Page 82 of Jameson

I was glad my friends were in love.

It wasn’t something I wanted, but I was happy for them. I didn’t want anything that took me away from my work. I’d dedicated myself to being a doctor and a soldier.

I didn’t have room for anything else.

When you took your eye off the ball, things got dropped, and people died.

“What was the reaction to your report on the monsters communicating and appearing to work together?” I asked. I knew Jameson had been in several meetings with the squad generals to discuss the latest monster behaviors.

Jameson’s smile dissolved. “The brass aren’t happy. Apparently, they’re starting to get reports about this kind of thing happening in other places, too.”

“Jesus.” This couldn’t be good. If the monsters started coordinating their attacks, they’d be exponentially more dangerous. “So, who’s this new recruit we’re meeting today?”

“Some distant relative of Cruz’s. He recommended her to join the squad.”

“Her?”

“Yep. She’s his niece or second cousin, or second cousin’s niece. Apparently, she’s a good soldier, and also some sort of monster expert. She ran some studies on them over in the United States.”

I frowned. “Do we really want someone on our squad who’s not from here? She doesn’t know the area, or our monsters.”

Jameson shrugged. “If she can handle a carbine, I’m okay with it.”

We rounded the corner, and I spotted Cruz Ramos. Cruz had been the second-in-command of Hell Squad, and was Jameson’s dad’s best friend. My sister said he had a handsome silver-fox vibe going on, especially when he played guitar at Hemi’s.

Kai, Marc, and Zeke were with him. Marc was laughing with a woman whose back was to me. She was wearing brown cargo pants and a black T-shirt. She was tiny, but curvy. Her black hair was in a ponytail.

As I approached, she turned. Huge, dark eyes met mine.

I felt like I’d been hit by a grenade.

She had strong features, and freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her lips were plump and full.

“Ah, here are Jameson and North,” Cruz said. “Jameson is the head of Hunter Squad, and North is the squad medic. Gentlemen, this is my niece.”

“Sort of niece,” the woman said with a wide smile.

Cruz waved a hand. “Family is family. Boys, this is Jessica Ramos.”

“It’s just Jess.” She held a hand out to Jameson. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so much about Hunter Squad. You and your team have quite the reputation.”

I watched as they shook hands. Then, she turned to me. As soon as our hands touched, I felt a zap of electricity.

Shit, what was that?

Her dark eyes narrowed, and she pulled her hand back.

“Pleasure,” I said.

“You flew over from San Diego?” Jameson asked. “You’ve been based there, right?”

She nodded. “Yes. San Diego is the base for the west coast monster hunting squads. I did work from Canada down to Mexico.”

“How was the flight over?” Marc said.

“Fine. I was on a military flight with refueling in Hawaii. We had to make a slight detour for some monster activity in the central Pacific, but all in all, the flight wasn’t too bad. I’m really glad to be here.” She turned to her uncle. “And to meet all of the legendary Hell Squad.”

Cruz winked. “Santha and I are so glad you’re here. Jess has also been studying the monsters, learning about all of the hybrids, and finding new ways to eliminate them.”

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