HUNTER’S MOON

BOUNTY HUNTER BITES 2

AVA YORK

CONTENTS

Lina

Lina

Tharion

Lina

Tharion

Lina

Tharion

Lina

Tharion

Lina

Tharion

Lina

Epilogue: Lina

LINA

The bustling Adtera bazaar thrummed with life, a riot of colors, scents, and sounds assaulting my senses. I weaved through the crush of bodies, dodging merchants hawking their wares and customers bartering with guttural tones. Giant orange fronds from a Myrcian plant trader swayed overhead, brushing my cheek with their subtle floral fragrance.

“Freshest loratun roots in the galaxy!” A grizzled Bornathi waved a twisted purple vegetable under my nose. “Plump and juicy, perfect for your evening stew!”

I waved him off politely. “No, thank you. I’m just here for Arin’s teas.”

The familiar mustiness of dried herbs and bark greeted me as I approached Arin Tal’s storefront. The round-bellied Lokvian shuffled about behind the wooden counter, his tentacles deftly scooping various blends into bags.

“Ah, Lina! Here for the doctor’s usual, I take it?” His bulbous eyes crinkled in a friendly smile.

I grinned back. “You know me too well.”

A commotion from a nearby stall drew my attention. A sharp-toothed Ghilam trader bickered animatedly with a customer, his tail lashing back and forth. Snippets of their guttural speech drifted over.

“…finest quality, I swear on my ancestors’ graves!”

“Please, even a newborn could see you’re trying to pawn off scraps!”

Chuckling under my breath, I turned back to find Arin slumped behind the counter, face frozen in a rictus of pain. My smile faded.

“Arin? Arin!” I vaulted over the counter, crouching beside him. His breaths came in ragged huffs, eyes unfocused. A dark stain blossomed across his tunic.

No, no, not like this…

“Hang on, Arin, I’ll get help!” But his gnarled hand clamped around my wrist with surprising strength.

“Run…” he wheezed, flecks of blue-green blood staining his lips. “…assassin…trap…”

His grip went slack, head lolling back. Panic clawed at my throat as I fumbled for a pulse…nothing. I squeezed my eyes shut against the sting of tears.

Arin Tal, the jovial tea seller, dead on the floor of his own shop.

The clatter of overturned shelves jerked my head up. A towering, quad-armed figure garbed in black robes emerged from the back room, pouches bulging with plundered goods. Fear sluiced down my spine like ice water.

I scurried behind a tower of containers, chest heaving as I fought to control my ragged breathing. The Nerath assassin stalked towards the exit, oblivious to my presence…until a stray can clattered from my trembling hands.

Those soulless amber eyes snapped right to me.

I bolted for the door, sucking in desperate gulps of the crowded street’s thick, spice-laden air. Bodies jostled me from all sides as I plunged headlong into the churning mass of people. A powerful hand clamped around my arm, wrenching me backwards—

—and I found myself face-to-face with the assassin. Terror leached the strength from my limbs. Those merciless eyes bored into me, promising a cruel demise.

Twisting free of his grasp, I sprinted wildly through the teeming bazaar, merchants and shoppers parting before me with shouts of surprise. I chanced a look over my shoulder—the assassin shoved people aside with his massive arms, an unstoppable force slicing through the chaos in pursuit.

My foot snagged on something—the ground rushed up with brutal force. I sprawled across the hard-packed dirt, the wind knocked from my lungs. Gasping, I craned my neck just as the assassin bore down on me, arm raising for a final, fatal blow—

A massive, swinging basket of exotic fruits crashed into the assassin’s torso, knocking him sideways. Ripe, purple-skinned melons tumbled across the dusty ground, their juicy flesh splitting open. The irate merchant’s curses were lost in the cacophony of the bazaar as chaos erupted around us.

Dazed, I pushed myself up on shaky limbs only to freeze at the shock of familiarity.

As the assassin stumbled, his sleeve rode up, revealing a stark tattoo on his inner forearm. Three muscular arms clasped together in a tight triangle, their fingers interlocked. A sinuous serpent wound through the gaps, its scales gleaming with an unnatural vibrancy. My blood ran cold. The Obsidian Dawn.

What could they want with a simple tea shop?

Danger sense flaring, I snapped back to awareness and flung myself into the maelstrom of the bazaar, trying to get away. A discordant ringing split the cacophony around me. The commpad’s screen flickered to life, revealing Dr. Heylarth’s craggy, scaled face. His amber eyes narrowed with concern, the light glinting off his metallic horns. Even through the small screen, his imposing dragon-like presence made me feel safer.

“Lina! Where are you? I’ve been trying to reach you for—” The elderly Mondian’s voice cut off as he took in my disheveled appearance. “What happened?”

“Dr. Heylarth! I need help, Arin’s dead and there are assassins after m—”

An iron grip seized my wrist, wrenching the commpad away and slamming it to the ground with a sickening crunch. I whirled to face another black-robed Nerath, fanged maw twisted into a sadistic grin.

That was enough to spur me harder. I broke into a dead sprint towards the nearby spaceport gates, unwilling bystanders scattering before me. The looming shadows of three starships rose beyond the gates—ships taking off soon by the looks of the activity around them.

On pure instinct, I veered towards the largest, most nondescript vessel and sprinted up the entry ramp. A startled mechanic tried to wave me off, but I shoved him aside and bolted deeper into the dim, plasteel corridors.

My heart jackhammered in my chest, every strangled breath burning through me as I tore around one last corner into what looked like…a cargo bay? Unmarked gray containers lined the walls, harsh chemical scents stinging my nostrils. But it would have to do.

I scurried behind the nearest cargo containers just as the unmistakable thrum of repulsors firing up shuddered through the deck plating. Burying my face in my knees, I hugged myself tight as the ship lurched spaceward, bound for…anywhere that wasn’t here.

THARION

I stepped into the smoky den, my nostrils flaring at the stench of cheap liquor and stale sweat. The dim lights cast long shadows across the room, but my vision pierced through the gloom with ease. Bevarik, the Fanaith broker, sat at a table in the corner, surrounded by a small entourage of muscled thugs. Their presence didn’t intimidate me, but it spoke volumes about Bevarik’s paranoia.

As I approached, Bevarik’s features twisted into what I assumed was a smile. His wide, lipless mouth stretched, revealing rows of needle-like teeth.

“Ah, Tharion! So good to see you, my friend. Please, sit down. Can I offer you a drink?”

I remained standing, my arms crossed over my chest. “I’m not here for pleasantries, Bevarik. What’s the job?”

Bevarik’s smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. “Always straight to business, aren’t you? That’s what I admire about you Vinduthi. So focused, so… driven.”

My patience wore thin. I leaned forward, planting my hands on the table. “The job, Bevarik. Now.”

The Fanaith’s bodyguards hands moved to their weapons. I paid them no mind. If they wanted a fight, they’d get one they’d regret.

“Very well, very well.” Bevarik reached into his pocket and pulled out a small holoprojector. With a flick of his webbed fingers, an image flickered to life above the table.

My blood flared. The hologram showed a human female, her auburn hair framing a face that was both delicate and determined. Her green eyes stared right through me, even in this static image.

“Her name is Lina Chivek,” Bevarik said, all business. “Last seen at the Adtera city spaceport, but her trail’s gone cold. The client wants her found and brought in. Alive and unharmed.”

I studied the image, committing every detail to memory. “Who’s the client?”

Bevarik shook his head. “You know that’s not how this works, Tharion. Client confidentiality is paramount in our line of work.”

I grunted in acknowledgment. It wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t unusual either. “What’s the bounty?”

Bevarik named a figure that made even my eyebrows rise. It was a substantial sum, enough to set me up comfortably for a long time.

“That’s… generous,” I said, carefully neutral.

Bevarik’s amphibious features twisted into something resembling a smirk. “The client is very motivated to see this job completed quickly and discreetly.”

I nodded, my mind already racing through the implications. A bounty that high meant trouble, and lots of it. But it also meant I couldn’t afford to pass it up.

“I’ll take it,” I said, straightening up. “Send the details to my ship.”

Bevarik nodded, deactivating the holoprojector. “A pleasure doing business with you, as always, Tharion. Good hunting.”

I turned and left without another word, eager to be out of that foul-smelling den. As I made my way through the winding corridors of the space station, conversations drifted to my sensitive ears.

“…heard the Syndicate’s making a move on the outer sectors…”

“…new hyperdrive tech, supposed to cut travel time in half…”

“…stay away from Sector 7, Fanaith territory now…”

I filed away the information, always on the lookout for anything that might be useful later. The station was a hive of activity, beings from a hundred different worlds bustling about their business. But my mind was focused on one face: Lina’s.

As I approached the docking bay where my ship was berthed, a familiar and unwelcome voice called out.

“Well, well. If it isn’t the great Tharion. Slumming it with the rest of us bounty hunters now, are we?”

I turned to see Marvek, a Lyrikan bounty hunter I’d had the misfortune of crossing paths with before. His silver-white hair was tied back, and his cold grey eyes held a mocking glint.

“Marvek,” I snarled. “I don’t have time for your games.”

He stepped closer, his lean frame coiled with barely contained energy. “Word is, there’s a new bounty out. Big money. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

My patience snapped. In an instant, I closed the distance between us.

“Listen carefully, Marvek, because I’m only going to say this once,” I said. “Stay out of my way. This job is mine. If I so much as catch a whiff of you interfering, they’ll be scraping what’s left of you off the hull of my ship. Understood?”

Marvek’s eyes widened slightly, but to his credit, he didn’t back down. “Big words, Vinduthi. Let’s see if you can back them up.”

I held his gaze for a moment longer, then stepped back. Without another word, I turned and continued toward my ship. As I walked away, I heard Marvek mutter something under his breath, but I didn’t care enough to listen.

My ship, the Mkrani Soko, sat waiting for me in the docking bay. As I approached, some of the tension left my body. This ship was more than just a vessel; it was home.

As I entered the airlock, my mind drifted back to the hologram of the target. Lina. There was something about her, something that tugged at me in a way I couldn’t explain.

Nonsense.

She was just another bounty, nothing more.

But as I settled into the pilot’s seat and began the pre-flight checks, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this job was going to be anything but ordinary.

LINA

The acrid stench of booze and sweat assaulted my nostrils as I pushed through the throng of bodies in the dimly lit cantina. My stomach growled. Three days ago I’d slunk out of that cargo hold to find myself on Lakaris, the notorious underground city carved into the giant moon, Belond.

I’d heard stories of this moon—once a lawless pirate haven, now with its upper levels tamed for thrill-seeking tourists. But nothing had prepared me for the reality. The air felt thick, recycled, carrying unfamiliar scents. Neon signs flickered above a maze of corridors and ramshackle dwellings, hinting at the dangers that still lurked the lower you went. The lower depths were ruled by ruthless gangs, making it the perfect blend of surface-level respectability and underlying lawlessness—the ideal place to disappear.

At least, I hoped so. Because I was out of credits, and out of options.

I approached the cantina’s bar, my eyes fixed on the Orlian bartender. His sand-colored skin shimmered in the low light, and the membranous appendages on his arms fluttered as he mixed drinks with practiced ease.

“Excuse me,” I said, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice. “I’m looking for work. Any chance you need help cleaning or serving drinks?”

The Orlian’s large eyes narrowed as he looked me up and down. “We don’t hire humans here,” he grunted, turning back to his patrons. “Too much trouble.”

I pushed down the frustration and fear threatening to overwhelm me. “Please,” I persisted. “I’m a hard worker. I’ll do anything.”

He ignored me, wiping down the bar with a rag that had seen better days. I stood there, feeling increasingly invisible as the minutes ticked by.

Finally, he glanced back at me with a sigh. “Fine. You can clean tables. Two credits an hour. Don’t expect more.”

Relief washed over me. “Thank you,” I said, meaning it. “I’m Lina. And you are?”

“Kel,” he replied shortly. “Now get to work. Those tables won’t clean themselves.”

I nodded, grabbing a rag and a spray bottle from behind the bar. As I worked, I was invisible to the customers, conversations flowing freely around me.

“Did you hear about the latest Crag-Worm races?” a squeaky voice asked. “I’ve got 500 credits on Blue Lightning.”

“You’re a fool,” his companion replied. “Everyone knows the Vinduthi are fixing those races. You might as well flush your money down the waste chute.”

I filed that information away, moving to the next table. A group of Lykan traders huddled close, speaking in hushed tones.

“The shipment’s coming in tomorrow night. If we play our cards right, we could make a fortune.”

“Quiet, you idiot,” another hissed. “You want the whole cantina to hear?”

I kept my head down, pretending I hadn’t heard a word. The last thing I needed was to get caught up in some illicit scheme.

As the night wore on, my arms ached from the repetitive motions of cleaning. My feet throbbed, and exhaustion threatened to overtake me. But I pushed through, knowing I couldn’t afford to lose this job.

When the last patron finally stumbled out, Kel approached me. “Not bad,” he said, his tone slightly less annoyed than before. “You can sleep in the back room. Be ready to open at 0600.”

I nodded gratefully, following him to a small, cluttered storage room. A thin blanket lay folded in the corner. It wasn’t much, but it was better than the streets.

As I settled onto the hard floor, my mind drifted to Dr. Heylarth. Was he worried about me? Did he even know I was gone? I pushed the thoughts away, knowing they’d only lead to tears. I needed to focus on survival now.

Sleep came fitfully, punctuated by strange dreams of red eyes and pointed teeth. When Kel woke me at dawn, I felt as if I’d barely closed my eyes.

The next three days fell into a grueling routine. Clean tables, serve drinks, dodge wandering hands, sleep for a few hours, repeat.

On the second day Kel gave me a battered old commpad to take orders with. My hopes soared. I could contact Dr. Heylarth, get help, get home!

But this was just a dumb tablet, slaved to the system behind the bar. No way to get a message out. I was still just as stuck as I’d been before.

On the fourth night, as I wiped down a particularly sticky table, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Slowly, I turned, my heart pounding in my chest.

There, at the bar, sat a Vinduthi male. His gray skin seemed to glow in the low light, dark green markings swirling across his left cheek and arm. His gaze was cold and compelling.

I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. It was as if time itself had stopped.

And then he smiled, revealing sharp, pointed teeth.

Every instinct screamed at me to run, but my feet remained rooted to the spot. He stood, his lean, muscular form uncoiling with predatory grace. As he approached, I caught a whiff of something spicy and exotic - a scent that made my head swim.

“You’re new here,” he said, a dangerous purr.

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. “Just started a few days ago.”

He leaned against the table I’d been cleaning, invading my personal space. I took an involuntary step back.

“I’m Tharion,” he said, flashing those sharp teeth again. “And you are?”

“Lina,” I replied, hating how small my voice sounded. I should have lied, but my mind went blank.

His eyes roamed over me, making me acutely aware of my grimy work clothes and disheveled appearance. “Human, aren’t you? Rare to see your kind in these parts.”

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Just passing through.”

Tharion chuckled, a sound that was both alluring and terrifying. “Aren’t we all?” His hand reached out, fingers brushing a strand of hair from my face. I flinched at the contact, his skin surprisingly warm.

“I… I should get back to work,” I stammered, looking around for Kel. But the Orlian bartender was nowhere to be seen.

“Surely you can spare a moment for conversation,” Tharion purred. “I find humans… fascinating.”

The way he said ‘fascinating’ made my skin crawl. I took another step back, bumping into a nearby table. “Really, I need to finish up here.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, a predatory glint sharpening his gaze. “Running away so soon? And here I thought we were just getting acquainted.”

