Page 113 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

Instead, Lans slipped his fingers between hers and squeezed her hand. Just to let her know he was in awe of her.

Eema’s smile turned even softer.

In that moment, he knew she understood.

The Healer tapped his interface and holos filled the room. A picture of an Ungazi ship hovered above them, big and terrifying.

The Healer stared at them. “Rune and I were working together remotely to study the Ungazi. They are powered by one alpha. We get to the alpha, we end the war.” The Healer swiped his hand and the image changed. “Here’s the plan.”

The Healer spoke at length until they were all sure of what their roles were. Lans almost smirked when the females were involved in the battle without any question of their ability. They had a role and it was settled.

No one disputed it.

When the Healer was done, Rune pulled out five rings from his trousers. He handed them to each of the females. “I heard your zaptens were severely injured in the fight with the other Plutonians. I’ve made some modifications to these. I got Ga Eun’s opinion on the design.”

“Don’t worry, girls.” Ga Eun winked as she rocked her brood. “This one wasmadefor us.”

Eema slipped the ring on and, immediately, an exoskeleton formed around her, covering her from head-to-toe. It was lighter and more svelte than the thick, hulking exoskeleton formed by their zaptens. Sparks of light zipped between the metal slats, each color different for each female.

Eema’s was blue.

It suited her.

“I like it,” she grinned, her exoskeleton’s eyes beaming blue. “I like it a lot.”

The Healer lifted both hands. “We fight for the preservation of our future. Both humans and Plutonians.”

“We fight for humans and Plutonians,” Lans murmured, conviction burning through his heras.

“The army has gathered outside.” The Healer’s eyes flashed. “It is time.”

Lans usually felt no fear before a battle, but now he had someone to live for. Someone who would be on her own dangerous mission.

He turned to Eema. “Your only mission is to weaken communications—”

“So we can clear a path for you and the other Plutonians to kill the alpha.”

“Do not engage,” Lans growled.

“You know I don’t do well with instructions,” Eema teased him, her eyes sparkling.

He studied her entire face, committing it to memory. “You are my everything, Eema.”

“And so are you.” She gulped. “I won’t be able to breathe until you’re back to me. Don’t do anything stupid and heroic, okay? Just tear through as many Ungazi as you can so you can destroy the alpha and get back to me.”

He swooped down and sucked her lips deeply.

Her taste was so sweet.

Her slender fingers dug into his shoulder as if she wanted to drag him closer.

He devoured her.

Inhaled her.

Tried to capture the moment and stretch them out to forever.

But alas, he had to pull away.