Page 27 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
“I’ll crawl toward the nearest one. I need to log it in the database to file a formal report.”
“I should go,” she says. “They’re used to me. I’ve been around them before. Plus, my outfit blends into the vegetation. Yours... not so much.”
I frown, clearly not loving this plan. I eye her outfit—again. She’s got a point.
But the idea of her putting herself at risk makes my stomach turn.
She holds out her hand, eyes locked with mine, unwavering. Once again, I give in—fully aware that I’ll regret it.
“I shouldn’t even be considering this,” I grumble.
Still, I hand her the scanner.
“You hold it like this, finger on the trigger. When you’re a few feet from the target, the screen lights up. Hold the trigger until it’s done scanning. Should take less than a minute.”
“Got it,” she nods.
She doesn’t look scared. Meanwhile, I’m on the verge of a panic attack.
“Just... be careful. Logan’ll kill me if I bring you back in pieces.”
“If we’re treating these things like giant cows, I guess I’m officially a cowgirl now,” she laughs.
This is not funny. We should call the whole thing off.
I step close enough to smell her shampoo. My eyes drift to her lips—full, soft. They start moving toward mine, or maybe it’s the other way around.
I can’t tell.
My heart races.
What the hell am I doing?
She half-closes her eyes, waiting for the kiss I desperately want to give her.
Instead, I pull myself together, pivot, and whisper in her ear.
“Sam, these animals are nothing like cows. Their hides look armored, and they’re huge. I’m serious. Be careful.”
She pulls away, eyes wide, disappointment written all over her face.
Yeah, sweet girl—I know what you were hoping for.
Not gonna happen. Not ever.
She turns silently and begins crawling toward the herd.
I keep my eyes on her, every muscle in my body tensed. I’ve got my blaster set to stun, but it’s probably useless against a whole herd. Their skin might be too tough anyway.
She vanishes into the tall grass, her ridiculously arousing outfit surprisingly perfect for this terrain.
Then... nothing.
No movement. No sign of her.
My heart starts pounding. Panic sets in. I grab my blaster and move in.
Suddenly, she pops up, grinning like a kid, holding the scanner and giving me a thumbs-up.