My heart raced as I realized I was trapped between him and the table. I glanced towards the back of the cantina, wondering if I could make it to the storage room.

Watching me, Tharion’s lip curled into a smirk. “Thinking of bolting, little human? I wouldn’t advise it. The lower levels of the city can be… dangerous at night.”

“I can take care of myself,” I said, trying to inject some steel into my voice.

He laughed, the sound sending chills down my spine. “I’m sure you can. But why take the risk when you have my… protection?”

The way he said ‘protection’ made it clear it was anything but. I needed to leave.

Now.

“I appreciate the offer,” I said, forcing a smile, “but I really should finish up. Maybe another time?”

Tharion’s eyes flashed, and for a moment, I thought he might grab me. But then he stepped back, giving me a mock bow. “As you wish, Lina. But don’t think this is the last you’ll see of me.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak, and quickly made my way to the back. As soon as I was out of sight, I bolted for the storage room, my heart hammering in my chest.

I grabbed my few meager possessions and slipped out the back door into the alley behind the cantina. The cool night air hit my face, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

Tharion’s interest in me was dangerous, and I couldn’t risk staying any longer. I’d have to find another job, another place to hide.

As I hurried down the twisting corridor, I heard footsteps behind me. Slow, measured steps that echoed in the quiet night. I quickened my pace, not daring to look back.

The footsteps continued, unhurried but persistent. I broke into a run, my heart pounding in my ears. I turned a corner, then another, trying to lose my pursuer in the maze-like back streets.

But no matter how fast I ran or how many turns I took, those steady footsteps followed. He wasn’t even bothering to run. He was stalking me, like a predator toying with its prey.

I ducked into a narrow passageway, pressing myself against the wall and trying to catch my breath. The footsteps stopped.

All I could hear was the sound of my own ragged breathing.

Then, from the darkness, came Tharion’s voice, smooth and amused. “Did you really think you could outrun me, little human?”

THARION

Istalked her through the corridors of the city’s underbelly, my senses razor-sharp. The human female’s scent lingered in the air. It drew me in, made me want to chase her even more.

But I held back, content to follow at a distance. This was a hunt, after all, and the thrill of pursuit sang in my blood.

The lower levels of the station buzzed with activity. Shady vendors hawked their wares from makeshift stalls, the air thick with the smell of exotic foods and illicit substances. I passed a Volek mercenary haggling over the price of a plasma rifle, his tentacled face twisted in annoyance.

“Come on, you overgrown squid,” the Ewani merchant squeaked. “This beauty’s worth twice what I’m asking.”

I ignored their bickering, my focus solely on my prey. She darted through the crowd, her auburn hair a beacon in the sea of aliens. Every now and then, she’d glance back, her eyes wide with fear when she caught sight of me.

The crowd parted as I passed, conversations dying mid-sentence. Even hardened criminals gave me a wide berth. They knew better than to get between a Vinduthi and his quarry.

“Did you see that?” a nearby Fanaith whispered to his companion. “It’s one of them Vinduthi. On the hunt, by the looks of it.”

“Poor bastard,” his friend replied. “Wouldn’t want to be whoever he’s after.”

I allowed myself a small smile, baring my pointed canines. Let them talk. Their fear only made this more enjoyable.

The human female ducked down a side passage, and I followed, unhurried. She was tiring, her steps slowing. I could have caught her at any time, but something held me back. There was more to this chase than just the bounty.

Her scent called to me in a way I’d never experienced before. It stirred something primal within me, a hunger that went beyond mere physical desire.

It was just the thrill of the hunt.

Nothing more.

A section of the corridor ahead was sealed off, forcing her to change direction. She hesitated, giving me a clear view of her face. Even twisted with fear and exhaustion, she was beautiful.

I shook off the feeling, focusing on the chase. This was business, nothing more. I repeated it like a mantra, trying to convince myself.

As we entered a more open area of the station, conversations swirled around me.

“Heard the Crag-Worm races are fixed,” a shrill voice said excitedly.

“Nah, that’s old news,” his companion replied. “The real money’s in - hey, watch it!”

I brushed past them, my eyes locked on my target. She was slowing down, fatigue evident in every movement. Just a little further, and she’d be mine.

Suddenly, a golden light flashed across my vision. The human female cried out in shock as an energy net enveloped her, sending her crashing to the ground. Fury erupted within me, a roar tearing from my throat.

“Who dares?” I snarled, rushing to her side. The net crackled with energy, pinning her to the floor. Her eyes met mine, filled with terror.

I reached out to free her, my mind racing. Who would dare interfere with my hunt? As my fingers touched the net, pain exploded through my body. Another net, this one crackling with blue energy, wrapped around me.

I struggled against it, my strength straining against the bonds. But before I could break free, a third net hit me, then a fourth. The world began to spin, and the last thing I saw before losing consciousness was the human female’s face, her expression unreadable.

As blackness claimed me, one thought echoed through my mind:

This wasn’t over.

Someone would pay for this.

I WOKE with a pounding headache and a mouth that tasted like recycled garbage. The cold, hard surface beneath me did nothing to improve my mood. As awareness returned, memories flooded back - the chase, the nets, the ambush. Fury coursed through my veins, hot and potent.

My eyes snapped open, taking in the dim cell. Bare metal walls, a single flickering light, and the faint hum of energy fields. No windows, no obvious weak points. Whoever had captured us knew what they were doing.

Us. The human female. Lina.

I sat up, ignoring the protest of sore muscles, and scanned the small space. There, crumpled in the corner, lay her still form. My breath caught as I took in her torn clothing, the bruises forming on her exposed skin.

Rage, white-hot and all-consuming, threatened to overwhelm me. How dare they harm her? She was mine to hunt, mine to… protect?

The thought gave me pause.

I’d obviously hit my head when we were captured.

I just needed to assess her condition.

I moved to her side, my senses picking up her steady heartbeat and shallow breathing. Relief flooded through me, followed quickly by confusion at my own reaction. Why should I care about her well-being? She was just a job, nothing more.

But as I looked down at her fragile form, something stirred within me. An unfamiliar urge to gather her close, to shield her from further harm. I shook my head, trying to clear these foreign thoughts.

A soft groan escaped her lips as she began to stir. Her eyelids fluttered, then snapped open. Fear flooded her gaze as she took in my looming presence.

“Stay back!” she cried, scrambling away until her back hit the wall.

Her fear… it bothered me. More than it should have. I’d reveled in inspiring terror before, but now it left a sour taste in my mouth.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” I said, my voice low and as gentle as I could manage.

She eyed me warily, clearly not believing me. “Where are we? What happened?”

I clenched my jaw, struggling to piece together the fragmented memories of our capture. The throbbing in my head made it difficult to focus, but I forced myself to concentrate.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice rougher than usual. “We were ambushed. Energy nets. Professional job.”

Lina’s eyes darted around the cell, her breathing quick and shallow. I could smell the fear radiating off her in waves, mixed with something else – a scent that made my blood tingle.

“Who are they? What do they want?”

Before I could respond, the low hum of the energy field intensified. A section of the wall shimmered and dissolved, revealing a hulking figure silhouetted against the brighter light of the corridor beyond.

Our captor stepped into the cell, the energy barrier reforming behind him. He was a Krelaxian, his leathery skin a mottled green and brown. Thick arms crossed over his barrel chest, each ending in wickedly sharp claws.

“Well, well,” he rumbled, his voice like gravel in a cement mixer. “The famous Vinduthi bounty hunter and his little human prize. Comfortable?”

I rose to my feet, positioning myself between Lina and the Krelaxian. A growl built in my chest, my pointed canines bared in a snarl.

“Who are you?” I demanded. “What do you want with us?”

The Krelaxian’s lipless mouth stretched in what might have been a smile. “Always so direct, you Vinduthi. No appreciation for subtlety.” He paced the small cell, his multiple eyes never leaving us. “You can call me Grax. As for what I want… information.”

Lina shifted behind me, her small hand tentatively touching my back.

“We don’t know anything,” Lina said, her voice steadier than I expected.

Grax’s attention snapped to her, and I had to resist the urge to lunge at him. “Oh, but I think you do, little one. You just might not realize it yet.”

He turned back to me, his expression hardening. “Here’s the deal, Vinduthi. Get the information we need out of your human, and we’ll cut you loose. Hell, we might even throw in a bonus. I hear you’re not opposed to a bit of… flexible morality when the price is right.”

My gut flared hot with anger. “And if I refuse?”

Grax’s claws extended with an ominous click. “Then things get very unpleasant for both of you. Starting with her.”

Red tinged my vision at the threat. I took a step forward, coiled and ready to strike. But Grax merely laughed, tapping a device on his wrist. The energy field crackled ominously.

“I wouldn’t,” he warned. “This barrier is calibrated specifically for Vinduthi physiology. One touch, and you’ll be writhing on the floor in agony. Not a pretty sight.”

“What information could a human possibly have that’s worth all this?”

Grax’s multiple eyes blinked in sequence. “That’s for us to know and you to find out. You have one hour. Get creative.”

With that, he stepped back through the energy barrier, leaving us alone once more.

I turned to Lina, taking in her pale face and wide eyes. She looked so fragile, so human. Yet there was a steel in her gaze that spoke of hidden depths.

“Are you alright?” I asked, my voice softer than I intended.

She nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. “I’m fine. But what are we going to do?”

I drummed my fingers on the wall in frustration. “I don’t know. But I’m not going to let them hurt you.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Lina’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Why?” she asked. “I thought you were hunting me. Why do you care what happens to me now?”

The truth was, I didn’t know why I cared. But I did. At least a little bit.

Before I could respond, voices drifted through the thin walls of our cell.

“We’ll have the prize before those Obsidian Dawn bastards even know what hit them,” Grax chuckled. “The human girl is the key. Once we extract the information…”

The rest of his sentence faded as he moved away, but my mind raced. Obsidian Dawn? Prize? What in the dark hells was going on here?

The conversation faded as the speakers moved away, but it left me with more questions than answers. I looked at Lina, studying her face for any sign of recognition.

“Does any of that mean anything to you?” I asked.

She shook her head, but I caught the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “I don’t know what they’re talking about. I’m nobody special.”

I wasn’t so sure about that.

LINA

The cold metal floor bit into my skin as I huddled in the corner of our cell. My heart raced, memories of the Obsidian Dawn assassin flashing through my mind. The dark stain on Arin’s tunic, the glint of the assassin’s blade, the tattoo on their wrist - it all swirled together in a nauseating blur.

“Why didn’t they just kill me?” I muttered, more to myself than to him.

Tharion’s deep voice rumbled through the cell. “They want something from you. Information, perhaps.”

I let my head fall back. “I don’t know anything.”

“Are you certain?”

The question hung in the air. Was I certain? Arin had been acting strangely before… No. I pushed the thought away.

“I can’t trust you,” I said, meeting Tharion’s gaze. “I don’t even know why you’re here.”

He let out a low chuckle. “Fate has a twisted sense of humor. I was hunting you, and now we’re both trapped.”

My blood ran cold. “Hunting me?”

“A job. Nothing personal.”

I scoffed. “Right. Nothing personal about chasing me into a trap.”

Tharion’s markings seemed to darken as he leaned forward. “Look, human. We’re in this together now. Like it or not, we need each other to survive.”

I wanted to argue, to push him away. But he was right.

“Fine,” I relented. “So what’s the plan?”

Tharion studied me, his gaze intense. “Why did you have a bounty on your head?”

The question caught me off guard. My heart skipped a beat as I processed his words. “What? There’s a bounty on me?”

He nodded, his expression unreadable. “That’s why I was hunting you. It’s a considerable sum.”

My hands trembled as I wrapped my arms around myself. “You took the job without even knowing why?”

Tharion shrugged, his lean muscles rippling beneath his gray skin. “It’s a job. Didn’t really matter.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My life was just another paycheck to him. The cold metal of the cell leeched the warmth from my body.

“I was just doing the shopping for Dr. Heylarth,” I whispered. “Everything went crazy after that.”

Tharion’s brow furrowed. “Who’s Heylarth?”

I balled my hands into fists, slowly relaxed them, trying to steady my nerves. “He owns my indenture papers.” But that didn’t explain it all. “But he’s never been cruel. He must be so worried about me.”

Something flashed across Tharion’s face - a tightening of his jaw, a narrowing of his eyes. He looked almost… grumpy. But why would he care?

“Dr. Heylarth is an elderly Mondian,” I tried again, the words tumbling out. “Apparently he’s had some sort of exciting life and spends his days locked up in his study, writing a memoir. He’s kind, patient. Nothing like most owners.”

Tharion’s posture relaxed slightly. “Go on,” he prompted.

The stale air of the cell filled my lungs. “I went to the bazaar to get his favorite tea. Arin Tal… the tea merchant. He was fine, and I looked away, and then he was dead. And then I saw the assassin - and saw they were part of Obsidian Dawn.”

Tharion leaned forward, his interest piqued. “How did you recognize them?”

The memories I’d tried so hard to bury came rushing back. My hands began to shake uncontrollably. “I know their mark too well. The Obsidian Dawn ran the first space station where I was first indentured. They were terrible - slavers in all but name.” My voice cracked. “Dr. Heylarth saved me from that hell.”

I couldn’t stop the tremors wracking my body. The cell closed in around me, the walls pressing closer. I gasped for air, feeling like I might shatter at any moment.

Suddenly, strong arms encircled me. Tharion pulled me against his chest, his warmth enveloping me. I should have resisted, should have pushed him away. But in that moment, I needed an anchor.

I buried my face in his shoulder, inhaling his scent - something wild and alien, yet oddly comforting. My shaking gradually subsided as he held me, one hand stroking my hair.

“It’s alright,” he murmured, his deep voice rumbling through his chest. “You’re safe now.”

I knew it wasn’t true - we were both prisoners. But for a brief moment, I let myself believe it. When I finally pulled away, I felt steadier.

Tharion’s expression was thoughtful as he released me. “We need a plan,” he said, his tone all business once more. “Our captors took all my weapons and tools. We’ll have to be creative.”

I nodded, wrapping my arms around myself again. “What did you have in mind?”

His eyes glinted in the dim light. “We need to buy some time. The best way to do that…” He trailed off, looking uncomfortable for the first time.

“Is what?” I prompted. “What don’t you want to say?”

“We need to make Grax believe I’m doing what he ordered,” Tharion said, his voice gravelly. “That I’m… hurting you for information.”

My stomach lurched. “What? No, I can’t—”

“It’s just pretend,” he cut me off, his tone softening slightly. “But we have to give him something. And it needs to look real. He’ll be watching.”

My throat was suddenly dry. “How real?”

Tharion’s jaw clenched. “I’ll have to be rough. Pin you against the wall, snarl at you. Nothing too extreme, but… convincing.”

My heart raced, a confusing mix of fear and something else I didn’t want to examine too closely. I nodded, not trusting my voice.

“Ready?” Tharion asked, his muscles tensing.

Before I could respond, he lunged forward. His large hands gripped my upper arms, slamming me against the cold metal wall. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs.

Tharion leaned in close, his hot breath fanning across my face. His pointed canines gleamed as he snarled, “Tell me what I want to know, human!”

I struggled against him. “I can’t answer you because I don’t know! Please!”

He pinned me in place with his body. The heat of him seeped through my thin clothing, a stark contrast to the chill of the wall at my back.

“Liar,” he growled, his face almost brushing mine.

My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could feel it.

“I swear, I don’t—” I began, but he cut me off with a low, menacing growl.

