Noir Kioko had only ever seen one human before his undercover work brought him to the diner at the Luna Terminal, and that was at a distance. Humans are rare, most of them disappear without a trace, and he hopes hanging around the restaurant will give him a lead on the smuggling ring he’s investigating. There was no way he could’ve known the human would turn out to be his mate, and no way he can let it show without putting his mate in danger and possibly jeopardising his mission.<br><br>Max Welch is the proud owner of the only restaurant within a light year’s distance. He left Earth four years ago to create a better life for himself, but he hadn’t considered the possibility of scary alien pirates making his restaurant their favourite hangout spot. As a measly human there isn’t much he can do about it, but as one of the pirates starts coming by almost every day he has to come up with something before he loses all his customers. That the giant cat man is rather nice to look at changes nothing.<br><br>When rumours of another human arriving at the space station start to circulate, Noir's species trafficking infiltrate and observe only mission may need a revamp. But will Noir be able to protect his mate and another one of his rare species?

It Doesn't Translate

Max ran down the stairs again, rounded the corner, and crossed the kitchen. When he walked in behind the counter in the serving area, he kept his gaze low and his teeth hidden. “Hello.” A quick glance at the customer had him relaxing. It was the guy working the post office in the grocery shop—vegetarian.


“Mr Srilmark, I have a speciality for you today.” His Habanero Hot Lemon had several ripe fruits. Max was pleased with the result, and he’d definitely buy more seeds from Earth along with more plant light. And if he could have them smuggled so the AFS wouldn’t kill him with their taxes— Fuck! He should’ve asked Chase. Ah, well, too late now. Chase would be here soon.


“Have a seat, and I’ll be out with a salad shortly.” Mr Srilmark always had salad and nothing else so there was no way he could get the order wrong, but he had once asked Max if he didn’t have anything a little spicier.


“I will, thank you, Max. I brought this for you.”


Chapter 18