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“It doesn’t bear thinking about,” Dallin said.

“Too right you took them,” Sloane said.

“I’m putting in an application to declare the gabblefoot a critically endangered species,” Cleo said. “Since they’re on the extinction list, they have no protection. I’m getting it rushed through to put off any traders thinking about making money by capturing them.”

“Good plan,” Sloane said. “There’s always someone out there with no morals, who wants to capture these sweet babies.” She finger waved at the gabblefoot.

“And someone must have been working with the Siblet to make sure they got so many gabblefoot. If they try again, they’ll go straight to prison,” Cleo said.

“Do you want me to file the application?” Sloane said. “I’m kicking my heels since Dallin’s obsessed with this new intake. I’ve got nothing to do.”

“There’s plenty of work waiting for you in the lab,” Dallin said.

Sloane pouted. “None of that is fun. You never let a girl go out and play these days. It’s always lab work, or analyzing data, or never taking a break.”

“We take breaks.” Dallin’s gaze shifted to Sloane for a second before he looked away. “You can take a break whenever you need one. I never stop you.”

“If I did that, I wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on you.”

Hunter grinned as they bantered. Dallin was an odd one. He’d changed after going into the experimentation program to make him super smart, and was always stuck in his head, analyzing some complex data, or maybe just day dreaming. Hunter was glad Dallin had Sloane looking out for him, or the guy would work himself to death.

Cleo pinched the bridge of her nose and rolled her shoulders. “You’re good, Sloane, but thanks for the offer. I’ll go get on with the paperwork before our meeting with High Command.”

Hunter loved seeing Cleo passionate about what she did. Even after everything she’d been through, she was still fighting for the animals. But she also needed reminding to take a break. And that was a part of his job.

“The paperwork can wait for ten minutes,” Hunter said.

“I need to get started on it before we face High Command.”

“We can work on it together and get it done in half the time,” he said. “But first, you’re coming with me.”

Sloane fluttered her eyelashes. “I love it when our Apexian partners get bossy.”

Cleo frowned. “He’s not my... fine, maybe I need a break. Just five minutes.”

Hunter grinned at her. “That’s all I need.”

***

“Where are we going?” Cleo was all too aware of the powerful Apexian walking alongside her as his hand kept brushing against hers, sending tiny shivers of desire through her.

“To my quarters. We can work there, just as well as anywhere else.”

Cleo slowed. She rarely went into Hunter’s room. It felt like an invasion of privacy, but she didn’t stop walking. A part of her wanted to be alone with him.

She gave a slight shake of her head. It was the Apexian energy getting her flustered when she was around him, but she couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss on the Siblet ship. Cleo had thought about it a lot last night as she’d tried to sleep.

Hunter glanced at her. “Are you good?”

“Perfect, considering I’m about to get my ass handed to me.”

“It’s a fine ass. And they won’t do that. Not unless they’ve lost all sense.”

“It won’t be the first time that’s happened.” Cleo didn’t want her anxiety to get the better of her, but she was terrified.

They reached his room, and Hunter opened the door.

Cleo stepped inside, but stood by the door, taking in deep breaths. She shouldn’t feel like this around him. She’d had everything sorted in her head. She was in charge of the Apocalypse, never mixed business with pleasure, and couldn’t get involved with Hunter. Those were the rules.