“Five more times,” Diesel said. “Why on earth would you do that?”
“Because she’s part Alpha.”
“No way.” Diesel was shocked.
“Way.” Gage showed him a piece of paper that meant nothing.
“How is that even possible? Tell me.”
“I can’t prove it yet, but my theory is she’s a descendent of the Lost Colony from up in the Northwest.”
“What makes you think that?”
“She’s got Alpha-Prime royalty in her system.”
“Royalty.” Diesel looked at Juliana, not smiling exactly, but almost in awe.
“Yep. Isn’t that awesome?”
“Sure, awesome.” Diesel snapped his fingers. “It that why you think the Defender hasn’t worked on her very well?”
Gage nodded. “Probably and once her body gets used to it, likely it will stop working on her altogether. She’ll adapt.”
Diesel nodded. “She already has.”
“I’m part alien,” Juliana said and laughed.
“Where are your parents?” Gage asked. “Maybe they just didn’t tell you yet.”
She sobered immediately. “I don’t have any. I’m an orphan.”
“Not anymore.” Diesel pulled her close and kissed her. He kept kissing her until Gage excused himself and left the room.
Minutes later, Cam barged into his office. “Did you hear what Gage discovered?”
“Go away,” Diesel said.
“If what he says is true, she’s part of the Lost Colony and the rumors were true. Thereweresurvivors from that ill-fated group that landed here so long ago.”
“I repeat, Cam. Go away!”
“Aunt Dixie will be euphoric. She’s always loved that legend.”
Diesel rolled his eyes. “Heaven help us. I can only imagine what schemes she’ll come up with to promote Legends of the Lost Colony here in Alienn.”
Diesel turned to Juliana. “You know, if what Gage says is true, it’s likely you’re still considered royalty on Alpha-Prime.”
“So?”
“Are you going to want to visit Alpha-Prime, find your kin and possibly marry someone more important than a lowly truck stop manager on a backwater colony planet?” Diesel asked.
“Well, if my choice is limited to some fabulously wealthy, very handsome prince or you, I’ll have to think about it, won’t I?” She grinned. “Or is that your backhanded way of proposing to me?”
“I want to marry you. I know this is fast, but I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” He stared deeply into her eyes. “I think we’re meant to be together.”
“Can we elope?”
“Elope?”
