Collecting the tools needed for survival is her talent, but a male of the Water Folk is something she is dying to add to her collection.

Emharo has spent her time collecting biological samples from the world around her and giving them to her family for analysis. She can find anything you need—you just have to ask.

Rivvin is a member of the Water Folk, and from the first time he saw this woman in his element, he knew that she was far more than she appeared to be and far more vulnerable than she pretended to be. She will be a challenging mate and a feisty partner if he can only convince her that she needs to add him to her collection.

Excerpt:

Emharo looked up at the bright ball of the sun and smiled. It made her mind up for her. She carefully put her sample bag up where the shifting surf could not reach it and was slipping out of her shirt when a transport skimmed around the headland and came toward her.

It must be the specialists from the mother ship of the Nine.

The transport flew past her and up the beach. Its air cushion spewed sand left and right until it moved up to the ridge and approached the lab.

“Well, if everyone is over there, I think it is time for me to cool down.” Her parents wouldn’t begrudge her a short swim, and she might find another sample to take back to them.

She wore undergarments made of cured fish skin, and the leather made supportive and waterproof underwear. Em removed her outerwear and folded it neatly, tucking it up where it would remain dry. With a knife strapped to her thigh and a fishing spear in one hand, she went into the water to do some collecting.

* * * *

“Doctor Harold Baker, Doctor Emaline Baker, please allow me to introduce Morro Nefurik, biologist and Weelar Tish, chef. They have been invited by our government to run their own tests on native species in an effort to replenish some stores on their ship.” Daphne Leoraki smiled as she made the introductions.

Morro cleared his throat. “Rivvin Sequelar is also with us, but he required some time in the sea before joining us here. We dropped him just past the headland, and he is swimming in.”

“Swimming?” Emaline Baker blinked and frowned toward the headland with a worried expression.

“Yes, Dr. Baker. He is of the Water Folk, and he has been craving open water for years. The temptation was too much to resist.”

Emaline Baker looked to her husband. “Call her. See if she answers.”

Harold Baker went to a primitive com unit and tried to make a connection. “Em. Em, are you there?”

Dr. Emaline Baker covered her eyes. “Something tells me that your associate is about to get an eyeful.”