“No, I need bug-pucks,” the Talin insisted. “It’s imperative.”
“Bug-pucks don’t exist,” the Hulg said. “You’re making up items to force me to give you a discount for not carrying them.”
There was a row of overlapping plates running down the Talin’s back. Amina watched as they all moved rapidly to create an angry buzzing sound.
“I wouldn’t do that,” the Talin declared. “You’re being deliberately obtuse to drive up the price. Where are your bug-pucks?”
After seeing the lizard, Amina understood the miscommunication. Even though she knew going near this unknown Talin was a risk, she wasn’t too concerned. Desur was right next door, and even a Hulg station wouldn’t let someone grab her and carry her off. It would be bad for their bottom line to get a reputation for kidnapping!
Stepping up next to the Talin, Amina spoke up, drawing both the shopkeeper’s and the Talin’s attention.
“I think he’s looking for gilgon soup starters,” she explained.
The Hulg looked both relieved and aggravated. “Then why didn’t he ask for that in the first place? What even is a bug-puck?”
Complaining the entire time, the shopkeeper stood up and made his way to another section of the shop.
Amina looked up at the Talin who was gaping down at her with an open mouth. “Even though they are described as bug-pucks, no one calls them that. Are you going to use them to feed your lizard?”
“You’re a human?”
Amina bit back a sigh. “Last time I checked.”
The Talin jerked a little, looking around as if someone was going to jump out at them. “You can’t be here. It’s not safe.”
A genuine smile curved her lips. Was he with a group of Talins and worried one of them would try to abduct her? How sweet!
“I’ve been on this station before,” she said. “It’s not my favorite, but it’s not that dangerous.”
The Talin made a soft sound from deep in his chest. “There are dangers you might not be aware of,” he said, his voice urgent. “Please, let me help you.”
Chapter 3
Myrum
Finding a human anywhere outside the Talin Empire would’ve surprised Myrum, but being approached by one on a Hulg station on the border of Ossiso space was absolutely shocking.
Worry for the tiny, delicate female filled him, momentarily distracting him from trying to get food for Ruby.
She was the typical small, delicate-looking human, although she had bright blue hair he’d never seen on a human before. Some of the humans on Kalor dyed their hair black or red, so perhaps she enjoyed this striking shade. It complemented her light tan skin and deep brown eyes.
She was looking up at him with the same sweet, sincere expression Lena would have sometimes. The urge to grab her and run to a more secluded place to keep her safe was almost overwhelming.
He pushed it down. It was clear she didn’t know the danger she was in and acting without warning would only scare her.
“I’m perfectly fine,” she said. “But it’s nice that you care.”
“No, you don’t understand,” he said. Before he could say more the Hulg returned and dropped a handful of thick discs on the counter.
“This is all the gilgon soup starters I have,” he said. “If you buy them all, I’ll give you a good price.”
The human grabbed one and examined the packaging. “These are expired. What are you trying to do, poison him?”
The Hulg glared at her and made a threatening move with one of his arms. The human wasn’t intimidated, but it made Myrum react without thought. Lashing out across the counter, he knocked the Hulg back against the wall behind him.
“Don’t even threaten to harm her!” he growled.
The Hulg looked shocked then defensive. “I wasn’t going to make contact.”
