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“I figured you’d be busy with Ranger.” He needed to get over his jealousy issues, but he wanted Eden all to himself.

She sighed. “Blaze, we’ve been over this. I had fun with Ranger a hundred years ago. That’s what it feels like, anyway. We knew the score. Neither of us were looking for commitment and were both at a loose end. Ranger’s a good guy. You’ve got to admit that. He’s fun to be around, but that’s it. It’s in the past. I’m not going back there. And he’s the same. He was even talking about...”

“What?”

“It doesn’t matter. He was so spaced out on pain relief that he wasn’t making much sense. Much like you.” Eden shrugged. “Let’s see what the doctor says about adventurous days out. Maybe you’ll need to be on bed rest.”

“Screw that. I want out of here as soon as possible.” And he wanted to spend time alone with Eden. Even if it was just to say goodbye. He looked down at the doggo. “What will happen to this guy?”

“I’ve got that sorted. He doesn’t belong here. They reckon he must have snuck in and made himself at home. They don’t want to keep him around.”

“So where’s he going?”

“I’m taking him back to the Apocalypse with us. I decided to keep him as my own.”

Blaze stroked another finger over the doggo’s head. “I thought I was his mate or whatever the hell it is his claim on me means.”

“You don’t want him. He tried to use you as a chew toy.”

“Because he was sick. Everyone gets to be shitty when they’re not well. No one knew he had glass stuck in his foot.”

“Sure. It seems cruel to leave him behind now he’s formed a bond with you. This is the solution. I take him, and you can see him whenever you like. Everyone’s happy.”

“No, I don’t want that.” The idea he was having had only partially formed in his head, but it could work.

Eden stood and crossed her arms over her chest. “You don’t want Nipper happy? Or are you telling me I can’t have him?”

“That’s right.”

“About what?”

“You’re not taking him.” Blaze placed a protective hand on Nipper. “I am. He’s mine.”