Page 44 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“No,” Sara hissed, “it’s Plutonians.”

“They got in?” Simone jumped out of her seat. “They got in!”

“Which means we need to get out,” Kia said urgently. “You heard what the guys said. The rest of the Plutonians can’t know about us yet or we’ll be in danger.”

“So how do we get out of here?” Simone asked, balling up her wires and stepping back into her exoskeleton.

“Wait.” Sara inched the door wider and breathed out in relief. “They’re going the opposite way. They must be looking for the Healer.”

“It’s not any of our guys, is it?” Emma asked hopefully.

“Our guys?” Sara slanted her a coy look. “Or Lans?”

“Really?” Emma threw her hands skyward.

“Just clarifying.”

“Look, she’s blushing.” Simone pointed to her cheeks. “How cute.”

Emma slapped a hand over her skin.

Darn it.

She and Kia were the only pale ones of the group and the way her skin reflectedeverythingshe was feeling sucked in moments like these.

“Don’t worry, honey. You’ll see Lans soon enough.” Kia rubbed her shoulder.

Sara shook her head. “I can’t believe we actually did this.”

“We won.” Kia pumped her fists. “We saved the day.”

“We have to get out before we can celebrate,” Emma reminded her.

“Piece of cake.”

Sara eased the door open again. Emma started to follow her when she felt a sharp pain in her side. Doubling over, she clutched her torso and the exoskeleton followed suit. The clank of its metallic arm echoed through the room.

Simone jumped and shot her a concerned look. “Emma?”

“Ah!” She stumbled.

A large, metallic hand shot out.

It was Sara’s exoskeleton.

Concern rang from her voice. “Emma, what’s wrong?”

“I-I don’t know. It felt like something just tore through my…” She groaned as a burning sensation swept her body. “What’s wrong with me? What happened to me?”

“Nothing.”

Her head swam with pain.

“Guys,” Simone stared at her worriedly, “you think it’s the mate connection?”

Emma panted as the pain subsided as quickly as it had come. “The… what?”

“Are you better now?” Sara asked, helping her up.