Page 32 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

Then her body relaxed.

Her senses swirled with him, filing information away like a super computer.

His muscular arms roping around her.

His rough skin.

His scent—stars and sweat and something distinctly Lans.

In his arms, she felt safe and secure.

He stepped back and stared into her eyes. Emma could only stare back, shocked speechless.

Lans growled, “Remember what I told you yesterday.”

“That I lag behind?” she croaked, her brain reeling.

“That I will make your life difficult if you get hurt.” He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Do not get hurt, Eema.”

She could barely breathe.

Her throat had decided it wasn’t going to function today.

Lans pressed his lips together, looking even more brooding and grumpy than usual.

Her pulse jumped faster.

“Females,” Korben spoke loudly, “it’s time.”

She tore herself away from Lans and climbed into the zapten. The armor clanked as it fused together and formed the protective exoskeleton around her.

Struggling to get her mind back on the mission, Emma stared at Korben as he gave his speech.

“Sneak in and remove the force field.” Korben glanced at Sah-ah. “That is your only mission.” His eyes swerved to Ki-ah. “Do not engage with the Heronas.” To Si-Moon. “Do not join us when we invade.” To her. “Do not ignore my words.”

“We will be fine,” Sah-ah said confidently.

Emma looked at Lans. “Just have the warriors ready when we bring those walls down.”

He nodded.

Turning, Emma followed the other girls down the hill. No one spoke, each of them concentrating on the first milestone—getting through the force field.

Their roles in the rescue mission had been based on an assumption, but it was time for it to be tested.

“Are you ready, ladies?” Simone asked.

Kia pumped her zapten’s fist. “Let’s do this.”

Holding her breath, Emma turned on cloak mode and dashed through the invisible barrier. The energy knocked into her, reminding her of a giant wave from the ocean, but it wasn’t strong enough to hurt.

“Everyone okay?” Emma asked, glancing at the other women.

Ki-ah lifted her zapten’s arm and flashed a metal thumbs-up.

Emma ran ahead and scaled the wall of the Heronas city. With the zapten’s powerful thrust, she propelled herself to the other side. In cloak mode, the machines barely made a peep when she landed.

“Whoa,” Emma whispered, staring at the Heronas city up close. There were hundreds of aliens that looked like Chozo, all wearing masks as they scurried back and forth.