Starblind (Starblind #1) Read online

  I tapped my finger on the trigger of my gun menacingly, getting his attention. “You stay the hell away from me or I swear to God, I’ll kill you.”

  Backing away from him slowly, I kept my gaze locked with his. “I mean it, I will kill you.” I spun on my heel, dashing off to where my ship was docked.

  Can my day go any more wrong?

  Stringing together every obscenity I could think of, I stormed onto my ship in a foul mood to rival all foul moods. There was just something about Mr. Sexy and Annoying that had gotten under my skin. It was probably because he’d managed to cost me my bounty, insult me, and I’d still been attracted to him. He must have been packing some serious magic mojo to pull that one off.

  I felt violated … and yet still strangely turned on. My skin was flushed, my body humming with need, and I couldn’t get his piercing gaze out of my head. “I should have shot him,” I grumbled, stomping my way towards my living quarters. I was in no mood to see my crew at the moment. I’d let them down. We needed the money and—

  “Jane!” Masha, our ship’s engineer, called out to me as I passed the engine room.

  I tried to ignore her, but she was really good at getting underfoot, mine in particular. Her tiny five-foot-one frame maneuvered around to stop in front of me, her solid black eyes snagging mine. “We need to talk.”

  Sagging with sudden exhaustion, I leaned one arm against the wall for support. I knew exactly what Masha wanted to talk about. “We’ll get the maintenance done as soon as we can. I can’t get blood out of a stone, Masha.”

  Her bottom lip quivered. “What happened with the bounty you were supposed to pick up? I thought you said it was going to be eas—”

  “Easy money?” I finished for her. “Yeah, I ran into a little … trouble. And now that he knows I’m after him he’s probably already halfway across the galaxy. I’ll just have to find someone else. There are plenty of bounties in the database.”

  A single tear crept down Masha’s face. “But you know I—”

  “I know, I know.” I flicked my gaze away. If I didn’t see the tears then I couldn’t fall under their thrall. “You get all emotional when things aren’t working right in your engine. Which—let me remind you—is technically my engine since I own this damn ship.” I slid past Masha, continuing on my way up the corridor. “Don’t worry, I’ll go pick someone new now.” And get to hear an earful from Zula while I was at it, I was sure.

  Masha had a way of guilting me like no one else could. Guess that one glance already did me in. She looked almost like a human child, or at least she was tiny enough to be one … practically. She was a Guaviva, a species who ‘spoke’ to anything electronic or mechanical. I didn’t understand it exactly, but I did know that Masha had a breakdown every time the ship wasn’t running perfectly, as if it was in pain somehow, and affecting her. She’d come at me with her cherub face twisted up with anxiety, and I’d crack. Every. Single. Time. It was shameful, really. If only she was all scaly and weird looking, then maybe I wouldn’t be so vulnerable to her tears.

  “Well, at least you weren’t thrown into a coma.” Zula’s sarcastic remark met my ears before I could even make eye contact. “So what happened?”

  “I’ll tell you what happened,” I huffed. “Some arrogant asshat got in the way, and my bounty flew the coop.” Leaning against the control panel, I crossed my arms over my chest. “I don’t think it needs to be said, but I’ll say it anyways … we need to find someone else ASAP. Masha is in another one of her states about ship maintenance.”

  “She manipulates your human side. Her kind doesn’t have the need to cry when upset. She—”

  “Does an amazing job tugging on my human heartstrings, I know. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. What I do want to talk about is who my next victim is going to be.” I turned my attention to the computer screen as Zula pulled up the current database. She scrolled through silently, waiting for me to tell her to—

  “Stop!” I exclaimed, practically falling over. I slapped the screen as if it was really his smug face staring back at me, not just an image. “That’s him.” I narrowed my eyes, skimming the information. Ash? His name is Ash? What kind of stupid name is Ash? No second name, surname—no aliases? And— “You have to be fucking kidding me?” I ground my teeth together. He’s a friggin’ Species Class 4.

  “What’s with the dramatics?” Zula asked, skimming the information herself. “Where do you know him from?”

