Page 97 of Made For The Alien Warrior

Adhi whimpered.

The sound broke Symphony’s heart. She stepped forward. “I will go with them.”

Tiegan’s eyes widened. He grabbed her arm and hauled her back. “Neh.”

“We can’t let anything happen to her,” she said urgently.She’s the Healer.Please, Tiegan.

He shook his head.

“If you come peacefully,” the leader snarled, “no harm will come to him.”

“You’re sweetening the deal?”

“Do not speak to them,” Tiegan hissed.

The leader smirked. “We are aware that your mate has suffered some… damage.” His purple eyes dropped to Tiegan’s wound. “He would not survive another skirmish.”

“Enough,” she snapped.

Tiegan held her tighter. “I cannot let you go.”

“I can handle myself, remember?” She lifted his hand and brought it to her lips. “But even if I can’t, I want you to move on and be happy.” She paused. “But not with Leel.”

Tiegan’s jaw clenched. “You wish to make jokes at this time?”

“I’m scared.” She blinked rapidly, allowing her vulnerability to shine through. “But that’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“Enough time has been wasted,” the leader growled.

Tiegan held fast to her hand when she tried to step away. She gently pried his fingers off and gave him a reassuring nod.

His helpless look made her heart sink to her toes. He was a big, strong alien, used to taking charge. She could see how badly he wanted to protect her. But he couldn’t this time.

Symphony turned away from him and walked toward the rebels. They quickly restrained her, tying her hands with the same rope that they’d trapped Adhi with.

Tears dropped down Adhi’s dark cheeks. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She smiled although, inside, she was shaking just as hard. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Stay and keep him in check until we have gotten away,” the leader snapped at his crew. Eyes slicing through Tiegan, he hissed, “If you try anything, I will kill them both as painfully as possible.”

Tiegan’s nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed in disdain.

“Let’s go.” One of the Plutonians shoved her in the back.

She started walking with Adhi, intentionally shuffling her stride to move as slow as possible. If they got her on a zapten, they’d be done for. She had to stay close to the meeting site and stall for time until help arrived.

“Move faster!” The leader prodded her like a cow.

She turned on him. “Why do you hate me so much? I haven’t done anything to you.”

“Move,” he spit.

Adhi gave her a terrified glance. “Symphony.”

“Everyone told me that Plutonians grow up learning how to treat others with compassion and honor, especially women. Did something happen to make you so hateful or were you just born that way?”

“Quiet, human. Do not try any tricks on me.”