Page 40 of The Alien Warrior's Heart

The brood said nothing.

Zar stepped closer. “Please be sure to interpret properly. If you do not, I have no use for you.”

“Zar!” Simone smacked his chest. She wagged her finger and pulled the Heronas into her side as a muda would with her brood.

The sight made Zar want to punch something. “Why do you keep touching him?”

The Heronas squeaked. “She says that if you touch me again, she will leave.”

Zar scoffed. “My female didnotspeak such a ridiculous thing.”

Si-Moon tapped her chest and pointed away from him, her eyes narrowing with the threat.

Zar paused and studied her intently.

Denizi.

She really intended to…

What a ridiculous notion. There could be Rulari and Heronas waiting in the bushes, seeking out the signal from their scout to tackle her and take her away. Even now, the brood might have alerted his comrades to their location. Their enemies might be surrounding them.

Even if Si-Moon managed to escape the Rulari’s attack unscathed, she would face the wrath of the lizera and the oninis. There were poisonous plants and dangerous storms.

If Si-Moon thought for a second that he wouldeverlet her out of his sight…

If she thought he would ever let her come to harm, well…

She, perhaps, had a lesson to learn.

Si-Moon turned to the brood. “Ez hus tak.”

“She’s asking,” the Heronas swallowed nervously, “if you are ready to talk.”

Zar’s entire chest heaved on a sigh.

“She says… you need to drop your arms.”

“My blasted—” Zar let his arms swing limply at his sides.

Si-Moon kept talking and the Heronas translated. “And your dagger.”

“Neh.”

“Zar,” Si-Moon hissed, her eyes slashing into his.

Heras pumping, Zar slowly tossed his dagger.

Denizi.

He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. An instinctive annoyance washed through him. Whatever Si-Moon was about to say next, he wasnotgoing to like it.

Fifteen

Simone

As she staredat the baby alien, Simone saw herself. Well, notherself. She looked nothing like the alien with the long neck and the heavy face mask. The baby’s green-toned skin could blend into a forest on earth and its deep, pure black eyes could fit straight into the settings of a 90’s horror film.

Still, she saw the innocence in his expression and the genuine fear in his gaze.