Page 51 of Marked By the Bounty Hunter

They filed out with promises to return later. Only Netu lingered, her small hand finding mine one more time.

“Thank you,” she whispered. Her empathic presence radiated pure gratitude.

Then they were gone, leaving me alone with Tyrix. He drew me closer, and I breathed in his scent - somehow even more compelling.

“How are you really feeling?” he asked.

“Different. Stronger.” I flexed my hands, marveling at the precision of movement. “But also... more. Like everything that was already there got turned up to maximum.”

His thumb traced one of my new markings. “They suit you.”

I caught his hand, pressing it flat against my skin. Through our bond, desire flared hot and bright.

“Later,” he promised roughly. “When you’re stronger.”

I growled in frustration - actually growled, the sound startlingly natural from my changed throat. His answering rumble sent shivers down my spine.

“We need to discuss what comes next,” he said, visibly forcing himself to focus. “I have contacts - other hunters, people who operate outside the law. They can help us expose the other facilities.”

“Good.” I leaned into him, letting his solid presence ground me as my new body processed the world around us. “Because I’m not letting this end here. Not while there are other children in danger.”

His approval hummed through our bond. “I hoped you’d say that. But first...” He hesitated. “There’s somewhere you need to go.”

I knew immediately what he meant. The Rusted Horizon - my bar, my refuge for so many years. I needed to say goodbye properly.

“Will you come with me?”

The Rusted Horizonsat silent and dark when I pushed through the door. Not the bustling energy I was used to - this was the quiet between shifts, when even the drunkest patrons had stumbled home to sleep it off. My nose picked up traces of stale beer, cleaning solution, the lingering warmth of bodies long gone.

“Feels strange,” I murmured, running my fingers along the scarred bar top. “Being on this side.”

“Good strange?” Tyrix asked, as he looked around.

“Just... strange.” My new markings tingled as I absorbed the familiar space with unfamiliar senses. Every dent and scratch held memories - fights broken up, secrets traded, alliances formed and broken over cheap drinks.

“You’re early.” Kell’s voice drifted from the back room. She emerged carrying a crate of bottles, mandibles clicking in what I now recognized as amusement. “Though I suppose punctuality comes with the enhanced package.”

I snorted, falling easily into our old pattern despite everything that had changed. “Says the one who’s always here before opening.”

“Someone has to maintain standards.” She set the crate down with precise movements. “Even if certain bartenders spend their nights running around saving children instead of serving drinks.”

“About that...” I started.

“Don’t.” Her mandibles clicked firmly. “You did what needed doing. We both know it.”

Through the bond, I felt Tyrix’s approval of her words. His hand found the small of my back, steadying.

“Still. The bar-”

“I’ll find another worker.” She waved off my protests. “Won’t be as good as you, but maybe prone to less trouble. Odra says he’ll help me look.”

Speaking of Odra... My hearing picked up his approach before the door opened. His skin rippled through welcoming patterns as he entered.

“Thought I’d find you here.” He set a small package on the bar. “Brought you something.”

Inside lay a data crystal and what looked like security credentials. High-level ones.

“From Dr. Gondon,” he explained. “One more hidden file. Coordinates for other facilities, security protocols, evidence of what they have done. Things that need to reach the right people.”

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