Page 102 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“You have not killed anyone, Lans,” Tanek said, walking in a slow circle around him. “And we have spared your life as well.”

“Do you think I will spare yours? One lost life and this all stops.”

Tanek laughed. “Is that what youwantto believe? The mission will not die with me.” He tilted his head. “And do not fool yourself into thinking that death is a threat. My father is gone. I am eager to see him again.”

“Step aside, Tanek or I will grant that wish,” Lans said.

The urgency in his heras made his bones quake.

Eema’s emotions were spiraling through his head.

Courage.

Fear.

Determination.

Hopelessness.

Something had gone wrong with the females.

He could sense it.

Korben, Pin and Zar must have felt it too because, a few moments ago, they had formed a line in front of him.

“You felt your mate’s fear as well?” Korben had hissed.

“Yes.” Pin scowled. “They need us.”

“We cannot get past the others,” Zar pointed out.

“Not all of us.” Korben’s eyes had met his. “But one of us may be able to.”

“I will protect them with my life.” Lans had dipped his head.

Zar scowled. “We know.”

They had covered for him as he rushed for the doors that led to the basement. But, on the way, Tanek had dropped in front of him, barring his path.

Tanek lifted his dagger. “I do not want to do this, Lans.”

“Think this through, Tanek,” he hissed. “There will be no winners if we fight against each other. When the Ungazi appear, they will take the humans by force and we will be wiped out.”

“That is assuming you win,” Tanek said. “You would really injure your comrades to save a handful of humans?”

“Yes.” Lans started to propel forward.

A beautiful voice made him freeze.

Eema’s voice.

“Lans!”

Whirling around, he spotted his mate struggling in the grips of Adere. The warrior’s eyes were hard, and he stared straight ahead.

“Neh!” Lans rushed toward Eema when something hard slammed into the back of his head.

It was a laser gun.