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She circled around, waiting to see where Dallin would land. He chose a secluded place, hidden among some trees. Whatever he was doing, he didn’t want anyone down there to know about it.

Well, tough. Because she was onto him, and she’d see exactly what he was up to.

Sloane slugged down another fever drop and one of the pills Angel had recommended. They made her tired, but if she was in too much pain, she’d be no use to Dallin.

She flew as close as she could to Dallin’s location and landed her ship.

Brutus grunted again and stared out the window.

“What do you think? Is it safe out there?”

He looked at her and shook his head.

“You’ll protect me, though.”

He nodded.

Sloane jumped to her feet and swayed from side to side as a wave of sickness almost overwhelmed her.

Brutus nudged her hand and grunted.

“I’ll be okay. I have to be okay. Although I might need to lean on you if the going gets tough.”

He walked along beside her as she hurried to the docking ramp and opened it. Sloane stepped out into the pleasantly cool wind and took a deep breath. The atmosphere was breathable.

She tracked Dallin’s ship’s signature and headed toward it. He’d kept it cloaked, but she recognized the faint emission from the engines.

Sloane walked past some trees and spotted a figure hurrying away. That was Dallin.

She tried to jog to keep up with him, but stumbled and hit the ground.

Brutus stood over her and licked her face.

“I just need a minute, and maybe a new pair of legs.” Her head throbbed and her stomach ached. She wasn’t sure she could go on.

Sloane yelped as Brutus’s large head nudged between her legs. “What are you doing?”

He nudged her again.

She turned and looked at him. Her gaze narrowed, then she laughed. “Are you suggesting I ride you?”

Brutus nudged her again and turned his back, presenting it to her.

“It’s worth a go. Maybe your previous owner trained you to carry them.” Sloane eased herself onto Brutus’s back. There was nothing to hold on to other than his thick fur. “If this goes wrong, don’t bite my arm off.”

He looked back at her as if waiting for something to happen.

“Do you need an instruction?”

Brutus grunted.

“Walk?”

He rumbled a sound of dissatisfaction.

“I imagine you don’t trot.”

Brutus still didn’t move.