Page 57 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

Grolgath. At least three of them.

I duck behind a maintenance cart as footsteps echo through the depot. They're being careful, moving in formation. These aren't common thugs - they're trained hunters.

The half-repaired inducer sparks in my hands. Two more minutes and I could have finished it. Now I'll have to fight them looking like myself.

The footsteps draw closer. Red scales glint in the dim light - not grolgath at all. Vakutan. My lip curls into a snarl. The Trident Alliance's pet soldiers.

Three of them fan out, plasma rifles raised. Their leader's cybernetic eye whirs as it focuses on me. My claws itch to tear it from his skull.

"Back off." I rise to my full height, fur bristling. "I've killed better warriors than you."

"My name is Pyke." The leader lowers his weapon, scales shifting from battle-red to a more neutral orange. "And I do not want to be your enemy, mighty Krampus."

A laugh rumbles in my chest. "Funny way of showing it."

"We come with an offer from the Alliance." Pyke takes a step forward. "We know about you and the earth woman."

My growl echoes off the tunnel walls.

"Choose your next words carefully."

"The Alliance has been monitoring Gregor's activities. His actions threaten the stability of this sector." Pyke's scales ripple with earnest colors. "We propose a joint operation."

"Not interested in your politics." My claws flex. Mel and Sam's faces flash through my mind. "I just want them safe."

"That's exactly what we're offering. Protection for the humans, in exchange for your assistance eliminating Gregor's operation."

The Vakutan's cybernetic eye whirs as he studies me. Smart little lizard, playing on my protective instincts. But he's right - I can't watch Mel and Sam every second. Sooner or later, Gregor will find an opening.

"What's the catch?"

"No catch. The Alliance wants Gregor gone. You want revenge. Our goals align perfectly."

I bare my teeth. "And after?"

"You and your humans will be left in peace. The Alliance has no quarrel with Earth or its inhabitants."

My fur bristles at his presumptuous tone. "They're not 'my' humans."

"Of course not." His mandibles twitch in what passes for a Vakutan smile.

"Fine." I step closer, towering over him. "But understand this - we're not friends. You stay away from Mel and Sam. Cross that line, and I'll show you why the Empire locked me away."

"Understood." Pyke extends his hand. "Partners then?"

I ignore the gesture. "Partners. Now tell me everything you know about Gregor's operation."

CHAPTER 21

MEL

My knuckles whiten on the steering wheel as I scan each passing street. No sign of blue fur or horns anywhere. The streets blur together after three hours of searching.

"Where are you, you oversized blueberry?"

The phone buzzes against the cup holder. I swerve to the shoulder and grab it before the first ring ends.

"Krampus?"

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