Page 62 of Made For The Alien Warrior

“It is not just for you,” he mused, tapping numbers out in the hologram. “It is for my brood, Kenzie, as well. The more I understand of human anatomy, the more I can help her remain safe and healthy.” His head lifted and his purple eyes bore into hers with conviction. “This is for the new generation of Plutonian and human offspring. Something you and Tiegan must surely have discussed.”

Heat flamed in her cheeks. “N-not exactly.”

Rune pulled a satchel from his feet and extracted a wicked-looking needle. “Hold still, Sim-pony.”

“Whoa, whoa. What’s that?”

“It is to extract blood and nano-bots from your arm so I can study their makeup and ensure there has not been any damage.”

She glanced up at Tiegan, her bottom lip pushing out. “I’m really not great with needles.”

“Did you not encounter these in your earthen medical centers?” Tiegan asked.

“None that looked likethat.” She glared at the needle. That thing was suited for a Plutonian with thick, leathery skin. Not a human with a fear of needles.

“Sim-pony, look at me.”

She breathed hard, panic rushing through her chest as the tip of the needle glistened in the light.

Tiegan’s voice was firm. “Look at me.”

She slowly turned her head to face him. A crease lined his forehead, evidence that he was concentrating completely on her. His blue skin was smooth around his nose and cheeks, but it tapered down to a chiseled jaw and plump brown lips set in a stern line.

“You are brave, Sim-pony. The moment we first met at the sacred damas, I saw your courage.”

“What are you talking about?” She wheezed. “I was running from you. That’s why I drowned.”

“It was the last time you ran from me. Since that moment, you have fought and questioned everything.” He nodded at Rune.

She noticed and whirled around. “Stop.” Turning, she glared at Tiegan. “Are you trying to distract me so he can impale me with that thing?”

“I would like to impale you, yes. I wish to have broods as soon as you are willing,” Tiegan said.

She gasped. “Excuse me?”

At that moment, Rune slid the needle into her arm. She felt a prick and tried to shift her glare to him.

Tiegan stopped her when he said, “I would like a female brood. One who looked like you.”

“I’m still in college. I’m not ready for kids.”

“A brood will be a miracle. A legacy.”

“And it would also mean I have to give up all my dreams and focus on a baby. I haven’t even slept with anyone yet. There’s so much I haven’t experienced. Why would I…”

“The procedure is complete,” Rune said, a grin flirting with his blue lips. He pressed a swab to her arm and applied pressure.

Symphony realized what she’d yelled aloud in her little spiel and froze.

“Yes, we heard that.” Adhi laughed. “Tiegan, what are you waiting for? I thought you would have gotten her first time out of the way by now.”

“Shut up, Adhi!”

Her friend chortled.

Tiegan kissed her forehead. “Was that so frightening?”

“You are a menace.”