  “He’s the asshat who got in the way of me collecting the—”

  “Other Class 4. Coincidence? Probably not. They were most likely there together. It would make sense that he would distract you from getting his friend so they could both get away.”

  “I don’t care. I’m going back out there to track him. Ash’s ass is mine.” Yep, that has a nice ring to it.

  Zula sighed, something she did a lot around me. Go figure. “Not this again. Just pick—”

  “Nope. He’s the one I’m going after. I’m going to take a quick shower to regroup, and then little ‘just Ash’ isn’t going to know what hit him.”

  “You are in rare form, even for you. Are you getting your menstrual cycle? Your human side gets so emotional when—”

  “Oh my God! Shut up, Zula! That’s an order from your captain!”

  In an even bigger huff than when I’d entered, I stomped out of the control room. Zula thought, with that big brain of hers, she had everything all figured out, even my hormones. The truth was … my human side was confusing, but so was the rest of me. I was the sum of several parts that equaled indecipherable. Even I didn’t know what the hell I was doing most of the time. But at least I’m never boring.

  After my not so refreshing enzyme powdered shower—since our water filtration system was down again—I stood naked in front of the full-length mirror in my living quarters, holding up different outfits in front of me. It was taking me longer than normal to pick out an ensemble. I blamed the asshat for that one.

  I knew I didn’t wear the most popular fashions in the Universe. Hell, even in our current galaxy, the Milky Way. I was trying to not only make a statement about my station as a successful bounty hunter, but to pay homage to my human genetics. I was mixed, or a hu-mutt, as I was so often referred to, but since I didn’t know what else I was, I identified with my human heritage. I did waste more money than I should on Earth relics, books, and clothes … hell, I’d even named my ship The Pittsburgh after an Earth city I’d read about in one of my history books. I simply liked imagining what it would be like to have a planet I could call home.

  I was conceived and altered on New Earth, where what was left of humanity pretended to thrive. What I’d seen there was nothing like in the history books. New Earth was cold and empty—children seen only as what they could provide for the future. I was never permitted to wear anything but a uniform. And when I was old enough to have my aptitude tested … I’d been labeled useless. Even my own parents turned their backs on me.

  I discarded the dress in my hands, shaking my head harshly. You will not think of those dark times when your survival was questionable. They’re long gone and never coming back.

  Although unconventional, I’d found a place, and a family of sorts. I was happy. And a part of that happiness was the connection I felt to Earth.

  Decision made, I picked up a variation of the outfit I’d had on earlier—more Steampunk clothing—only this one was smaller, and showed off more skin. Maybe I can use it to my advantage with asshat. Men of most species loved my long legs. They were my best feature, or so I’d been told more times than I could count. I was tall, on the thin side, and yet athletic. I thought I was pretty, but some species preferred more meat on their females. Who was I to judge? Some female somewhere probably thought lizard-man was sexy. I shuddered at the memory of his ugly mug.

  I pulled my long, dark golden hair up into a ponytail. I was ready to face Ash again. Hopefully the day will end with him in the prison quarters on this ship. That thought m
ade me smile. I’d teach him to laugh at my clothes, and to doubt my prowess as a bounty hunter.

  “Hey there, sweets. Looking for someone?”

  I stifled a groan, unable to keep from rolling my eyes. I knew that voice. It belonged to the most arrogant, egotistical, pain in my ass—aka Jassen. He was a Talsen, a species of warrior-like men. Jassen was big as hell; not only tall, but wide with muscles. His dusky skin was luminescent and flawless. He was undeniably sexy, much to my chagrin, but also my biggest competitor for bounties. If he’s here, then he’ s probably after the same thing I am. Damnit.

  “You stalking me again?” I shifted from one foot to the other, suppressing the urge to bolt, knowing it would only encourage him to follow me. Jassen and I kind of flirted or really bantered, but in actuality we hated each other … at least I hated him. If I could get away with shooting him right between the eyes, I would. Unfortunately, he knew some people in high places so I’d probably end up on a prison planet for my troubles, in the best-case scenario.

