Page 81 of Alien's Love Child

A groan from behind catches my attention - Rena stirring on the couch. But Taluk's eyes never leave us, and his aim doesn't waver.

"Shh, Leo." Jesse's voice cracks. "Baby, look at Mommy. It's going to be okay."

"Smart woman." Taluk's scales ripple with something like satisfaction. "Keep telling him that. Makes this easier for everyone."

"What do you want, Taluk?"

"Don't play dumb." He shifts Leo higher on his hip, making my son whimper. "The data. I know Jesse has a backup somewhere. She's too careful not to."

Jesse tenses beside me. "I destroyed it all-"

"Save it." Taluk's scales ripple with irritation. "I've watched you work for years. You always keep insurance. Always have an exit strategy." His eyes narrow. "Where is it?"

The pieces click together in my mind. "You tipped off the Lightyear gang." The words taste bitter on my tongue. "About Xander. About the ship."

"Someone had to profit from that mess." His mouth twists into something between a smirk and a snarl. "You were all so focused on doing the job right, you couldn't see how easily he was going to fleece us. Mett his so called wealthy contact and slip away. He was worth more in their hands."

"Please," Jesse whispers, "he's just a baby. Let him go and we can-"

"The data." Taluk's finger tightens on the trigger. "Now."

Leo hiccups between sobs, reaching for Jesse. "Mama..."

My chest constricts at the fear in my son's voice. Three years of missed moments, and now this. The military trained me for hostage situations, but nothing prepared me for watching my own child at gunpoint.

"Time's running out." Taluk's scales darken with impatience. "Where's the backup, Jesse?"

Jesse's shoulders slump. "Okay."

My jaw clenches as she walks to the hallway closet. This can't be happening. There's no way she kept a secret copy from me. She reaches up to the top shelf, stretching onto her tiptoes to slide aside an old storage container.

"Jesse-" I start, but she shoots me a look that stops me cold. There's something in her eyes I can't quite read.

She returns with a small data stick, rolling it between her fingers. "It's encrypted, but anyone worth their salt should be able to crack it."

Taluk's scales ripple with satisfaction. "Slide it across the floor."

The data stick skitters across the hardwood, stopping at Taluk's feet. He scoops it up without taking his eyes - or his weapon - off us.

"Smart choice." He nudges Leo forward. "Go to Mommy, kid."

Leo stumbles toward us, his little legs shaking. Jesse drops to her knees, scooping him up and pressing him close to her chest. I wrap my arms around them both, my heart thundering against my ribs.

"Don't follow me," Taluk warns, backing toward the door. "Don't call the authorities. Don't try anything stupid." His scales darken. "You know what I'm capable of now."

The door clicks shut behind him. Through the window, I catch a glimpse of his shadow disappearing down the street.

Leo hiccups against Jesse's shoulder, his tiny fingers tangled in her hair. "Mama..."

"Shh, baby." She rocks him gently. "You're safe now. You're safe."

CHAPTER 30

JESSE

The kitchen reeks of copper and something burnt. Paraxan lies sprawled near the stove, his gray fur matted with blood around a nasty gash on his temple. Leo's tiny fingers dig into my leg as I kneel beside our mechanic.

"Par?" My hands hover over his chest, unsure where to touch without causing more harm. "Can you hear me?"

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