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I needed to secure proper shelter for my mate.

Then, find a way off this rock.

A Reaper’s work was never done.

I glanced in the direction of my crashed Prowler, calculating the chances of getting the communicator working.

It was reparable—but it would take time.

Time we might not have.

“I saw something while I was crashing,” I said, my ears flicking in thought. “A location that did not ping on my systems.”

Her brows furrowed. “Meaning?”

“A black site.” My tail flicked. “If it was undetectable, it may have been abandoned.”

I hoped it was abandoned. If not...

I would deal with it.

She bit her lip, shifting slightly. “I can help?—”

“No.”

Her head snapped up, fire in her gaze. “Excuse me?”

I narrowed my eyes, stepping closer. “First, you are barely covered,” I rumbled, my voice dipping lower as her skin flushed. “It is taking all my control not to cover you myself.”

Her lips parted, and for a brief second, her breath hitched—as if she wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea.

I inhaled slowly, savoring the shift in her scent before continuing.

“Second, you are soft,” I said, reaching out and brushing my knuckles lightly down her arm. Her flesh dimpled at my touch, and a pleased rumble escaped my chest.

Her eyes widened, her breath quickening.

Good.

She felt the pull, too.

She just didn’t know it yet.

I leaned down, my voice a rough whisper. “And third, it is my role to protect my mate.”

Her expression flickered between shock and indignation, and then?—

An insect buzzed too close.

She screamed and swatted wildly, stumbling backward.

I barely contained my chuckle as she railed at the air, cursing in her native tongue.

Spirits, she is adorable.

I caught her before she could trip over her own feet, drawing her flush against my chest.

She stiffened, her heart thudding against my ribs.

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