Page 24 of Made For The Alien Warrior

“What evenisnormal?” Simone scrunched her nose. “We’re surrounded by aliens. Normal up here is to have blue skin or a tail. We’reallweirdos.”

Kia nodded. “Even back on earth, it’s the same thing. No matter how ‘ordinary’ we look on the outside, we all struggle with insecurities, doubts and fears. Nobody is perfect, even if they pretend to be.” She touched one of Symphony’s braids. “I love people who embrace their honest selves. That’s why I admire you so much, Symphony.”

“Me?”

“You endured so many hardships, but you’re still such a beautiful person.” Kia stroked her head. “Inside and out. Your light shines so brightly that it’s blinding.”

“I agree,” Simone murmured.

Tears slipped down Symphony’s cheeks. “Guys…”

“You love us?” Simone filled in.

“We’re awesome?” Emma smiled.

“We know,” Sara said, leaning in for another hug.

After they’d released her, Symphony sniffed and tried to put herself back together. “Look at you. Making me cry like this.”

“I’m surprised Tiegan didn’t burst into the room already.” Simone swung her head to stare at the entrance. “He must have felt you getting upset just now.”

“I’m guessing he’s afraid Sara will tear his head off,” Kia joked. “Even Korben listens to her.”

Sara swatted Kia’s leg.

Symphony laughed.

“Find me…”

She snapped her mouth shut and went rigid. Her breathing thickened as she struggled to stay rooted in the moment rather than let the voice take over.

“Symphony?” Emma placed a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“I’m tired. I think I should go to…”

Tiegan rushed into the room. “You are ready to return to your bedding?”

“Were youspyingon us?” Sara jumped to her feet and planted a hand on her hip.

“I felt her exhaustion.” He cast her a determined look. “She has been losing energy.”

Symphony pushed herself up and walked into Tiegan’s arms. The moment her head collided with his chest, the alien’s eyes bulged and he stared down at her.

She squeezed her eyes shut, desperate to block out the voice at all costs. “I’m tired, Tiegan.”

Without a word, Tiegan gently took her hand and led her out of the cavern.

Ten

Tiegan

Symphony had acceptedhis embrace willingly. Which meant that something was desperately wrong.

Tiegan settled the human in her bedding, his heras thumping and his mind whirring. He had felt her sorrow, though it was a faint impression in his head. But he needed no neural connector to read the exhaustion written all over her face. The female was drained.

He turned away. “I will alert the Healer.”

“No.” She snatched his hand.