Saved: Apexian Warrior Sci-Fi Romance, #6

By Arcadia Shield

If this mission fails, they all die. And if Dallin doesn't let Sloane in, he'll lose her forever.

Dallin's solace is his lab. Since the experiments to enhance his abilities went wrong, he feels awkward around everyone. He's better off helping the Apocalypse crew stay safe and keeping his head down. Especially as the Siblet have finalized their deadly plans. His gorgeous human partner, Sloane Harper, has other ideas. And damn, if that female doesn't tempt him to try something different. But if he does, the consequences will be devastating.

Sloane adores Dallin. He's smart, sexy, and determined. And even though he has his quirks, he's practically perfect. But there's a problem. He doesn't notice her. What can she do to break down that solid alien wall? Or should Sloane admit defeat and accept love isn't for her?

When they're thrown together to save the crew from a devastating poison, Dallin must face his fears, leave his solace, and admit he loves Sloane before it's too late and he loses everything.

 

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This sci-fi action-romance novel has a crew of feisty, smart women, gorgeous Apexian alien warriors, action-packed battles, funny, quirky alien critters, and steamy scenes set in space. If you like muscled alien warriors, women who know how to throw a punch, and steamy romance, you'll love Saved, book six in Arcadia Shield's complete sci-fi romance series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcadia Shield
• Release date: Feb 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9798227324993

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Chapter 1

Dallin Conack closed his eyes as the numbing, sedative effect of his octo-squibs flooded his system. He leaned back in the seat in his lab and exhaled as the tightness in his chest eased.

His crewmates on the Apocalypse thought the octo-squibs were weird slimy critters, and couldn’t understand why he kept them around. But they were one of the few lifelines that worked to keep him stable.

As the octo-squibs fed off his blood with their tiny needle teeth, the pounding of his heart slowed and his thoughts became less tangled.

Dallin had tried hundreds of ways to keep himself centered, but this was one of the most effective. Even though he was slowly becoming hooked on the tranquilizing drugs they pumped into his system, it was worth it. And his natural Apexian healing ability meant he never truly became dependent on these odd little squibs.

What are you doing?

His eyes flew open as the silky voice of his partner, Sloane Harper, reached him.

She stood by the open door, her hands on her hips and her pretty eyes narrowed. She pursed her lips and flicked her long hair over one shoulder as she waited for a reply.

Dallin ducked his head. It’s an experiment.

Try again. And don’t tell me you’re taking those things out for a walk.

He looked down at his arm. There was no way he could conceal the three six-inch black octo-squibs attached to his forearm, nor his blood that had dripped onto the floor.

Dallin! Sloane’s pitch raised.

He shrugged. I’m just giving them a change of scene.

Sloane tutted as she strode over. You’re feeding them with your blood. Again.

His gaze was drawn to study her hips and breasts as she moved. Everything about Sloane tempted him, from the long glossy auburn hair, to the southern twang in her voice.

They like it, he muttered. And it doesn’t bother me.

Get them off your arm. That can’t be good for you. She reached for one of the octo-squibs, but then drew back her hand, her cute nose wrinkling.

It’s what they usually feast on. I mean, not my blood, but the dried flakes I give them are dehydrated blood from other animals, so they’re used to it. This is just a fresh supply. It makes them happy.

Sloane arched an eyebrow. Did they tell you that?

They don’t have to. I can see they enjoy it. Their color changes and they move about more.

Put them back in the tank now. I’m sure they’ve had enough. And seeing that is turning my stomach.

Dallin moved his arm so the octo-squibs weren’t so easy to see. Ideally, he could have done with another ten minutes of their sedative-like drug to chill him out completely.

Sloane huffed out a breath, and Dallin’s enhanced scent receptors picked up chocolate and chai tea, her favorite drink.

I know exactly what you’re doing, she said. Don’t think that I don’t know what those things do to you.

They’re not doing anything to me.

Her lips pursed, drawing his gaze to her mouth. Are you sure about that?

He clenched his teeth and looked away. Yes.

Like you, I’m a quick study. I checked them out when you moved their tank into the lab. I figured there had to be some reason you wanted those things close by. You never do anything frivolous, or for fun.

What did you find out about them? Sloane wasn’t only a physical temptation, she had a quick mind and a fast wit. She was a lethal combination.

Her eyes flashed dangerously. The octo-squibs drug you. Do you have any idea how addictive that sedative is they’re pumping into you?

It doesn’t affect me.

I don’t believe that. I always know when you’ve had a hit from your squibs.

I don’t get a hit from them. It’s just a feeding routine.

Her plump lips pursed again. Your pupils get dilated and you slur your words like you’ve had too much to drink.

Dallin ran his tongue over his teeth. Maybe there were a few side-effects to using the octo-squibs, but he wouldn’t stop doing it. These guys were his allies, and they helped him stay stable, and that was important whenever Sloane was around. He’d use nature’s sedatives whenever he could to make sure he was never a threat to her.

Sloane snapped on some medical gloves. Let me take them off your arm.

