Page 106 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

Instead of shying away, she nodded.

The Healer slid down from the platform and joined them. “You have only a few hours at the most. I am counting on you five to unite the tribas and encourage any Plutonian who might be having doubts.”

“Understood,” Korben said, dipping his head.

Sah-ah tugged on his shoulder. “Korben, the zaptens. They…”

“It is okay, my heras.” He soothed her.

At the sound of her comrade’s words, Eema’s lips tightened. “Helix. We should check on her.”

“I will go.” Clavas stepped forward.

Tiegan nodded. “You should prepare well. The Ungazi will not have the same respect for us in battle as our own comrades did.”

Pin’s jaw clenched as he nodded his thanks.

Lans did the same.

Zar swept Si-Moon into his arms and pulled her close. “No one interrupt us until it is time to leave.”

“Babe,” Si-Moon hissed, ducking her head in embarrassment.

Sah-ah smirked. “Have fun, you two.”

“My heras?” Korben held out his hand to Sah-ah.

She took it lightly.

For a moment, Lans wondered if the human would inform Korben that she was with child in these hours before battle. However, the thought quickly fled his mind as he fastened his gaze on Eema.

Gripping his mate’s hand, Lans guided her forward.

The trickling damas sang to them before they had even caught sight of it. A few more paces and they stood in front of the sacred lake where he had been healed.

“We were expecting you to wake up,” Eema said, glancing at the damas with a pure smile. “Everyone thought you would open your eyes, but you didn’t.”

He caressed her cheek. “The Healer took care of my injuries, but you are the one who saved me.”

She smiled, but it was a cracked and broken one.

Unable to stand the distance between them, Lans picked her up and cradled her in his lap as he settled on the flat rocks that bordered the sacred damas.

Eema’s slender body pressed against him.

Her warmth flooded his heras.

Her scent filled his nostrils.

When she spoke, her voice carried a grave fullness as it bounced against the walls. “First, I want to apologize for snapping at you earlier.”

“Neh.” He shook his head.

Eema reached out and pressed her fingers against his jaw. “No. That was uncalled for and completely…” She sighed. “I wasn’t angry at you, Lans. I was angry at myself, and I was grasping at straws to keep from facing my own demons. I’ve learned that…” her tongue swiped out to lick her lips, “being vulnerable is the fastest way to being hurt. I feel so much for you and I knew you had the most power to hurt me.”

“Eema,” he whispered her name reverently, “no matter what you have done or will do, I will never leave you. I will never turn my back on you.” He rested his forehead against hers. “When I invaded your heat, I was not seeking a good time. I was not looking for a female to unleash my lust. It was a solemn vow. You and I are one. And we can never be separated.”

Liquid filled her eyes. “You say that now, but you haven’t heard everything.”