Page 90 of Made For The Alien Warrior

“I’m not running. I’m checking on my friend.”

“What happened, Sim-pony?”

She took a step, flustered. “Nothing. I’m just worried that Adhi will—”

“When you were attacked.”

She swallowed hard and turned around slowly.

Tiegan’s eyes were steady on her face. He looked strong and determined, even though he was lying in the bedding and the paleness of his blue skin said that he was not yet recovered.

Her arm suddenly reached out to him without her permission. She snapped it down, her heartbeat taking off at a breakneck speed.

Tiegan noted the movement of her arm and his eyes sharpened. “Is it still glitching?”

“It stopped after Rune took those tests.”

“Did it behave this way when you were attacked?”

She squeezed her eyes shut. Symphony knew exactly where this interrogation was going. Clamping her mouth together, she remained in the doorway.

“Do you not know?” Tiegan whispered. “Or is it that you do not want to tell me?”

“I…” Her fingers tapped the side of her leg.

“Or,” Tiegan dropped his gaze, “is it that you do not trust me?”

Her heart slammed against her ribs. “That’s not it.”

Or was it? She knew Tiegan was attracted to her and wanted her to be his mate, but would that interest wane when he found out her arm had a violent mind of its own?

Such a horrific glitch wouldn’t be readily accepted by anyone.

Tiegan’s soft footsteps drew her out of her thoughts. She saw him approaching her, limping slightly. He stopped right in front of her. She had to crane her neck to look into his purple eyes.

In their depths, she saw a determination that nearly frightened her. “I told you, Sim-pony,” he spoke in a deep voice, “that you are whole to me. I have chosen you and I will continue choosing you in whatever form you come.”

Tears burned in her eyes. It had been hard to believe his words then, when she had just gotten used to her nano-tech arm. But now that she had no idea what this arm was truly capable of…?

He caressed her cheek and turned her head so she was looking at him. “You do not have to tell me, but I need you to know this. I will treasure you and care for you no matter what you are or what you become.”

“Tiegan,” her emotions swelled and a tear spilled down her cheek, “I… I think my arm is strong.”

He tilted his head.

She swallowed. “Stronger than it should be. When I shoved the Plutonian, I was just trying to get back to you.” Sniffing, she admitted, “To be honest, the arm goes crazy when it’s around you. I mean, it functions, but I don’t have as much control.”

“Did thoughts of me cause the arm to take control?”

“Not just you,” she admitted quietly. “I was panicking and scared that you were hurt. Which you were.”

He glanced down.

“I just… exploded.”

Tiegan caressed her shoulder. “Sim-pony, from now on, you do not have to be afraid to share your thoughts with me. I will accept them, even if I can’t understand them.”

“I know.” She rubbed her elbow. “I was just scared that you would call me a freak.”