to hers, his cock hardening. But this wasn’t the ideal time or place for breeding.
He reluctantly released his female. “Stay in the chamber.” He sprinted toward the hallway, slid to a stop as he reached the threshold.
Two prison guards had been killed. Eight remained. They targeted Valentin and Claude.
The human males were half-hidden in alcoves, emerging only to shoot.
Truth leapt, skidding across the floor on his back. He hit two guards in the neck and planted a projectile in the middle of the third male’s forehead, blasting out the back of his head. Brains splattered against the white tile. Blood sprayed everywhere.
The guard beside him paused, his expression horrified. Claude shot him, and the male fell to the floor, his arms and legs twitching.
“You’re skilled, human.” Truth grinned. He shared the alcove with the older male.
“I’ve seen battle.” Claude puffed out his massive chest, that part now freed from the confines of his body armor.
“You’re still seeing battle, you big fool.” Valentin returned fire. “I need some help here.”
“Help is coming.” Truth laughed as he dashed across the hallway, moving at cyborg speed. A projectile clipped him on the shoulder, that lucky shot slicing away some of his body armor. He shot the prison guard responsible and one of the male’s buddies before concealing himself with the door frame.
“I’m coming too.”
Truth watched with horror as Claude attempted the same maneuver, running at his much slower pace toward him. Projectiles whizzed by his form.
“Fraggin’ hole.” Truth cursed. “You’re malfunctioning, human.”
Claude wouldn’t make it.
Truth darted in front of the male. Drawing some of the fire away from him was his primary goal. Downing another prison guard and increasing his kill rate gave him pleasure.
“Stars.” Claude clasped his leg. “I’ve been hit.” He fell to the floor.
“Noooo.” Valentin ran toward the male, shooting in rapid succession at the last remaining guard. One of those frantic shots found its target.
The enemy was flung backward by the impact, gyrated for five heartbeats and became still. The shooting stopped.
Truth’s female, as instructed, appeared. Her gaze met Truth’s first. The relief in her eyes warmed his chest.
He dipped his head toward Claude.
She gasped. “Father.” She hurried to where the male lay, kneeled by his side, clasped his bloody fingers.
Valentin gripped Claude’s other hand. “Claude, you foolish male, why do you always have to be the hero? Isn’t it enough to be loved?” He nuzzled against the big guard’s palm.
“It is…was enough.” Claude lifted his head, kissed the male’s forehead. “I love you, Valentin.” His gaze shifted to Truth’s female. “And I’ve always considered you to be my daughter, Princess. It has been an honor to protect you.” He looked at Truth. “Your cyborg will be your guard now.”
Fraggin’ hole. Truth smothered a laugh. The male was more dramatic than he was.
“Don’t say that.” Truth’s female clung to Claude’s hand. “It’s a leg wound. You’ll live.”
“I can’t walk. You’ll have to leave me here. I’ll only slow you down.” The male reclined fully, wincing as he did so. “I’ll shoot any prison guards who try to pursue you…until I can’t hold them off any longer.” He released a long, loud sigh. “My only regret is I couldn’t tell Marthe I love her. I would have liked to do that one more time.”
“As much as I’m enjoying this scene, it, unfortunately, has to end.” Truth pushed away from the wall and strode toward the trio. He didn’t attempt to hide his amusement. “The Humanoid Alliance will send more prison guards to replace the ones we’ve killed.” He gripped Claude’s impressively thick waist, lifted him over his shoulder. “We have to return to the ship.”
“Put me down.” The male sounded mortified. “I’m dead weight.”
Even that descriptor was dramatic.
“I love you, Claude.” Truth laughed. “You’re responsible for killing all the warriors behind me.” He assigned him a task. “Don’t shoot your princess.” She would be following him closely. “Palavian, you’re behind her.”
The male carefully held the prince, cradling him in his arms as though he were the most precious being in the universe. His face was alarmingly pale.
Truth gave him a 35.2389 percent chance of reaching the ship, projected he’d be carrying three beings by the end of their mission.
“Valentin, you’ve got the rear.” He moved his assorted band of unlikely warriors forward.
“I do like the rear.” Valentin’s quip wasn’t meant to be heard by anyone.
Truth, having enhanced senses, unfortunately caught it.
“It feels wrong to leave the other prisoners here.” His princess’ murmur was likely meant for her own ears also.
“We’re