Embracing Emily (#7 Warriors of Kelon) by Angela Castle

right.
    Heat rose into her cheeks at his compliment. “You’re very sweet, Jyl, but what did you mean 'back home', Hurr?”
    “Damn, limited human technology, they could cure so many things so simply, helping their minds understand is difficult.” Hurr broke out in Kelon. “Emily would need to travel to Kelon, so Solron can repair the damage to her neural pathway, blocking the signal to her leg.”
    “English, Hurr,” Jyl said.
    “Sorry, I mean, we to go Kelon, to cure you.”
    “Okay, well, thank you, I’ll keep it in mind.” It would be wonderful to get rid of her crutch and it would also relieve her father of so much of his guilt if she was normal once again. She pondered what it would be like to travel to Vallarr’s home planet.
    Simmons pulled the Hummer into an underground car park at the hospital. He flashed something at the security guard who waved them through.
    “You have exclusive parking? I normally take the tram in.”
    “We have VIPs today. So, yeah. Besides, the Colonel made the arrangements, I’m only following orders.”
    She frowned at the way he snarled out the words. His attitude rankled. Why was he so ticked off?
    “What’s up with you anyway? I didn’t ask you to come. You insisted,” she blurted out while he pulled the car to a stop.
    “Emily don’t, not here,” he warned, his blue gaze clashing with hers.
    She opened the door, turning to glaring at him. “Why not here? Your attitude is growing worse by the day. If you don’t want to be here, then go home.”
    Vallarr was by her door, helping her out of the high, tank-like vehicle. She glanced up at him and her heart stilled as memories of how he had touched her last night flooded back. She momentarily forgot about Simmons and everything else around them, wanting nothing more than to fall into his arms.
    Vallarr placed her hand on her crutch, snapping her out of the haze. He shook his head and she swallowed.
    “Uh, thank you, Vallarr.” She leaned on her crutch. Doors slammed, making her jump.
    “Emily, look I’m sorry...”
    Vallarr took a guarding stance in front of her, his arms folded. She needed to peer around him to see him glaring at Simmons. “Do not upset her.”
    She placed her hand on his arm. “Vallarr, it’s okay. We’re here for the kids, let’s focus on this, please.” She would have to have a talk with Simmons later. She didn’t know the man very well. He was nice when they first met. It seemed the closer she got to the Kelons the more agitated and hostile he grew.
    “Of course.” Simmons led the way into the hospital.
    * * * *
    First, Vallarr wanted to gut the Commander for daring to lift her up. Jyl had been flirting with his female far too much for his liking. Remaining stiff and silent on the journey into the healing centre, he wanted nothing more than to growl at all the other males, declaring Emily his.
    He barely contained himself from punching the human Lieutenant for upsetting her. Brave and bright, she shook off the clear tension from the human male.
    All his fellow Kelons were aware of how poorly many human males treated females on this planet; it was a heavy topic of discussion during times of socialization and training.
    Reaching Sunshine Ward, Vallarr had no idea how many ill younglings there were, as they passed many rooms with children, some clearly more ill than others.
    The healing staff greeted Emily with familiarity and warmth. Some younglings squealed with delight when they saw her.
    She introduced them and asked Jyl to tell them all about space and the planet they came from. Every child was enraptured while Jyl talked about what it was like travelling in a spaceship. Hurr handed over his scanner to some of the younglings. It beeped and showed different images which he pre-programmed.
    Vallarr could not take his eyes from Emily when she smiled, lifting her gaze to his while she held a smaller youngling on her lap.
    The image of Emily full and rounded with younglings flashed in his