Page 26 of (Mostly) Human Resources

“Okay, all that aside, why would Elliot suddenly go after something that’slikelyextinct?”

He couldn’t tell if she was directing the question at him or at the universe, but he answered nonetheless.

“Because it’s a fascinating creature worth investigating, and being the first person to document, or rather,verify, a creature is the highest honor.”

“Not without proper paperwork and permission, it’s not.” Alexys fixed him a steely look.

“The thrill of monster-hunting stardom can make people do dangerous things. Even shirk the rules.”

A dry, annoyed sound escaped Alexys’s lips. “We haverulesin place for a reason. Preciselythisreason,” she said, waving at the wall.

“Oh, Keane, rules ruin all the fun.” Nic winked at her, and he had to bite back a grin.

Alexys took too much pride in her work to accept an employee going rogue. She was probably even foolish enough to chase after him, and since Nic already planned on both trying to stop Elliotandhunt down the Hollow Walker, for once, their goals were wonderfully aligned.

“We should make a plan, we don’t want to lose too much time,” Nic said.

“We?” Alexys shrieked.

“We indeed. You and me, Keane.”

“Absolutely not. You might be smarter than me, Dyre, but this is my jurisdiction, my Warden,myproblem.” She folded her arms, chin lifting slightly in defiance. “You can share any otherpertinentinformation with me, and then you can leave.”

So stubborn.

She was probably the most bull-headed person he’d ever been forced to work with.

Nic stepped up to her, towering over her as she glared up at him. He crossed his arms over his chest. “All thepertinentdetails in the world wouldn’t be nearly as helpful as an onsite expert.”

“An expert pain in my ass,” Alexys growled. They stood chest-to-chest, but she had to tilt her head back to make eye contact with him. “Fine. Forget about it. I don’tneedyour help.”

“Yes, you most certainly do, I’m afraid.”

She was standing so close, Nic could smell the sweet scent of her shampoo. She could have lit him on fire with the heat of her gaze, and he wondered if anyone else managed to get under her skin like he did. She was always so restrained at work. It was rare to see such fury in her, he almost admired it.

Nic sighed. “I’m not going anywhere, Keane. I’m here to help, and I’m not leaving now that I’ve confirmed my suspicions. If Elliot has, in fact, gone to Mercyhill, you’ll need a whole lot more than a POA and good intent. I’m staying.”

“Whatever.” She pushed past. “Do whatever you want, Dyre.”

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“To my room.”

Nic winced. “I believe you meanourroom.”

He watched her grab the door handle and freeze. Her shoulders tensed, and Nic watched that tension ripple down the muscles of her back. Her hand tightened on the door handle until her knuckles turned white.

“What did you say?” She spoke so softly he almost didn’t hear her.

“Our room,” he repeated in a carefully casual tone. “We’re sharing.”

The door handle should have snapped under her grip.

“Dyre.” Alexys slowly turned to face him, expression thunderous. “What the hell did you do?”

CHAPTER 15

“Safety is of the utmost importance. Although a Warden’s job is a very solitary one, the connections you make in the field and with each other can be invaluable. Never underestimate the usefulness of another set of knowledgeable eyes and ears in the field.”