Page 96
“Tamexian squiblets are cautious. They need to be. Not so long ago, it was one of the most hunted creatures in the galaxy.”
“I heard it tastes just like your Earth chicken.” Striker smacked his lips together. “Roast for five minutes, throw on some hot sauce, and we have a tasty snack.”
“You’re not the tiniest bit funny. This little one’s not for eating. If we can get him—”
“You don’t know it’s a him. You’re hoping it’s a him because we’ve got a female back in the lab.”
“There’s a fifty percent chance I’m right. Anyway, if we can get him or her, it’ll be a massive boost to the numbers. And if we get a breeding pair in the program—”
“Then you’ll be almost as happy as me.” Striker’s strong, hard arms wrapped around Wren’s waist. He pulled her back against his chest.
A warm glow ignited inside her. She could never stay angry with Striker for long. Sure, he’d always be a wise guy, but he was her wise guy. Her amazing, faithful, funny, hot as the sun, guy.
“How about, when we’re done here, I make us dinner?” Striker said.
“I didn’t know you could cook.” Wren kept her attention on the scanner as the creature moved closer, although with Striker pressed up against her, it wasn’t easy to stay focused.
“I can make the basics. And it means we get to spend the evening in your quarters. No distractions. Just you, food, and lots of naked fun.”
“You’re not bored? We’ve been having lots of naked fun.” The memories of all the nights they’d spent in each other’s arms sent a spasm of desire through her.
He pressed a lingering kiss behind her right ear. “I’ll never get bored with you. Clothed or naked.”
Wren relaxed back against Striker. It had been a whirlwind since the escape from the Gente ship. They’d barely left each other’s side, and the constant smile on her face told her she was exactly where she needed to be.
“Dinner sounds great,” she said. “Actually, you could do me a favor. Dinky has been playing up. He misses the company because I’ve been doing so many hours in the lab. Could you cook dinner at my place and keep an eye on him while you’re there?”
“I’m happy to, but he hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you. Dinky just takes a while to warm up to new people.”
“I’ve been in your life for more than half a year. He’s used to me. He just doesn’t like a challenge to the position of alpha in the team.”
She turned and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “You’re saying you’re the boss?”
He chuckled. “I’m always happy for you to be in charge.”
“Good. But no one’s in charge here. We work as a team. You, me, and Dinky.”
Striker’s nose wrinkled. “I can look after the little ankle biter if I have to.” He lowered his head and brushed a kiss across her lips.
She returned the kiss but kept it PG. “We’re on a mission. Don’t distract me.”
“I couldn’t distract you even if I wanted to. I could be standing here naked and you’d be more focused on the animals than me.”
She lightly smacked him on the butt. “I’m sorry to say that’s a complete lie. If you took your clothes off now, I’d have to jump you.”
“Challenge accepted.” He slid out of her arms and began to lower the zip on his pants.
Her cheeks flushed, and she laughed. “Don’t you dare. There’s no way we’re going to miss capturing this animal.”
“Not even five minutes of fun?”
“This is fun. I’ve got my two favorite things right here. I’ve got you, and we’re about to make a successful capture.”
“Hey, what’s happening on your side?” Daisy’s voice came over the comm link. “I’ve got the animal on the tracker, but there’s no movement toward us.”
“He’s still not taking the bait.” Wren shook her head at Striker and turned back to the scanner. She’d allowed herself to be distracted by her gorgeous Apexian for too long.
