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Heather inhaled as much air as she could. It was a waste of time. As soon as she was out into space, it would do the rest. She would have no air to breathe and would blow up like a balloon as her internal fluid bubbled. Her lungs would rupture, and she’d black out as the sun gave her a horrendous level of UV exposure. Soon enough, she’d be just another piece of space debris floating around and causing trouble for passing satellites.

“I’m not ready,” she whispered. She had so much she wanted to do. Build her dream pad, fall in love with a gorgeous alien, and have a tribe of amazing alien babies. Maybe even get married. Her life hadn’t even begun, and it was already over, thanks to these death-seeking bots.

A sound like an angry donkey rolled along the corridor. Heather twisted her head, trying to see who it was.

Before her eyes had a chance to focus, she was lifted off her feet and came nose to nose with Loka.

Chapter 4

“Stop that bot,” Heather yelled at Loka.

He heard the terror in her voice and didn’t hesitate as he speared the bot punching in the numbers with his horn and tossed it to the ground. He jumped on it, while keeping hold of Heather. The bot crunched under his feet.

“Hold still.” He placed Heather on the ground before spearing the next bot on his horn. He flipped it off and slammed it into the wall, spearing through its middle with his horn and grinding it into the wall. It crumpled into a metallic pile of parts on the ground.

He growled, an unusual spur of rage filtering through him. There were still bots attached to Heather’s wrists. They had drawn blood.

Loka grabbed hold of one and attempted to pry it off.

A sob fell from Heather’s lips. “You’re going to rip off my hand.”

He gritted his teeth as he manipulated the bot whilst trying not to hurt Heather. It was strong and would not relent its hold. Loka saw blood seep through Heather’s clothing. He was making things worse.

“Hold still. Do not move a muscle.”

Heather gaped at Loka. “What are you going to do?”

“Use my horn to lever this bot off your flesh. Lay down and place your arm on the ground.”

Heather dropped to the floor and lay flat, her breath panting out of her as her wide eyes focused on Loka.

He gave her a brief smile. “Everything will be okay.” He edged the tip of his horn underneath the limb of the first bot. He strained his neck backwards, digging his heels into the floor.

With a ping, the bot flew off. Before he had a chance to grab it, it scuttled away on its remaining limbs.

“Thanks,” Heather gasped.

“Now this one. Place your arm out flat as before.” Loka knelt over Heather, noticing how her chest rose rapidly in her panic. He placed a hand over her heart. It was racing. “You are safe. No harm will come to you.”

Her gaze locked with his, and her breathing slowed. “I know.”

Loka’s horn edged under the final bot. He flicked it away and jumped on it before it had a chance to escape.

When he turned, Heather was sitting up, inspecting her bloody wrists and ankles. He hurried back to her. Without thinking, he scooped her into his arms.

Heather yelped. “What are you doing?”

“Taking you somewhere safe.” He hurried along the corridor, clutching her against his chest.

After a second, he felt her relax against him. “I can walk. They didn’t break anything.”

“It’s quicker this way. And you’re in shock. I don’t want you passing out and injuring yourself.” Besides, it gave him the perfect excuse to hold Heather close. She was warmer than he’d imagined. Soft and sweet smelling, like the smell of the candy aisle in the station’s store.

“What’s wrong with the lights?” Heather whispered. “And where is everybody?”

“I am uncertain. I was in the cafeteria when the lights went out.”

“It’s not just my quarters having a problem?”