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Chapter 5

“You aren’t going todie.” Dallin’s throat constricted at the idea of Sloane no longer being around. “This won’t be your last adventure. You’ll have many more.”

“With you?” she said softly, the hope in her eyes making him long for all kinds of inappropriate things he could never have with this beautiful, fragile human.

Dallin gritted his teeth. “With someone who can show you how amazing the universe is. They’ll show you everything.”

“Why can’t that someone be you?”

“I’m your protector. I’m with you so you can stay safe.”

“I know that. And I trust you to do that. But what if we don’t find an antidote? This could be my last big trip.”

“We will find an antidote. I can keep you safe from everything.” And that included himself.

“And if we don’t? Will I get a chance to fulfill some wishes before I croak it?” The smile on her face looked strained.

“Don’t think like that. Don’t even say that. It won’t happen to you.”

“I have to think about it. I want to make sure I don’t miss a chance to have an awesome final adventure. Will you help me to do that?” Sloane bit her lip and tilted her head, letting her auburn hair slide down her arm.

“Of course. Whatever you want.” The words had left his mouth before he realized what the implications might be.

“Anything?”

Dallin wasn’t certain he liked the mischievous glint in her eyes. What was Sloane up to? “Yes. But first, we need to fix your temperature. It’s elevated.”

“Ooooh! That’s impressive. I’ve got my own walking, talking thermometer.” She grinned at him.

“You claim to feel fine, but your symptoms suggest otherwise. Let me give you something to lower your temperature.” Dallin took out the medical kit from the cockpit’s overhead locker and gave her a fever drop and a bottle of water.

Sloane downed the fever drop. “Thanks, Doctor Hunky. What now? Do you want to give me a full physical?”

He growled. “You’re not making this easy for me.”

“I’m making it fun for me, though. I don’t want to spend my last few days sobbing like an idiot and doing nothing to change things, or making sure I don’t have a few more happy memories to take with me if the worst happens.”

“Which it won’t.” Dallin focused on the control panel, waiting until he was in control of his emotions, before looking at Sloane. “I’ll give you some of my energy.”

“You should save it. It doesn’t seem that effective on the poison.”

“It has an effect. And I don’t need all my ability to walk around a waystation and scan for Siblet poison.”

“I guess it can’t do any harm.” Sloane extended her hand. “Hit me with your best shot, Doc.”

Dallin knew that behind the cheerful smile and bright words, Sloane was hurting, and he had to help her with that, in any way he could.

He made a small cut on each of their palms and joined them. As his healing ability mingled with Sloane’s energy, his cock twitched. He ignored it. Merging energies caused unexpected physical reactions. Some Apexians became aroused, others grew tired, but it was a temporary effect. It didn’t change how he felt about Sloane. She was his to protect, and love, and... damn it! What was wrong with him?

“Thanks, I feel much better.” She eased her hand away and smiled at him, a question hovering in her eyes.

Dallin grunted as he studied her. The sweat on Sloane’s upper lip suggested she wasn’t being truthful.

“Now I’m fixed up, and you’ve stopped fainting—”

“I didn’t faint!”

She laughed. “Now you’re no longer having a brain meltdown, what’s the plan?”