You don’t have to do that. I’ll deal with them. Dallin sucked in a breath as her fingers skimmed across his skin and she carefully plucked off the first octo-squib.

How long did you use them this time? she asked.

Just a few minutes. He’d attached the squibs over an hour ago, the second Sloane had left for her meeting with Wren. Each time he used their sedative, he needed a little more to get the same effect. Damn! Maybe Sloane had a point about him becoming addicted.

Did that hurt? Sloane stopped her attempt at removing the next octo-squib.

No. You could never hurt me.

I’d like to try.

Dallin choked out a laugh. What does that mean?

It means, you never spar with me like the other Apexians do with their human partners. I have to keep my physical training up-to-date. If we ever leave this ship again, I don’t want to get caught out and carried away by some alien barbarian.

He lifted one shoulder. My advice is always go for the balls. No matter the alien, we all have the same weak spot between our legs.

Sloane grinned, sending her face from beautiful to breathtaking. She was so stunning to look at, it hurt his eyes.

I’ll remember that. She removed the last two octo-squibs, placed them in the tank, and then closed the lid. They’re looking fatter. And you’re looking stoned.

I feel good. Much calmer.

What’s got you so stressed that you needed a hit from those slimy guys? Sloane turned and faced him.

This close, Dallin could smell the honey and peach scent from her shampoo. He resisted the urge to take a deep breath. Instead, he turned to his workbench. One guess.

The door to the lab opened again, and Cleo Newman walked in.

Dallin nodded a greeting at her. Cleo was in charge of the crew on the Apocalypse, the conservation ship he’d been stationed on for over a year. He respected Cleo. She was fair, hard-working, and determined to make sure her crew were looked after and well-paid. Draped around her neck was a silver rodent she’d rescued on a mission.

Oh! Let me have a cuddle with Pluto. Sloane held her arms out for the silver rodent.

Cleo’s smile was tired as she handed him over. Be my guest. You know he adores you. She shook her head as Sloane tickled the rodent’s tummy and made him purr and kick his feet in the air.

Dallin wouldn’t mind a little belly rub from Sloane now and again. He also wouldn’t mind her hand rubbing his shaft and stroking him until he kicked his legs and purred.

He shifted in his seat, forcing away the image, and focused on Cleo. I’ve got something you might be interested in.

She closed her eyes for a second and held up crossed fingers. An antidote?

No. There’s still no stable antidote for the Siblet poison. The most recent trials work for a few days, and then they slowly lose effectiveness, Dallin said. But I’ve discovered the reason why that happens. The Siblet are using a modified form of nanotechnology combined with a particle I’ve yet to identify. And the nanotech is the smallest I’ve ever seen. I missed it at first.

Cleo cursed under her breath. You’re telling me the poison is constantly changing?

He nodded. Sloane figured it out.

Sloane shook her head. Not me. I just saw a couple of tiny things in a sample we had. I didn’t know what the heck they were. Dallin took one look and had the answer.

I wasn’t even thinking about nanotechnology being in the poison, he said. And the poison is constantly evolving. It reacts to each subject it enters, and figures out the most efficient way to break down their defenses. Add in this odd particle, and I’m not making as much progress as I’d hoped.

Cleo’s expression tightened. How are we supposed to stop this poison if we can never create a stable solution?

No one spoke for several seconds.

Dallin loathed not knowing the answer to Cleo’s question. It was why he was here. He could find a solution to every problem. But if he couldn’t figure out the Siblet poison antidote, what was the point of him being here? He was no good in the field, not with his screwed up brain and messed up senses. He was becoming a liability.

Now we know about the nanotech, we can disable that, which is a step closer to a solution. Sloane smiled encouragingly.

But we still need to figure out what that other particle is, Dallin said.

If we can’t work it out, we could try appealing to the Siblets’ better side, Sloane said. Maybe offer them a deal if we can’t neutralize this threat.

We don’t do deals with space scum, Cleo said. And even if we figured something out with them, what’s to say they won’t come up with more demands in the future? They have us backed into a corner, and they know it.

The Siblet don’t do truces, Dallin said. They destroy and dominate. They see strength in ruling as many aliens as possible.

And what’s more impressive than being able to dominate the Apexians? Cleo said.

And humans, Sloane said. We’re important, too.

Cleo tilted her head. I’m not so sure about that. They only targeted us because we’re working with the Apexians and destroying their supply chains. We just got in the way, so they’re messing with us, too.

Don’t underestimate your role in this universe. Humans have value. Dallin’s gaze shifted to Sloane. Her warm smile hit him straight in the heart as she caught his eye and winked.

I know that’s not what you think about humans. Sloane turned to Cleo. Dallin secretly thinks we’re worthless.

He straightened in his seat. I’ve never said that to you.

You don’t have to. You always give me the easy jobs. I sometimes think you don’t believe there’s a brain inside this head of mine.

I know there is. And it’s a good brain. I’ve scanned it twice.

