Page 50 of Sublime Target

Jerik took his place opposite her.

There was a menu on the table in front of her. Not one of the usual digital self-ordering ones, but a quaintly printed one—elegant lettering on what appeared to be handmade cardboard.

She ran her finger over it, appreciating the slightly bumpy texture.

It was the kind of rare, bespoke thing the uber-wealthy folks in Garner’s world would have liked.

Handmade things, organic things; these were becoming rarer and rarer, and thus more prized.

“Oh, you’re here already. Jerik, I’m glad you could make it.” A voice made Clarissa turn.

A woman walked into the room—blond and tall, with strong, attractive features. She wore a simple black apron over a white chef’s uniform with sleeves rolled up to reveal slender, sinewy forearms that spoke of hard work and skill.

“And who might I have the pleasure of sharing my menu with today?” She sauntered across to the table, relaxed and confident, in a manner that very much told Clarissa this place was hers.

This wasn’t what she’d been expecting at all, but then again, when had Jerik and his Kordolian ilk ever been predictable?

“Clarissa, from Sydney,” Jerik said calmly as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“An absolute pleasure, Clarissa.” The woman offered her hand and proceeded to give her a warm, strong handshake. “I’m Sienna. Head chef, owner and proprietor of this establishment, and hopelessly and irreversibly involved with the silver, fanged variety.” She gave Jerik a pointed look. “Full disclosure. His good buddy is my significant other, and we serve everyone here. Human, Kordolian, alien. As long as they aren’t here to make trouble. I’m not talking about you, of course. You’re a highly valued guest. Outside of his toys and his duties, this guy doesn’t get out much, so I’m really happy to see you here.”

“Likewise, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Clarissa grew even more surprised. Sienna wasn’t scared or bound into service. She was clearly in charge of her own universe.

“To start, can I offer you something to drink? What’s your poison? Something alcoholic, or—”

Clarissa shook her head. “Technically, I’m still at work, so I’ll pass on the good stuff. A mocktail would be nice, though.”

“What flavors are you feeling like? I’ll make something just for you.”

“Um, something citrusy? I don’t really mind if you surprise me.”

“Done. I’ll be back to take your order when you’re ready. Don’t rush. Take your time.” Sienna glanced at Jerik. “You as well, Sir.”

Jerik wore an expression only a Kordolian could display—imperious annoyance mixed with gratitude.

Sienna gave them both an enigmatic smile—as if only she knew what was up—and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Clarissa alone with him.

And all of a sudden, she was nervous again.

She didn’t let that stop her, though. “Just before… you said I could ask you anything.”

“I did. That hasn’t changed.” He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms and frowning slightly. Amidst the quaint furniture and the plants, he looked decidedly out of place.

Like a wolf in a manicured garden.

And it was that very dangerousness of his that made this all the more remarkable because now the wolf was letting her pat his neck…

Or something like that.

There was no point beating around the bush. “Fine. Forgive me if I’m mistaken, but, um, are you trying to seduce me or something?”

Pale eyebrows rose. His brow furrowed.

“Yes,” he said without hesitation.

Her heart did a backflip. All right. That answers that.

“Why me?”

---