Page 112 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

All at once, the warmth in the room drained to a somber grey.

Ga Eun, Rune, Chozo and Leel dipped their heads in greeting.

The Healer acknowledged them with a flick of his fingers. “Welcome. I wish we could have met under better circumstances.”

“Thank you for allowing my brood to find shelter here. I would have fretted about them constantly had they been left alone at our home.”

Lans winced. The Healer’s caverns had been invaded only hours before. It wasn’t as if they were war-proof.

“I only agreed because you said there would be modifications to the security system,” the Healer said. “You hold such a priceless treasure in your arms, female.” His eyes softened on the brood. “That even I feel the weight of such a responsibility.”

Ga Eun just shook her head. “Don’t worry. Rune’s been teaching me to fight. If anything happens, I’ll protect you both.”

Her words caused a ripple of humor to flow through the room.

Lans chuckled.

Eema met his eyes and smiled.

His heart pinched even more.

Yes.

That.

His female.

She filled his heart so completely.

And it was more than her heat. More than her body. More than the promise of having a mate.

It was something so unique to her and, obviously, so ingrained in every human he had met on this planet.

Determination.

Strength.

The ability to pick up the pieces, put them back together and keep moving forward.

These females were not the strongest or the most tech-savvy creatures on this planet. They were seen as commodities to some. Lab rats to others. And an abomination to the Ungazi whom sought to destroy them.

And yet, in the face of all that, they lifted their chins, raised their fists and jumped into any fight.

He stared at Eema.

Some had to fight more than others.

Invisible battles that no one else could see.

Scars that lined the heras and bled and scabbed without healing.

And still she fought.

Still.

He resisted the urge to grab Eema close and kiss her.

He had done plenty of that after her confession in the damas.

---