Numbers

by Laurann Dohner

  She laughed. “I can totally understand that.”

  “I’m just doing my duty by chilling them out.” Slade grinned. “Last week I nailed one right after he opened the can, planning on walking to the gates to splash them. He fell on his ass as soon as the water hit him and dumped red paint onto his lap. I made a copy of the surveillance feed to share at a meeting. We all got a good laugh over it.”

  Dana snickered. “You should start a website and show those morons over the internet. It would probably be pretty popular. I know I would enjoy seeing that.”

  “I’ll bring that up at the next meeting.” Slade winked. “Have a good evening, and again, congratulations.”

  Mourn led Dana to a Jeep, and someone opened the second set of gates for them to drive through. Dana relaxed and enjoyed the warm evening air blowing on her as they made their way home. The guard at the gated entrance to the New Species cottages opened it and waved them through as soon as he spotted them.

  Mourn parked, and Dana followed him to the front door. He just twisted the knob and opened it. It amazed her that they didn’t seem to lock anything. The lights were still on, and their dishes from dinner remained on the counter as if he’d rushed out right after she’d left with Paul. He probably had since he’d reached the motel so soon after her.

  “I’ll clean this up.” Mourn crossed the room.

  “Leave it. We’ll deal with that tomorrow morning.”

  He turned, one eyebrow raised.

  She gripped the bottom of her shirt, pulled it over her head and tossed it on the floor. “We have more fun things to do.”

  He growled in response, desire showing in his eyes. “I love the way you think.”

  “I’ve been turned-on since you tore open your shirt and stood up to my mother. That was so hot.”

  He took a few long steps to reach her and hooked an arm around her waist, hoisting her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and bent her legs, parted them, and hugged his hips. He hurried through the house to the master bedroom and used his elbow to flip on the light. He didn’t let her down until they reached the bed.

  “You make me hurt to be inside you.”

  She smiled as she leaned back on the bed and reached down to rip off her shoes and throw them across the room. She didn’t hesitate to remove all her clothes that time, more comfortable with being naked with him now. The way Mourn looked at her made her feel sexy and wanted.

  “I will treasure you.” His voice turned husky and a bit gruff.

  He stripped and her heart raced when he showed her just how much she affected him. The beauty of Mourn’s body took her breath away—all that tan skin and sculpted muscles. She scooted farther onto the bed and lay back again, opening her arms.

  “Come here.”

  Mourn didn’t waste any time. He stretched out at her side and braced his upper body above her so she could stroke his hair and stare into his eyes. He had the longest eyelashes, and they beautifully enhanced the stunning colors of his irises. His body, pressed against hers, felt so warm and solid.

  “Thank you,” she told him.

  “For what?”

  She smiled. “For being so insistent that we should be more than friends. I used to wonder how I’d get through every day and face another one. Now I’m so excited about what is going to happen next. That’s all you.”

  “I feel the same way, Dana. You give me more than purpose. This is the first time since I gained freedom that I can embrace it with gladness. You are that reason.”

  She trailed her fingertips down his cheek, to his mouth, lightly brushing her thumb over his bottom lip. “How did I get so lucky?”

  “Someone told me about karma. We were due for good things to happen to us after all we’ve suffered.”

  She laughed. “That is so true.”

  He glanced down at her breasts and growled. “I want to do lots of good things to you.”

  She released his hair and splayed her hands on his chest. “I could think of a few dozen good things I’d like to do to you too. Roll onto your back.”

  He arched his eyebrows but did it. He appeared to be a little baffled by her request. She sat up and bit her lower lip, openly appreciative of his body. “What’s that look for?”

  “I want to share sex with you.”

  “And?”

  “We can’t if you have me lying down flat. I’m too excited to just stay still so you can look at me.”

  “I don’t plan on just looking at you.”

  She opened her palm on his stomach, slowly caressing him and trailing her fingers lower. His cock stiffened even more when she wrapped her fingers around it, playing with the shaft. She leaned in and opened her mouth over the crown, licking him.

  Mourn snarled, and Dana turned her head. He seemed shocked.

  “You’re going to taste me?”

  “That was the plan. Is that okay?”

  He suddenly lunged, sitting up and grabbing her. He rolled, pinning her under him. “Later. I want you too much.”

  Dana couldn’t complain when Mourn scooted down her body, trailing hot, wet kisses along her throat. She spread her thighs to give him room to fit his hips there. She wrapped them around his waist to hold him in place when he reached her breasts, lightly sucking on each one.

  “I want you now.”

  He reached down and slid his hand between them, cupping her pussy. He growled. She knew she was wet and ready. He shifted his weight a little and Dana moaned when he replaced his hand with his cock. He entered her fast and hard.

