Page 3 of Quick on the Claw

Gerri nodded, understanding dawning. “And you don’t believe his mate is on Nova Aurora?”

“No,” Astra shook her head. “I’ve watched him interact with every eligible shifter in our kingdom and beyond. There’s no spark, no connection. I believe... I believe his true mate might be on Earth.”

Gerri gave a nod, inwardly smiling at what she knew was coming. “I see. And you’d like my help in finding this mate?”

“Please, Gerri,” Astra’s voice was tinged with desperation. “You’re the best matchmaker in the galaxy. If anyone can find Zakhar’s perfect match, it’s you. He needs someone who can challenge him, who can help him see beyond his duties as king. Someone who can bring laughter and light back into his life.”

As Astra spoke the image came together. A passionate teacher with a quick wit and a kind heart. Someone who needed an adventure, a chance to see what true love could be. Tiffany Whitlock.

“I’ll do my best, Astra,” Gerri said. “But I must warn you, it won’t be easy. Human-shifter relationships are complex enough on Earth. Add in the interplanetary element...”

Astra’s laughter, warm and melodious, filled the room. “Oh, Gerri. That’s exactly what I’m hoping for. Zakhar needs a challenge. He needs someone who will rock his world, who will make him see things differently. The harder he has to work for it, the better.”

Gerri couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, when you put it that way... All right, Astra. But remember, I can’t guarantee anything. You know you can lead a horse to water...”

“I understand,” Astra nodded, her eyes shining with hope. “Thank you, Gerri. You have no idea how much this means to me – to our kingdom.”

As they said their good-byes and the holographic image faded, Gerri sat back in her chair, a smile playing on her lips. Oh, this was going to be interesting indeed.

She pulled out her notes on Tiffany, reading them over with fresh eyes. A dedicated teacher with a passion for her work. Someone who needed an adventure, a chance to see what true love could be. And Zakhar – a young king, dedicated to his people but in danger of losing himself in his duties. Both of them yearning for something more, something real.

The cultural differences alone would be a significant hurdle. And then there was the small matter of Tiffany adjusting to life on an alien planet...

But that was half the fun, wasn’t it? Gerri loved a good challenge, and this promised to be one of her most interesting matches yet.

She reached for her phone, ready to set things in motion. First, she’d need to arrange a meeting with Tiffany. Perhaps at that education fundraiser gala next week? Yes, that would do nicely.

As Gerri dialed, her excitement grew. She had a good feeling about this match. Tiffany and Zakhar might be from different worlds – quite literally – but they were exactly what each other needed.

A sly grin spread across Gerri’s face as she listened to the phone ring. Oh yes, this was going to be fun. After all, love knew no limitations – not even interplanetary ones.

“Hello, Sia? It’s Gerri. I think I might have an idea for your cousin...”

ONE

The grand ballroom of the Starlight Hotel sparkled with the ethereal glow of a thousand twinkling lights. Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic rainbows across the polished marble floor, their brilliance rivaled only by the glittering jewels adorning New York’s elite. It was a sea of designer gowns and tailored tuxedos, the crème de la crème of society gathered for the annual Education Illumination Gala.

Tiffany Whitlock stood at the entrance, her silver-gray dress shimmering like a verdant waterfall. She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she prepared to dive into the fray. This was her element – or at least, it should have been. The daughter of one of New York’s most prominent families was raised in ballrooms just like this. Yet as she gazed at the glittering throng, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was an imposter in a world that no longer fit.

“Miss Whitlock! Over here!”

The cheerful call cut through Tiffany’s melancholy, and she turned to see Sandra Chen, one of her brightest students, waving enthusiastically from behind a display of student artwork. Tiffany’s face lit up with a genuine smile as she made her way over.

“Sandra, I’m so glad you could make it. Is this your piece?”

Sandra nodded eagerly, gesturing to a vibrant painting of a cityscape. “It is. I used the perspective techniques you taught us last month.”

Tiffany leaned in, admiring the bold strokes and clever use of color. “It’s beautiful, Sandra. You’ve really captured the energy of the city.”

As Sandra launched into an excited explanation of her artistic process, Tiffany found herself relaxing. This was why she loved teaching – the passion, the creativity, the moment when a student’s eyes lit up with newfound understanding. It was a far cry from the stuffy world of high finance her father so desperately wanted her to join.

“Miss Whitlock?” A tentative voice interrupted Sandra’s artistic dissertation. Tiffany turned to see Jeremy, another of her students, hovering nervously at the edge of their conversation. “I, um, I wanted to thank you. For the letter of recommendation. I got into Columbia’s summer program.”

Tiffany’s face broke into a wide grin. “Jeremy! That’s fantastic news! I knew you could do it.”

She pulled the surprised boy into a quick hug, her heart swelling with pride. These moments – watching her students succeed, knowing she’d played a small part in their journey –were what made teaching worthwhile.

As Jeremy stammered his thanks and then scurried off, cheeks flushed with embarrassment and pride, Tiffany felt a familiar presence at her elbow. The scent of expensive cologne heralded her father’s arrival before she even turned to face him.

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