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

“You’re an idiot, Noir.” Quam glared at him from behind Xog. Taking shelter behind a smaller creature—pathetic. Quam touched Xog at the back of his neck where there weren’t any spikes, one small touch and all the spikes went into his skin again.


Crying. Noir had heard the term before. “Why?”


Max pushed him from behind. “He is right here.” Judging from the tone Noir was in trouble.


He filled his lungs with air. “Are you ill?”


“No, I’m not ill and if you’d asked me you’d know.”


So? Noir didn’t know, how should he know? “So...okay?”


“No, it’s not okay. Chase is dead. Bair is lying dead in my kitchen, and we have to...call the police?” Max looked at Noir, then Quam, then Xog and then back at Noir again.


“I’ve already talked to Zall, Special Agent Zall Hacess. He’s on his way.” Noir touched Max’s arm, glad to see the liquid had stopped leaking.


Chapter 28