  “Yes!”

  He rose and brushed his mouth over hers, their gazes locking. His hands wrapped around her shoulders as he moved, thrusting in and out of her. Dana loved staring into his eyes. It made making love to him even more intimate than their bodies moving together and the pleasure of having him inside her.

  “You are so beautiful,” he rasped.

  “So are you.”

  He ground against her, rubbing her clit as he increased the pace. Dana moaned, arching her pelvis to move with him. Ecstasy surged and she threw her head back, crying out his name.

  Mourn growled, burying his face against her neck as he came. Dana felt the warmth of his release spread deep inside her. She clung to him as they both tried to catch their breaths, their bodies tangled together.

  “I love you, Dana.”

  “I love you too.”

  Mourn lowered his head, his tongue and lips teasing her throat with light kisses. Her skin was so soft that he groaned. He knew he would never tire of touching her, and showing her they belonged together. He inhaled her scent, understanding how males believed they became addicted to their mates. She smelled better than a summer day to him. Even better than food, and everything else pleasant he’d ever experienced.

  He’d hoped for death after losing 139, but now all he wanted to do was spend every day and night with Dana. He had more than purpose. He was happy and enjoying freedom for the first time. Dana had changed everything for him, and he’d show her how much she meant to him every day. He’d treasure her.

  They could try to have children one day if Dana wanted to. Just the thought of having a son with Dana, possibly a few of them, had him smiling. Mercile couldn’t steal his and Dana’s offspring. His family with her would be safe behind NSO walls. He purred, content.

  Dana giggled. “That tickles.”

  “Sorry.” He raised his head and smiled. “I do that when I’m happy.”

  “So am I, and I like it when you purr. I wasn’t complaining.”

  He stroked her hair, playing with the strands. “I like everything about you.”

  “I wouldn’t say everything. You met my mother. She usually scares men off.”

  “She is just one female. The NSO has many humans who dislike us. I’m proud to be Species, and your mate. I believe your mother will learn to like me once she sees how much you mean to me.”

  “I don’t need her approval, and neither do you. You once told me that human rules don’t
apply to New Species. You do things your own way. I want to be more like you, Mourn. I don’t want to overanalyze everything. I am following my heart.”

  “You are Species. You’re my mate.”

  She smiled. “You’re my mate,” she repeated. “I like the way that sounds.”

  “We can have a human marriage.”

  She hesitated, seeming to ponder it. “You know what? We don’t need that. You said it yourself. I’m Species. I did the marriage thing with Tommy, but I want something new and better with you.”

  He understood. “I never signed mate papers with 139. We will do that together for the first time.”

  “Really? Why didn’t you do that?”

  “It’s a legal way to prove to your world that we are bonded for life. 139 wasn’t human. You are.”

  “I understand. I like that.”

  “Do you want a ring? I know the males bought their human mates one.”

  She shook her head. “Do you know what I would like instead?”

  “Tell me. I will get it for you.”

  She grinned. “It could be something crazy or silly.”

  “It won’t matter. I will find a way to get you anything you want or need.”

  “I’ve been thinking about babies.”

  “So have I.” His heart rate accelerated.

  “I’d like to throw out those condoms. No pressure, but it will be nice if it does happen, won’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  He loved her. She was offering him everything he had never dared dream of.

  “Are you sure, Mourn?”

  “I want everything with you.”

  “There are some things I’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t. I’m sure you have some fantasies too. We could write out lists and compare them.”

  “Is sharing sex involved?”

  She blushed, but nodded. “I’d like to take a bath with you. I’ve never had sex in water.”

  “We can do that. Didn’t you bathe with Tommy?”

  “No. I told you that he had germ phobias. He’d shower with me, but he hated bathtubs and pools. He said it was like dipping in a vat of viruses. Have you ever had sex that way?”

  “No, but I’d like to.”

  “Is there something you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t?”

  He considered it. “I’d like for you to teach me how to dance.”

  Her eyebrows arched, but she seemed pleased. “Really?”

  “Yes. I’ve seen Species do that, and it looks fun. I want to be able to take you there for dates.”

  “You’re a romantic.”

  “You inspire me.”

  “I’d love to teach you anything I know. Just name it. Any time. Anything.”

  “I don’t want my being Species, and you being human, to ever come between us.”

  “It won’t. We talk.”

  “Yes, we do. We have total honesty. I never want that to change.”

  “The great thing about us is that we are determined to make this work.”

  “Yes.” He paused, something on his mind. “Dana, would you like me to change my name?”

  Her eyebrows shot upward and she looked surprised. “What?”

