Page 5 of Hunter's Moon

Watching me, Tharion’s lip curled into a smirk. “Thinking of bolting, little human? I wouldn’t advise it. The lower levels of the city can be... dangerous at night.”

“I can take care of myself,” I said, trying to inject some steel into my voice.

He laughed, the sound sending chills down my spine. “I’m sure you can. But why take the risk when you have my... protection?”

The way he said ‘protection’ made it clear it was anything but. I needed to leave.

Now.

“I appreciate the offer,” I said, forcing a smile, “but I really should finish up. Maybe another time?”

Tharion’s eyes flashed, and for a moment, I thought he might grab me. But then he stepped back, giving me a mock bow. “As you wish, Lina. But don’t think this is the last you’ll see of me.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak, and quickly made my way to the back. As soon as I was out of sight, I bolted for the storage room, my heart hammering in my chest.

I grabbed my few meager possessions and slipped out the back door into the alley behind the cantina. The cool night air hit my face, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

Tharion’s interest in me was dangerous, and I couldn’t risk staying any longer. I’d have to find another job, another place to hide.

As I hurried down the twisting corridor, I heard footsteps behind me. Slow, measured steps that echoed in the quiet night. I quickened my pace, not daring to look back.

The footsteps continued, unhurried but persistent. I broke into a run, my heart pounding in my ears. I turned a corner, then another, trying to lose my pursuer in the maze-like back streets.

But no matter how fast I ran or how many turns I took, those steady footsteps followed. He wasn’t even bothering to run. He was stalking me, like a predator toying with its prey.

I ducked into a narrow passageway, pressing myself against the wall and trying to catch my breath. The footsteps stopped.

All I could hear was the sound of my own ragged breathing.

Then, from the darkness, came Tharion’s voice, smooth and amused. “Did you really think you could outrun me, little human?”

THARION

Istalked her through the corridors of the city’s underbelly, my senses razor-sharp. The human female’s scent lingered in the air. It drew me in, made me want to chase her even more.

But I held back, content to follow at a distance. This was a hunt, after all, and the thrill of pursuit sang in my blood.

The lower levels of the station buzzed with activity. Shady vendors hawked their wares from makeshift stalls, the air thick with the smell of exotic foods and illicit substances. I passed a Volek mercenary haggling over the price of a plasma rifle, his tentacled face twisted in annoyance.

“Come on, you overgrown squid,” the Ewani merchant squeaked. “This beauty’s worth twice what I’m asking.”

I ignored their bickering, my focus solely on my prey. She darted through the crowd, her auburn hair a beacon in the sea of aliens. Every now and then, she’d glance back, her eyes wide with fear when she caught sight of me.

The crowd parted as I passed, conversations dying mid-sentence. Even hardened criminals gave me a wide berth. They knew better than to get between a Vinduthi and his quarry.

“Did you see that?” a nearby Fanaith whispered to his companion. “It’s one of them Vinduthi. On the hunt, by the looks of it.”

“Poor bastard,” his friend replied. “Wouldn’t want to be whoever he’s after.”

I allowed myself a small smile, baring my pointed canines. Let them talk. Their fear only made this more enjoyable.

The human female ducked down a side passage, and I followed, unhurried. She was tiring, her steps slowing. I could have caught her at any time, but something held me back. There was more to this chase than just the bounty.

Her scent called to me in a way I’d never experienced before. It stirred something primal within me, a hunger that went beyond mere physical desire.

It was just the thrill of the hunt.

Nothing more.