Page 3 of Bounty Hunter’s Match (Vinduthi Captured Mates #6)

CAMDEN

“ Y ou’re early.” I glanced up from my desk as Barek’s massive frame filled my office doorway. Dawn light from the station’s artificial sun painted sharp shadows across his gray skin and highlighted the red markings that twisted down his neck.

After a week of his constant presence, I still hadn’t gotten used to how he moved - silent despite his size, every motion controlled and deliberate. The twins had taken to trying to catch him off guard, popping out of vents or dropping from the ceiling. They hadn’t succeeded yet.

“The security feeds picked up unusual activity in sector seven.” His deep voice rumbled through the office as he ducked through the doorway. “Three of your clients accessed restricted areas within ten minutes of each other.”

“Ah.” I pulled up the relevant feeds on my holoscreen. “That would be the Sylphid delegation’s attempt at what they think is a human courtship ritual.”

His red eyes narrowed. “Explain.”

“They’ve been studying ancient Earth romance novels.” I tried not to smile at his expression. “Apparently, they’re quite taken with the concept of ‘secret rendezvous.’ Though their interpretation is... unique.”

On cue, one of the Sylphids phase-shifted through a wall, their ethereal form trailing sparkles of light. Their would-be suitor, another Sylphid, appeared moments later through the ceiling.

“Should I intervene?” Barek’s hand moved toward his weapon harness.

“Only if they try to recreate more scenes from that historical romance collection someone,” I glared at the vent where Risa was poorly concealing herself, “added to the station’s library.”

A muffled giggle drifted down from the vents, then the scamper of tiny feet as the twins decided something else might be more interesting. Or safer.

Barek’s red eyes narrowed as he spotted something on my desk. “What are those?”

“Research materials.” I swept the stack of dating guides into a drawer, but not before he plucked one from the pile.

“‘Understanding Hand-Holding: A Cross-Species Guide to Casual Contact.’”

He turned the brochure over in his hands. The contrast between his lethal grace and the pastel pamphlet would have been funny if my heart hadn’t skipped a beat at his proximity.

“Client resources,” I said smoothly. “Some species need very specific guidance on human customs.”

“Hmm.” The sound rumbled from deep in his chest as he tucked the pamphlet into a pocket of his vest.

“Did you just-”

“No.”

“You did! You’re keeping it!”

His expression didn’t change, but his pointed ears twitched. “Security assessment. Need to understand all potential... contact scenarios.”

“Of course.” I bit back a grin. “Very professional. Though if you’re interested in human customs, the twins’ new vid series-”

“No.”

“But they’re doing a whole segment on interspecies dating protocols-”

“Bishop.” He planted both hands on my desk, leaning down until we were eye-to-eye. “I am not here to study dating customs.”

A flush spread through me at his nearness. His scent - something sharp and clean, like ozone before a storm - filled my senses. “Then why keep the pamphlet?”

A muscle jumped in his jaw. “Intelligence gathering.”

“On hand-holding?”

“You’d be surprised how many deals go bad over misunderstood physical contact.” He straightened, and I could breathe again. “Speaking of which - your first client meeting is in ten minutes. A Sylphid named...?” He checked his datapad.

“Aethyra.” I stood, gathering my notes. “She’s interested in a Merrith scientist. It’s... complicated.”

“Because one’s ethereal and the other’s cybernetically enhanced?”

“Because she thinks ‘opposites attract’ means they should try merging their base molecular structures.” I headed for the door. “I’ll have to explain why that might cause problems before she attempts anything... experimental.”

His long stride easily matched mine as we walked through the waiting area. “This is normal for you?”

“Define normal.” I waved to the twins, who were setting up recording equipment near the ceiling. “Yesterday I had to explain to a Thraxxian why comparing his love interest’s bioluminescence to a quantum reactor meltdown wasn’t actually romantic.”

“Even though Thraxxian poetry often uses technological metaphors for-” He caught himself. “That’s not relevant to security.”

“No, but it’s fascinating that you know that.” I shot him a sideways look. “Almost like someone’s been studying interspecies courtship customs.”