One of his hands moved to my throat, not squeezing, but a clear threat. “You know something about the Obsidian Dawn. Tell me!”

I whimpered, partly for show, but also because of the confusing sensations flooding through me. Fear, yes, but also… something else. A heat pooling low in my belly, a tingle where our bodies met.

“Stop,” I whispered, my voice breathy. “I’ll tell you everything I know, just… don’t hurt me.”

Tharion’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Could he sense my arousal? The thought both terrified and thrilled me.

His lips brushed my ear. “You’re doing well,” he murmured, so quietly I could barely hear. “Keep it up.”

Then, louder, he snarled, “Start talking!”

My heartbeat drummed in my ears but I had to focus, had to come up with something believable. I made a fist, fought to keep my voice steady, tried to think of any gossip, anything that might work in our favor.

“There were… rumors,” I forced out. “About Arin Tal.”

Tharion’s grip on my throat tightened slightly. “What rumors?” he growled.

I squeezed my eyes shut, partly for effect and partly to block out the distracting sight of his intense red gaze. “People in the marketplace… they whispered about a secret storage space.”

“Where?” Tharion demanded, his breath hot on my cheek.

“I don’t know exactly,” I whimpered. “Somewhere in Adtera. That’s all I heard.”

Tharion snarled, pressing me against the wall, his body far too close to mine for my peace of mind. “You’re lying. Tell me more!”

I tried to focus on my role, on spinning a convincing tale. But my traitorous body had other ideas, leaving my mind blank, thoughts struggling to keep up.

“I swear, that’s all I know!” I cried out, my voice higher than usual. “I was just running errands in the marketplace. I overheard things.”

“Liar,” Tharion hissed, his hand moving from my throat to grip my jaw. “You know more than you’re saying.”

I let out a small, involuntary moan at his touch. Heat flooded my cheeks as I realized how it must have sounded. Tharion’s eyes widened slightly, and I saw a flicker of something in their depths.

“Really,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I’m telling you everything I know. There were whispers about a hidden entrance. Near the old spice market.”

“Go on,” he rumbled, and I quivered at the sound.

“They said Arin had connections. With smugglers, maybe?” I was grasping at straws now, hoping it sounded plausible. “Something about about moving goods off-world without going through official channels.”

Tharion pulled back slightly, studying my face. I held my breath, praying he’d play along convincingly.

“And you expect me to believe you know nothing more?” he snarled, his grip on my arms tightening.

I tried to look terrified and not… whatever else I was feeling. “I swear, that’s all I heard! Please, I… I don’t know anything else!”

Tharion’s eyes bore into mine for a long moment. Then, abruptly, he released me and stepped back. I sagged against the wall, my legs suddenly weak.

“We’ll see if your information proves useful,” Tharion growled, turning away. “For your sake, it had better.”

I slid down the wall, hugging my knees to my chest. My heart was still pounding, and I couldn’t quite catch my breath.

It was just the adrenaline from our act, nothing more.

But as I watched Tharion pace the cell, his powerful form taut with barely contained energy, I knew I was lying to myself. And that terrified me more than any threat from our captors ever could.

THARION

The cell door hissed open, and Grax sauntered in, a smug grin plastered on his face. I kept my expression neutral, not giving him the satisfaction of a reaction.

“Well done, Vinduthi,” his voice dripped with false praise. “Your kind always were cold bastards.”

I met his gaze, my red eyes boring into his. “When do I get out of here?”

Grax chuckled, the sound grating on my nerves. “Patience, my friend. Once we confirm the information, you’ll be free to go.”

“And how long will that take?” I growled, letting a hint of irritation seep into my voice.

“As long as it takes,” Grax replied, his tone suddenly cold. “Don’t forget your place here.”

With that, he turned and left, the door sealing shut behind him.

I wanted to hold Lina, to comfort her after the ordeal we’d just been through. But the ever-present cameras in the cell made that impossible. Instead, I grabbed her roughly, pulling her close as if I were threatening her.

“You did well,” I whispered, my lips barely moving. “You bought us time. I’ll get us out of here.”

Lina’s eyes widened in surprise, but she caught on quickly. She struggled against my grip, playing her part perfectly.

“Let me go, you monster!” she cried, loud enough for the cameras to pick up.

I licked her neck, keeping my voice low. “I’m going to keep you safe. I don’t know why, but that’s what I’m going to do.”

She nodded imperceptibly, then resumed her struggling. “Please, don’t hurt me!”

“Keep it up,” I murmured. “Make it look believable.”

As we continued our charade, I scanned the cell, looking for any weakness we could exploit. The energy fields along the walls hummed with deadly power, and the door was sealed tight.

“I don’t have any weapons or tools,” I said quietly. “Any ideas?”

Lina’s eyes lit up. “My commpad,” she whispered. “The one I used for taking orders at the cantina. It’s in my pocket.”

I grinned. “I can work with that.”

With a show of force for the cameras, I shoved Lina away. She stumbled backwards, her mouth wide with mock fear. I reached into her pocket and pulled out the small commpad.

Before she could react, I smashed it against the floor. The device shattered, its components scattering across the cell.

Lina’s shock was genuine this time. I winked at her, then bent to gather the broken pieces.

My gaze settled on the flickering golden energy fields lining the walls. What I was about to do would hurt. A lot. But it was our only chance.

I approached the nearest energy field, the broken commpad components clutched in my hand. Taking a deep breath, I plunged my arm through the shimmering barrier.

It felt like my flesh was being flayed from my bones, my nerves set ablaze. I gritted my teeth, fighting the urge to scream.

“Stop!” Lina cried out, her voice filled with genuine terror. “It’s going to kill you!”

I ignored her, focusing all my willpower on the task at hand. With trembling fingers, I manipulated the metal components, searching for the right combination to short out the energy field.

My vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, there was a loud pop and a shower of sparks. The energy field flickered and died.

I collapsed to the floor, my body wracked with pain. Lina rushed to my side, her hands fluttering over me uncertainly.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I managed a weak smile. “Aww, were you worried about me?”

She scowled, but I could see the relief in her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want to be stuck in here alone.”

I chuckled, then winced as pain lanced through me. “Help me up. We need to move before they realize what’s happened.”

Lina slipped her arm around my waist, supporting me as I struggled to my feet. We approached the cell door, now the only barrier between us and freedom.

“Any more brilliant ideas?” Lina asked, eyeing the solid metal door.

I grinned, despite the pain. “Just one. Stand back.”

Summoning every shred of strength I had left, I reared back and slammed my fist into the door. The metal dented under the impact, and I struck again and again, ignoring the protests of my battered body.

Finally, with a screech of tearing metal, the door gave way. Alarms blared as we stumbled out into the corridor beyond.

“Come on,” I growled, grabbing Lina’s hand. “We need to move. Now.”

My body screamed in protest as we ran through the dimly lit corridors of the underground base. The pain from the energy field still coursed through my veins, but I pushed it aside. Survival was all that mattered now.

Lina stumbled, her human reflexes slower than mine. I tightened my grip on her hand, practically dragging her along.

“Keep up,” I growled, more harshly than I intended.

“I’m trying,” she snapped.

The alarms continued to blare, the piercing sound echoing off the metal walls. Red emergency lights flashed, casting eerie shadows as we ran.

Fragments of conversation drifted out as we passed sealed doors:

“…breach in sector seven…”

“…Trefter’s gonna have our hides…”

“…that human bitch better be worth it…”

I filed the information away for later. Right now, escape was our priority.

We rounded a corner and skidded to a halt. Three guards blocked our path, their weapons already raised.

“Stop right there!” one of them shouted.

I shoved Lina behind me, my eyes darting around for anything I could use as a weapon. There was nothing but bare walls and flickering lights.

The guards advanced, their energy rifles humming with deadly power.

“Last warning,” the lead guard said. “Stand down or we’ll—”

I didn’t let him finish. With a snarl, I lunged forward, my speed catching them off guard. I slammed into the first guard, driving my fist into his solar plexus. As he doubled over, I grabbed his rifle and swung it like a club, catching the second guard across the face.

The third guard managed to get off a shot, but I twisted away at the last second. The energy bolt sizzled past my ear, close enough that I could smell the ozone.

I brought the rifle up and fired, the recoil jarring my already aching arms. The guard’s chest exploded in a spray of blood and viscera, painting the wall behind him.

The second guard was struggling to his feet. I didn’t give him the chance. Another shot, and he collapsed, a smoking hole where his head used to be.

I turned back to the first guard, who was still on his knees, trying to catch his breath. Our eyes met, and I saw the fear in them. Good. He should be afraid.

“Please,” he wheezed. “I have a family…”

I hesitated for a fraction of a second. Then I remembered where we were, what they had done to us. What they might have done to Lina if I hadn’t been there.

The rifle barked once more, and the guard slumped to the floor.

I turned back to Lina, expecting to see horror on her face. Instead, there was a mixture of awe and… something else. Something that made my blood heat up in a way that had nothing to do with the fight.

“Are you okay?” I asked, my voice raw.

She nodded, her eyes wide. “That was… intense.”

I grunted in acknowledgment, then bent down to search the bodies. I found a smaller sidearm and held it out to her.

“Take this,” I said. “You might need it.”

Lina hesitated, her hands shaking slightly as she reached for the weapon. “I’ve never used one of these before.”

“Point and shoot,” I said, demonstrating the grip. “Try not to hit me.”

She managed a weak smile at that. “I’ll do my best.”

We continued down the corridor, moving as stealthily as we could. The pain in my body had faded to a dull throb, my Vinduthi healing already kicking in. But I knew I was far from peak condition.

As we approached an intersection, I held up a hand, signaling Lina to stop. Voices drifted from around the corner:

“…heard there was a firefight in sector seven…”

“Doesn’t matter. We’ve got orders to secure the human female at all costs.”

“What’s so special about her anyway?”

“Above our pay grade, mate. But word is, she’s got information on some secret planet. Spice, they say. Enough to make the Trefter Syndicate the most powerful outfit in the galaxy.”

“Shit, really? No wonder the Obsidian Dawn’s after her too.”

I glanced at Lina, who looked as confused as I felt. What the hell had she gotten mixed up in?

Before I could ponder it further, footsteps echoed down the hall. They were coming our way.

“Get ready,” I whispered to Lina. “Remember, point and shoot.”

As the first guard rounded the corner, I opened fire. The rifle’s energy bolts tore through his chest, dropping him before he could even cry out.

But there were more behind him. A lot more.

“Run!” I shouted, pushing Lina ahead of me as I laid down covering fire.

Energy bolts whizzed past us as we sprinted down the corridor. I could hear the guards shouting, their heavy footfalls not far behind.

We burst through a set of double doors into a large storage area. Crates and containers were stacked high, creating a maze-like environment.

“This way,” I said, pulling Lina behind a stack of crates just as our pursuers entered the room.

“Find them!” a shrill voice shouted. “They can’t have gone far!”

I peeked around the corner, counting at least eight guards spreading out to search the area. This wasn’t going to be easy.

“Lina,” I whispered, turning to face her. “I need you to create a distraction. Can you do that?”

Her grip tightened on the sidearm. “What do you want me to do?”

“When I give the signal, start shooting. Aim high, over their heads. Just keep them busy while I flank them.”

“Okay,” she said, her voice barely audible. “I can do that.”

I reached out, cupping her face with my free hand. Her skin was soft, warm.

I forgot about the danger we were in, lost in the depths of her eyes.

“Be careful,” I said, surprised by the intensity of my own words.

She leaned into my touch, just for a second. “You too.”

Forcing myself to focus, I moved away, crouching low as I circled around behind the guards. When I was in position, I gave a low whistle.

Lina popped up from behind the crates and started firing. Her aim was wild, but it did the job. The guards ducked for cover, shouting in confusion.

I emerged from my hiding spot, my rifle already blazing. Three guards went down before they even realized what was happening.

But then one of them spotted me. He raised his weapon, aiming not at me, but at Lina.

Time seemed to slow down. I saw his finger tightening on the trigger. Saw Lina, exposed and vulnerable. Saw the energy bolt streaking towards her.

Something inside me snapped.

With a roar that was more animal than sentient, I charged forward. My rifle clattered to the ground, forgotten. I wanted to feel their deaths with my bare hands.

I reached the first guard and tore into him, quite literally. My fingers, suddenly more like claws, ripped through his throat. Blood sprayed, hot and coppery, across my face.

The others tried to react, but they were too slow. Too weak.

I moved among them like a whirlwind of death. Bones crunched under my fists. Flesh tore beneath my teeth. I lost myself in a haze of violence and rage.

When it was over, I stood amidst a sea of broken bodies, panting heavily. Slowly, the red mist faded from my vision, and I became aware of my surroundings again.

Lina stood a few feet away, eyes wide with shock. The sidearm hung limply at her side, forgotten.

“Tharion?” she said hesitantly. “Are you… are you okay?”

I looked down at myself, covered in blood and gore. My hands shook, coming down from the adrenaline high.

“I’m fine,” I growled, my voice rough. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, taking a tentative step towards me. “No, I’m okay. Thanks to you.”

I grunted, uncomfortable with her gratitude. I hadn’t saved her out of any noble impulse. The thought of her being harmed had triggered something primal in me, something I didn’t understand, didn’t want to understand.

“We need to keep moving,” I said, retrieving my rifle from where I’d dropped it. “There will be more coming.”

Lina nodded, falling into step beside me as we made our way towards what I hoped was the exit.

As we moved, I wondered about the snippets of conversation we’d overheard. A secret planet? The Obsidian Dawn? The Trefter Syndicate? What had this human woman gotten herself involved in?

I glanced at her, noting the determination in her eyes, the set of her jaw. Whatever it was, I had a feeling our troubles were far from over.

LINA

Istumbled after Tharion, my legs burning from exertion. The metallic scent of blood clung to him, a constant reminder of the violence we’d just escaped. His gray skin glistened with sweat, the dark green markings on his arms and neck seeming to pulse with each labored breath.

“Tharion.” I reached for his arm. “We need to stop. You’re hurt.”

He turned, his eyes glowing in the dim light of the corridor. “We can’t. They’ll be right behind us.”

A shudder ran through his body. I’d heard stories about the Vinduthi - their strength, their ferocity. But seeing Tharion like this, injured and exhausted, made my heart ache.

“Even Vinduthi need rest,” I insisted, scanning our surroundings. The compound’s stark metal walls offered little in the way of hiding places.

A faint hum caught my attention. I cocked my head, listening. “Do you hear that?”

Tharion nodded. “Ventilation system.”

I spotted a vent cover near the floor, large enough for us to crawl through. “There. We can hide in the ducts.”

Tharion hesitated, then nodded. He knelt by the vent, wincing as he did so, and pried off the cover with ease. I marveled at his strength, even in his weakened state.

“Ladies first,” he said, obviously amused. “Unless you can seal the vent behind us?”

Jerk.

I crawled into the duct, the cool metal soothing against my skin. Tharion followed, replacing the cover behind us. We shuffled along in darkness, the hum of machinery growing louder.

Finally the duct opened into a small maintenance room. Dusty consoles lined the walls, their screens dark and silent. Pipes and wires snaked across the ceiling, creating a maze of shadows.

I helped Tharion out of the duct, noting how he leaned on me more than before. “This should work. We can rest here for a bit.”

He nodded, sliding down against a wall. I knelt beside him, my hands hovering uncertainly over his blood-stained clothes.

“I’m fine,” he growled, but his eyes betrayed his pain.

