I NEED A HERO (𝓒𝓞𝓜𝓟𝓛𝓔𝓣𝓔)

CHAPTER FOUR

It wasn't unusual for Ranon Orr to arrive at the precinct early. It also wasn't unusual for Sekani Prass to be there before him. It WAS unusual for her to have the Chief of the Bureau, the Commissioner of the Om Basset PD and the Roki cop in her office, apparently having a meeting. What this event presaged Orr would have to wait and see, but he was willing to bet the Roki would be in it somehow. And if that was the case, his partner was not going to be happy.

Grabbing a cup of coffee, Orr sat at his desk and pondered his partner's likely dilemma. He knew that Nemera wanted a family. He also knew how much trouble she was having finding a male who suited both sides of her nature. This Roki cop had aroused her instincts, but could he possibly accommodate her Mota needs as well? More to the point would he be interested?

Even if Zuberi WAS interested, his being Roki was going to be an issue. While Orr admitted that the odds were against the guy being tolerable, he was willing to give him a chance. If the Detective was a decent guy and it was just a matter of Nemera's prejudices, it might just work out. On the other hand, if the guy was jerk, the sooner Orr backed him off the better, because she didn't need any more grief. He watched as the Detective apparently finished. There were a few questions, then Captain Prass stood, motioned Zuberi through the door and stuck her head out.

"Orr!"

"Captain," he replied, getting easily to his feet.

"Detective Zuberi is going to be working with us for awhile. I'll brief the squad when the rest get here. In the meantime, why don't you show him around?"

"Sure, Cap." Orr walked over and offered the Roki his hand. "Ranon Orr." He was pleasantly surprised when the cat shook hands. Most Roki disdained the Mota gesture.

"Tau Zuberi."

"What about our little precinct interest you most, Detective Zuberi?"

"Wherever you want to start is fine with me," said Tau. "I'll have to learn my way around, I may as well start now."

"OK." Orr walked off, gesturing Tau to follow. They headed out of the squad room and down a long hall. They came to a set of double doors and Orr pushed one open to enter the locker room beyond. "I like to get in a workout when I come early. Care to spar?"

"Spar?" Tau thought the invitation was an odd one. Most Mota avoided hand to hand with Roki, even Mota as tall and muscular as this one. But if he wanted the work out ... "Sure, why not?"

In a matter of minutes the cop had found him a pair of department issue sweats and they were on the practice mats. Falling into a relaxed stance, Tau began to circle the man, waiting for the right moment. Orr feinted, Tau moved in ... and found himself spun and tossed hard enough on his back to knock the wind out of him. As soon as he could get a full breath he sat up.

"You OK?" Orr's teeth flashed white against the dark of his skin.

"I'll live." Tau couldn't help but grin back.

"More, then?" The Roki knew how to smile. Curiouser and curiouser, thought Orr.

"Sure, why not." Tau was more careful this time. It didn't help. Three more times he squared off against Ranon Orr and three more times he got dumped hard. He began to realize that there was more to this than just a sparring match. A disturbing suspicion popped into his mind and right out of his mouth. "Is she yours?"

"First piece of advice," said Orr, shaking his head. "Don't EVER let Nemera hear you talk like that. My partner is very much her own woman." He reached out a hand to help the Roki up. "Her mate will get partnership, not ownership."

"Advice?" Tau took the proffered hand and came to his feet.

"Advice, Zuberi. Or am I wrong in thinking you're interested in Nemera?"