moment, he knew Korben had the same suspicions. The earth physicians treated Sim-pony’s Plutonian illness with terrestrial medicine. Perhaps they had misunderstood the voice, not realizing that Sim-pony was special.

Tiegan folded his fingers into fists. That meant the voice Sim-pony heard was real. Not only that, but it had been calling her for a long time.

Nine

Symphony

Wasthis what a sorority felt like? Symphony hadn’t bothered signing up to a house during freshman year. After all, a girl with a disability didn’t fit the plastic, Barbie-doll perfection her peers were looking for.

She’d learned to run from anything that would reject her, closing herself off first so the inevitable shunning hurt less.

But Symphony never imagined how warm a community of loving, beautiful women could be. Though she had only met Sara yesterday and had been introduced to Simone and Kia just minutes ago, she felt as if she’d known them forever.

“Honey, you are so amazing.” Kia embraced her tightly.

Pin’s mate was a beautiful woman with dark hair and stunning eyes. Like Sara, Kia wore a flattering suit that looked like spandex. The blue color fit her cool skin tone beautifully.

“I’m not that amazing,” Symphony muttered, trapped within their group hug. Her limbs were heavy and her head ached like crazy, but the warmth of the girls was soothing.

Sara straightened abruptly. “Korben, you got your answer. We need the room now.”