Page 2 of Quick on the Claw

Gerri laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Something like that. I’m a matchmaker, dear.”

“A matchmaker?” Sia’s eyebrows shot up. “Like, professionally? That’s so cool. I didn’t know people still did that.”

“Oh yes, there’s quite a demand for it,” Gerri replied, a knowing smile playing on her lips. If only Sia knew just how diverse her clientele really was. Humans, shifters, aliens – love knew no boundaries in Gerri’s world. “I help people find their perfect matches.”

“Wow,” Sia breathed, clearly impressed. Then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, she straightened up. “Wait a minute. Gerri, I have a huge favor to ask. It’s about my cousin, Tiffany.”

Gerri raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? What about her?”

Sia’s expression turned earnest, her previous excitement replaced by genuine concern. “Tiffany... she’s amazing, you know? Smart, funny, beautiful. But she’s been so lonely lately. I mean, she puts on a brave face, but I can tell. Especially after our grandmother died. She just seems so…alone.”

Gerri nodded sympathetically, sensing the depth of Sia’s worry for her cousin.

“The thing is,” Sia continued, her words tumbling out in a rush, “Tiffany’s never really seen true love. Our family... well, let’s just say we don’t have the best examples. Her parents’ marriage is more of a business arrangement than a love match. And she’s had some pretty awful experiences in her own relationships. She even left a guy at the altar.”

Sia’s hazel eyes pleaded with Gerri. “I know we just met, but... do you think you could help her? Help Tiffany find her perfect match? She deserves to be happy and find someone who’ll love her for who she is.”

Gerri sat back, considering Sia’s request. It wasn’t uncommon for friends or family members to approach her about potential clients, but there was something special about this case. The genuine love and concern Sia had for her cousin was touching.

“Tell me more about Tiffany,” Gerri prompted, her matchmaker’s instincts kicking into high gear.

Sia’s face lit up. “Oh, where do I start? She’s a high school teacher – History and English and sometimes Drama just for fun. She’s brilliant at it too. The kids adore her. She has this way of making everyone feel special. And she’s got the best sense of humor – snarky, but always kind.”

As Sia continued to sing Tiffany’s praises, Gerri found herself more and more fascinated. A passionate teacher with a kind heart and a quick wit – now that was someone with potential.

“She sounds lovely,” Gerri said when Sia paused for breath. “But why do you think she needs my help? Surely a woman like that would have no trouble finding dates.”

Sia’s enthusiasm dimmed slightly. “That’s just it. Tiffany doesn’t have trouble finding dates. She has trouble finding the right person. Someone who challenges her, who sees beyond her family name and really gets her. Her dad is always on her ass about getting married to one of his perfect clones and I think she’s afraid to end up with one of them.”

Gerri nodded, understanding dawning. “Ah, I see. And you think I might be able to help with that?”

“I hope so,” Sia said, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and desperation. “Tiffany deserves someone special. Someone who’ll make her laugh, who’ll support her dreams. She needs an adventure, Gerri. Something to shake up her world and show her what real love can be like.”

Gerri sat back, mulling over Sia’s words. An adventure, hmm?

“All right, dear,” Gerri said, her decision made. “I’ll help your cousin, but you must remember I cannot control how she and her…match interact or how they handle their romance.”

Sia’s face lit with a wide grin. “Oh, thank you, Gerri. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me – to Tiffany.”

As Sia continued to express her gratitude, Gerri’s mind was already whirring with possibilities.

Later that day, Gerri settled into her plush chair, pulling out her notes from the coffee shop encounter. A soft chime filled the air. Her otherworld communicator glowed, indicating an incoming call.

With a smile, Gerri activated the device. A holographic image flickered to life above her desk, revealing the regal figure of Queen Astra Larkana of Nova Aurora. Despite the sorrow evident in her golden amber eyes, the queen’s beauty was striking. Her silver hair, streaked with remaining black, was elegantly coiffed, and she wore a simple yet exquisite gown of deep forest green.

“Gerri, my dear friend,” Astra’s melodious voice filled the room. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all, Astra,” Gerri replied warmly. “It’s wonderful to see you. How are you holding up?”

A shadow passed over Astra’s face. “As well as can be expected, I suppose. Zak has been a pillar of strength, but...” She trailed off, her gaze distant.

Gerri nodded sympathetically. She’d been devastated to hear of King Yerik’s passing. He’d been a good man and a wise ruler. “I’m so sorry, Astra. Yerik was one of the best. How is Zakhar coping with his new responsibilities?”

Astra’s expression softened with maternal pride, tinged with worry. “He’s taken to his duties with admirable dedication. Perhaps too much dedication, if I’m honest. Which is... well, it’s why I’m calling, Gerri.”

Gerri leaned forward. “Oh? What can I do for you, my friend?”

Astra took a deep breath, her regal composure slipping to reveal a concerned mother. “It’s Zakhar. He’s thrown himself into his role as king with such intensity, I fear he’s neglecting his own happiness. He needs a mate, Gerri. Someone to stand by his side, to support him, to... to love him.”

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