“Let me help,” I insisted, reaching for the hem of his shirt.

Tharion caught my wrist, his touch surprisingly gentle. “Why do you care?”

I met his gaze, struck by the honest confusion there. “Because… because you saved me. And because no one deserves to suffer alone.”

He released my wrist, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “You’re an odd one, Lina.”

I helped him remove his shirt, revealing a canvas of gray skin and swirling green. A deep gash ran across his ribs, still oozing blood.

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” Tharion said, noticing my concern. “We heal quickly.”

I tore a strip from my own shirt, using it to clean the wound as best I could. Tharion watched me work, his expression unreadable.

A distant clang echoed through the vents, making us both freeze. Tharion’s arm wrapped around me, pulling me against his chest.

Long after the sounds faded, I realized I was still pressed against Tharion, my hand splayed across his muscled abdomen. Heat burned through my veins as I pulled away.

“We should try to get some rest,” I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Tharion shifted to make himself more comfortable. I leaned against the opposite wall, but the chill of the metal soon had me shivering.

“Come here,” Tharion said softly, holding out an arm.

I hesitated, then scooted over to him. He pulled me close, his warmth enveloping me.

As I drifted off to sleep, I wondered how I’d ended up here - on the run, in the arms of a Vinduthi bounty hunter, with more questions than answers.

I WOKE WITH A START, my heart racing as memories of our escape flooded back. The maintenance room was eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of machinery. Tharion’s arm was still draped around me, his body radiating warmth in the chilly space.

Carefully, I extricated myself from his grip and sat up, studying him. In sleep, his features softened, the sharp angles of his face less severe. The gash on his ribs had already closed, leaving only a faint pink line. Vinduthi healing abilities were truly remarkable.

My gaze traced the swirling green markings on his gray skin, following their path down his muscled chest and arms. He was undeniably attractive, in a dangerous sort of way.

I bit my lip. What was I thinking?

This was madness. He’d been hired to capture me, for reasons I still didn’t understand. I should be running as far away as possible. Yet something held me back, a pull I couldn’t explain.

I glanced at the vent we’d crawled through. It would be easy enough to slip away while he slept. But then what? I was alone on an unfamiliar station, hunted by forces I didn’t comprehend. At least with Tharion, I stood a chance.

“You’re staring.”

I jumped at the sound of his voice, my cheeks flushing as I realized he’d caught me watching him. Tharion’s eyes were open now, regarding me with amusement.

“I… I was just checking your wounds,” I stammered.

He sat up, stretching languidly. “Sure you were. I thought you might be admiring the view.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Tharion chuckled, the sound making heat pool in my belly. “No need to be embarrassed, Lina. I’d be staring too if I woke up next to someone as captivating as myself.”

“You’re impossible,” I muttered.

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “Am I? We were getting along so well.”

My eyes flicked to his lips, wondering what they’d feel like against mine.

As if reading my thoughts, Tharion dipped his head to mine. His lips brushed mine, feather-light and tentative. I froze, shocked by the gentleness of the gesture. Then, almost against my will, I leaned into the kiss.

Tharion’s hand came up to cup my face, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. The kiss deepened, growing more passionate as I parted my lips. His tongue swept into my mouth, tasting of spice and danger.

My fingers traced up Tharion’s neck, finding the small horns at his temples. Curiosity overtook me, and I gently caressed them, marveling at their smooth texture.

A low growl rumbled in Tharion’s chest as he caught my wrist. “Careful, Lina. Unless you’re prepared for what comes next.”

I froze, suddenly very aware of the dangerous line I was walking. Meeting his eyes, I licked my lips.

Once. Twice. And that was enough.

His powerful arms encircled my waist and I fell back into his kiss.

When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathing heavily. I stared at him, wide-eyed and flushed.

“That was…” I trailed off, at a loss for words.

“Unexpected?” Tharion supplied.

I nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. “But not unwelcome.”

A slow smile spread across his face, revealing those sharp canines. “Good to know.”

Before we could say anything else, a muffled voice drifted through the vent, making us both tense.

“…still no sign of them. The boss is getting impatient.”

“Keep looking,” another voice replied. “They couldn’t have gotten far.”

Tharion and I exchanged alarmed glances. The Trefter Syndicate? I’d never heard of them before, but judging by Tharion’s reaction, they were bad news.

“We need to move,” he whispered, already getting to his feet.

I scrambled to my feet, heart pounding as the voices grew closer. Tharion was already moving, his keen eyes scanning the dark maintenance room. The air felt heavy, charged with tension and the lingering heat of our kiss.

“There has to be another way out,” I whispered. My fingers brushed against the cold metal of a nearby console, searching for any hidden compartments or escape routes.

Tharion’s nostrils flared. “Wait. Do you feel that?”

I paused, holding my breath. At first, I felt nothing but the oppressive stillness of the room. Then, a faint whisper of air brushed against my skin, cool and slightly damp.

“A breeze?” I asked, confusion coloring my voice. “But how?”

Tharion moved with predatory grace, following the elusive current of air. His fingers traced the edge of a disused computer panel, probing for weaknesses. With a grunt of effort, he pried it away from the wall, revealing a small, dark opening behind it.

“By the dark,” he muttered, crouching to peer into the gap. “It looks like some kind of tunnel.”

I joined him, unease prickling my skin as I gazed into the inky blackness. The opening was barely large enough for a person to squeeze through, rough-hewn stone disappearing into shadows.

“Where does it lead to?” I asked, fear and curiosity churning in my gut.

Tharion’s brow furrowed, his pointed ears twitching slightly. “If I had to guess, it’s part of the old drilling network from when Larakis was first carved out of Thac’s surface. These tunnels probably honeycomb the entire lower levels.”

The idea of venturing into those dark, unknown passages terrified me. But the sound of heavy footsteps in the corridor outside made the decision for us.

“We can’t stay here,” Tharion said. “This might be our only chance to get out.” He checked our weapons, then swore. “The battery packs for both are empty.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “What about light? We can’t just stumble around in the dark.”

Tharion’s eyes swept the room, landing on a stack of battered storage crates. “Quick, help me search these. There might be something we can use.”

We tore through the boxes, desperation lending speed to our movements. My fingers closed around something cylindrical and I let out a triumphant gasp.

“Found something!” I held up an old-fashioned chemical light stick.

Tharion grinned, revealing those sharp canines that sent an unexpected thrill through me. “Good work. Grab as many as you can find.”

I stuffed a handful of the light sticks into my pockets, acutely aware of the voices growing louder outside. Tharion was already at the opening, his powerful frame coiled with tension.

“I’ll take the lead. You stay close behind.”

I hesitated, fear threatening to root me to the spot. “What about your ship? Can’t we try to make it back to the spaceport?”

Tharion shook his head, his expression grim. “No way to get there now. We’ll have to find another way to a different level first. Come on, I’ll clear the way.”

Dammit. There really wasn’t any other option.

I activated one of the light sticks and squeezed into the narrow opening. The rough stone scraped against my skin as I crawled forward, the weak green glow of the chemical light barely penetrating the oppressive darkness.

The tunnel stretched on forever, twisting and turning unpredictably. My arms and knees ached from the awkward crawling, and I could feel panic clawing at the edges of my mind.

“Keep going,” Tharion’s voice came from ahead of me, low and reassuring. “You’re doing great.”

After what felt like an eternity, the tunnel began to widen. I emerged into a larger cavern, gratefully stretching my cramped limbs.

I held up the light stick, revealing rough stone walls carved with strange, angular symbols.

“What is this place?” I breathed, my voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space.

Tharion ran his fingers over the markings, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Old mining symbols, I think. This must have been one of the original excavation sites.”

A distant rumble made us both freeze, the sound reverberating through the stone beneath our feet. My heart leapt into my throat as I imagined all manner of horrors lurking in the darkness.

“What was that?” I whispered, instinctively moving closer to Tharion.

He shook his head, his muscled frame tense and alert. “Not sure. Could be machinery, could be something else entirely. We should keep moving.”

I nodded, trying to ignore the icy tendrils of fear creeping up my spine. As we went deeper into the cavern, my skin crawled.

Were we being watched?

The silence stretched between us, broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the occasional distant rumble.

“So,” I said, desperate to break the oppressive quiet, “how does a Vinduthi end up as a bounty hunter anyway?”

Tharion glanced back at me, eyebrows raised. “It’s a long story. Let’s just say I have a talent for tracking down people who don’t want to be found.”

“People like me, you mean,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.

He fell quiet, and when he spoke again, his tone was softer. “I’m sorry about that. If I’d known what I was getting into…”

“You wouldn’t have taken the job?” I finished for him, raising an eyebrow.

Tharion’s lips quirked into a half-smile. “I probably still would have. But I might have gone about it differently.”

I snorted, shaking my head. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“So you keep telling me,” he replied, his grin widening to reveal those sharp canines again.

Another rumble shook the cavern, closer this time. Loose stones clattered to the ground around us, and I stumbled, my heart racing.

Tharion’s arm shot out, steadying me and I rested against him despite my better judgment.

“Easy,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “I’ve got you.”

I looked up, meeting his intense gaze.

The spell was broken by a piercing shriek that echoed through the tunnels. We both froze, Tharion’s arm tightening around me.

“What the hell was that?” I screamed, fear turning my blood to ice.

Tharion’s eyes narrowed, scanning the darkness beyond the reach of our meager light. “I don’t know, but I don’t think we want to find out. Run!”

THARION

Igrabbed Lina’s hand and sprinted down the dark tunnel. The eerie green glow behind us pulsed, casting strange shadows on the rough-hewn walls. My heart pounded, not from exertion, but from a primal fear I couldn’t explain.

“What is it?” Lina’s fingers wrapped tighter around mine.

“No idea. Keep moving.”

The chittering sounds grew louder, a cacophony of clicks and scrapes that set my teeth on edge. My senses picked up the faintest scent of something dangerous.

We reached an intersection, tunnels branching off in three directions. I hesitated for a split second.

“Which way?” Lina asked, panic laced through her words.

I chose the right path on instinct. “This way. Stay close.”

Our footsteps echoed off the walls as we ran. The tunnel narrowed, forcing us to slow our pace. The glow behind us intensified, casting long shadows ahead of us.

“Tharion,” Lina whispered. “I think it’s getting closer.”

I growled low in my throat. “I know. We need to find a way out of here.”

The tunnel curved sharply to the left. And suddenly my heart sank. A pile of rocks and debris blocked our path, the result of a recent cave-in.

“Shit,” I muttered.

Lina tugged on my arm. “We have to go back.”

I shook my head. “No time. Help me move these rocks.”

We frantically began clearing the smaller stones, but it was clear we couldn’t shift the larger boulders. The chittering grew louder, accompanied by an unsettling scrabbling noise.

“Tharion,” Lina said, her voice trembling. “We can’t—”

A piercing shriek cut through the air. I spun around, pushing Lina behind me.

The source of the glow came into view. My eyes widened in shock and revulsion.

Insects. Massive, bioluminescent insects. Their segmented bodies glowed an eerie green, compound eyes flashing with an unnatural intelligence. Mandibles clicked ominously as they advanced.

“Oh god,” Lina whispered.

I backed up, pressing her against the rock fall. “Stay behind me.”

The lead insect lunged forward. I lashed out with a powerful kick, connecting with its head. It skittered back, but two more took its place.

“We need a weapon,” I growled, scouring the ground for anything useful.

Lina grabbed a loose piece of metal piping from the debris. “Will this work?”

I snatched it from her hands, swinging it in a wide arc. The makeshift weapon connected with a satisfying crunch, sending one of the creatures flying back into its companions.

“Good thinking.” My lips curled into a fierce grin. “Now, when I say run, you run. Got it?”

She nodded, lips pressed together firmly.

I charged forward, swinging the pipe like a madman. The insects scattered, chittering in alarm. “Run!”

We sprinted back the way we came, my ears straining for any sound of pursuit. The intersection loomed ahead.

“Left,” I barked, steering Lina down the new passage.

The tunnel widened, allowing us to pick up speed. My lungs burned, but I pushed harder, determined to put as much distance between us and those things as possible.

“I think… I think we lost them,” Lina panted.

A thunderous rumble shook the tunnel. Rocks and dust rained down from the ceiling.

“Cave-in!” I shouted. “Move!”

We ran faster, desperation lending us speed. The rumbling grew louder, threatening to overwhelm us.

Suddenly, the passage ahead collapsed. A wall of rock and debris crashed down, blocking our escape.

I skidded to a stop, pulling Lina close to shield her from the falling stones. When the dust settled, I looked up.

A small opening remained at the top of the rockfall. It would be tight, but possible.

“There,” I said, pointing. “We can make it.”

Without hesitation she began climbing. I boosted her up, my hands lingering on her waist longer than necessary.

As Lina wiggled through the opening, I heard the chittering sounds growing closer. I turned, brandishing the pipe, ready to defend our escape route.

The first insect rounded the corner, its antennae twitching wildly. I swung the pipe, connecting with a satisfying crunch. More poured in behind it.

“Tharion!” Lina called from above. “Hurry!”

I backed up towards the rockfall, swinging the pipe to keep the creatures at bay. With one last mighty swing, I tossed the weapon aside and scrambled up the pile of debris.

The opening was tight, but I forced my way through, ignoring the scrapes and bruises. Lina grabbed my arms, helping to pull me clear.

We collapsed on the other side, breathing heavily. The chittering and scraping sounds faded, unable to penetrate the thick wall of rock between us.

I looked at Lina, covered in dust and sweat, her eyes wide with residual fear and exhilaration. Without thinking, I pulled her close, burying my face in her hair.

She stiffened for a moment, then relaxed into my embrace. We stayed like that for several heartbeats, our ragged breathing the only sound in the tunnel.

Finally, I pulled back, my red eyes meeting her green ones. “Are you alright?”

Lina nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Thanks to you.”

I stood, helping her to her feet.

“We should keep moving,” I said, rougher than I intended. “Get out of these tunnels.”

Lina brushed herself off, wincing slightly. “Lead the way, oh mighty protector.”

I raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. As we set off down the new tunnel, I was far too aware of her presence, the warmth of her body, her scent.

We continued down the tunnel, our footsteps echoing off the rough walls. The air grew thicker, filled with dust and the musty scent of decay. Lina’s breathing came in short gasps, her exhaustion evident.

“You okay?” I asked, glancing back at her.

She nodded, but her steps were unsteady. “Just peachy. Love a good sprint through tunnels in the dark.”

“Stick close. We’re bound to find a way out soon.”

As if the universe wanted to mock me, Lina’s foot caught on a jutting rock. She stumbled forward with a yelp. My reflexes kicked in, and I spun around, catching her before she hit the ground.

Her body collided with mine, soft and warm. The scent of her skin filled my nostrils. My head swam, desire coursing through me like a bolt of lightning.

Without thinking, I scooped her up into my arms. She let out a small squeak of surprise.

“Tharion, what are you doing? I’m fine, I’m not tired.”

I ignored her protests, continuing down the tunnel with her cradled against my chest. “You’re exhausted. Let me carry you for a while.”

She squirmed in my arms, but I held her firmly. “I can walk on my own, you know.”

“I know,” I admitted. “But I don’t want to let you go.”

Lina fell silent at that, mouth in a silent ‘o’ as she looked up at me. I could hear her heart racing, smell the subtle change in her scent. Was it fear? Excitement? Both?

We continued in silence for a few minutes, the only sound our breathing and my footsteps. Lina’s warmth seeped into me, her closeness both comforting and maddening.

