Page 92 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

The story went so much deeper than that.

So much.

But this was all she could share.

All she had the courage to.

Sara’s expression turned crestfallen. “Emma, I’m so sorry. But you shouldn’t beat yourself up about something you can’t control. You are just as valuable and important to—”

“No.” She shook her head. “No, it’s—I canhavekids.” She glanced away. “I just don’t want them.”

She felt thewhybubbling on Sara’s tongue, but the other woman didn’t voice it.

Simone cleared her throat. “Have you told Lans?”

“In so many words.”

“I’m betting he said it was fine,” Kia said quietly. “Because that’s what Pin would say.”

“Lans did tell me he was fine. He said he could live without everything else, but he couldn’t live without me.”

“But you don’t believe him,” Sara said, her eyes soft.

“I was there, you know? In his dream.”

Simone gave her a puzzled look.

“When Lans wasn’t waking up, the Healer strengthened our connection through a blood transfusion and I was able to enter his mind.”

“Whoa.” Simone looked impressed.

“I was his mate in the dream.”

“And this was before you were hisactualmate?” Kia clarified.

“Yes. He wanted me.” Her bottom lip trembled. “And he wanted children.”

Sara tried to console her. “I’m sure he can—”

“No,” Emma snapped. “You don’t understand. Lans almostdiedbecause he preferred that dream world to real life. He was willing to stay there forever. When I told him the truth, that his parents were dead and he didn’t have kids… I saw him mourn over that.”

Simone sighed heavily.

Emma swallowed past the lump in her throat. “He thinks he can be satisfied with me now, but one day, he’s going to wake up and he’s going to realize that he wants more. That he’salwayswanted more. And his vow to stay with me won’t be enough to keep him.”

“Plutonians keep their word,” Kia said with conviction.

“And Lans is as honorable as they come,” Sara added.

“Which is why he deserves to have what he wants.” She rubbed her temple. “Can you guys cut out the pity looks? It’s annoying.”

Simone looked away. “Pity? What pity? These tears are pure love, sis.”

Emma forced a smile and changed the subject. “I wish I could hear what those Plutonians were saying about us.”

“How did they find out we were here?” Kia wondered.

“Zar told me that the previous elders were already suspicious. Maybe the rest of the tribas were too.” Simone shrugged. “It is a little annoying, right? I kind of wish we could stay just us. Me and Zar. Keep that bubble for a bit longer.”