Page 47 of Quick on the Claw

Tiffany grinned back at him. “Oh, you know, just getting pumped full of alien juice. The usual Tuesday afternoon.”

Draven’s eyebrows shot up. “Alien juice? Should I be worried?”

Sia hopped off the table and sauntered over to him, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Not at all, big guy. In fact, I hear you play a crucial role in making sure this stuff works properly.”

Draven looked confused for a moment before understanding dawned on his face. His cheeks darkened in a blush. “Oh. Oh, I see.”

Zak chuckled, moving to stand beside Tiffany. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re doing this. The thought of you being safer here, able to explore more of our world without fear... it’s the best news I’ve gotten.”

Tiffany leaned into his touch, warmth blooming in her chest. “Well, I’m not planning on going anywhere, so I might as well make sure I can stick around for the long haul, right?”

Dr. Viiks cleared his throat. “If you’re ready, ladies, we can proceed with the injections.”

Sia thrust her arm out dramatically. “Hit me with your best shot, Doc. Make me invincible!”

As the doctor administered the injection, Sia made a show of flexing her muscles and striking superhero poses, causing everyone in the room to burst into laughter.

Tiffany shook her head, still giggling as she offered her own arm to Dr. Viiks. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

Sia winked. “You love it. Now come on, alien sis. Let’s get you powered up so we can go on some real alien adventures.”

As the cool liquid entered her veins, Tiffany looked around at the faces surrounding her - Zak’s loving gaze, Draven’s amused grin, Sia’s infectious enthusiasm, and even Dr. Viiks’s alien yet kindly demeanor. In that moment, she felt a profound sense of belonging.

This strange, beautiful, sometimes terrifying alien world had become her home. And with this injection, she was taking one more step toward fully embracing her new life here. Whatever adventures lay ahead, Tiffany knew she was ready to face them - superpowers or not.

TWENTY-TWO

Tiffany strolled through the lush gardens of the royal palace, her mind abuzz with lesson plans and the vibrant alien flora surrounding her. The sweet scent of unfamiliar blossoms filled the air, a constant reminder of how far from home she truly was. Yet, with each passing day, Nova Aurora felt less like a strange planet and more like a place she belonged.

Her peaceful reverie shattered as a looming shadow fell across her path. Grixxar stood before her, his eyes blazing with barely contained fury.

“You,” he spat, his voice dripping with disdain, “you’re nothing but a disruptive influence on this kingdom. How dare you presume to change our ways with your primitive Earth notions.”

Tiffany’s spine stiffened, her gray eyes flashing with defiance. She’d faced down plenty of bullies in her teaching career, and she wasn’t about to let this overgrown cat intimidate her.

“Primitive?” she shot back, her voice laden with sarcasm. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that wanting to broaden horizons and foster understanding was considered primitive these days. My mistake.”

Grixxar’s face contorted with rage. He took a menacing step forward, towering over Tiffany. “You mock our traditions, you corrupt our youth with your alien ideas. You don’t belong here, and you never will.”

Tiffany stood her ground, refusing to be cowed. “I’m here at Zakhar’s invitation, teaching at his request. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it up with him.”

Their heated exchange drew the attention of nearby guards, who lingered uneasily, unsure whether to intervene in a dispute involving the king’s cousin.

Grixxar opened his mouth to retort, but a low, menacing growl cut him off. Nyx, Zak’s loyal panther companion, materialized from the shadows of the garden. His emerald eyes fixed on Grixxar, teeth bared in a silent warning.

Tiffany’s heart swelled with affection for the protective creature. She’d grown fond of Nyx over the past weeks, and it seemed the feeling was mutual.

Grixxar’s eyes darted between Tiffany and Nyx, a mixture of fury and disbelief etched on his face. “You... you’ve even turned the king’s pet against us,” he hissed. “This isn’t over, Earthling.”

With a final glare of pure venom, Grixxar stormed off, leaving Tiffany alone with Nyx. She crouched down, running her fingers through the panther’s sleek fur.

“Thanks, buddy,” she murmured. “I owe you one.”

As she watched Grixxar’s retreating form, a chill ran down her spine. His words felt less like empty threats and more like a promise of things to come.

Later that evening, Tiffany recounted the incident to Zak as they sat in his private study. The king’s jaw clenched, his golden eyes flickering with concern and barely suppressed anger.

“I’m sorry you had to endure that,” he said, his deep voice tinged with regret. “Grixxar has always been... difficult. But this level of aggression is new.”

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