Page 16 of Grumpy Alien Bodyguard

“Because he’s not officially military,” Dowron says, his voice calm but firm. “And he’s the best protection you’re going to get. Kallus has already tried to kill you once. I’m not taking any chances.”

I stop pacing, crossing my arms over my chest. “Fine. But you’d better make sure he knows to keep his mouth shut during negotiations. The last thing we need is someone named ‘the Annihilator’ at the peace table.”

Dowron nods, his expression serious. “I’ll make sure he understands the importance of discretion.”

“Discretion?” I snort. “Varnok doesn’t know the meaning of the word.”

Dowron’s holo image flickers again, and he leans forward slightly. “Ambassador, I know this isn’t ideal, but it’s the best option we have. Trust me, Varnok will keep you safe.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Fine. But if he starts a war because he can’t keep his claws to himself, I’m blaming you.”

Dowron’s lips twitch into a faint smile. “Noted. I’ll inform Varnok of his new assignment. Good luck, Ambassador.”

The holo image fades, leaving me alone in the ready room. I lean against the console, my head still throbbing. Varnok as my bodyguard. Great. Just great. I can already imagine the chaos he’s going to cause.

The door slides open, and I turn to see Varnok himself standing there, his massive frame filling the doorway. His purple eyes lock onto mine, and he smirks. “So, I hear I’m your new bodyguard.”

“Lucky me,” I mutter, crossing my arms. “Just so we’re clear, this doesn’t mean we’re friends. You’re here to keep me alive, not to chat.”

He steps into the room, his claws clicking against the floor. “Oh, come on, Ambassador. You’re not even a little excited to spend more time with me?”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the faint heat that rises to my cheeks. “Excited? No. Tolerating? Barely.”

He chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that sends a shiver down my spine. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

I glare at him, but there’s no real heat behind it. “Just remember, Varnok. Keep your mouth shut during negotiations. The last thing we need is you scaring everyone off.”

He grins, his fangs flashing. “Don’t worry, Ambassador. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Somehow, I doubt that,” I mutter, but I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. Despite my grumbling, a part of me is secretly thrilled that Varnok is going to be spending more time around me. At least I’ll have some eye candy.

CHAPTER 8

VARNOK

Gas’s voice crackles over the comms as we break through the atmosphere. “Uh, boss? We’ve got company. Two Armstrong starfighters just locked onto our position. They’re flanking us like we’re about to pull a heist.”

I lean forward in my seat, my scales itching with irritation. “Tell them to back off. We’re not here to start a war.”

“Already tried. They’re not budging. Guess they don’t trust a Trident Alliance gunship dropping into their backyard unannounced.”

Quinn steps onto the bridge, her heels clicking against the metal floor. She’s got that look on her face—the one that says she’s about to take charge whether I like it or not. “Let me handle this.”

She grabs the comms before I can protest. “This is Ambassador Quinn Gellar of the Intergalactic Exchange Commission. We’re here on official diplomatic business. Stand down and let us land.”

There’s a pause, then a crisp voice responds. “Ambassador Gellar, we were expecting you on theTriumphant. This is… unexpected. Please proceed to the Christmasville starport. We’ll escort you in.”

Quinn shoots me a look that’s equal parts smug and exasperated. “See? Easy.”

“Easy for you,” I grumble. “I don’t like being babysat by a couple of tin cans with wings.”

She rolls her eyes. “They’re starfighters, Varnok. Not tin cans. And they’re just doing their job.”

“Their job is to make me feel like a criminal.”

“Maybe if you didn’t fly around in a ship that looks like it belongs to a warlord, they’d be less suspicious.”

I cross my arms, my tailbone twitching in annoyance. “Sweet Charity is a perfectly respectable vessel.”

---