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Asshole spent a long time sniffing Eden, then walked around her, his tail flicking.

“He knows you,” Blaze said.

Asshole narrowed his eyes and glared at Blaze.

Eden brushed a hand gently over Asshole’s back. “He seems good. Not too skinny. How about you try some food, beautiful boy?”

Asshole sniffed the food. He grabbed some in his mouth and vanished back in the hole.

“Isn’t that the cutest thing,” Eden said. “He’s got the kittens in there.”

They only had to wait a few seconds, before Asshole reappeared, swiftly followed by three, fluffy black kittens.

Blaze carefully lifted the screen and directed the camera at the kittens. “Have we found them?”

Daisy squeaked. “That’s them. Are they okay?”

The kittens were devouring the dried pieces of meat, while Asshole sat to one side, watching on, something like pride shimmering in his almond-shaped eyes.

“They seem good,” Blaze said. “Asshole must have been protecting them. And he seems to know Eden, which is helping.”

“That’s because she gives him treats,” Rexx said. “Let me see Asshole.”

Blaze shifted the screen.

Asshole glared at him.

Rexx chuckled. “That’s him. That’s my boy.”

“How will they feel about going in a cage?” Eden said. “We brought animal traps with us.”

“You handle Asshole since he remembers you,” Daisy said. “Try getting him in first.”

“Be careful,” Rexx said. “He bites if he’s not happy.”

“I’ll get him.” Blaze set down the screen. He went to grab Asshole, but the cat hissed and slashed out a warning paw, the claws extended.

Eden shook her head. “You let me handle this one. I’m good with feisty men. I know how to deal with them.” She crooned over Asshole until he was rubbing around her hand. Then gently scooped him up and placed him in a cage. “Grab the kittens. Asshole could freak out if he thinks we’re leaving them behind.”

The kittens were much easier to handle, and Blaze bundled them up and put them in the cage alongside Asshole.

There was a couple of minutes of squeaking and uncertainty, but once they saw Asshole in the cage and more food, they were happy.

Eden knelt beside Blaze, so close her leg pressed against his. “Mission accomplished. We deserve gold stars for this.”

Their gazes locked, and his eyes dropped to her mouth. He knew what he wanted to give Eden, and it was more than the one-night stand she favored. She was only attracted to bad guys. The ones who fucked her up and abandoned her.

And that wasn’t him. That would never be him. He wished he could play that part so Eden would let him in. But he’d slip up, and she’d simply walk away like she always did.

“Hey, everything okay?” Eden said. “We did it. You should be pleased.”

“Yeah, everything’s great. Let’s get back to the ship. We can make up time and get on the Apocalypse before Cleo realizes what we’ve done.”

“She’ll find out. And she’ll forgive us. Cleo may be tough, but she’s a softie when it comes to animals.”

“Yes! Hurry back. I can’t wait to see the cats,” Daisy said. “Thanks for getting them. We owe you.”

“I’ll take my payment in beer and pizza,” Blaze said.