Page 10 of Alien’s Love Child

CHAPTER 10

DAVIN

S topping in the middle of a time sensitive manhunt to have sex in a wet, dark alleyway certainly isn't the smartest decision I've ever had. But I'm finding it hard to regret it.

I help Jesse put her soaking wet clothes back on while trying to figure out our next move.

We know Xander's captors are the Lightyear gang. We know they hire a mix of professionals and dumbass teenagers. We know at least one of them visited the nearby Lucky Hand casino.

"Small businesses," Jesse says, tugging her belt into place. Her hair's plastered to her face, but somehow she makes it work. "They're always the first targets for protection money."

"Smart thinking." My military training kicks in - gather intel, know your enemy. "Gangs like showing off their power to the little guys. Little guys probably willing to talk."

We weave through narrow streets, past neon signs reflecting off puddles. A bell chimes as we push open the door to "Madame Liu's Antiques they were looking to get their hands on it too.

And why wouldn't they?

My hand, almost without thinking, starts traveling down to my gun. One little shot, and this man's ability to destroy millions of lives would be over. But Jesse darts her own out and stops me, her breathing ragged and eyes wide.

Jesse's grip on my arm tightens as the boss adjusts his cuffs. "Any loose ends we need to handle, doctor?"

"The bounty hunters might be a problem," Xander says, pushing his glasses up.

The boss waves his hand. "Already taken care of. We'll stage your death - very tragic, very public. Maybe a shuttle accident." He grins. "We can even put a couple of our guys on board. The insurance payout alone will be worth it."

My jaw clenches. This slimeball's already planning how to profit from a fake death.

"There is one other thing." Xander leans forward. "The ship that brought me here - they'll come looking when they don't get paid."

"The smuggler's vessel?" The boss raises an eyebrow. "Easy enough to handle."

"Actually..." Xander's lips curl into a smile that makes my blood run cold. "I took the liberty of uploading backup schematics to their computer systems. Insurance, you understand. In case something went wrong during transit."

Jesse's fingers dig into my arm so hard they'll leave bruises. I don't dare look at her face.

"Smart man." The boss claps his hands together. "Look at that, we don't even need to get our hands dirty now."

"The crew's rather... resourceful," Xander adds. "Especially their captain."

"Then we'll be sure to report them to the proper authorities." The boss checks his PerComm. "What's the ship's registry?"

My stomach drops as Xander recites Jesse's ship ID. The same numbers I memorized while tracking her. The same ship where Rena's waiting, completely unaware they're about to have company.

Jesse's breathing has gone shallow beside me. I know what she's thinking - we need to warn them. But one wrong move, one creaky step on this catwalk, and we're dead.

The boss pulls out his PerComm, his fingers dancing across the interface with practiced ease. "Captain Reynolds? Yes, it's me. Got something interesting for you."

My jaw clenches as he describes Jesse's ship in perfect detail. The registration numbers roll off his tongue like poetry, each digit another nail in her crew's coffin.

"Dangerous contraband," he continues, voice dripping with false concern. "Biological weapons. Very nasty stuff. No, I couldn't sleep at night knowing I didn't report it."

Jesse's trembling beside me, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts. The Alliance doesn't play nice with weapons traffickers - especially not human ones. They'll shoot first, maybe ask questions later if they're feeling generous.

I lean close, my lips barely brushing her ear. "Go. Now. Get to Rena."

She shakes her head, stubborn even in crisis. Her hand finds mine in the darkness.

"Jesse." I squeeze her fingers. "Your crew needs you. I've got this."

The boss is still talking, mapping out exactly where to find her ship. "They're docked in Bay 7. Crew's probably still aboard. Better move fast before they catch wind."

Jesse's eyes meet mine, a thousand unspoken words passing between us. I give her a slight nod.

"Go," I mouth.

She starts inching backward, each movement carefully measured against the creaky metal beneath us. I watch until she disappears into the shadows, my training already kicking in as I assess the situation below.

Five targets. Three armed, two probably not. Xander in the middle, looking smug as a well-fed cat. The boss still on his PerComm, sealing everyone's fate with a smile.

This is what I trained for. Years in the military, countless missions, all leading to moments like this. Only this time, it's not just about the bounty anymore.