  “Whatever answer you want to hear to get me back in between those lush thighs of yours.” Jassen’s white teeth flashed, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. “We could team up. We’d make the best bounty hunting pair in the galaxy.”

  I snorted. “Please. I was drunk and you were … there. Everyone is permitted to have one big mistake in their sexual history. Besides, I don’t need a partner to be the best in the galaxy.”

  Crossing my arms over my chest, I covertly flicked my gaze over my surroundings. I hadn’t made it more than fifteen feet from my ship. I was inside the supply space station, but barely. I’d been joking, but maybe he really was stalking me. Ugh. I don’t have time for this. I wanted to retrace my steps to the bar I’d been at before, using it as a starting point for tracking Ash. I didn’t need or want Jassen tagging along.

  “You’re slipping, Jane. I heard you let a bounty walk away earlier today. Don’t come crawling to me when you—”

  “I’ll never come crawling to anyone. I’m always on top.” I internally groaned, knowing I’d set myself up for what was about to come. I really need to think about my word choices before I say them sometimes.

  “Yeah, if I remember correctly, you really enjoy being on top. And I liked you being there.”

  “Look, I don’t have time for whatever this is.” I waved my hand between us, inching away from him. “Will you please just hop on your ship and light slide right over to another galaxy? This one isn’t big enough for the both of us.” I spun on my heel, not caring if he replied.

  “Jane,” Jassen snapped. His fingers dug into my arm, forcing me to halt.

  I lifted my leg, not bothering to turn around, and jammed the back of my boot right into his crotch. For good measure, I elbowed him in the nose as he bent down to clutch himself.

  I glanced over my shoulder, grinning as he crumpled to the ground, groaning in agony. “Real nice seeing you again, Jassen.”

  I sprinted towards the bar, hoping to already have Ash in my custody before Jassen could find me again. I was due an easy bounty. The Universe owned me some good karma.

  “Hey, watch it.” I shoved at a humanoid looking guy. He tripped, narrowly missing a face-plant into the nearest wall, and turned to flip me off. I returned the gesture without slowing my pace. Several other humanoids jumped out of my way having just witnessed the exchange.

  I skidded to a stop at the front of the bar. It was tucked away in the far side of the supply space station. It was open, as in the space it inhabited wasn’t closed off. It didn’t have a door or a name, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t crowded. Libations that appealed to all species were common fair at supply space station bars, along with their unsavory patrons. Most upstanding citizens refueled, traded, or did whatever they had to, and avoided that part of the station. Not me, though. I frequented them because they were a wealth of information for my line of work.

  Like right now. It wasn’t Ash, but I recognized the bright blue shirt, and the back of his buddy’s large, smooth head. It was the bounty that had simply walked away from me earlier. I rubbed my hands together in anticipation. Maybe I could bag him, and then get him to rat on Ash so I could come back for him later. Finally! A hand in my favor.

  I slid up to the bar, and leaned forward, keeping my eyes straight ahead. “I have to say, I’m kind of shocked you’re not halfway across the galaxy by now. Why did you come back here?” I lifted my hand, signaling the bar droid for service.

  “Shit,” Tall and Bald muttered. His muscles coiled, letting me know he was about to bolt. I dug my laser gun into his ribs before he could move another inch.

  “Let’s talk business, shall we?” The bar droid stopped in front of me. “Firejuice,” I ordered, before turning my attention back to Tall and Bald. “As I was saying … how about you tell me where your little friend Ash is, and I’ll let you go.”

  The droid set a glass of bright red and orange liquid in front of me. I presented my left arm, letting the droid scan my money cuff to pay for the drink. A moment later, it floated away, the hum of its hover components buzzing softly. “Well, you’re awfully quiet. You or him. Decide before I’m done with my drink.”

  Tall and Bald shifted, tugging on his shirt, but remained silent. I shrugged, pressing my gun into his side more firmly while lifting my drink to my lips. The sweet and spicy flavor burned and soothed my taste buds as I slammed the whole thing in one go. “Ah. Time’s up. Loyalty gets you in my prison and nowhere else.” Damn, I was really hoping he’d give up Ash. But at least I’d get the money for maintenance to make Masha happy.

