EXCERPT 2 ✨New Release!✨ The Trouble with Trifflz

 ✨New Release!✨ The Trouble with Trifflz
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRK8V6T4
https://books2read.com/trifflz

 EXCERPT 2

Mercenary women left him cold, and he’d met many of that type when he was in the military. He’d avoided them, knowing they wanted something from him, usually money, so he had little experience with women. Wil had soon figured out no one around him could be trusted. And later, on the run, he had no time for a woman in his life.

“I am Shalar Valryssian, Flora and Fauna Specialist. I’d like to run some data on your pets, mainly so we can get them correct nutrition.”

He helped her get a saliva sample from Mitzi. The stool and fur was easy. To his surprise, she sat down next to him on the couch to hold a kitten, which rewarded her with a gentle purr as it fell asleep.

“These are so adorable,” she said, smiling.

She had deep dimples.

“They are affectionate if they are treated well when young. But they can be quite fierce with tooth and claw.”

“Predators.”

“Good hunters. Helpful in managing rodents on a farm.” He dangled the cloth strip for a kitten and she laughed as it went wild attacking it.

“They come to breeding quite young, and can produce several litters a year. The males will probably be need to be separated or have their testicles removed.” He felt his face burn, the curse of his pale skin and light hair. “I can work up a fertility blocker for them. It is a common need.”

 “What do you know about amalgams?”

“Very little, I am sad to say,” Shalar said. “We only recently got them, and they are overseen by the ship’s Maintenance Division, so I’m not familiar with them. We received a few in trade. I do wish they fell under my purview. That is something I hope the Council of Ten changes.”

The amalgam was now holding a sleeping kitten. “This little amalgam is female,” she said. “The males have a more pronounced brow and deeper set eyes.”

“Where’s your tablet?” she asked.

“I don’t think I have one. I do not read your language.”

“I will look.” Shalar went to his bed alcove and opened several drawers. “Yes, here it is. Since you can’t reach me easily, I am going to preset a call from this tablet to me. That way you can reach me with any concerns. If you have needs beyond animal care, I can help or find someone to help, as well.”

She showed him how to reach her with the tablet. Then she tapped on her own. “I am closing your room’s access to anyone but healers, the amalgams, food delivery, and myself for now. Any questioning will be done in a correct and civilized manner.”

She smiled, and a thrill ran through him. He smiled back like a loon.

What a time to meet an interesting woman.