Page 43 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“Why don’tyoutry and lug these green pickup-trucks-with-arms, huh?” Kia stuck her tongue out at Simone.

Sara huffed as she dragged the alien’s leg. “I’m with you, Em. We should have run.”

“If we’d run,” Simone murmured, “and Rune didn’t get access, all of this would have been for nothing.”

Emma knelt beside the alien’s body. She was used to seeing Chozo’s green skin and long neck, but seeing the Heronas in full gear made them seem a lot more vicious. These were the creatures responsible for causing so many Plutonians pain.

According to Korben, the Heronas had continued to attack them even after the peace treaties were made. They had little regard for keeping their word or honoring their commitments, unlike the Plutonians who took every vow seriously—especially those they made to their mates.

“I think we bought you some time, Simone, but you need to hurry it up,” Sara said.

Kia plopped the guard’s hand on the ground and blew out a breath. “You’d think these guys would be light since they’re scrawny, but even with the zaptens’ help, it feels like they weigh a ton.”

“Tell me about it.” Emma nodded.

“So, while we’re waiting,” Sara winked at Emma, “should we return to our earlier topic?”

“What earlier topic?”

A mischievous smirk crossed her dark face. “You and Lans.”

Emma groaned. “Really? Now’s the time you want to bring that up?” She gestured to the Heronas guards who lay sprawled in a heap. “We didn’t even bind these guys or anything. They can pop up at any minute.”

“They’re fine.” Kia waved away her concern.

“I’m pretty sure Kia gave one of them a concussion. They would have heard the punch you gave him all the way on earth.” Sara giggled.

“Laughing about violence,” Simone murmured. “I never thought I’d reach this place.”

Sara smirked. “Anyway, you and Lans looked cozy when we were leaving to go on mission. He held you so tight I thought you’d break.”

“She’s exaggerating, of course,” Kia said slyly. “The human body can withstand way more than we thought. Especially when a hot, blue alien is the one doing the heavy-lifting—”

“Okay. Ew. Ew. I don’t need to know.” Emma squirmed.

“So?” Sara nudged her with an elbow. “Was all the fighting just a front? Do you have feelings for Lans?”

She sputtered. “What? Feelings? The only thing I feel for him is disgust.”

Kia rolled her eyes. “You didnotlook disgusted when he hugged you a few hours ago.”

“You can tell us,” Sara coaxed.

“Well,” Emma chewed on her bottom lip, “I—”

A roar resounded outside.

Bodies thumped.

Someone grunted in pain.

The zing of a blade hissed through the air.

Simone spun around. “What’s that?”

“Let me check.” Sara tiptoed to the door and inched it open. She hauled back immediately.

“What is it?” Emma asked, her pulse spiking. “More Heronas guards?”