“Look,” she said suddenly, pointing ahead. “Is that a door?”

I squinted, picking out details in the gloom. “Good eye. Looks like an old mining office.”

As we approached, I set Lina down reluctantly. She stumbled a bit, steadying herself against the wall.

“You okay?” I asked, concern coloring my voice.

She nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Yeah, just got a little dizzy. Guess I was more tired than I thought.”

I placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her towards the door. It was made of rusted metal, barely hanging on its hinges. With a grunt, I forced it open, the screech of metal on metal making us both wince.

Inside, we found a small office area connected to what appeared to be an old dormitory. Dust covered every surface, and the air was stale.

“This place hasn’t been used in ages,” Lina said, running a finger along a nearby desk.

I nodded, scanning the room for any potential threats. “The mine’s been abandoned for at least a century. No more miners here.”

We explored the dormitory, checking each bunk for signs of recent use. Finding none, I turned to Lina.

“We should rest here for a while. Those insects, whatever they were, shouldn’t be able to follow us.”

She nodded, exhaustion clear on her face. I walked back to the office and locked the door, just in case.

When I returned, Lina was sitting on one of the lower bunks, her head in her hands. I knelt in front of her, concern washing over me.

“Hey,” I said softly, placing a hand on her knee. “You alright?”

She looked up, her green eyes meeting my red ones. “Yeah, just… processing, I guess. This has been one hell of a day.”

I chuckled, the sound low in my throat. “That’s an understatement.”

Lina smiled, and something inside me shifted. The urge to protect her, to claim her, surged through me with an intensity that left me breathless.

The tension that had been building since I first laid eyes on her in that dingy cantina finally broke free. I surged forward, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

This was madness. She was human, fragile, breakable. And yet… every fiber of my being screamed that she was mine. My mate.

With a growl, I broke away, panting heavily. Lina’s eyes were wide, her lips swollen from our kiss.

“Tharion,” she whispered, her voice husky.

I stood abruptly, putting distance between us. “Tell me no,” I pleaded. “Tell me to stop.”

Confusion flickered across her face. “What? Why?”

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. “Because I’m a bad man, Lina. I’ve done terrible things. You should run as far from me as you can.”

She stood, approaching me slowly. “I don’t have a problem with that.”

I backed away, my back hitting the wall. “You should. I’m dangerous. I’m not… I’m not good for you.”

Lina stopped in front of me, her eyes searching mine. “I think I can decide that for myself.”

She reached up, her hand cupping my cheek. I leaned into her touch, unable to resist.

“I don’t care about your past, Tharion,” she said softly. “I care about who you are now. The man who’s protected me, who’s risked his life for me.”

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by her words, by her touch, by her very presence. When I opened them again, I saw determination in her gaze.

“Kiss me again,” she whispered.

LINA

Tharion’s eyes gleamed with both hunger and hesitation. My heart raced, torn between desire and caution. His struggle for control intrigued me, stirred something deep within.

“Would you stop if I told you to?” The words tumbled out before I could think better of them.

His gaze locked onto mine, intense and unwavering. “Even if it killed me. You’re the only one who could control me, the only one who’s safe from me.”

A shiver ran down my spine, not entirely from fear. “Then what do I have to worry about?”

I leaned forward, my tongue darting out to trace his lips. The taste of him - alien, dangerous, intoxicating - flooded my senses. Tharion growled, a low rumble that vibrated through me.

His hands gripped my waist, fingers digging into my flesh. Not painful, but firm. Possessive. “Lina,” he rasped, “you don’t know what you’re doing to me.”

“Maybe I do,” I whispered against his mouth. My fingers traced the swirling markings on his neck, feeling the rapid pulse beneath his gray skin. “Maybe I want to.”

Tharion’s breath hitched. His pointed canines glinted as he spoke. “This isn’t a game. I’m not some tame pet you can play with.”

“Good.” I nipped at his lower lip, emboldened by his restraint. “I don’t want tame.”

His eyes flashed, cold fire burning in their depths. In one fluid motion, he pinned me against the wall. His horns caught the light, giving him a demonic appearance.

“Last chance,” Tharion growled. “Tell me to stop now, or I won’t be able to.”

My answer was to kiss him fiercely, pouring all my pent-up desire into it. His lips crashed against mine, hungry and demanding. I tasted blood - whether his or mine, I couldn’t tell.

Distantly, I heard the hum of the station’s systems, the faint echoes of voices from far-off corridors. But my world had narrowed to this moment, this hidden room, this dangerous man who set my body on fire.

Tharion’s hands left trails of heat in their wake. I arched into his touch, desperate for more. My fingers tangled in his hair, tracing the line of horns at his temple.

He broke the kiss, moving to my neck. The scrape of his teeth against my pulse point sent jolts of electricity through me. “Tell me what you want,” he demanded, his voice rough with need.

“You,” I begged. “All of you.”

“Careful what you wish for, little human.”

He pressed me harder against the wall until I was trapped, panting.

“Last chance to back out,” Tharion warned, his eyes searching mine for any signs of hesitation.

I stared him down unflinchingly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Tharion’s mouth claimed me with a hunger that left me breathless. His tongue, a warm, insistent presence, explored my mouth with a dominance that made my knees weak. I pressed against him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, as he kissed me with a passion that bordered on desperation.

He broke away, his breath coming in ragged gasps, and trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses down my throat. I tipped my head back, granting him access, as he lavished attention on the sensitive skin beneath my ear. A moan slipped from my lips, and I felt him smile against my neck.

“You like that, don’t you?” he murmured.

“Yes,” I admitted, my voice barely louder than a whisper.

Tharion’s hands moved to the waistband of my pants, his fingers deftly undoing the fastenings. He sank to his knees before me, his gaze never leaving mine as he pulled my pants and underwear down in one swift motion. The cool air of the abandoned office kissed my exposed skin, but the heat in Tharion’s touch kept me warm.

He held me still, his strong hands gripping my hips, as he leaned forward and pressed his mouth to my core. I groaned as his tongue darted out, tasting me with a thoroughness that left me dizzy. He was relentless, licking and sucking with a skill that seemed almost supernatural, as if he were attuned to every twitch and moan that escaped me.

I lost myself in the sensation, my fingers tangling in his short, black hair. His name fell from my lips like a prayer, a chant that grew more fervent with each passing moment. I was close, so close, and when I came, it was with a cry that echoed off the dusty walls of the forgotten room.

But Tharion didn’t stop. He continued his ministrations, his tongue delving into me with renewed vigor, drawing out my pleasure until I was teetering on the edge once more. I came again, my body shuddering with the force of my release, and this time the world around me slipped away.

As I struggled to catch my breath, Tharion’s hands slid around my ankles to remove my boots and pants completely, then he lifted me effortlessly, his forearms sliding under my thighs, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

I could feel the hard length of him pressing against me, a tantalizing promise of what was to come. Tharion claimed my mouth in a searing kiss, and then, with one swift motion, he was inside me, filling me completely.

The sensation of Tharion entering me was like nothing I’d ever experienced. The broad, triangular head of his cock stretched me, a moment of intense pressure that bordered on discomfort but didn’t quite cross that line.

As he slid into me, the soft flanges running down the sides of his shaft sent waves of pleasure through me with each inch he advanced.

I cried out as he filled me to the hilt, those flanges pressing against my inner walls in a way that was wholly alien and completely intoxicating. My body clenched around him, adjusting to his size, to the unique anatomy of a Vinduthi male.

Tharion held still for a moment, allowing me to acclimate to the sensation of being so intimately connected with him. His breathing was ragged, a testament to the effort it took for him to maintain control. I could feel his cock twitching inside me, pulsing with a life of its own.

When he finally began to move, it was with slow, deliberate thrusts. Each push and pull of his hips made the flanges along his shaft ripple against me, sending shivers of ecstasy coursing through my veins. It was as if he was built to fit perfectly inside me, to touch every sensitive spot I never knew I had.

I cried out, my body stretching to accommodate him, as a wave of pleasure washed over me. I was coming already, my inner walls clenching around him as he began to move within me.

“Look at me,” Tharion commanded, his voice harsh with need.

I forced my heavy eyelids open, meeting his cold, compelling gaze.

“You’re mine,” he growled, his hips snapping against mine with increasing urgency. “Say it.”

“I’m yours.” The words slipped from my lips with an ease that should have frightened me.

Tharion’s pace quickened, each thrust driving me higher and higher, until I was on the edge, about to shatter into a thousand pieces.

“Come for me, Lina,” he ordered, and my body obeyed, my climax hitting me with the force of a supernova.

Tharion followed me over the edge, his body shuddering against mine as he found his release. We clung to each other, our breaths mingling, as we rode out the aftershocks together.

Still joined, Tharion carried me to one of the dormitory beds. The mattress creaked as he laid us down, his weight pressing me into the worn sheets. I inhaled deeply, catching the musty scent of disuse mingled with Tharion’s musk.

“Are you alright?” Tharion asked softly.

I nodded, unable to find words. My body hummed with residual pleasure, every nerve ending still alive and tingling. Tharion’s cock twitched inside me, sending a fresh wave of sensation through my core.

“We should talk about how we’re going to get out of here,” I murmured.

Tharion nodded, but made no move to separate us. “Those bugs won’t give up easily. We’ll need to be careful.”

We lapsed into silence, the only sound our mingled breathing and the distant hum of ancient machinery. Despite the danger lurking beyond our temporary sanctuary, I felt oddly safe. Tharion’s body was a solid warmth against mine, his arms a protective cage.

“We should explore,” I said reluctantly. “See if there’s anything useful here.”

Tharion grunted in agreement, but still didn’t move. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my skin, following the curve of my hip, the dip of my waist. I arched into his touch, my body responding despite my mental protests.

“Tharion,” I whispered, half warning, half plea.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest and into mine. “Just a few more minutes.”

I didn’t argue. Instead, I let myself relax into his embrace, savoring this moment of peace amidst the chaos of our lives. The rough texture of his skin, the warmth of his body, the steady thrum of his heartbeat – all of it combined to lull me into a state of drowsy contentment.

Eventually, practicality won out over comfort. Tharion eased out of me with a quiet groan, leaving me feeling oddly empty. We dressed in silence, stealing glances at each other as we put our clothes back on.

“Let’s see what we can find,” Tharion said.

Good idea. At least better than thinking too deeply about what I’d just done.

We began to explore the abandoned mining office, our footsteps echoing in the dusty silence. Shelves lined the walls, filled with outdated equipment and faded paperwork. I ran my fingers over a console, leaving trails in the thick layer of grime.

“Look at this,” I called, picking up a device that looked like a cross between a flashlight and a geiger counter. “Think it still works?”

Tharion took it from me, turning it over in his hands. He pressed a button, and a weak beam of light sputtered to life. “It might come in handy.”

We continued our search, finding more odds and ends – a first aid kit with expired medications, a box of protein bars that had long since turned to dust, a leaky tap that produced a thin stream of stale smelling water, a rack of mining helmets with cracked visors.

“This place is a tomb,” I muttered, frustration creeping into my voice.

Tharion’s hand on my shoulder made me jump. “We’ll find something useful.”

As if on cue, my foot caught on something, sending me stumbling. Tharion caught me before I could fall, his reflexes lightning-quick. I looked down to see what I’d tripped over.

“A map!” I exclaimed, bending to pick up the large, rolled piece of flexi.

We spread it out on a nearby desk, Tharion holding down one end while I smoothed out the other. It was a detailed excavation plan of the underground city, showing tunnels, chambers, and – most importantly – a way out.

“There,” Tharion said, pointing to a spot on the map. “An elevator shaft. It looks like it goes all the way to the surface.”

I traced the route with my finger, my excitement fading as I realized the implications. “We’ll have to go back through the area where we encountered those bugs.”

Tharion’s jaw tightened, the muscles in his neck standing out. “It’s our best chance,” he said grimly.

I nodded, knowing he was right but dreading the journey ahead. The memory of those glowing insects, their chitinous bodies gleaming in the darkness made me shudder.

Tharion must have sensed my unease. He pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me. I leaned into him, drawing strength from his solid presence.

“We’ll make it,” he murmured into my hair. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I wanted to believe him. In that moment, safe in his arms, it was easy to imagine that we could overcome any obstacle. But reality was waiting just beyond these walls, cold and unforgiving.

“We should rest,” I said, pulling back reluctantly. “Get our strength up before we head out.”

Tharion scanned the room. “I’ll take first watch. You sleep.”

I wanted to argue, to insist that I could stay awake too, but exhaustion was already tugging at my limbs. I made my way back to the dormitory bed, collapsing onto the musty sheets.

As sleep began to claim me, my mind drifted to Tharion. The fearsome Vinduthi bounty hunter who’d pursued me across the galaxy was now my protector. The irony wasn’t lost on me.

Tharion had proven himself time and time again since we’d been thrown together. He’d fought for me, protected me, risked his life for mine. But could I truly trust him?

The bounty on my head still existed. What would happen when we made it back to civilization? Would Tharion’s loyalty to me outweigh the promise of credits?

THARION

Iwatched Lina sleep, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. Her auburn hair splayed across the makeshift pillow, brilliant against the drab gray of the abandoned office floor. My fingers twitched, longing to brush a stray strand from her face, but I stopped myself.`

What was I doing? She was my target, nothing more. I shouldn’t want her. I couldn’t want her. Yet here I was, captivated by her peaceful expression, the soft curve of her lips.

I clenched my fist, willing away the urge to touch her. I was Vinduthi, a predator, a bounty hunter. I didn’t form attachments, especially not to humans. But something about Lina called to me, stirred feelings I thought long dead.

Her eyelids fluttered, and I quickly averted my gaze, pretending to study our surroundings. The old dormitory was a mess of crumbling furniture and scattered datapads, relics of Larakis’ early days.

“Tharion?” Lina’s voice was thick with sleep.

“We should move,” I decided. “The shaft isn’t far.”

She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Right. Back through the bug-infested tunnels. Sounds delightful.”

I smirked despite myself. “Scared of a few glowing insects?”

“A few? Those things were the size of hover-bikes!” She shuddered. “And there were hundreds of them.”

“We’ll be fine,” I assured her, though I wasn’t entirely convinced myself. “Stay close to me.”

We gathered our meager supplies and went back to the collapsed tunnel entrance. Lina went first, her smaller frame slipping easily between the rocks.

I followed, the jagged stone scraping against my skin. As I emerged on the other side, Lina’s scent hit me – a mix of fear and determination that made my head spin.

“You okay?” she asked, noticing my hesitation.

I nodded, pushing away the distracting thoughts. “Let’s go.”

We crept through the tunnels, the pale light of the glow sticks our only light, our footsteps echoing in the eerie silence. The bioluminescent residue from the bugs cast everything in an otherworldly glow, creating strange shadows that danced along the walls.

“So,” Lina whispered as we navigated a particularly narrow passage, “you never did tell me who hired you to find me.”

I frowned. “I don’t know. The job came through a broker.”

“Convenient,” she muttered.

“You think I’m lying?”

She shrugged. “I think there’s a lot you’re not telling me.”

I stopped, turning to face her. “And what about you? Why are the Obsidian Dawn after you?”

Lina’s eyes widened, a flicker of fear crossing her face before she schooled her expression. “I told you, I don’t know.”

“Right,” I drawled. “And I’m a Krelaxian ballet dancer.”

She snorted, the tension dissipating slightly. “Now that I’d pay to see.”

We continued on, the silence between us more comfortable now. Slowly, a faint humming reached my ears. I reached back to stop Lina.