Sloane batted her long, dark lashes at him. You’re so quick to throw out the amazing compliments. How’s a girl supposed to avoid being dazzled by such charm?

I imagine it’s a daily struggle, Cleo said. Have you linked in with Angel and Atticus about the nanotech and this particle you’ve yet to identify?

I’ve sent them everything I’ve got. They’re working on it from their end, too. Dallin tilted his chin at the computer.

The more experts we have looking at this, the better. And the Apexians? Cleo said.

They’re in the loop. We’re not known for making scientific breakthroughs, but they’re doing what they can.

We’ll get a success soon, Sloane said. Then the Siblet will be sorry they ever messed with us.

Let’s hope so. Cleo ran a hand down her face. Chasing them is exhausting, and none of us signed up to kick alien butt full-time. It’s pulling us away from important conservation work.

We have to do this. If we’re all dead, we can’t save any animals, Dallin said.

He’s blunt, but always truthful. Sloane’s smile was wicked. She glanced at the door. Where’s Hunter? I can’t remember the last time I didn’t see your sexy shadow lurking close by.

Worry crossed Cleo’s face. He’s asleep. He didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. It’s not like him.

Sloane giggled. Let me guess, it’s all that hot sex you’ve been having. It’s wearing you both out by the looks of it.

Cleo arched an eyebrow. I wish it was that. But by the time we’ve finished for the day, we crash into bed and sleep the whole night. Sexy times aren’t even on my mind.

You sound like an old married couple, Sloane said. Don’t let things get stale too fast. I’ve got some tips if you’re out of ideas for getting his attention.

No, it’s not that. We’re both willing, but we’re so busy fending off the demands of High Command and working on this antidote, that we can’t focus on anything else. The Siblet are a real passion killer.

There’s always time for a little bump and grind. Sloane flashed a saucy look at Dallin. Isn’t that right, sugar?

He turned away, pretending not to have heard her. Cleo, if you need an energy boost, I can help. The same goes for Hunter, although his own healing ability should compensate for any exhaustion he’s experiencing.

Thanks, but I’m okay. A few nights of uninterrupted sleep and finally defeating the Siblet, and I’ll be back to normal.

We’ll keep working on the samples, Sloane said.

Good. I have another meeting to get to with High Command. And the Apexian leaders will sit in on this one, so we need to show progress. This development with the nanotechnology is just what we need. Keep working on these new findings and let me know if you find anything else.

Dallin turned back to her and nodded. Of course.

Angel walked through the door just as Cleo had scooped up Pluto and settled him back on her shoulder. Her pink hair was pulled off her face and the sleeves of her jumpsuit were pulled up to reveal her tattoos. Hey, have you had anyone in here complaining about feeling unwell?

Dallin shook his head. Not to me. He looked at Sloane. She was often the shoulder to lean on when people wanted to unburden. She was always so sweet to everyone.

Sloane jutted out her bottom lip. I’ve had no one rolling in saying they’re unwell. Why, what’s up?

Angel’s gaze ran over Cleo. I’m not sure. Are you feeling okay? You look pale. When did you last sleep?

I’ve been better, but it’s just tiredness. What were you saying about people feeling unwell? Cleo said.

Two members of the crew showed up an hour ago. Both had the same symptoms. They felt tired, sick, and were having visual hallucinations. When the first one came in, I thought it was something they ate, but now I’m wondering if it’s a bug doing the rounds. Have you had any of those symptoms, Cleo?

I’ve been feeling tired, but nothing else.

Come and see me if you get any worse. Angel pulled out a scanner and ran it over Cleo.

She waved her away. Please don’t find anything wrong with me. I’m too busy to be sick.

Angel chuckled. That’s what they all say. I’ll run a few tests and make sure it’s nothing serious. And get some rest. You look like death warmed up.

Thanks for the compliment, Cleo said.

Angel grinned. I’m thinking I should run the crew through a health scan. I don’t want anything spreading around.

You want to do that to all crew? Mission and support staff?

It would be sensible. We can catch this thing before it gets too many of us. I can make the arrangements. It won’t mean extra work for you.

Okay. You’re our medical expert, so if you think it’s necessary, Cleo said.

I do. I’ll get right on it.

I’ll come with you. I need an update on your work with Atticus before I meet with High Command.

Sure. Follow me, Angel said.

Cleo and Angel said a quick goodbye to Dallin and Sloane and then left.

Dallin tensed as Sloane rested a hand against his forehead. What are you doing?

Checking to see if you have a temperature. I don’t want you coming down with this bug.

It’s probably not a bug. Angel’s being overly cautious. He stood, his hands clenched by his sides, resisting the urge to wrap them around Sloane.

She was so close that her breath tickled his chin. She was taller than most of the female humans he’d met, but still seemed small when they were this close.

Humans seemed fragile, and it still amazed Dallin how they survived in space. They had no natural defenses, weak nails, blunt teeth, and no special skills that made them good in a fight. But he’d learned by working with Sloane that they were also plucky, determined, and surprisingly smart.