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She nodded. “I have degrees in zoology and anthropology. I did my research thesis on the monsters in the Monterey area of California. On their habitat, hunting, and breeding behaviors.”

“I think Jess should be able to give us some insight on these new behaviors you’ve been seeing,” Cruz said.

“I don’t think these changes make a difference.” I met her gaze. “Shoot them and kill them.”

“That’s what we’ve been doing for thirty years,” she said. “But I think they’re evolving. We need to understand them, if we’re ever going to completely eradicate them.”

“Jess, I need to warn you that our final spot on the squad…” Jameson grimaced. “We haven’t been able to keep any recruits for long.”

Marc grinned. “Some might say it’s cursed.”

She smiled at him. “I’m always up for a challenge.”

I frowned. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her being on the squad. We had a rhythm that worked for us. We’d all grown up together and knew each other well. A stranger might upset the balance.

It could get people killed.

My gut tightened. That was something I wouldn’t let happen. Not on my watch.

Jameson nodded. “Then welcome to Hunter Squad.”

A siren sounded, blaring through the base.

“And it looks like you’re going to get a trial by fire. That’s our callout.” Jameson turned. “Hunter Squad, suit up.”

Jess met my gaze, and her smile held a hint of challenge. The others walked away, leaving just the two of us.

“I hope you’re as good as they say,” I said.

Her chin lifted. “I am.”

“This squad, those men…they’re like brothers to me.”

“It doesn’t matter who’s on my squad, I’ll always have their back.”

I stared into her dark eyes for a beat. “I guess I’ll need to see it to believe it.”

She gave me one last look, then strode ahead of me, walking confidently, her ponytail swaying.

I shook my head. My gut said that Jessica Ramos would last about as long as our last few recruits.

Before I knew it, she’d be gone.

Blowing out a breath, I fought back my reaction to her. I needed to get my mind off our latest recruit, and onto the monster we had to kill.