“What do you hear?” she whispered.

I cocked my head, listening intently. “Machinery. We must be getting close.”

Lina’s face lit up with hope, and an unexpected warmth bloomed in my chest.

I quickly squashed it.

As we approached the source of the sound, the tunnel widened into a vast cavern. The shaft loomed before us, a monolithic structure of metal and composite materials. But between us and our escape route lay a sea of writhing, glowing forms.

“Oh, shit,” Lina breathed.

The bugs swarmed across the cavern floor, their bioluminescent bodies pulsing in hypnotic patterns. There had to be thousands of them, creating a living carpet that separated us from our goal.

“Any bright ideas?” Lina asked, voice tight with fear.

I scanned the area, looking for any alternative route. My eyes landed on a narrow ledge that ran along the cavern wall, bypassing the deadly floor.

“There,” I pointed. “We can use that ledge to circle around to the elevator.”

Lina followed my gaze, her face paling. “That’s barely wide enough for a foothold. We’ll fall!”

“We don’t have a choice,” I growled. “Unless you’d prefer to wade through that.” I gestured to the writhing mass below.

She swallowed hard, then nodded. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

I went first, pressing my back against the rough stone wall as I inched along the ledge. Lina followed close behind, her breath short, panicked gulps.

“Don’t look down,” I advised.

“Gee, thanks for that stellar advice,” she snapped. “I never would have thought of that on my own.”

I smirked, oddly pleased by her spirit even in the face of danger. We were about halfway across when Lina’s foot slipped.

She cried out, her body tipping forward. Without thinking, I spun around, my hand shooting out to grab her wrist. For a heart-stopping moment, she dangled over the sea of bugs.

“Lina!” I couldn’t lose her. Wouldn’t.

With a grunt of effort, I pulled her back against the wall, my body tight against hers to keep her steady. Her heart raced against my chest, her breath warm on my neck.

“I’ve got you,” I murmured, surprised by the gentleness in my voice.

Lina looked up at me, her green eyes filled with fear and something else – something that made my own pulse quicken.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

We stayed like that, bodies flush against each other, the danger momentarily forgotten. Then reality crashed back in, and I carefully maneuvered us back into our original positions.

“Let’s keep moving,” I said gruffly, trying to ignore the lingering warmth where she’d been pressed against me.

We inched our way along the ledge, every step a test of nerves and balance. Lina’s breathing was ragged behind me, but she pressed on without complaint. As we neared the end of the ledge, I spotted our next obstacle – a sprawling intersection teeming with insects.

“Shit,” I muttered, coming to a halt.

Lina bumped into my back. “What’s wrong?”

“See for yourself.”

She peered around me, her sharp intake of breath telling me she’d spotted the swarm. The bugs writhed and pulsed, their bioluminescent bodies casting an eerie glow over the cavern.

“There’s no way around,” Lina whispered, her voice trembling. “We’ll have to go through them.”

I nodded grimly. “Stay close. We move fast, don’t stop for anything.”

“What if they attack?”

“Then we fight.” I met her eyes, willing her to see my determination. “I won’t let them hurt you.”

Lina swallowed hard, then squared her shoulders. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

We descended from the ledge, our feet touching the uneven ground. The insects nearest to us stirred, antennae twitching in our direction.

“Ready?” I asked, tensing for action.

Lina’s hand found mine, squeezing tight. “As I’ll ever be.”

We plunged into the swarm. Instantly, the air filled with clicking mandibles and the rustle of countless legs. I swatted at the bugs, my other hand still gripping Lina’s as we pushed forward.

“Keep moving!” I shouted over the din.

A particularly large insect reared up in front of us, its compound eyes flashing with intelligence. I snarled, lashing out with my foot. The bug went flying, crashing into its brethren.

“Nice kick,” Lina panted.

“Save your breath for running.”

We were about halfway through when disaster struck. Lina’s foot caught on something – a rock, a bug carcass, I couldn’t tell – and she went down hard.

“Lina!” I whirled, yanking her up by our joined hands.

She scrambled to her feet, but not before several insects crawled over her legs. She shrieked, kicking wildly.

“Get them off! Get them off!”

I batted at the creatures, my heart racing. “We can’t stop. Run!”

We sprinted the rest of the way, bugs swarming around us in a frenzied cloud. Mandibles snapped at my clothes, tiny legs scrabbling for purchase on my skin. Lina’s panicked breathing spurred me on. They wouldn’t have her. I wouldn’t let them.

Finally, we burst free of the swarm.

“We made it,” Lina gasped, bent double and panting.

I scanned her quickly for injuries. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, still catching her breath. “Just… just a few scratches. Nothing serious.”

A chittering sound behind us snapped me back to the present. The swarm was regrouping, preparing for another assault.

“The elevator,” I barked. “Now!”

We raced to the control panel, Lina’s fingers flying over the ancient keypad.

“Come on, come on,” she muttered.

The insects advanced, a living wave of glowing bodies and clicking mandibles.

“Lina…” I warned, positioning myself between her and the oncoming swarm.

“I’ve almost got it!”

A bug leapt at us. I swatted it away, my hand coming away sticky with bioluminescent fluid.

“Any time now would be great,” I growled.

“There!”

With a groan of protesting metal, the elevator doors creaked open. We dove inside, Lina stabbing at the ‘close door’ button repeatedly.

The swarm surged forward, a mass of writhing bodies mere steps from the threshold. I tensed, ready to fight them off if necessary.

With agonizing slowness, the doors began to slide shut. A few insects managed to squeeze through the narrowing gap. I stomped on them, grinding them beneath my heel.

Finally, blessedly, the doors sealed with a resounding clang. Lina and I sagged against the wall, breathing heavily.

“That,” she panted, “was way too close.”

I nodded, still on high alert. “We’re not out of danger yet. This elevator could be taking us anywhere.”

Lina straightened, wiping sweat from her brow. “At least it’s away from those bugs.”

As if in response to her words, the elevator lurched into motion, carrying us up towards an unknown destination.

We made it the rest of the way without incident, finally reaching the relative safety of the elevator platform. As Lina sagged against the railing in relief, I surveyed the control panel.

“Looks like the power’s still on,” I mused. “But the security protocols might be an issue.”

Lina peered over my shoulder. “I think I can bypass them. Give me a minute.”

I watched, impressed, as her fingers flew over the keypad. Within moments, the elevator hummed to life.

“Where did you learn to do that?” I asked as we stepped inside.

She shrugged, a grin playing on her lips. “Do you know how often my boss forgets his password?”

As the elevator began its ascent, I studied Lina’s profile. She was a puzzle, this human woman. Brave, clever, and far more intriguing than I cared to admit.

I shouldn’t want her. But as we rose towards the surface, leaving the darkness behind, I realized it might already be too late.

LINA

The ancient elevator lurched, sending me stumbling into Tharion’s solid chest. His arms instinctively wrapped around me, steadying us both against the jerky ascent. The metal box groaned and creaked, each floor passing with an ominous clank that echoed through the shaft.

“Well, this is cozy,” I tease, trying to ignore how safe I felt in Tharion’s embrace.

Tharion’s low chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Enjoying the ride?”

I stepped back, instantly missing his warmth. “Oh yes, nothing like a death trap elevator to really get the blood pumping.”

His gaze gleamed with amusement. “We’ll be fine. I’m sure this old girl’s tougher than she looks.”

As if on cue, the elevator shuddered violently. I grabbed the railing, knuckles white.

“You were saying?”

Tharion shrugged, completely unfazed. “A little excitement keeps life interesting.”

I could only marvel at his calm. “So, what’s our next move once we reach the surface?”

“Get to my ship as quickly and quietly as possible,” Tharion replied, his expression turning serious. “The less attention we draw, the better.”

I nodded, chewing my lip. “Maybe Dr. Heylarth can help. He’ll be worried sick, and he might know what’s happening back on Mithond.”

Tharion’s brow furrowed. “It’s risky. Any communication could be traced.”

“I know, but he’s like family. I can’t just disappear without a word.”

Tharion studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “Alright. We’ll find a secure way to reach out to him. But it has to be brief, understand?”

Relief washed over me. “Thank you.”

The elevator continued its halting journey upward. I could feel Tharion’s gaze on me, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

“There’s… another option we should consider.”

I turned to face him, curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

Tharion took a step closer. My breath caught as he towered over me, his presence overwhelming in the confined space.

“I could claim you as my mate,” he said, the words making me swallow hard. “No one in their right mind would dare challenge a Vinduthi’s chosen partner.”

My heart raced. “Claim me? As in…”

Tharion’s hand cupped my cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle. “It would involve a mark, here.” His fingers trailed down to the junction of my neck and shoulder. “A permanent bond, declaring you as mine to all who see it.”

My mind froze, torn between desire and uncertainty. “That’s… a big step.”

“It would keep you safe,” Tharion murmured, his face inching closer to mine. “And I find myself… reluctant to let you go.”

Before I could respond, Tharion’s lips brushed against my neck, right where he’d indicated the mark would go. A soft cry escaped me as he nuzzled the sensitive skin, his pointed canines grazing ever so lightly.

“Tharion…” I breathed, my body betraying me as I leaned into his touch.

The elevator lurched again, snapping me back to reality. I placed a hand on Tharion’s chest, gently pushing him back.

“Let’s escape this place first,” I decided, my voice shaky. “It’s not a decision to make lightly.”

Tharion nodded, respect and something else – disappointment? – flickering in his eyes. “Of course. The offer stands, should you choose to accept it.”

The air between us crackled with tension as the elevator continued its ascent. I found myself hyper-aware of Tharion’s every movement, every breath. Part of me wanted to throw caution to the wind and accept his offer, to lose myself in the safety and passion he promised.

But the rational part of my brain screamed caution. I barely knew this man – this alien – and yet he’d already turned my world upside down. Could I really trust him with my life, my future?

The elevator groaned to a halt, the doors creaking open to reveal the bustling underground city of Larakis. Tharion stepped out first, scanning for threats before motioning me forward.

I stepped out of the elevator, my senses immediately assaulted by the cacophony of the Larakis bazaar. The air was thick with exotic spices, machine oil, and the unmistakable musk of countless species. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to take in the chaotic scene before me.

Tharion’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me forward. “Stay close,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear.

We moved through the crowd, weaving between stalls and aliens of all shapes and sizes. A Gorgolian merchant with six arms waved us over, his tentacle-like appendages writhing with excitement.

“Fresh carnivorous plants from the moons of Xylos! Guaranteed to eat your enemies!”

I shuddered, quickening my pace. Tharion’s grip on me tightened, his body tensing as he scanned our surroundings.

“Over there,” he whispered, nodding towards a shadowy alcove. “We can regroup and plan our next move.”

We reached the alcove, tucking ourselves into the darkness, Tharion’s body shielding me from view.

“We need to keep moving,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “The spaceport is two levels up, but we can’t risk taking the main lifts.”

I nodded, trying to calm my racing thoughts. “Service tunnels, maybe?”

Tharion’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “Clever girl. I saw a maintenance hatch near one of the food stalls. If we can reach it without being spotted…”

A commotion erupted nearby, drawing our attention. A group of Krelaxian guards pushed through the crowd, their scaled faces twisted in frustration.

“Spread out!” One barked. “Don’t let them get away!”

Panic tore at my chest. “Tharion, they’re looking for us. What do we do?”

He looked at me with fierce determination in his eyes. “We blend in.”

Before I could process his words, Tharion pulled me against him, one hand cupping the back of my head as he kissed me, hungry and insistent. All I could focus on was the heat of his body, the taste of his mouth.

I gasped for air, my head spinning. Tharion’s eyes were dark with desire, but his voice remained calm.

“Public displays of affection make people uncomfortable,” he explained. “They’ll look away.”

I nodded, still dazed from the kiss. “Right. Good thinking.”

We emerged from the alcove, Tharion’s arm still wrapped around my waist. We moved through the crowd with purpose, no longer trying to hide, but acting as if we belonged.

As we neared the food stalls, the scent of sizzling meats and exotic fruits filled the air. My stomach growled, reminding me how long it had been since I’d eaten. Tharion smirked.

“Hungry?”

I rolled my eyes. “Now’s not exactly the time for a snack break.”

“On the contrary,” he replied, steering me towards a stall selling what looked like purple tentacles on sticks. “Nothing says ‘not fugitives’ like stopping for a bite to eat.”

Deftly lifting a commpad from the open bag of a passing tourist, he purchased two of the questionable snacks, handing one to me with a wink. I eyed it warily before taking a hesitant bite. To my surprise, it was delicious – sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.

As we ate, Tharion casually maneuvered us closer to the maintenance hatch. I kept my eyes peeled for any sign we were being followed, my nerves on edge despite our casual façade.

“There,” Tharion murmured, nodding towards a rusty panel set into the wall. “That’s our ticket out of here.”

We approached the hatch, trying to look nonchalant. Just as Tharion reached for the handle, a sharp voice called out behind us.

“Hey! You two!”

I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. Slowly, we turned to face a hulking Droxi security guard, his multiple eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“What do you think you’re doing?” He demanded.

Tharion’s arm tightened around me, but before he could respond, inspiration struck.

I giggled, pressing myself against Tharion’s side. “Oh, honey, I told you we’d get caught!” I slurred my words slightly, playing up the image of an intoxicated couple looking for privacy.

Tharion caught on immediately, his expression shifting to one of sheepish embarrassment. “Sorry, officer. We were just looking for a quiet spot to, uh…”

The guard’s eyes widened in understanding, then narrowed in disgust. “For the dark’s sake, you two. Get a room like normal people.”

I grabbed Tharion’s hand, tugging him away from the hatch. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s go find somewhere more… private.”

As soon as we were out of the guard’s sight, Tharion pulled me into another alcove. “Quick thinking,”

I grinned, feeling a surge of pride. “I learned from the best.”

Our eyes met and Tharion’s gaze dropped to my lips, and I leaned in, drawn to him like a magnet.

A loud crash nearby shattered the moment.

“We need to find another way up,” Tharion growled, frustration evident in his voice.

I nodded, forcing myself to focus on our escape rather than the lingering heat of Tharion’s almost-kiss. “Maybe we can hide in plain sight? Join a group heading to the upper levels?”

Tharion considered this, scanning the crowd. “It could work. But we’d need a convincing reason to be there.”

“There,” I whispered, nodding towards a group of colorfully-dressed beings consulting a holomap. “They look like tourists. We could pretend to be part of their group.”

Tharion’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. “Good catch. Follow my lead.”

We casually wound our way towards the group, careful not to draw attention. As we drew closer, I caught fragments of their excited chatter.

“I can’t believe we’re finally seeing the Larakis Bazaar!”

“Do you think we’ll find any rare artifacts?”

“Just don’t get scammed like last time, Zyx.”

Tharion smoothly inserted us into the group’s perimeter. I leaned into him, playing the part of an enamored tourist.

“Oh darling, look at those crystal sculptures!” I gushed, pointing at a nearby stall.

Tharion chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. “We can look, but no buying. Remember what happened on Centauri Prime?”

They barely gave us a second glance. We moved with the group through the bazaar, inching closer to the upper levels and the spaceport.

As we ascended, the crowd thinned slightly, and the atmosphere shifted. The air grew cooler, tinged with the scent of metal and sweat. My muscles screamed with each step, expecting to be attacked at any moment.

“Relax,” Tharion murmured, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re too stiff. Act natural.”

I took a deep breath, willing my body to loosen. “Sorry. I’m not used to being a fugitive.”

