Page 35 of Soren

"So, I take it they came through? You got the stuff?" I fiddle with the buttons on my dress and try to hold it together. "I was so worried about you."

"It came just in the nick of time, just like they said it would." Janie pauses. "I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't..." She stops. Clears her throat. "But how about you? Are they treating you all right? Cause if they're not, I'm not above hopping on a spaceship to come kick some alien butt."

We both share a laugh, and for a second its almost like old times. I lean back into the pillows and stare up at the skylight and the unfamiliar stars.

"I started taking some online classes, you know." Janie's voice sounds a little more relaxed now. Like she's just as happy to hear from me as well. "With the stipend from the ISA I don't have to worry about putting food on the table so I can study while Iris is sleeping. If I keep it up, I'll be able to land a better job for us."

"That's great," I say, and I mean it. I'm beyond overjoyed that Janie's finally taking steps to further her education. She had to drop out of school to take care of Iris, and then when our parents died she never had a chance to go back. My heart warms at the thought. Maybe she'll finally have a chance to pursue her dream, and it's all thanks to me.

Or rather, all thanks to this planet and their hunky warlords.

"I'm well," I say, placing a hand over my stomach. "Really well, actually. The alien I matched with...well..." I know she can't see me, but a blush colors my cheeks and ears anyway. "He's quite the lover, if you know what I mean."

"Oooh, spicy. You'll have to tell me all the dirty details when you get home."

Right. Home. The thought clenches in my gut. I know I've gotta leave when the year's up, but the longer I stay here, the harder and harder I fall for my golden alien warlord.

Yeah. Like that. MY alien? We're just in a contract together, chemically bonded by hormones like two lab rats breeding in a cage. This isn't real. Can't be. I have to remind myself of that.

Too bad my heart isn't listening.

"Lara? You still there?" Janie's voice jerks me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, yeah. I am. Sorry. Got lost in thought for a moment there." I run a hand through my hair and let out a sigh. My heart pounds with thoughts of Soren. And more than that -- thoughts of our child.

Could I really leave my own baby behind?

"I might not be up there, but I can still tell when something's on your mind. Spit it out."

I wince. Damn, she's good. "I...I think I'm starting to fall for Soren."

There's a long silence, and already I'm cursing myself for saying anything. I know it's a stupid idea, but now that I've said it, it feels so much more real...

"Are you sure?" Janie says at last. "That's...a lot."

"Tell me about it." I groan. "Am I totally screwed?"

Another pause. "You want the truth, or...?"

I flash back to the moment I realized I was pregnant. I would have to tell her sooner or later. "Janie, I --"

And with that, the call ends with a robotic beep.

Connection limit exceeded. Rerouting power sources...

I sit there in the darkness, the words still stuck on my tongue.

MOTHER’S RING

SOREN

It feels good to stretch my legs again. To feel the rush of blood and battle. My months with Lara have been nothing short of exquisite, but I still have responsibilities to my people.

It's the first time returning to my village since meeting Lara, and everyone seems to want something. Our planet is now at peace, yes, but there are still petty squabbles among the villagers that need mediation. Apparently a gang of bandits thought they could pull a fast one and strike while I wasn't around.

That was their first mistake...and their last.

My men and I hunted them down, and it almost unnerved me how much I relished eliminating the threat. It reminded me of the old days. Of the war.

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