Page 24 of Bela's Bounty
It doesn’t take me long to scroll through the list. None of them are the female I want, which both invigorates and disappoints me. Mostly I’m thankful she hasn’t been put to work.
“Actually,” I pass the tablet back to her, “I’m looking for something more… specific.”
Her thin green brow arches again.
“I really have my heart set on something—someone—who might look a bit more… human. I was told I might find what I’m looking for here.”
It’s a gamble, asking for favors like I’m some kind of high-ranking official. Thankfully it’s a gamble that pays off when the female’s green eyes slowly roam over me before she purses her lips and then taps something into the tablet.
“Actually. We have recently acquired just what you have in mind.”
When she hands me back the tablet, there are three images on it. She taps the middle image of a female who looks much younger than the other two. “This one is not available, but the other two could be,” she pauses until I look up at her, “for a price.”
“Of course,” I reply with a sly smile. Fates help me, that I don’t regret this. I tap my finger against the tablet, lighting up the image of my female. “I’d like this one.”
In the image, my female looks so tired. Dark circles ring her strange-colored eyes. Eyes that are both light and dark at once. Her full lips are pressed together, giving her a steely expression, announcing to all who look upon her she’s far from meek.
“One moment, sir,” the female says as she pushes her chair back from the desk. “Let me just make sure she is available for you.”
As soon as she disappears from sight, I slump against the desk.
I have a small fortune in credits saved up. Am I truly willing to spend them for a short amount of time with this female? The answer comes easily. I am. That and more if I must.
What is the matter with me? What is it about this female, above all others, that has me so twisted up? I’m acting as if she is mysors.My fated. Which is impossible.
I’ve always thought the idea of finding one’sSorswas nothing more than a myth. Perhaps at one time my people truly did come across a mate that was the other half of their soul, but it’s been so long since such a thing happened, I doubt anyone really believes in it anymore. Except… why am I so drawn to this female who isn’t even of my species?
I decide it doesn’t matter; one way or another, my heart has already claimed her as mine and,sorsor not, I’m going to do everything within my power to save her. And, Fates Be Praised, maybe even keep her.
I begin pacing the small lobby, crossing the floor, going from wall to wall as time slowly ticks away. The more minutes pass, the more I begin to wonder if the elder female somehow figured out what my plans for the human are. The back of my neck prickles until I’m worrying that at any moment security will appear to escort me off the station.
A lift appears, and a well-dressed male steps into the lobby. I glance at him over my shoulder, and we both nod to one another before he makes his way to the desk, where he rings a chime. A moment later, the elder female returns and offers the male a bright smile before handing him a key with a green plaque attached.
“She’s waiting for you, sir.” The male bows his head and disappears up a short flight of stairs. To me, she says, “It won’t be much longer. I’m afraid I can only allow you to have her for an hour. In the meantime, let’s take care of payment.”
“Of course,” I mutter, trying not to flinch at the number that flashes across the screen as I scan my wrist.
“Please seat yourself, and I’ll call you as soon as she’s ready.” The elder female grins, her mouth filled with rounded teeth that once were likely sharp and dangerous.
With a sigh, I shuffle across the room to a wingback chair covered in spotted hide, tanned and worked until it’s soft and supple. My lean frame fits easily into it, but I can’t seem to get comfortable. One knee bounces, and I keep running my slick palms down the legs of my trousers while I wait a bitter eternity.
