Page 4 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“Me?” Larthul’s scaled form shifted as her claws clicked in what I knew damn well was smugness. “I’m simply making efficient use of available resources. One of our most valuable civilian assets needs protection, and I have a highly qualified bounty hunter who owes me... how long was it again?”

“Three standard months,” I growled, my red eyes narrowing. “I’ve put up with two already. And then I’m back to actual challenges. Not babysitting a matchmaker.”

“A human who can convince a Renthian and a cybernetically enhanced Merrith that they’re compatible.” She pulled up a holofile, her golden-capped horns catching the light. “Who has half the Merchant’s Coalition practically begging for her services, and who just very publicly refused Sarith Vask as a client.”

That caught my attention. I’d tracked Vask through three systems last year before losing him at the Vinduthi border. His ego was as overdeveloped as his plumage, and his business practices made even other merchants uncomfortable.

“The Valentine’s Gala-”

“The what?”

“Human celebration. Apparently not actually involving organ harvesting, despite recent rumors.” Larthul’s amusement was clear in her reptilian features. “The Gala will have more political and economic influence in one room than the last three trade summits combined. All arranged under the guise of ‘romance.’”

She made the human word sound like a particularly puzzling security threat.

“Perfect opportunity for any number of interesting incidents,” she added casually. “The kind that might make your last month here less... boring for you.”

My jaw twitched with irritation. She knew me too well.

“And of course,” she continued, “there’s the matter of our bet’s terms. ‘Full participation’ in station activities, I believe was the phrase?”

I decided that didn’t require an answer.

“Report to Perfect Match at 0800 tomorrow.” Her forked tongue flicked briefly. “And try not to terrify the civilians. Especially the Nazok twins - they’re apparently social media influencers now.”

Which is how I found myself standing outside an office that looked more like a luxury lounge than a business, watching two tiny Nazoks - barely reaching my chest - attempting to juggle what appeared to be heart-shaped confetti while suspended from the ceiling.

“Look, Rina! Our new security detail has arrived!” One of the twins - impossible to tell which - executed a perfect flip fromher ceiling perch, landing with characteristic Nazok grace. Her silvery-blue hair settled in an artfully tousled style that had to be practiced.

The other twin dropped down beside her, their matching outfits creating a mirror image. “Ooh, Captain Larthul really sent us a Vinduthi warrior! The followers are going to love this.”

“No recordings,” I said firmly, my horns catching the light as I ducked through the doorway. At my full seven feet, most station architecture felt cramped.

“But-”

“Security protocols are not entertainment.”

“Everything’s entertainment with the right angle!” The first twin - Risa, I decided, based on the intelligence briefing’s note about her being the more outgoing one - produced a data crystal from somewhere. “And our followers have been desperate for new content since the Vask incident.”

I knew about that incident. The merchant’s humiliation had gone viral across three sectors. “That recording was a security breach.”

“That recording was art,” Rina corrected, her pointed ears twitching with amusement. “And it’s gotten us unprecedented access to-”

She stopped abruptly, attention shifting to something behind me. Both twins broke into identical grins that made my combat instincts twitch.

“Camden!” they chorused. “Your new security detail is here!”

I turned, professional assessment already in progress. Human female, mid-thirties, auburn hair, green eyes - matched the file image. But the file hadn’t captured the way she carried herself, the lushness of her curves, the subtle confidence of someone used to reading others before they could read her.

“Welcome to Perfect Match,” she said, extending her hand in human greeting. “I’m Camden Bishop. And you must be the famous Barek.”

Famous? I shot a look at the twins, who were practically vibrating with poorly contained glee.

“Oh yes,” Risa chirped. “We’ve heard all about your work. Especially the Vega System incident.”

“And the Crossfire Club raid,” Rina added.

“And that thing with the Orlian ambassador’s stolen-”

---