“I’d rather not because we might need them later for further testing,” Leila answered. “But at the same time, I’d rather sacrifice them than see either of you injured.”
Asterion snorted. “Bah. I fought worse in the Labyrinth.”
“Big Blue’s the only one who might do some real damage. Asterion, if you could keep the mini versions busy, I’ll handle Big Blue.”
“Not a problem. I’m ready when you are.”
Grayson glanced at Leila. “Wait in the lab while we separate them.”
“There must be another way.” Her brow knit with concern.
“Tower can’t see them, and that test needs to be done. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ve got a star god watching over me, remember?”
She sighed. “And this is why women usually live longer.”
He dragged her close and bent his head to whisper, “I am not dying today. We’ve still got a sunrise to watch.”
She leaned up to press a light kiss to his lips. “I’m going to hold you to that promise.” With that, she left the room but watched through the viewing window.
Grayson glanced at Asterion. “Ready to wrangle some aliens?”
The big male cracked his knuckles. “I welcome the exercise.”
“Tower, on my mark, I’m going to need you to open up a section of the glass, big enough for us to pass through. Once we’re in there, close it up again. Once I’ve subdued the alien, I’ll ask you to add a partition in the middle of the containment chamber.”
Hopefully, Tower would be able to react promptly, or the situation might get dicey. In good news, if Grayson injured or accidentally killed Big Blue, they could always heal it, and if he got chewed up, he’d simply pay a visit to the Stardust Room.
He and Asterion stood poised in front of the box.
“Give us that entrance, Tower.”
The glass in front of him shimmered and disappeared, leaving a perfect opening that the aliens immediately noticed. They dashed for it, looking to escape. Grayson used his body to block Big Blue, while Asterion strode in and batted the smaller aliens that tried to get past.
A pissed Blue slammed into Grayson, drawing a grunt. Solid fucker. It proved tricky to keep the four arms occupied; he’d never had to block blows so fast. A few claws did manage to leave some bloody stripes, but Grayson had the advantage of size—and knowing a woman he wanted to bed watched. So, yeah, he couldn’t afford to look like a pussy, especially since this was his plan.
Seeing an opening, Grayson punched Blue in the face, snapping the alien’s head. In that moment of distraction, Grayson wrapped an arm around its neck and dragged thealien into an empty corner. Asterion appeared to be having fun slapping the rabid littles every time they tried to attack.
“Okay, Tower, give me that wall and split this chamber into two.” A slight shimmer and the tough glass appeared, closing him off from the smaller Blues.
“You can get out now, Asterion,” Grayson yelled as he hung on to the squirming alien.
Asterion sighed. “But I was having so much fun.”
He might have replied, but Leila rushed in. “Grayson, how are you going to get out?”
“I’m not.”
“Wait, what?”
Ah yes, the part of his plan he didn’t mention. “We need to test the lake water.”
“On the aliens.”
“Which the Zodiac Warriors are fighting. Best we know now if we can handle being splashed.”
Her mouth rounded. “You can’t be serious.”
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
