Page 1

Chapter 1

Dallin Conack closedhis eyes as the numbing, sedative effect of his octo-squibs flooded his system. He leaned back in the seat in his lab and exhaled as the tightness in his chest eased.

His crewmates on the Apocalypse thought the octo-squibs were weird slimy critters, and couldn’t understand why he kept them around. But they were one of the few lifelines that worked to keep him stable.

As the octo-squibs fed off his blood with their tiny needle teeth, the pounding of his heart slowed and his thoughts became less tangled.

Dallin had tried hundreds of ways to keep himself centered, but this was one of the most effective. Even though he was slowly becoming hooked on the tranquilizing drugs they pumped into his system, it was worth it. And his natural Apexian healing ability meant he never truly became dependent on these odd little squibs.

“What are you doing?”

His eyes flew open as the silky voice of his partner, Sloane Harper, reached him.

She stood by the open door, her hands on her hips and her pretty eyes narrowed. She pursed her lips and flicked her long hair over one shoulder as she waited for a reply.

Dallin ducked his head. “It’s an experiment.”

“Try again. And don’t tell me you’re taking those things out for a walk.”

He looked down at his arm. There was no way he could conceal the three six-inch black octo-squibs attached to his forearm, nor his blood that had dripped onto the floor.

“Dallin!” Sloane’s pitch raised.

He shrugged. “I’m just giving them a change of scene.”

Sloane tutted as she strode over. “You’re feeding them with your blood. Again.”

His gaze was drawn to study her hips and breasts as she moved. Everything about Sloane tempted him, from the long glossy auburn hair, to the southern twang in her voice.

“They like it,” he muttered. “And it doesn’t bother me.”

“Get them off your arm. That can’t be good for you.” She reached for one of the octo-squibs, but then drew back her hand, her cute nose wrinkling.

“It’s what they usually feast on. I mean, not my blood, but the dried flakes I give them are dehydrated blood from other animals, so they’re used to it. This is just a fresh supply. It makes them happy.”

Sloane arched an eyebrow. “Did they tell you that?”

“They don’t have to. I can see they enjoy it. Their color changes and they move about more.”

“Put them back in the tank now. I’m sure they’ve had enough. And seeing that is turning my stomach.”

Dallin moved his arm so the octo-squibs weren’t so easy to see. Ideally, he could have done with another ten minutes of their sedative-like drug to chill him out completely.

Sloane huffed out a breath, and Dallin’s enhanced scent receptors picked up chocolate and chai tea, her favorite drink.

“I know exactly what you’re doing,” she said. “Don’t think that I don’t know what those things do to you.”

“They’re not doing anything to me.”

Her lips pursed, drawing his gaze to her mouth. “Are you sure about that?”

He clenched his teeth and looked away. “Yes.”

“Like you, I’m a quick study. I checked them out when you moved their tank into the lab. I figured there had to be some reason you wanted those things close by. You never do anything frivolous, or for fun.”

“What did you find out about them?” Sloane wasn’t only a physical temptation, she had a quick mind and a fast wit. She was a lethal combination.

Her eyes flashed dangerously. “The octo-squibs drug you. Do you have any idea how addictive that sedative is they’re pumping into you?”