Page 51 of Alien's Love Child

I retreat to my quarters, but the memories follow. They can't be real. They can't be mine. But if that's true, why do I know exactly how Jesse talks to her crew? Why do I remember the sound of her laugh?

The mate bond thrums between us, a constant reminder that nothing about this mission is what it seems.

Much later, I'm checking the navigation systems one last time before turning in when footsteps approach from behind.

"Leo's asleep. We need to talk." Jesse's voice is firm, brooking no argument.

"It's late."

"I've given you time to figure it out yourself." She moves to block my exit. "But I'm done waiting."

My head throbs. "There's nothing to figure out."

"Look at me." When I don't, she steps closer. "He is your son."

The word hits like a physical blow. "He's not-"

"Three years ago. In that alley on Glimner. Rain soaking through our clothes, your hands in my hair-"

"Stop." The memory crashes through my carefully constructed walls: Jesse pressed against wet brick, her lips tasting of rain and desperation.

"You pushed me away," she continues. "Told me to get back to the ship, to stay safe while you handled the warehouse."

My hands shake. "That's not possible."

"The silver in his hair. The way he tilts his head when he's thinking – just like you do. He's your son, Davin."

The name triggers something. Gunfire. Smoke. Jesse's face illuminated by emergency lights as I shoved her toward safety.

"Get out of here!" My own voice echoes in my head. "Go warn the crew. I'll handle this. Go!"

"You remember." Jesse's fingers brush my arm. "I know you do."

The explosion. Heat searing across my chest. The last thought before darkness took me – keeping her safe.

The mate bond surges between us, and suddenly I'm drowning in memories. Jesse's smile across the galley table. Her fingers intertwined with mine. The way she said my name – my real name.

"I told you to run." My voice cracks. "I needed you safe."

"I know." Her hand cups my cheek. "Welcome back, Davin."

CHAPTER 19

JESSE

Ipress Davin against the cool metal wall of the hallway, my heart pounding like a kick drum. His blue skin is warm under my touch, his silver hair tickling my fingers. He's real. He's alive. And he's here, with me.

"You remember," I whisper, searching his eyes. They're the same eyes that had once held a galaxy of secrets, now they glimmer with recognition.

"I remember," he echoes, his voice barely above a murmur. His hands find my waist, pulling me closer. Our bodies align like they were never apart.

I trace the scar on his face, one that wasn't there before. "Does it hurt?" I ask, my voice hitching slightly.

He shakes his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "Not as much as your kiss."

A laugh escapes me, soft and low. "Well, we wouldn't want you to suffer," I tease, leaning in. Our lips meet, gently at first, then with a hunger that's been suppressed for far too long. His hands tangle in my hair, my body arches into his.

Between kisses, he murmurs, "We should be quiet." His breath is hot on my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

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