Page 54 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

Back in the lab, I pulled up the supply manifests, cross-referencing them with my own notes. If I could prove Zhen’la was siphoning resources, it might give me leverage with Kreshnar.

As I worked, my thoughts drifted to Arkon. Was he safe? The image of his powerful body, battered and bloodied in the arena, made my chest ache. I clenched my fists, determination surging through me.

I paced the barren room,my footsteps echoing off the cold metal walls. No windows, no tablet, nothing to connect me to the outside world. My mind whirled, chasing after answers that slipped just out of reach, replaying the day’s events, searching for any advantage I might have missed.

The sudden hiss of the door sliding open made me jump. My pulse picked up as I spun around, expecting Dr. Zhen’la’s insectoid form. Instead, Kreshnar faced me.

The Naravex’s metallic fur caught the harsh overhead light as he stepped into the room.

“You said you could help me,” Kreshnar said, his markings pulsing with curiosity. “I’m intrigued to hear how a human slave thinks she has anything I might need.”

I bristled at his words. “I’m not a slave.”

“No?” Kreshnar’s feline features twisted into something like amusement. “Then why are you here?”

I took a moment, steadying myself. “Zhen’la is holding my mate hostage. Arkon. He’s forcing him to fight in the arena.”

“Ah, yes. The Vinduthi. He’s quite the crowd-pleaser.” Kreshnar’s ears flicked. “But that doesn’t explain what you think you can offer me.”

I met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. “I have proof that Zhen’la has been skimming funds from the Consortium. Detailed records of his embezzlement.”

Kreshnar’s markings flashed with interest. “And what do you want in exchange for this... information?”

“Freedom,” I said without hesitation. “For both of us. Arkon and me.”

Kreshnar’s features twisted into a smirk that sent a chill down my spine.

“Oh, little human,” he purred, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the room. “You’re playing a dangerous game. What you have better be something truly extraordinary. Otherwise...” He trailed off, leaving the threat hanging in the air.

The tips of my fingers tingled, as if my body was preparing to flee and the frantic thumping of my heart sent tremors through my veins, but I refused to let him see my fear. Everything hingedon this moment - my freedom, Arkon’s life, our future together. I couldn’t falter now.

I hated trusting him. Every instinct screamed that this was a mistake. But what choice did I have? I reached into my pocket and pulled out the datachip I’d compiled earlier.

“Everything’s here,” I said, holding it out. “Financial records, shipping manifests, all of it.”

Kreshnar took the chip with one of his six-fingered hands. “I’ll have to verify this. If it’s genuine, you’ll have your freedom soon.”

As he turned to leave, I called out, “Wait! Arkon... he’s fighting again tomorrow. You have to get him out of there.”

Kreshnar paused at the door. “One step at a time, human. One step at a time.”

The door slid shut behind him, leaving me alone once more. I sank onto the bed, my legs suddenly weak. I’d done it. I’d made a deal with yet another devil. But if it meant saving Arkon, I’d do it a thousand times over.

I closed my eyes, picturing Arkon’s face. His red eyes, so fierce in battle, yet so gentle when they looked at me. The curve of his horns, the sharp points of his canines. I had to believe this would work. I had to believe we’d be together again soon.

Because the alternative was unthinkable.

ARKON

The stale air of the holding cell filled my lungs as I paced, my muscles coiled tight with anticipation. Today was the day. The day of the fight. The day of our escape.

Around me, the other fighters prepared in their own ways. Some sat in silent meditation, others shadowboxed in the cramped space. The air buzzed with nervous energy.

I caught Renak’s eye across the room. A slight nod passed between us. He knew the plan. So did a handful of others. But most remained oblivious, cannon fodder for what was to come.

My mind raced, torn between focusing on survival and plotting our escape. Every instinct screamed at me to fight, to win, to live another day. But Samira’s face floated before me, a constant reminder of why I had to do more than just survive.

The cell door clanged open. Guards flooded in, herding us towards the arena entrance. As we marched, I strained my senses, searching for Samira. Her scent, her heartbeat, anything. But the roar of the crowd drowned out all else.

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