Page 68

“You got it,” Cleo said. “They denied any involvement and said they’ll punish the perpetrators. They also demanded the data be returned to them.”

“Which you’re not going to do,” Georgia said. “If you give them the information, we’ve lost the advantage.”

“Of course not. This is our data, and we’re handling the situation. We won’t wait for the Siblet to come up with excuses, inform their teams, and give them a chance to get away. They’re messing with our animals, trying to screw up our mission, and potentially endangering many lives,” Cleo said.

“And we’re putting a stop to this,” Hunter said.

Georgia lifted her chin. “And I want in. I deserve this.”

Cleo nodded. “I thought you’d say that.”

“But it’s not happening,” Ash said. “There’s no way you’re going up against the Siblet again. You’re still recovering from being poisoned. And—”

Georgia spun in her seat to face Ash. “And nothing. I’m going.”

***

Ash didn’t miss theflash of anger in Georgia’s eyes as she glared at him, but he wasn’t giving ground. She was too important to lose.

“Georgia, think about it. You have a history with the Siblet, and you’re not at full strength.”

“I’m going on this mission,” she said.

He shook his head. There was no way he’d watch her confront the Siblet. Her capture had messed her up badly. And even though she denied it, she was still in recovery from that. If she had to fight them again, it could tip her over the edge.

“This isn’t our mission. We did our part. We found the data to lead us to the white tails. Let someone else handle this.”

“We can go,” Daisy said softly.

Rexx grunted his agreement.

“Screw that,” Georgia said. “This is our mission. We can’t sit here and let someone else take over. We’re the first team to make a win on this mission.”

“Don’t be a glory hunter,” Ash said.

She hissed at him. “This isn’t about glory.”

“No, it’s about revenge. And revenge makes you screw up. You’ll take risks to get even with the Siblet.”

“You don’t think I can handle myself?” Georgia said.

“I’m sure you can, but at what cost?”

“I don’t care about the cost. I care about these animals. I care about stopping the Siblet from doing anything else to them. Didn’t you hear Cleo? They’re making dangerous hybrids with poison that’ll destroy you. I’m not sitting on my ass and waiting for that to happen. I’m going on this mission. You can’t stop me.”

Ash glared down at her, and she glared right back, refusing to give an inch.

“Let’s cool things down,” Cleo said. “I understand how important this mission is for both of you. I also understand the risks. But we’re up against the clock on this. It won’t take long before the Siblet hear we’re on to them. Then they’ll destroy evidence and move on again, just like they’ve done in the past. This time, we’re one step ahead, and we have to stay that way.”

“We’re not equipped to do this.” Ash scrambled for an excuse to keep Georgia out of the direct line of fire. “We’re a rescue unit for rare animals, not a military squad.”

Rexx snorted. “Speak for yourself.”

Daisy shot him a glare, and he shrugged.

Georgia glowered at Ash. “You are. You’re all trained killers. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”

His eyes narrowed. “Is that what you really think of me?”