Page 55 of The Alien Warrior's Heart

“Mind your own business, Heronas.”

Chozo followed him to the zapten. “Before we go, I would like to relieve myself.”

“How about you relieve yourself and we go without you?”

The brood’s eyes turned teary behind his mask. “Do I still anger you, Zar?”

Si-Moon saw the brood getting upset and a slew of indignant words flew at him.

This was Chozo’s fault. He and his female had just mated, and the brood had to ruin everything.

“Fine,” Zar said. “Do what you have to.”

“I can’t with… her watching.”

Zar tipped his chin back and scoffed at the roof of the cave. When he straightened, he glowered at Chozo. “Then tell her to turn her back.”

“I’m shy.”

“Go into the other room then,” Zar snapped.

“But I’m scared.” His bottom lip quivered. “Would you go with me?”

“And leave my mate behind so you can call your Heronas comrades and steal her away from me?” Zar curled his upper lip in a hard sneer. “You are severely mistaken, Heronas.”

“Zar!” Si-moon scolded.

He huffed out a deep breath. “Tell her to turn around. I’ll walk you into the room and stay close enough, but I will not take my eyes off Si-Moon, do you understand? Try anything and I will end you.”

The Heronas brood dipped his chin once.

Zar walked Chozo to a different opening in the cave so he could relieve himself. As he promised, Zar’s eyes remained on Si-Moon. She pulled her knees up to her chest. Then set them down. Then turned on her side.

At last, she successfully wiggled into the desired position and fell asleep on his zapten. She reminded him of a tiny winged creature curling into their nest. Sunlight glittered on her dark skin, making her glow brighter than the sand. Her small forehead, flared nose and soft cheeks made his heras ache.

And those lips…

Zar longed to trace them even now. They were so soft to suckle. So enjoyable to nip. So stunning when they were parted on a hot gasp or when they were open wide and taking him in—

“Are we going back to your tribas?” Chozo asked.

Zar growled.

“Will they be happy to see you with a human female?”

“Are you asking so you can run back to your comrades and betray—?”

“I have no comrades,” Chozo said quietly. “Even before the… I did not have friends.”

Zar snorted.

“Simone is my first real friend.”

“And?”

“I will not let you use and abandon her.” Chozo’s voice trembled, but Zar heard the conviction in the words.

“Is that a threat, Heronas?”