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Heather’s heart thumped. Was Loka thinking of letting her go with these cyborgs?

There were a few seconds of silence.

“You are not considered a threat,” the cyborg said

“Good to know,” Loka said. “The human remains with me. I will ensure her protection.”

“That is not acceptable. Our orders are to detain all humans.”

“I’m not doing any harm. And I have this alien looking out for me.” Heather pressed back against Loka, glad of his solid, warm presence behind her. If he wasn’t there to keep her standing upright, she’d probably have fainted in fright by now. She was no warrior. She never pretended to be anything other than a matchmaking, star-obsessed nerd.

“We know you are no threat. You must still be detained.”

“Where are you detaining the humans?” Heather asked. These cyborgs were not picking up on the hints about her not wanting to go with them.

“The holding cells.”

“You’re putting everyone in prison?”

“For your own safety.”

“Against what?”

The cyborgs were silent again.

“It’s the code,” Loka muttered. “They’re infected. Following orders.”

“Programmed to take all the assets.” Heather was an asset. They weren’t letting her go.

Loka leaned down until his mouth was by her ear. “How fast can you run?”

She turned so she was facing him. “I can’t outrun these guys.”

“You will if you have a distraction. Are you ready?” His intense gaze was fixed on her.

“No. Where do I go?”

“To your quarters. Get help.”

Before she had a chance to ask any more questions, Loka brushed his lips against hers and stepped back.

She was almost too shocked to move. He’d just kissed her. It was like something out of a movie. A final kiss before the cyborgs attacked and took away her freedom.

Heather’s heart lurched. Loka would be the distraction. He would be the reason the cyborgs didn’t get to her. Picars were strong, but there was no way he could take on three cyborgs and win.

She opened her mouth to protest, but he gave a single shake of his head.

Loka mouthed the word run as he charged into the cyborg in the middle. His right horn speared another. The cyborgs crashed backwards, creating a space.

Heather didn’t hesitate. She leaped over them, turned left out of the lab, and sprinted along the corridor. She didn’t dare look back for fear the other cyborg was in pursuit.

Skidding around the corner, Heather pumped her arms, intent on getting back to her quarters as Loka had instructed. Her heart stuttered as she heard pounding footsteps behind her.

She got to the next corner and glanced around. A breath shot out of her. It was Loka. He was okay.

“Keep going,” he yelled.

She didn’t need telling twice. Heather kept running, barely slowing as she reached her door and waved her hand over the access panel. She dived through the doorway, leaping over Ernie, who stood guard just as she’d asked him to.