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Chapter 5

Georgia kept her eyesfront as Ash maneuvered the ship off the Apocalypse and into space, the autopilot taking over as soon as they’d cleared the docking bay.

His hands moved swiftly over the controls, checking the systems and making sure everything was running smoothly.

Georgia licked her lips. It was so damn hot how capable he was. He was a trained killer, a skilled warrior, and amazing in bed. And he knew his way around this control panel almost as well as he knew his way around her and what got her off every time they came together.

She shivered at the memory of them naked last night. Some women liked their guys refined and polished, but she’d always had a thing for a guy with a rough edge. Ash had grit in bucketfuls. He was determined, proud of his heritage, and stood tall as an incredible Apexian warrior.

Maybe she’d been too hasty in wanting to cut him out of this partnership. She was used to working alone, but if she had to have a partner, she’d choose Ash every time.

He glanced over, his brow wrinkling as he caught her watching him. “How are your system checks going? Any problems?”

Georgia flushed and looked away. She had to be mission focused and not think about the next time she could get naked with Ash and get another of his mind blowing orgasms.

Her gaze flashed over the controls. They’d gone through this routine dozens of times, but it was important not to get distracted. “The temperature is steady, the fuel is level, and the calibration systems are fully operational.”

“Then everything’s going our way so far.”

“So far? You think we’ll run into trouble?”

He lifted one broad shoulder. “Most likely. Whoever is doing this won’t hand these animals back without a fight. And when they do, it’ll get bloody.”

“We should strike first. We could catch them unawares.”

Ash shook his head. “I’m with Cleo. If we mess this up, we could lose the big payoff. There aren’t many white tails left, so whoever is involved in this project is using top of the range equipment to find them. And they’ll need to pay experts enough so they’re willing to forget their morals to help them track the animals. That’s who we want to bring down. Those at the top. Once that happens, the rest will fall.”

Her top lip curled. “You’re right. And there are only five hundred white tails left that we know of. Probably less if these aliens have been using them as sport. They probably hang their skins in their living rooms and brag about what they’ve done.”

“Is that another alpha dick on display move?”

She huffed out a laugh. “You got it.”

The growl Ash let out curled her toes. “Taking an animal’s skin because it’s attractive is the sign of a soulless monster. And a coward. I’d like to teach them a lesson and rip their skin from their still living body. See how they like it.”

“I’m with you there. And it’s time we teach these monsters a lesson.” She cracked her knuckles. It always gave her a thrill to stop someone screwing with the weak.

“We will. And I know you will. But only on Cleo’s say so. No going renegade on me.”

“You’re such a good boy, always following Cleo’s orders.”

The flash of desire in his eyes made her gasp.

“Not always. Not when you don’t want me to be.”

Georgia looked away. She was here for the mission, not Ash. “How long until we get to Sysal?”

“Three hours.”

She slid out of her seat. “I’ll go check through the supplies.”

“Hasn’t that already been done?”

“There’s no harm in checking again. You can never be too careful.” And it was the perfect distraction to help her forget the way Ash had just looked at her. “Or can’t you handle the controls on your own?”

He smirked. “Get out of here.”

“Just shout if you need me.”