Rustin Barks adjusted his glasses and studied the wanted poster on his desk. Another con artist, another chase, another day without what he truly wanted. He'd spent years tracking criminals across Hainoon's dusty towns, but solving crimes wasn't his real dream. He wanted love—true love with a human woman who could see past his wolf features and accept him completely. The problem was simple: every time he tried to court someone, his analytical mind took over and he went overboard. He needed a new approach. Instead of chasing criminals, he'd focus on building a life where love could find him. The money from his last case sat in a leather pouch on his desk. He grabbed it and headed into town. First stop: a craftsman who sold game sets. The glowing cornhole boards caught his eye immediately—mushroom designs that lit up in the dark. Perfect for gatherings where he could meet people naturally. He bought them on the spot. Next, he found a canvas tent theater painted with scenes from across the land. He set it up near the town square, arranging the benches inside so people could rest and talk. Within an hour, three travelers stopped by to sit. Rustin chatted with them about their journeys, careful not to analyze every word they said. His tail wagged despite his best efforts to stay calm. By sunset, he stood before his biggest purchase: a saloon with cat-shaped swinging doors and wooden panels that reminded him of home. He'd call it the Rootin' Tootin' Cowboy Cat Saloon. This would be his place—somewhere welcoming, somewhere honest. A woman who could accept him would walk through those doors eventually. He just had to be patient and be himself.