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“They’re great. Almost old enough to go into the breeding program. Then I’ll have even more little critters hanging off me. Are you here to see the animals you brought in? They’re doing well.”

“I wouldn’t mind a look around, if that’s okay.”

“Of course not. Who have you got there?” She pointed at Nipper.

“This is Nipper. He found his way into my room. We had an interesting greeting.” He held up his bandaged arm.

She roared a laugh. “Then you’re practically married. Look at the stripes on his stomach. It’s got to be true love. And he picked a great partner. You can’t go wrong with an Apexian as your wing man. Right this way. The new intake of animals are out back being monitored. But I’ve got loads more fun stuff for you to see.” She bounced away, her red hair swinging behind her in a messy ponytail.

“I’m not keeping you from anything?” Blaze followed her along the warm, softly lit corridor.

“Only being nursemaid to about three thousand needy animals.” She chuckled quietly. “Most of them are sleeping. The night shift is always quiet. Hey, I heard about the attack you faced on the way in. That sucks.”

“The guys in our military escort took a beating.”

Leandra turned, a pensive look on her face. “One of them is called Ranger?”

“That’s right. Do you know him?”

“No, probably not. But I knew someone called Ranger when I was younger. He was a wild guy. It won’t be the same one, but it’s an unusual name. And he was an Apexian, too.” She clasped her hands together. “Okay, what can I show you? I’ve got scales, fur, feathers, and animals with claws. You’ve already got one with venom. All of them would appreciate the company. They’re skittish tonight. Some of them don’t want to settle.”

Blaze took a look around. All the pens were large and well-maintained, but many of the animals appeared restless and were pacing. “It could be the stress from the journey.”

“It might be that. Animals are sensitive. They pick up on bad vibes.”

“I can’t imagine there are any around here.”

“Yep. This is the best place for them. They just need to figure that out for themselves,” Leandra said.

“The ones we brought here could be unsettled because of the attack we faced.” Blaze inspected a long-nosed primate with a bright blue butt.

“It could be that. And the others are picking up on their stress. I’ve been playing them soothing music since they arrived.”

“That helps?”

“It doesn’t hurt. It certainly chills me out. Come take a look at a great furry salander.”

Blaze spent the next twenty minutes wandering around, listening to Leandra discuss the animals. It was good to see their work was paying off. There were numerous new-borns nursing with their moms and success stories everywhere he looked.

The whole time they walked around, Nipper remained on his shoulder, occasionally nuzzling his ear and giving it a gentle suck.

Blaze stopped outside the pen of the two-headed rainbow snake he’d captured with Eden. “This one was an adventure to capture. He damn near bit off my partner’s arm.”

“Ouch! Those fangs are lethal,” Leandra said. “I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of a bite. But he’s a beauty. And the colors he’s displaying show he’s in great condition. You found the perfect specimen, even though you had to risk life and limb to get him.”

Blaze smiled as he remembered the joy on Eden’s face when they’d had this win. “It was worth it.”

Leandra nodded. “All of this is worth it. Hey, now. There’s no need for that.” She strode to the other end of the pens, where a jinty was alarm calling.

“Is something wrong with him?” Blaze asked.

“I can’t figure out what’s gotten into these guys. They’re never this antsy.” She crooned over the creature. “I get it, baby. You’re excited about meeting your mate. You can’t wait to get to know her and see if you’re compatible.”

“Is he that bothered? As long as she’s fertile and receptive to him, isn’t that all that matters?”

Leandra turned and shook her head, a solemn expression on her face. “No! It’s more complicated than that. We’ve got one resident who’s been here six years. She rejected five suitors, and they’re not easy to find, but she wanted nothing to do with the males we offered. They’d have given her healthy offspring, but it wasn’t working until we introduced her to her latest mate. Then she went all goo-goo eyes and rolled onto her back, displaying her stomach. It was the sweetest thing. Now, she’s pregnant and in love.”

“She sounds fussy.”