“Professional interest only.” But his hand brushed his pocket where the pamphlet was hidden.

“Of course.”

A soft chime announced Aethyra’s arrival. The Sylphid’s form shimmered like heat waves, barely maintaining humanoid shape. Her voice rippled through the air rather than traveling through it. “Ms. Bishop! I had the most wonderful idea about molecular bonding-”

“Inside. Now.” I herded her toward my office before she could finish that sentence where other clients might hear. “Barek, could you...?”

He was already moving to intercept the twins, who had their recording equipment aimed our way. “No footage of client meetings.”

“But the viewers love the weird science ones!” Risa protested.

“Remember the Fungoid spore incident?” Rina added. “That got us ten thousand new followers!”

“And three lawsuits,” I called over my shoulder. “No recordings.”

Their disappointed sighs followed us into my office, where Aethyra was already demonstrating her idea by partially phasing through my desk.

“See? If I just adjust my molecular frequency, theoretically-”

“Let’s discuss less invasive options first.” I pulled up her match’s profile. “Dr. Vren has expressed interest in traditional Sylphid courtship rituals. Maybe start with atmospheric harmonization?”

“But I read that humans believe in ‘following your heart’ and ‘becoming one with your beloved.’” Her form flickered hopefully. “And I thought, what better way to become one than-”

“That’s metaphorical!” I winced as she phased through my favorite chair. “Humans mean emotionally one, not literally merging atomic structures.”

“Oh.” She dimmed slightly. “But the molecular diagrams I sent him-”

“Were very creative,” I said diplomatically. “But perhaps we should focus on getting to know each other first? Before any... merging.”

A soft sound that might have been a quickly suppressed laugh came from Barek’s position by the door.

“The warrior agrees!” Aethyra brightened literally, her form glowing. “Among my people, shared combat is a traditional courtship activity. Perhaps Dr. Vren and I could-”

“No combat!” I held up a hand. “His cybernetics are very sensitive to electromagnetic disruption. Maybe try sharing a meal first?”

“But he doesn’t eat in the traditional sense. His nutrients are absorbed through-”

“Atmospheric harmonization,” I said firmly. “Start with compatible atmospheres, then work up to sharing the same space without phase-shifting through the furniture.”

“Like you and your Vinduthi?” She swirled thoughtfully. “I noticed how carefully he maintains optimal distance while staying within protective range. Very traditional.”

My cheeks burned. “Barek is security, not-”

“Oh! Is this one of those human courtship customs where you pretend not to be interested?” Her form rippled excitedly. “I read about those! Should I pretend not to notice Dr. Vren’s perfect molecular symmetry?”

Behind her, Barek’s expression remained professionally blank, but his ears twitched again.

“Let’s focus on your situation,” I managed. “I’ve arranged a meeting space with specialized atmospheric controls. You and Dr. Vren can practice maintaining a solid form while sharing conversation. No molecular merging attempts.”

“Traditional.” She sighed, her edges blurring. “I suppose that’s more romantic than my quantum fusion proposal.”

“Much more romantic,” I agreed, pulling up the environmental chamber’s specs. “And less likely to trigger station-wide security protocols.”

“Speaking of security,” she swirled toward Barek. “The twin information gatherers are hosting a video series about courtship customs. Perhaps you could share insights about Vinduthi traditions? Dr. Vren follows their channel, and cross-species perspectives are so enlightening...”

“No,” Barek growled.

But it was too late. The twins’ voices drifted through the ceiling vent: “Did someone say Vinduthi traditions?”

“Live in ten minutes!”

“Special guest appearance!”

“No,” Barek repeated, but I saw his hand brush that pocket again.

“Think of it as cultural exchange,” I suggested. “Very professional. Intelligence gathering, even.”

His red eyes narrowed. “You’re enjoying this.”

“I never enjoy my clients’ happiness.” I managed to keep a straight face. “Or my security detail’s discomfort. That would be unprofessional.”

“Bishop.”

“Yes?”

“You’re lying.”

“Probably.” I smiled. “But you’re still going to do the interview.”

