Page 59 of Alien's Love Child

I start to tremble at the thought, but Davin’s hand steadies me.

"So, here’s the plan. We run. Take Leo and disappear. Somewhere off the grid, far away from Glimner.”

I meet his gaze. "I know some places, old smuggling routes my family used. Places even the mafia won't think to look."

"They'll hunt us," he says. “I know them. They may not be the toughest gang on Glimner, but the boss is brutal. He won’t let us disappear without trying.”

"Let them try." A smile tugs at my lips. "Only one of their men ever found me, and he's on my side now."

He returns my smile, that rare, genuine one that makes my heart skip. "I'll disable the geo tracker in the nav system. From there we can dump this ship and buy a new one."

I lean forward, pressing my forehead against his. "I've got some money stashed away. Enough to get us started somewhere new."

"I've got resources too. Safe houses. Contact who owe me favors." His thumb traces circles on my palm. "We'll need to move fast, change ships often."

"It won't be easy on Leo."

"Better than the alternative."

I nod, knowing he's right. "So we're doing this?"

"We're doing this." He pulls me close, his lips brushing my ear. "Together."

CHAPTER 22

JESSE

The morning sun streams through the viewport of our latest ship, casting a golden glow across Leo as he zooms his toy spacecraft around the galley. His giggles echo off the metal walls, bringing a smile to my face as I prepare breakfast.

"Mama, look! We're going to another adventure!" Leo swoops the toy in elaborate patterns.

"Just like us, huh buddy?" I ruffle his silver hair, so much like his father's. "What's our destination this time?"

"Space pirates!" He crashes the toy into my hip.

"I thought we were the good guys now," Davin says, ducking through the doorway. His blue skin gleams in the artificial light as he scoops up Leo, tossing him into the air.

"Higher, Daddy!"

I slide a plate of protein cakes across the counter. "Breakfast first, space adventures later."

"But Mama-"

"Listen to your mother," Davin says firmly, settling Leo into his chair. "Even space pirates need fuel."

Leo attacks his breakfast with gusto, syrup dripping down his chin. "Can we stay here longer? I like the purple trees."

Davin and I exchange glances. We've been on this moon for three weeks – longer than anywhere else since we ran.

"We'll see, little star," I say, wiping his face. "Maybe a few more days."

"I still haven't picked up any chatter from them," Davin murmurs, his hand finding mine under the table. "We should be safe here for now."

I lean into him, watching Leo recreate a space battle with his fork. Several months of running, of late-night ship changes and close calls, but our son thinks it's all one grand adventure. Maybe that's the greatest gift we could give him – turning fear into wonder.

"More syrup please!" Leo brandishes his empty fork like a sword.

"What do we say?" Davin prompts.

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