Page 49 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“Father,” Lans whispered.

“Son!” His father broke out into a big smile. Then his eyes slipped behind him to where Eema stood. “We were told you would be busy for a while.”

“He is acting strangely,” Eema said.

He swung around to watch her.

She padded on bare feet to him, her soft tunic hugging her shapely frame. Tucking her hair behind her left ear, she spoke to his father. “He seems to have had a nightmare.”

“A nightmare?” His father reached out and squeezed his shoulders. “Are you alright, son?”

Tears filled his eyes.

Eema rubbed his back, her touch warm and gentle. “Lans, please. You’re breaking my heart.”

“How can this be?” he whispered. “Father, you died trying to save me. You… died because of me.”

“In this dream?” His father lifted his chin.

Emma frowned. “Lans, you never—”

His father held up a hand. “Let him explain.”

“You were,” Lans sucked in a breath, “you told me to stay at home. You told me I was not ready for battle. But I snuck out to fight. You saw me and… you turned back to walk me home. Then the lizera pack appeared. You hid me and took them on yourself.”

His father’s dusky blue lips softened into a smile. “That sounds very heroic.”

“I struggled with the burden I felt for causing your demise. I… I felt so sorry to you, father.”

Strong, blue thumbs wiped his tears away. “There is no need to feel thus, Lans. Even if that story were true, I would never regret dying to protect you.”

He sobbed. “Father.”

Eema slipped her hand around his waist and hugged him close.

Just then, the door slammed open and his mother strode through. She was a tall, elegant woman with a square face and short, black hair. Her eyes widened when she saw the tears in his eyes.

“What is the matter?” she asked.

“Father!” Two broods rushed his way.

They had his blue skin and tail, but their eyes were both the color of the earth from space. Startingly blue. Crystal blue.

Just like their mother’s.

“Father, why do you cry?” The oldest, a boy, asked.

Eema touched their son’s shoulder softly. “Let us give your father a moment. Why don’t you show me what you and your grandmother planted in the garden today?”

“Yes!” The smallest one, a little girl no higher than his knee, squealed.Before leaving, she threw her tiny hands around his leg and squeezed. “Do not be sad, father.”

He patted her head, his heart overflowing with warmth.

Eema tilted her head expectantly.

Lans stepped closer to her and pressed his lips to hers.

She smiled with wistful eyes. “I love you.”