His low chuckle vibrated through me. “You’re doing remarkably well for a beginner.”

As we rode the lift with the group, I couldn’t help but notice how natural it felt to be pressed against Tharion’s side. I fought the urge to snuggle closer.

Focus, Lina. This isn’t real.

The lift doors opened, revealing the vast expanse of the Larakis spaceport, sleek starships and bustling crowds of every species imaginable.

We’d made it. We were so close to freedom.

Tharion steered us away from the group, his eyes constantly scanning for threats. “My ship’s in docking bay 17. We’re almost there.”

But as we rounded a corner, a familiar figure stepped out from behind a pillar, blocking our path.

Grax.

His mottled brown skin rippled with barely contained rage as he leveled a blaster at us. “Nobody plays me for a fool and gets away with it.”

THARION

The acrid stench of ozone filled my nostrils, a telltale sign the blaster Grax held was primed and ready to fire. I tensed, ready to spring into action, my muscles coiled like steel springs beneath my gray skin.

Lina’s breath quicked with fear. The scent of her terror mingled with the metallic tang of recycled air in the spaceport corridor.

The odds were not in our favor, but I’d faced worse.

And I’d do it again, for her.

Grax glared at Lina with his reptilian eyes. “There was no secret cache in the market of Adtera, was there?” He spat the words like venom. “You wasted my time and resources with your lies!”

Lina flinched beside me, but I admired the steel in her spine as she held her ground.

Grax’s voice dropped to a dangerous growl. “Tell me what Arin Tal told you before he died. Now.”

“He told me nothing!” Lina screamed, her voice echoing off the metal walls. “I don’t know anything about anything!”

I watched Grax carefully, noting the twitch in his upper left arm—a tell I’d observed during our previous encounters. He was about to make a move.

“I don’t believe you,” Grax hissed. “You must know about the spice planet. Why else would the Obsidian Dawn be after you?”

“Because you’re all idiots!” Lina yelled, her outburst shocking even me.

Silence reigned in the corridor. I glanced at Lina, surprised by her sudden fire. Grax looked equally taken aback, his blaster lowering a fraction of an inch.

It was enough.

I lunged forward, my hand wrapping around Grax’s wrist. I twisted hard, feeling the bones grind beneath my grip. The blaster clattered to the floor as Grax howled in pain.

“Shoot them!” Grax bellowed to his thugs.

I spun, using Grax as a shield as energy bolts sizzled through the air. The smell of burnt ozone intensified, making my nostrils flare. I heard Lina cry out and my heart seized, but a quick glance confirmed she’d taken cover behind a nearby cargo container.

One of the Krelaxian thugs produced an energy net, the crackling blue tendrils of electricity dancing between its strands. I remembered the searing pain from our last encounter, but this time I was ready.

As the net flew towards me, I reached out and grabbed it. The pain was excruciating, like liquid fire coursing through me, but I gritted my teeth and pushed through it. With a roar, I flung the net back at its owner, watching with grim satisfaction as it enveloped the Krelaxian, dropping him to the floor in a twitching heap.

“You’ll pay for that,” Grax snarled, rubbing his injured wrist.

I bared my pointed canines in a feral grin. “I don’t think so. I have a score to settle with you, Grax.”

The remaining Krelaxian thug charged at me, all four arms swinging various weapons. I ducked under a vibroblade, feeling the hum of its energy field as it passed a hair’s breadth away. I countered with a swift uppercut, sending my opponent staggering backward.

But Grax was on me in an instant, his fist connecting with my jaw. I tasted blood, the coppery flavor filling my mouth. I spat it out and grinned, feeling the rush of battle singing through my veins.

“Is that the best you can do?” I taunted, my red eyes locking onto his.

Grax roared and charged, but I was ready. I sidestepped at the last moment, using his momentum to send him crashing into the wall. The impact shook the corridor, and I heard the groan of stressed metal.

The Krelaxian thug had recovered and was coming at me again. I grabbed one of his arms and twisted, using the alien’s own bulk against him. He stumbled, off-balance, and I took the opportunity to land a solid kick to his midsection. The thug doubled over, wheezing.

But I’d forgotten about Grax. Pain exploded in my side as he caught me with a glancing blow from an energy whip. I stumbled, my vision blurring.

“Not so tough now, are you?” Grax sneered, readying the whip for another strike.

I braced myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I heard a familiar voice cry out.

“Hey, ugly!”

Lina stood there, holding what looked like a piece of broken piping. She’d emerged from her hiding spot and was glaring defiantly at Grax.

“Leave him alone!” she shouted, swinging the makeshift weapon.

Grax turned, momentarily distracted by this new threat. It was all the opening I needed. I lunged forward, tackling Grax to the ground. We rolled across the floor, trading blows. His fists pummeled my ribs, but I gave as good as I got, feeling the satisfying crunch of cartilage as my fist connected with his face.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lina swinging her pipe at the Krelaxian thug, keeping him at bay. Pride swelled in my chest at her bravery, but I couldn’t afford to be distracted.

Grax and I grappled on the floor, each trying to gain the upper hand. I managed to pin one of his arms, but he used his other three to rain blows upon me. My healing was already working to repair the damage, but the pain was still intense.

With a surge of strength, I rolled us over, pinning Grax beneath me. I grabbed his head and slammed it against the floor, once, twice, three times. His eyes rolled back in his head, and finally, mercifully, he went limp.

Panting heavily, I staggered to my feet, my body aching from a dozen different wounds. I turned to see Lina backing away from the Krelaxian thug, her improvised weapon held high.

“Lina, duck!” I shouted.

She dropped to the floor without hesitation, and I charged forward. I tackled the Krelaxian, driving him back into the wall with bone-crushing force. The alien’s head snapped back, connecting with the metal surface with a sickening crack. He slumped to the ground, unconscious.

The only sound was our heavy breathing. I turned to Lina, my eyes scanning her for injuries.

“Are you hurt?” I asked, concerned.

She shook her head, her eyes wide with adrenaline and something else… admiration? “I’m okay. You?”

I nodded, grimacing as my body already began to heal. “I’ll live. That was… impressive, what you did back there.”

Lina managed a shaky smile. “Well, I couldn’t let you have all the fun, could I?”

I chuckled, wincing as the movement aggravated my bruised ribs. “We make a good team.”

The heat of battle was replaced by a different kind of heat, one that smoldered between us like a barely contained inferno. I took a step towards her, drawn by an irresistible force.

But the moment was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps and voices. Security was coming, no doubt alerted by the commotion.

“We need to go,” I said, grabbing Lina’s hand. “Now.”

My grip on Lina’s hand tightened as I spotted the Mkrani Soko’s docking bay.

“There,” I said, nodding towards my ship. “We’re almost there.”

Lina’s breath grew rough as she struggled to keep up with my pace. “Tharion, I don’t think I can—”

I scooped her up without breaking stride, cradling her against my chest as I sprinted the final distance to the ship. The familiar sleek, dark-gray hull of the Mkrani Soko had never been so welcome.

“Ship, prepare for immediate takeoff,” I barked as we walked onto the entry ramp.

The ship’s AI responded in its typically calm tone. “Greetings, Captain. I’m afraid the spaceport administration has requested we wait our turn for departure. There are currently seventeen vessels ahead of us in the queue.”

I growled in frustration as I carried Lina up the ramp and into the ship. “Override. There’s no time to wait. Initiate emergency protocols.”

“Captain, I must advise against—”

“Now!” I roared, my patience wearing thin.

The ship’s systems hummed to life as I rushed to the bridge, Lina still in my arms. I deposited her gently into the co-pilot’s chair, my hands moving swiftly to secure the safety harness around her.

“Tharion, what—” Lina began, her green eyes wide.

“Hold on,” I interrupted, throwing myself into the pilot’s seat and gripping the controls. “This might get rough.”

The Mkrani Soko’s engines roared to life, drowning out the blaring alarms from the spaceport. Through the viewscreen, I could see security forces converging on our position, their weapons drawn.

“Apologies, Captain,” the AI chimed in. “But I feel compelled to inform you that our actions violate approximately thirty-seven spaceport regulations and—”

“Noted,” I growled, engaging the thrusters. The ship lurched forward, breaking free from its docking clamps with a screech of protesting metal.

Lina yelped, her knuckles white as she gripped the armrests of her seat. “Tharion, are you sure about this?”

I flashed her a grin, baring my pointed canines. “Trust me.”

The Mkrani Soko shot out of the docking bay like a bullet from a gun, leaving a trail of destruction in our wake. Warning shots from the spaceport’s defense systems flashed past us as I expertly maneuvered through the departing and arriving ships.

“Hang on,” I warned, pushing the ship into a steep climb. The g-forces pressed us back into our seats as we rocketed towards the upper atmosphere.

Lina’s face was pale, but her eyes sparkled with a mix of terror and exhilaration. “This is insane!”

I laughed, the thrill of the escape pumping adrenaline through my veins. “Welcome to my world, sweetheart.”

As we broke through the moon’s atmosphere, the inky blackness of space enveloped us. The pursuit ships were falling behind, unable to match the Mkrani Soko’s superior speed.

“Preparing for warp jump,” the AI announced. “Course?”

I glanced at Lina, who was staring out at the star-filled expanse with wonder. “Set a random course, maximum distance. We’ll figure out where we’re going later.”

“Acknowledged. Warp jump in three… two… one…”

The stars stretched into lines of light, and with a lurch that always made my stomach flip, we entered warp space. The tension in my body began to ease as the immediate danger passed.

I turned to Lina, drinking in the sight of her. Her auburn hair was tousled from our mad dash, and a light sheen of sweat glistened on her skin. She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“We made it,” she breathed, her eyes meeting mine.

I nodded, allowing myself a small smile. “We did. Are you alright?”

Lina took a deep breath, then nodded. “I think so. That was… intense.”

“You handled it well,” I said, unbuckling my harness and standing. “Most humans would have passed out from the g-forces.”

She laughed, the sound I loved the best. Well, one of them. “I’m tougher than I look.”

“I’m beginning to see that,” I replied, offering her my hand. She took it, and I helped her to her feet. “Come on, let’s get you settled in.”

As we exited the bridge, Lina’s eyes darted around, taking in every detail of the ship. “This is amazing,” she said. “I’ve never been on a ship like this before.”

I shrugged, feeling an unexpected surge of pride at her admiration. “The Mkrani Soko isn’t much, but she’s home.”

“Can I get a tour?” Lina asked, her curiosity evident in her voice.

I chuckled. “There isn’t much to see, I’m afraid. The bridge, which you’ve already seen, and my quarters. I don’t need much else.”

We walked down the short corridor to my living space. The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a spartan room dominated by a large bed and a small seating area. A few weapons hung on the walls, and a desk in the corner held a collection of data pads.

“It’s… efficient,” Lina said diplomatically.

I snorted. “You can say it’s bare. I’ve never had much use for personal belongings.”

Lina wandered around the room, her fingers trailing over the smooth metal surfaces. “It suits you, I think. But it could use a woman’s touch.”

The implication in her words made me stiffen. I watched her move, my body tensing with an unfamiliar desire.

“Tharion,” she said suddenly, turning to face me. “Before we do anything else I need to contact Dr. Heylarth.”

I frowned, a surge of possessiveness rising in my chest. “Is that really necessary?”

Lina’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, it is. He’s important to me. He’ll be worried.”

I struggled to keep my expression neutral, even as jealousy gnawed at my insides. “Fine. I’ll have the AI initiate a call. It might take a while to establish a secure connection.”

“Thank you,” Lina said softly, her hand resting on my arm. The touch sent sparks through my skin.

I cleared my throat. “Ship, initiate a secure call to Dr. Heylarth on Adtera.”

“Acknowledged,” the AI responded. “Establishing connection. Estimated time: twenty minutes.”

Lina nodded, then fixed me with an intense gaze. “While we wait, I think we need to talk about something.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“What did you mean earlier, about taking me as your mate?” Her voice was almost steady. Almost.

I took a step closer to her. “Exactly what I said. You’re my mate, Lina.”

She swallowed hard, but stood her ground. “I’m not some possession, Tharion. And I won’t be claimed just for protection.”

I reached out, my gray fingers tracing the line of her jaw. “Is that what you think this is? Just protection?”

Lina’s breath hitched at my touch. “Isn’t it?”

I moved even closer. I could feel the heat radiating from her body, smell the intoxicating scent of her skin. “No, Lina. This is so much more than that.”

“Then what is it?” she whispered, her eyes searching mine.

I struggled to find the right words, emotions I’d never experienced before threatening to overwhelm me. “I want you to be my mate because… because I can’t imagine my life without you in it. From the moment I first saw you, something inside me changed. It’s like my blood knows you, Lina. You are my mate. I just need to claim you.”

Lina’s eyes widened at my words. I could see the conflict in her expression, desire warring with uncertainty. “Tharion, I—”

I couldn’t hold back any longer. I leaned in, capturing her lips with mine. She stiffened before melting against me, her arms wrapping around my neck. A growl escaped me as my hands slid down to her waist to pull her closer.

The kiss deepened, and I felt like I was drowning in her. My tongue explored her mouth, tasting her, claiming her. I trailed kisses along her jaw, then down to her neck. My pointed canines grazed her soft skin, and she shivered in my arms.

“Tharion,” she moaned, her fingers tangling in my hair.

I licked a slow path up the side of her neck, reveling in the way she trembled against me. “Tell me you want this,” I murmured against her skin. “Tell me you want to be mine.”

Lina’s head fell back, giving me better access to her throat. “I… I want…”

A sharp beep from the ship’s communication system interrupted us. We both froze, panting heavily.

“Incoming transmission from Dr. Heylarth,” the AI announced.

I growled in frustration, reluctantly pulling away from Lina. She looked dazed, her lips red, her cheeks flushed. It took every ounce of my self-control not to throw her on the bed and finish what we’d started.

“We should… we should take that,” Lina said breathlessly, smoothing down her hair.

I nodded, trying to regain my composure. “Right. Let’s go to the bridge.”

We made our way back, the air between us crackling with unresolved tension. As we settled into our seats, I activated the viewscreen.

The image that appeared made me freeze in shock. The elderly Mondian on the screen was instantly recognizable, despite the years that had passed.

“General Hondarth?”

For possibly the first, and hopefully the last time in my life, my jaw dropped.

The dragon-like being on the screen peered at me, his reptilian eyes widening in recognition. “By the stars,” he rumbled. “Tharion? Is that you, boy?”

Lina looked between us, confusion evident on her face. “You two know each other?”

LINA

Istood frozen, my eyes darting between Tharion and the holographic image of Dr. Heylarth floating above the ship’s comm panel. The familiar, wizened face of my employer now seemed alien, his eyes glinting with a sharpness I’d never noticed before.

“General Hondarth,” Tharion said with surprise. “I never expected to see you again, sir.”

Dr. Heylarth - or General Hondarth, apparently - chuckled, the sound warm yet edged with steel. “Tharion, my boy. Still getting into trouble, I see.”

My head spun. I gripped the edge of the console, steadying myself. “Wait, you two know each other?”

They both turned to me, exchanging a glance that spoke volumes.

“We’ll explain everything later,” they said in unison, then looked at each other again.

A bubble of laughter escaped my lips, bordering on hysteria. “Of course you will. Why wouldn’t two people I thought I knew turn out to have some secret past together?”

Tharion’s arm snaked around my waist, steadying me. “Lina, your safety is what matters now.”

Dr. Heylarth nodded, his holographic image flickering slightly. “Tharion’s right. We can discuss old war stories another time.”

