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His mouth tightened. “It will not.”

“Has this ever happened before? Are you really the first IW to find Earth and try our apples? To discover that they reverse the DNA alterations your government did to you? Ifind that hard to believe.”

“Your planet is not within our area of control.”

“But you protect all of the nine galaxies. Aren’t we part of them?”

“You are within the nine galaxies, but outside of the worlds we protect. Should you ever be attacked, we would come to your aid. But that is the only reason for our making first contact.”

“So there are worlds outside of your purview which probably explains why any of those who failed to become IWs could remain hidden.”

He inclined his head. “Affirmative.”

She nibbled on her lip again. “Do you think your unit will want to eat the apple seeds and extend their life? Will they join with us?”

“Of this I am uncertain. Idoubt our Sixth will.”

Winn pulled back, blinking in surprise. “Wait. You use numbers to identify yourself?”

“The numbers are more to identify our role within the unit. Iam First, which means first to check things out. Sixth is our leader. He organizes everything and is the most strategic.”

“Oh, great.” Her tone didn’t match her comment. Sarcasm, perhaps? “You’re the sacrificial lamb of the group.”

His brows drew together. “What is this sacrificial lamb?”

“A lamb is considered a sweet, innocent creature. They throw the lamb out to see if there are any big, bad predators. If there are, they go for the lamb. If not, the lamb is safe.”

“Until it is sacrificed again?”

“Yes. No.” Her nose wrinkled. So adorable. “We don’t actually put lambs in danger, except maybe when we eat them. It’s an expression.”

“Humans are odd creatures,” he observed. “My sympathy is with the lamb.”

She gave a swift nod. “Yeah, mine is, too. Like I said, it’s just an expression. Not a real thing. At least, Idon’t think so. Aw, hell. Forget it, okay?”

He drew himself up and held her with a hard, purple gaze. “You think I am like your lamb?”

“Um, no?” She winced. “I just don’t get why they make you go first. What if someone attacks you?”

“I make sure this someone regrets it. And the rest of my unit would assist me on the rare occasion it is necessary.”

“Right. Of course.”

“You doubt me.” He folded his arms across this chest and glared. “It is because you saw me at my weakest. When I was only a few of your planet rotations away from my Final Flight. You have never seen me at my most powerful. Perhaps if we knew each other for longer than a few revolutions, you would not doubt me.”

“True enough.” She gave a single shoulder shrug. “It’s only been three days. That’s no time at all.”

“Long enough for you to conceive my child.” Satisfaction rippled through his comment.

“And fall in love,” she added. “I never thought it was possible to fall in love so quickly.”

He inclined his head. “Which is why I will forgive your lapse in judgement about me.”

“Thanks, Iguess.” She had the nerve to pat him as though he were a child. “The important thing is that you’re at your most powerful now, aren’t you? Eating all those apples has returned you to full strength?”

He just sighed and shook his head. “Mate, one of these days you will see what I can actually do. Then we will discuss whether or not I am a lamb.”

She offered a tentative smile. “I’m guessing not?”

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