  I slapped a pair of laser cuffs on Tall and Bald, and shoved him off his stool. He seemed resigned to his position, which honestly surprised me. I wasn’t going to question it though.

  I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face as Jassen limped into the bar, glaring at me. I win again. “Ice might help.” I chuckled. Jassen was smart enough to keep his mouth shut for the time being. He’d lick his wounds, and go right back to being the pain in my ass he always was. It wasn’t the first time I’d roughed him up. I was beginning to wonder if he was a masochist. Why else would he pursue me so relentlessly? I’d seen tons of other females throw themselves at his feet. I’m pretty, but definitely not stalker worthy. It has to be my winning personality … and willingness to beat the shit out of him.

  “Were you looking for me?”

  All the fine hairs on my body stood straight up. There was something about his deep voice that affected me. It seemed to caress things on my insides, and I embarrassingly had to stifle a visible shiver as it ran up my spine.

  My gaze met Ash’s humor-filled cerulean eyes. He had an arrogance about him, which triggered the urge to beat the shit out of him. I plastered a fake, and hopefully believable, smile on my face. “You bet. I was hoping you hadn’t gotten too far. As soon as I get your friend to my ship then I’ll be back for you.” Biting my lower lip, I batted my eyelashes. I was also hoping he’d stay put under the mistaken impression that I wanted him for a more carnal reason. I was glad I’d gone with my instinct to dress skimpy.

  Ash smirked, his heated gaze blatantly roaming my exposed flesh. “He’s not a friend of mine. Buuut … I may be willing to wait for you here, if you’re offering what I think you are.” He moved forward, his large frame crowding into my space. His full lips skimmed my earlobe as his hot breath blew against my skin. “My ship is docked off of port two. Come find me when you’re done with him.”

  My nostrils flared with his spicy scent, which reminded me of cinnamon, but not quite. It was familiar and enticing, even though I couldn’t place it. Thoughts of his hard body covering mine, while he pounded into me, flooded my mind. Maybe I’ll take him for a spin before I lock him up. It’s been a while since I’ve had any kind of sex. Besides, hate sex is always the hottest. “Yeah, okay,” I rasped. The way my insides were warming convinced me it wasn’t such a bad idea. I’d take my release from him, and then collect his bounty. Win-win
if you asked me. “What’s—” I cleared my throat, trying again, “What’s the name of your ship?”

  “The Phoenix.” He strode away from me, my eyes remaining riveted to his ass until he was out of view.

  Why are all the hot ones such assholes?

  “So the rumors are true,” Tall and Bald said. “Why not me?”

  “Shut up.” I lightly tapped the back of his knee with my boot to get him moving again. “I wouldn’t touch you if you were the last creature in the Universe.”

  I didn’t feel like denying the rumors that so many male bounty hunters seemed to enjoy spreading about me. They weren’t true, so I didn’t really give a shit. You had to have tough skin to be at the top of a mostly male business. There was always talk of how I had to use sex to be so successful at my job. Men on the whole, no matter the species, had a hard time wrapping their testosterone-addled brains around the fact that sometimes women just did it better. The fact is, women have a kind of power that men can never duplicate, and it drives a certain kind of male crazy. Women could rule the Universe if they stopped caring about their reputations. I’d never cared, which was why I was at the top of the bounty hunting game. Say what you want about me, but you’ll be saying it while tasting the bitterness of defeat.

  Tall and Bald was silent as I forced my laser gun into his shoulder. We made our way unharassed all the way back to The Pittsburgh. Once I loaded him into one of the ship’s cells, and made sure the security system was online and fully powered up, I hurried back off the ship. I passed Masha on my way out. “I bagged the guy from this morning. Let Zula know so we can collect. Go ahead and make an appointment for maintenance. I’ll be back soon … I’m about to get us enough for that new part you’ve been wanting.”