Page 54 of Alien's Love Child

"You're going to do fine," Jesse whispers, squeezing my arm. "He's a sweet kid. Just... be gentle."

"What if he hates me?" The words slip out before I can stop them. "Our first meeting, I practically terrorized both of you."

"Hey." Jesse steps in front of me, her green eyes fierce. "You weren't yourself then. And kids are more forgiving than you think. Besides, he's been asking about his daddy for months now."

"What did you tell him?"

"That his father was a brave man who got lost, but might find his way back someday." She smooths down my collar, a familiar gesture that sends warmth through my chest. "We weren't ready for the death talk yet, so I avoided it. And look, here you are."

"I don't know the first thing about being a father."

"Neither does any new parent. We figure it out as we go." She pokes my chest. "You commanded entire squadrons in the military, didn't you? One toddler can't be scarier than that."

"Those soldiers weren't my flesh and blood."

"True. But Leo already has your stubborn streak." She grins. "And your appetite. Kid can put away three bowls of cereal in one sitting."

That pulls a chuckle from me. "Poor you."

"Just... be yourself. The real you." She reaches up, traces the scar on my face. "The man who shared tea with me in the middle of the night and told me stories about the stars. That's the father Leo needs."

The door slides open with a soft hiss. Jesse steps in first, and I hear rustling sheets and a sleepy mumble.

"Hey sweetie," she says. "Someone's here to meet you. Again."

My throat tightens as a small figure appears in the doorway, rubbing his eyes. Leo's silver hair catches the light, matching mine perfectly. His skin is a lighter shade of blue than mine, but those eyes – they're all Jesse's.

"Tyren?" Leo peers up at me, clutching a stuffed animal to his chest.

Jesse kneels beside him. "Remember how I told you about your daddy? How he got lost but might find his way back?"

"Uh-huh." Leo nods, still studying me.

I drop to one knee, bringing myself closer to his level. My military training never prepared me for this moment. "I... I'm your father, Leo."

His brow furrows. "Like when Mira's new daddy 'dopted her?"

"No, baby." Jesse smooths his hair. "Tyren’s name is Davin, and he’s your real daddy. He helped make you. But he got hurt and lost his memories for a while. That's why he couldn't be with us."

"Lost memories?" Leo tilts his head. "Like hide and seek?"

A laugh escapes me. "Something like that. But I found them again. Found you both."

"Can you stay?" His voice is small, hopeful. "Mommy gets sad sometimes when she talks about you."

Jesse's breath catches. I reach out, hesitant. "If you'll have me, I'd like to stay for a very long time."

Leo takes a step forward, studying my face with an intensity that reminds me of Jesse. "Your hair's like mine."

"Yeah, kid. It is."

Leo launches himself at me with the unrestrained enthusiasm only a toddler can muster. My arms come up automatically, catching him as he collides with my chest. The impact sends a jolt through my scarred skin – a reminder of the explosion that stole my memories.

"Daddy!" His small arms wrap around my neck, and something inside me fractures. The mafia's conditioning battles with instinct, with truth. This child, this perfect blend of Jesse and me, breaks through walls I didn't know existed.

"Hey there, little warrior." The words come naturally, though part of me still thinks in Tyren's voice, still sees the world through a hitman's eyes. But Leo's silver hair tickles my chin, so like my own, and his grip is strong – stubborn, like both his parents.

"You smell like space," Leo declares, pulling back to study my face. His nose wrinkles exactly like Jesse's does when she's thinking hard about something.

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