Right. Another time.

I blinked, trying to process this new reality, focused on what was important. “Is it… is it safe for me to come home to Adtera?”

Dr. Heylarth’s expression hardened. “I’ve dealt with the Obsidian Dawn, but-”

“You’ve what?” I interrupted, my voice rising. This kindly old man who needed help remembering where he’d left his spectacles had “dealt with” a notorious criminal organization?

He sighed, suddenly looking every bit his age. “Lina, there’s much you don’t know about me. About a lot of things.”

“Clearly,” I muttered.

Tharion’s grip on my waist tightened slightly. “Perhaps you should explain, General.”

Dr. Heylarth - Hondarth - whoever he was, nodded. “It turns out that Arin Tal was smuggling rare spices. A number of syndicates are very, very interested in his sources.”

My mind reeled. “Arin? But he was just a tea merchant…”

“A cover,” Tharion said softly. “A good one, apparently.”

Dr. Heylarth continued, “The Obsidian Dawn believes Arin told you the location of his source before he died. That’s why they’ve been pursuing you.”

I pulled at my hair, trying not to scream. “But he didn’t! He just told me to run!”

“We know that,” Tharion grumbled. “But they don’t.”

“And the Trefter?” I asked, thinking about Grax and that damned cell.

“They went after you because they knew the Obsidian Dawn wanted you,” Dr. Heylarth explained. “They hoped to use you as leverage.”

“And the bounty?” I rubbed my head. This was too much.

“Well,” Dr. Heylarth, coughed a little. “That was me. I wanted to make sure you were back safely. It seemed the fastest way.”

I slumped against Tharion, suddenly exhausted.

“I’m working with the Alliance to clear things up,” Dr. Heylarth said. “But Lina, I don’t think it’s safe for you to come home just yet.”

Tharion’s other arm came around me, enveloping me in his warmth. “Perhaps,” he said, his voice a deep purr that sent shivers down my spine, “you’ll need to find a new home.”

Heat rose to my cheeks, acutely aware of Tharion’s powerful body pressed against mine. Dr. Heylarth’s holographic eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I saw the fierce general he must have been.

“Now see here, Tharion,” he began, his voice sharp. “I appreciate you finding her and keeping her safe but…”

He paused, seeming to deflate slightly, then shook his head, a wry smile crossing his face. “Well, I suppose I can’t stand in the way of… whatever this is. Not when I’ve apparently been the matchmaker.”

I squirmed slightly in Tharion’s embrace, unsure how to respond. Dr. Heylarth - General Hondarth - my employer and apparently so much more to the rest of the galaxy, fixed us both with a stern look.

“I expect to see you both soon,” he said. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, “I bet you never expected to have a Mondian for a father-in-law, did you, Tharion?”

Tharion stiffened behind me, and I felt a rumble in his chest that might have been a growl or a laugh. Before either of us could respond, the hologram flickered and vanished, leaving us alone in the suddenly quiet ship.

I turned in Tharion’s arms, looking up at his sharp features.

“It seems you have some explaining to do.”

I opened my mouth to press for answers, but Tharion’s intense gaze silenced me.

“Explanations can wait,” he growled, his voice husky. “All I want now is to make you mine.”

The force of his kiss sent a jolt through my body, and I melted into him. My arms wrapped around his neck as I pressed myself against his muscular frame.

Tharion’s hand fumbled with something on a nearby panel. There was a soft whir, and suddenly a bed slid out from the wall.

Our hands roamed frantically, pulling at each other’s clothing. I tugged at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine. He obliged, breaking our kiss just long enough to yank it over his head. His chest was a marvel of musculature, covered in intricate markings that seemed to shimmer in the dim light.

As we reached the bed, Tharion paused.

“Lina,” he said roughly. “There’s something I need to explain. About the claiming bite.”

I blinked, trying to clear the fog of desire from my mind. “Claiming bite?”

Tharion’s hand gently cupped my face. “It’s how Vinduthi males claim their mates. It… changes you. Makes you stronger, enhances your senses. You’d bear my markings.”

I stared at Tharion, my mind reeling from his words. A claiming bite? Something that would change me fundamentally?

I leaned back, needing space to process this. Tharion’s hand fell away from my face, and I instantly missed its warmth.

“I… I need a moment,” I murmured. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Tharion nodded, his red eyes never leaving mine. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

I sank onto the edge of the bed, my legs suddenly weak. What did it mean to be human? I’d never really thought about it before. It was just who I was, what I’d always been. But now, faced with the possibility of becoming something… else, I examined my humanity in a way I never had before.

Being human meant being vulnerable, fragile even. It meant having limitations, both physical and mental. But it also meant being adaptable, resilient in the face of adversity. It meant having the capacity for great love, compassion, and creativity.

And what would it mean to be something other than human? To bear the markings of an alien race on my skin? Would I still be me, or would I become someone - something - else entirely?

My eyes drifted to Tharion, who stood patiently watching me, giving me the space I needed. From the moment he’d touched me in Grax’s cell, something had clicked into place. It was as if a part of me I hadn’t even known was missing had suddenly been found.

I thought back to our harrowing escape, the way we’d worked together seamlessly, as if we’d known each other for years. The way his presence made me feel safe, despite the chaos all around us. The way my body responded to his touch, as if it recognized him on a cellular level.

Could it be possible that we were meant to find each other? That despite our different species, we belonged together?

The idea both thrilled and terrified me. To tie myself to Tharion so completely, to become his mate in every sense of the word… it was a huge step. One that would change my life irrevocably.

But as I looked at him, taking in the features that had become so dear to me in such a short time, a sense of rightness settled over me. Yes, we hadn’t known each other long. Yes, this was all happening incredibly fast. But sometimes, when you know, you just know.

I stood up, my decision made. Tharion’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of hope crossing his face.

“Tharion,” I managed to say, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. “I want you to claim me. I want to be your mate.”

Tharion’s eyes blazed with an intensity that made my breath catch. He stepped closer, his hands coming to rest on my waist.

“Are you sure?” he asked, the thread of hesitation making my heart crack.

I nodded, unable to find my voice. Tharion leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear.

“I’ll be gentle,” he murmured. “I promise.”

His words melted away the last of my hesitation. I tilted my head up, capturing his lips with mine. The kiss was soft at first, a tender exploration. But as Tharion’s arms tightened around me, pulling me flush against his body, the kiss deepened, igniting a fire within me.

Tharion’s hands roamed my body, his touch reverent and careful. He laid me down on the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. Slowly, he began to undress me, his fingers trailing over each newly exposed inch of skin.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

My cheeks flushed at his words. “Tharion,” I breathed, reaching for him.

He caught my hands, bringing them to his lips. He kissed each fingertip, then each palm, his eyes locked on mine. The tenderness of the gesture made my heart swell.

“I want to savor this,” Tharion said, his voice husky. “Savor you.”

He leaned down, pressing soft kisses along my collarbone, then down my chest. Each touch of his lips sent sparks of pleasure through me. I arched into him, desperate for more, but Tharion maintained his maddeningly slow pace.

“Please,” I whimpered, my fingers tangling in his hair.

Tharion looked up at me, a smile playing on his lips. “Patience, my love,” he murmured. “We have all the time in the galaxy.”

His hands and mouth continued their exploration of my body, finding spots that made me gasp and moan. The pleasure built slowly, a smoldering fire that threatened to consume me.

“Tharion,” I panted, my body trembling beneath his touch. “I need you.”

He moved back up my body, his lips finding mine. “I need you too,” he whispered against my mouth. “More than I’ve ever needed anything.”

Slowly, oh so slowly, Tharion joined our bodies. The feeling of completeness overwhelmed me, bringing tears to my eyes. Tharion noticed, his hand coming up to cup my cheek.

“Are you alright?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

I nodded, smiling through my tears. “I’m perfect,” I assured him. “I just… I love you, Tharion.”

His eyes softened. “And I love you, Lina. Now and forever.”

Tharion began to move, each thrust slow and deliberate. He stared into my eyes, his gaze filled with such love and tenderness that it made my heart ache.

The pleasure built gradually, a rising tide that threatened to sweep me away. Tharion’s movements remained measured, each touch calculated to bring me maximum pleasure.

“You’re everything to me,” Tharion murmured, his voice strained with effort. “My mate, my love, my life.”

His words pushed me closer to the edge. I clung to him, my nails digging into his shoulders. “Tharion,” I begged. “I’m so close.”

He increased his pace slightly, his hand sliding between our bodies. “Let go, my love,” he urged. “I’ve got you.”

The pleasure crested, washing over me in waves. I cried out Tharion’s name, my body shaking in his arms. As I came down from my high, Tharion’s movements became more urgent.

“Lina,” he growled, his voice thick with need. “I need you. Are you ready?”

I nodded, tilting my head to expose my neck. “Yes,” I breathed. “Please, do it now, Tharion.”

With a low growl, Tharion buried his face in the crook of my neck. The sharp sting of his teeth pierced my skin, followed by a rush of warmth that spread through my body.

A wave of dizziness washed over me. The world began to spin, colors blurring into a kaleidoscope. My last conscious thought was of Tharion’s arms holding me tight as darkness claimed me.

When I opened my eyes, everything had changed. The world was sharper, brighter, more vivid than I’d ever seen before. And I felt… different.

Powerful. New.

Tharion lay next to me, the warmth of his smile the same as it had ever been.

I reached for Tharion, my fingers tracing the contours of his face. As I did, a flash of green caught my eye. I froze, staring at my arm in wonder. Delicate swirls of emerald now decorated my skin, intricate patterns that matched Tharion’s own markings perfectly.

“Tharion,” I breathed, my voice filled with awe. “Look.”

He took my arm gently, a smile spreading across his face as he examined the new markings. His thumb traced one of the swirls, and I hissed at his touch, like sparks dancing along my skin.

“Beautiful,” he murmured. “Just like you.”

A giddy sound bubbled up from deep within me. “Flatterer,” I teased, but I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

As I admired the new markings, a thought occurred to me. “Tharion,” I wondered aloud. “How long do you think we have before Dr. Heylarth clears things up back in Adtera?”

Tharion’s pulled me closer. His eyes met mine, a mischievous glint in their depths. “I hope it’s a long, long time.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? And why’s that?”

He grinned, showing off those sharp canines that had so recently claimed me as his. “Because,” he said, leaning in to nuzzle my neck, “I’m not ready to share you with the rest of the galaxy just yet.”

EPILOGUE: LINA

Inestled closer to Tharion, reveling in the warmth of his body against mine. His fingers traced the new emerald swirls that marked me as his mate. The thought still sent a thrill through me.

“So,” I murmured, “where to now? The whole galaxy’s open to us.”

Tharion’s chest rumbled with a low chuckle. “Well, we could visit Inion. It’s a gas giant with floating cities. Or maybe Neiomrim, a bioluminescent jungle world.”

I hummed, considering.

He ran a lock of my hair through his fingers. “Or if you want something less exotic, we can visit Thodos III. There are quite a few Vinduthi there.”

I tilted my head to look up at him. “More Vinduthi? I think I have enough with just you.”

Tharion laughed, the sound warming me from the inside out. “Is that so?”

“Mm-hmm,” I confirmed, snuggling closer. “But… are they your friends?”

His expression softened. “Not exactly friends. More like comrades.”

“Oh?” I prompted, curiosity piqued.

“You might want to consider going to the station,” Tharion said thoughtfully. “I’ve heard some of the Vinduthi there have taken human mates.”

That caught me off guard. “Really? I didn’t know that was… common.”

As I pondered this, another question bubbled up. One I’d been afraid to ask before. “Tharion… what about the war? Humans weren’t really involved, and I was barely surviving anyway. As low as we are on the social scale, it didn’t seem to matter to most of us.”

He sighed. “The Alliance… it just got too big. Too many rules. The Vinduthi, the Mondians, and our allies tried to push back. It… didn’t work out in the end.”

A chill ran through me despite Tharion’s warmth. “If it was a civil war, does that mean… are all the Vinduthi criminals now?”

And if it did… how much did I care?

“Not exactly,” Tharion reassured me, his hand stroking my back soothingly. “There was an amnesty. But most of us still aren’t happy working with the Alliance.”

I fell silent, processing this information. It was so much more complex than I’d realized. I’d been so focused on my own survival that I’d barely paid attention to the larger conflicts shaping the galaxy.

Tharion’s voice broke into my thoughts, tinged with worry. “Lina… do you regret being mated now?”

I looked up at him, seeing the vulnerability in those red eyes that had once seemed so alien and now felt like home. Without hesitation, I leaned up and kissed him deeply, pouring all my love and certainty into it.

When we finally parted, breathless, I smiled. “Not for a second,” I assured him.

The relief and joy that spread across his face made my heart swell. Tharion pulled me close, burying his face in my hair. “I love you, Lina,” he murmured. “More than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you too,” I whispered back.

As we lay there, tangled together, I marveled at the journey that had brought us here. From getting tea in a market to murder, being hunted in a seedy cantina to becoming mates, bound together in ways I was only beginning to understand. The future was uncertain, filled with potential challenges and adventures, but I knew that with Tharion by my side, I could face anything.

I traced the swirling patterns on his chest, matching the ones now adorning my own skin. “So,” I said, a playful smile tugging at my lips, “tell me more about these floating cities on Inion.”

Tharion’s eyes lit up, and he launched into a description of shimmering, translucent structures drifting through pastel-hued clouds. As he spoke, I closed my eyes, imagining our future adventures together.

Whatever lay ahead, I knew one thing for certain: our story was far from over. It was just beginning.

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TRAPS AREN’T ONLY MADE of steel. Sometimes, they’re forged from desire.

I’VE SPENT years as the servant of Landar, a cruel smuggler who delights in tormenting me. When the Vinduthi bounty hunter Kaelith kills my master, I seize my chance at freedom. But to earn it, I must lead Kaelith to Landar’s secret treasure trove. As we face the horrors lurking in the depths of the derelict station, I find myself drawn to this lethal predator. His touch ignites a fire within me, but can I trust a man who kills without mercy?

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I’M on the run in the deadly Crimson Sands, desperate to escape my abusive master. But now a dangerous Vinduthi bounty hunter is on my trail - and he always catches his prey.

AS ROKAN relentlessly tracks me through the treacherous desert, the sizzling tension between us ignites.

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I NEED A DEAL TO SURVIVE. But all I have to offer is… myself.

ON THE STATION, humans are the lowest of the low. We take whatever jobs we can, scraping just to get by.

COMFORT IS RARE. Security a dream. And a real friend? Almost unheard of.

SO WHEN MY best friend goes missing, I’m desperate to find her. But before long my search leads me to the claws of the leader of the Vinduthi cartel.

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IN THE SAVAGE jungle of Thodos III’s underworld, our passion was the rarest bloom…

IT WAS JUST SUPPOSED to be another job arranging flowers for a gala event.

That’s what I did. What I loved.

Even if the order came from Draven, the enigmatic owner of the Black Star casino.

Tall, dark and dangerous.

And terribly, terribly attractive.

Despite my best efforts to push him away, I can’t get him out of my thoughts.

When a mysterious flower arrives at my shop bringing danger with it, Draven is the one to save me.

But can I trust the feelings that are growing between us?

And will we even have a chance to explore them before being swept away in the impending storm?

ALIEN DEVIL’S Gamble is the first book of the Black Star Mates spicy science fiction romance series on Thodos III. It can be read as a complete standalone.

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Copyright © 2024 by Ava York

All rights reserved. These books or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.