His growl held no real heat. “Why?”

“Because it’s good for business. Because the twins will only get more creative if you refuse. And because,” I tapped the hidden pamphlet, “you’re curious.”

For a moment, he looked like he might argue. Then his lips curved slightly - not quite a smile, but close. “One interview. No personal questions.”

“Of course not.” I opened the door, where the twins were already setting up their equipment. “Though you might want to review chapter three of that pamphlet first. The section on non-verbal cues could be... relevant.”

His low growl followed me out, but I noticed he didn’t deny it.

The twins’ studio setup took over my waiting room, transforming the space with strategic lighting and floating holocams. Risa perched cross-legged on a suspended chair while her sister fine-tuned the equipment.

“Welcome to Dating Customs 101!” Risa beamed at the main camera. “Today’s special guest is-”

“A security professional who will not be discussing classified information,” Barek cut in, folding his arms.

“Ooh, mysterious!” Rina winked at the camera. “Our viewers love mysterious.”

“Today’s topic: Vinduthi courtship traditions! Like that thing with the ritual combat-”

“No combat discussions.”

“The traditional marking ceremonies?”

“Classified.”

“The famous passion fruit incident at the Embassy ball?”

His ears twitched. “How do you know about that?”

The twins exchanged triumphant grins. “So it’s true!”

I bit back a laugh as Barek realized his mistake. The twins were experts at getting people to confirm rumors just by denying them.

“Moving on,” he growled. “Basic traditions only. Nothing classified.”

“Of course!” Risa’s innocent expression fooled no one. “Let’s start with something simple. Is it true that Vinduthi warriors express interest through prolonged eye contact and subtle positioning?”

“That’s...” Barek shifted slightly. “Technically not classified.”

“Fascinating!” Rina made notes. “And does maintaining optimal protective distance while staying within line of sight indicate-”

“Security protocols,” he said firmly. “Nothing more.”

“Interesting choice of words,” Risa mused. “‘Nothing more’ implies there could be more, but-”

“Next question.”

“Fine.” Rina consulted her notes. “The traditional hand-pressing gesture. Is it true that-”

“That’s covered in chapter three,” I couldn’t resist adding.

Barek’s glare promised revenge, but the twins were already pouncing on that slip.

“Chapter three?” Risa bounced in her chair. “You mean the dating guides? You’ve been studying-”

“Research,” he gritted out.

“Very professional,” I agreed solemnly. “Purely for security reasons.”

“Bishop.” His growl held a warning note that absolutely did not make my pulse jump. “You’re not helping.”

“I’m always helpful. It’s a professional requirement.” I turned to the twins. “Speaking of which, didn’t you have questions about traditional Vinduthi gift-giving customs?”

“That’s it.” Barek stood, his impressive height casting shadows over the recording setup. “Interview over.”

“But we haven’t even gotten to the good parts!” Risa protested.

“Like the passion fruit incident?” Rina added hopefully.

“No.” He started toward the door, then paused. “Though that’s not technically how it happened.”

The twins perked up. “Oh?”

“The Ambassador’s daughter was allergic to the synthetic compounds. The diplomatic incident was purely coincidental.”

“And the ritual combat challenge?”

“Was actually a misunderstanding about proper table etiquette.” His lips twitched. “But that’s classified.”

With that, he strode out, leaving the twins practically vibrating with excitement.

“Exclusive Embassy details and courtship protocols in one interview!” Risa bounced in her seat.

“Plus evidence of certain security personnel studying human customs,” Rina added with a knowing grin.

I shook my head, but I was smiling too. “Just edit out anything that might compromise security. Or dignity.”

“Speaking of dignity,” Rina’s ears twitched mischievously, “MIRA’s been running some interesting compatibility calculations...”

“Don’t start.” But I was already wondering what chapter three of that pamphlet actually said about hand-pressing gestures.

MIRA’s crystals rippled. “Would you like to see the statistical analysis?”

“No.” I gathered my notes for the next client meeting. “And stop encouraging them.”

But I noticed she didn’t delete those calculations.