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She jerked her head up, realizing she’d dozed off.

Dallin stood frozen to the spot, his arm raised, and a vial clutched in his fingers. Brutus was sniffing Dallin’s groin.

“Hey, is everything good over there?” she said softly, uncertain how long she’d been asleep. It must have been several minutes, since Dallin hadn’t been doing that when she’d closed her eyes.

He didn’t respond to her question.

“Dallin, what have you discovered?” Sloane eased herself out of the chair and walked over to him.

His eyes were flickering behind his closed lids.

She tried to take the vial from his hand, but his fingers tightened on it. She kissed him on the cheek. “Another fainting episode, huh?”

Dallin remained motionless.

Sloane looked over his work as she waited for him to resurface. “I know I can figure this out.” She was just turning back to Dallin, when he drew in a deep breath. The vial fell from his fingers and smashed on the floor.

Brutus growled and went to sniff the liquid.

Sloane jumped back. “What is it? Did you figure out an effective antidote?”

He looked down at the floor, then at her. “Yes. I need to go. Don’t let Brutus lick that.”

She caught the grimlin around the neck and tugged him away. “Let me come with you.”

“No, you stay here. I won’t be long. I need to get some supplies.” He hurried to the exit and charged out before she stopped him.

Sloane stood by the chair as she weighed up her options. As much as she wanted to, she didn’t trust Dallin. “Come on, Brutus. Let’s see what he’s up to.”