Page 57 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“You saved yourself,” she whispered. “I just reminded you there was something worth fighting for back here where it sucks.”

He chuckled.

Clavas shuffled his feet. “My apologies for interrupting, but the others are eager to hear about your progress, Lans.”

“They wanted to be here,” Eema explained.

Lans grunted as he sat up. “The Healer only allows one accompaniment per patient.”

“So I was told.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her left ear. “Although I managed to sneak in.”

“You got in because the Healer wanted you in,” Clavas corrected her.

Eema shrugged. “Technically true, but I’d rather not think about it. Today’s been crazy enough for everybody.”

Lans stared at Eema. The dream version had been very handsy and quite eager for him to bury his heat in her. He wondered if the real Eema felt the same.

Eema froze. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“I’ll go give that progress report,” Clavas said, backing away.

Eema fiddled with her fingers. “You should probably rest.

“Come,” Lans said quietly.

She bit down on her bottom lip. “What?”

He patted the bed.

Eema blinked rapidly. “Look, I know you’re probably fully healed or whatever, but you just got stabbed with an arrow. I wouldn’t do anything too physically taxing—”

“Just lie with me, Eema.” He lowered his head on the cot. “I want to stay tethered to what is real while I am asleep.”

“Oh.” Flushing red again, she climbed into the cot with him.

Lans held her from behind, bending his knees into hers so she fit into the pocket of his body. Her warmth, her scent, and the silky texture of her hair made his heras calm.

Later.

He would mate her as soon as he had the strength.

But for now, his body reeled with exhaustion and all he could manage to do was close his eyes.

“Lans?”

“Mm.”

“Why was I in your dream?”

“Because you are my dream,” he said plainly, having no energy to fight his feelings.

Eema’s fingers slid down his arm. “And broods?”

“Yes.”

“With me?”

“As many as I can fill you with.”