Holion spit out a little blood. “I apologize.”

Coto backed away but kept close to Lynn, his stance protective. “When we were under attack, we sent Vhon to the surface first in an escape pod. It was imperative that he survive.”

Holion hissed, staggering to his feet. “Leprechauns fly your airplanes and we have escape pods, as I’m sure you are familiar with.”

Lynn rolled her eyes and turned away. Holion wasn’t about to let that story go. She had her answer. “Okay. Well, that’s an abandoned house at the top and that’s where his tracks are headed.”

“Lead the way, Lynn.” Coto lowered his voice. “I am sorry he is so rude to you.”

“Are all men on your planet like that to women?”

“Some are.” He reached out and clasped her hand. “I am not.”

“He’s going to give you grief for holding my hand.”

“I do not care. I’ll beat him senseless if he disrespects you again.” He said that loud enough for his threat to carry.

Lynn liked that Coto had no reservations about showing that she mattered to him. The hill grew steep and she was grateful that he held on to her, even taking the shotgun when she struggled to keep up with his longer strides. She didn’t dare complain, guessing that Holion would just start more crap over it.

They reached the top and Lynn noticed right away that someone had kicked in the front door. She took the shotgun back, ready to go in first, but Coto shook his head, stepping in front of her.

“Stay here.” He motioned to his men and they rushed forward, flanking him.

She opened her mouth to protest but decided to remain silent. He and his men entered the house quickly.

Movement out of the corner of her eye drew her attention and she spun, staring at a tall alien peering at her. He had stepped out from behind the side door of the garage. He had shaggy, long black hair, bright blue eyes and wore a pair of faded jeans with a black tank top, revealing tan, muscular arms. He frowned and took a few steps forward, holding out both hands to the side to show her he didn’t have a weapon.

She glanced down at his feet, spotting the same type of boots Coto and his men wore.

“Vhon?”

He froze, surprise evident on his features. “Yes. Don’t shoot me,” Vhon rasped.

“Coto!” she yelled. “Vhon is out here.” She lowered the weapon, pointing it at the ground.

“Thanks.” Vhon lowered his hands. “I’d never hurt a beautiful woman. I’m a lover, not a fighter.”

She gaped at him until Coto rushed out of the house. He spotted Vhon and barreled toward him, throwing his arms around the guy in a bear hug.

“It’s so good to find you safe.”

Vhon hugged him back. “I am glad to see you. I wasn’t sure if anyone else survived.”

Coto released him and seemed to notice his clothing. “Where is your uniform?”

“Buried. I wanted to fit in.” He waved his arms down his body. “What do you think? I totally could pull off being human, couldn’t I? Jeans are comfortable. I would have exchanged my shoes too but I couldn’t find any that fit my feet. Whoever used to live here had small ones.”

Holion cleared his throat. “Of course we are human. We’re leprechauns.”

Vhon shot a horrified look at Holion. “That’s your cover story?”

“Yes. Gar has evidence of what we are and showed the woman.”

Vhon suddenly laughed and peered at Lynn. “Did you tell him what they are? I know. I learn everything I can about Earth culture. It’s fascinating.”

She shook her head. “I just say okay a lot,” she admitted.

He chuckled. “I apologize.”

“What is going on? What is entertaining?” Holion sounded pissed.

“Leprechauns aren’t real life forms,” Vhon informed him. “They are stories told to children that involve tales of pots of gold to make humans wealthy and powerful.”

“You’re wrong. We have proof,” Holion protested. “Show him, Gar.”

Gar withdrew the ad and passed it to Vhon. He studied it and snickered. “This is a cartoon. It’s a drawing to amuse children. It’s clear this tavern wanted to draw parents to bring their young to this event.”

Lynn smothered a grin. Some men act like kids. She wasn’t about to clarify that it was a bar that served adult beverages.

“Enough,” Coto ordered. “It doesn’t matter. Lynn knows the truth. I told her everything.”

“You’re taking her to Zorn with us?” Holion grimaced.

“You’ve claimed her?” Vhon spoke at the same time. “Cool beans. She’ll get along great with the other women in our family.”

“Stop speaking that nonsense,” Holion snarled. “Why are you talking about food? The real issue is that Coto cared more about the woman than he did about finding you. His need to claim an Earth woman overruled his duty.”

Coto snarled and took a threatening step forward.

Vhon reacted faster. His easygoing demeanor swiftly changed. He attacked Holion, grabbing him by the front of his uniform and getting in his face.

“Stop being such a kiss-ass,” Vhon warned, his voice harsh. “That is Earth slang, meaning that I know you are saying words, wanting me to be angry with Coto, so I ask my father to demote him and give you his standing within our family. It is never going to happen. The woman is very attractive. Coto can court a woman and look for me at the same time. I would do the same. Now shut your mouth if you are smart before he beats you like a piñata. That’s Earth slang for kicking your ass so hard it will be merciful if you survive.” He shoved him and stepped back, staring at Coto. “What a tool.”

“I don’t know what that means but I agree if it’s an insult.” Coto backed away and stepped next to Lynn.

Vhon addressed Coto. “It is. I’ll teach you Earth slang so you can communicate with your woman better.”

“She hasn’t agreed to come home with us yet.” Coto glanced at her. “I wish her to. I’m giving her time to get to know me better.”

“He’s a great guy.” Vhon winked at Lynn. “He’s a good fighter, also an excellent provider, and he’d be as loyal to you as the day is long. We’re way better than Earth men. They can cheat and lie. Coto has honor and always keeps his word.”