  “I took the name Mourn after losing my mate. I grieved her loss. I could change my name to something to reflect us if you want.”

  She stroked his hair. “Why do you think I’d want that?”

  “I’m worried that my name will cause you pain or it will be a constant reminder that I was mated before.”

  “It doesn’t. You’re Mourn. I don’t want you to change. I was Dana when I was married to Tommy. Should I change my name to something new?” She smiled.

  He grinned. “No. You’re Dana.”

  “You’re Mourn. I don’t associate it with your past. The only reason you should change your name is if you hate it. Do you?”

  “I’m used to it now.”

  “I’m kind of fond of it myself. I love you, Mourn.”

  “I love you, Dana.”

  He slowly eased his semi-hard dick out of her and turned them over so she ended up sprawled across his body. She settled onto him, stroking his chest and arms.

  “Dana?”

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you for talking to me and taking my hand that day.”

  “We’re kindred spirits. How could I not?”

  “I don’t know what that means.”

  She smiled. “We’re very much alike.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, we are.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Three months later

  “Dana? Open the bathroom door.” Mourn gripped the locked handle and growled.

  “Go away,” she muttered. “I’m going to be sick.”

  “I know you dread your mother’s visit but she’s isn’t staying with us. We feel bad for Paul, remember?”

  “It’s not that.” She groaned.

  Mourn snapped the lock as he viciously twisted the handle, opening the door. He rushed forward the moment he spotted Dana crouched on the floor. He just dropped to his knees next to her, wrapping an arm around her.

  “I’ve got you.”

  “This is so embarrassing. It’s why I locked the door. You’re supposed to stay out there.”

  “You’re my mate.” He cradled her closer. “We hide nothing from each other.”

  “You don’t need to see my lunch come up. Why do they call this morning sickness? It’s afternoon.”

  He brushed a kiss on the top of her head. “You’re carrying my son. I wish I could suffer this instead of you.”

  “Trisha said it should pass soon, because of the increased gestation thing while carrying a New Species baby. Morning sickness can hit fast and hard but it hopefully won’t last more than a week or two.”

  “I hope that is fact. I worry so much about you.”

  “Don’t. It’s normal. I’m healthy. You know that since you have Trisha check on me every day.”

  “I can’t let anything happen to you.”

  She clutched his hand and lifted her head, staring into his eyes. “I’m going to be fine. We’re lucky. I mean, we got pregnant the first month. Some couples try for years.”

  He grinned. “My seed knows it belongs inside you.”

  “You did promise that you wouldn’t let me feel empty after sex.” Dana took a few deep breaths. “The nausea is passing. It helps, having you stroke my back like that.”

  “Good.” He kept doing it, staying at her side. “I’m going to take a few weeks off to be with you.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I want to. I already asked, and they are assigning my duties to another male until you’re feeling better.”

  “You’re the best.”

  “I try to be.”

  “You are.”

  He rubbed her back for a good five minutes. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better.”

  He took his hand off her back, lifted her in his arms and carried her into their bedroom. He set her on the bed, removed her shoes, and started undressing her.

  “We have to meet my mom.”

  “We will after you take a nap. You look tired.”

  “I am.”

  “I am going to hold you while you sleep.”

  “She’ll be pissed if we don’t show up for dinner on her first night here.”

  “She’s already pissed because you moved here and mated me.” He shrugged. “We will cheer her with news of our son.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “She wanted a grandbaby. Species young are cute. He will capture her heart.”

  Dana curled onto her side and smiled as Mourn got naked and spooned behind her, molding their bodies together. “I know you captured mine.”

  He chuckled. “Felines are irresistible. We purr.”

  “You don’t have to tell me that. I know.”

  Mourn slid his hand forward to tenderly cup her belly. “We made a baby with our love. Do you feel amazement over
that? I do every day.”

  She nodded. “We’re really blessed.”

  He held her a little tighter. “Yes, we are, and this is just the start of our life together. It is only going to keep getting better.”

  927

  Prologue

  Twenty-three years ago

  Christopher had one of the techs open the door and he carried the unconscious girl into the room. He glanced down, guilt making his steps hesitant. She’d seen too much. It was either kill her too, or put her in a place where she could never tell the police what he’d done. His plan would put her in danger, but she had a chance of survival if he made her part of one of his experiments. None of his supervisors would complain or refute his decision. They’d welcome having a human child at their disposal.

  The male pup backed up into a corner. It sniffed the air, looking unsure, and its big, dark eyes narrowed. Christopher glared back. “Her name is Candace.” It helped to say her formal name, not the one he’d called her since her birth. “She’s your new roommate. You hurt her and I’ll kill you myself. Am I clear?”

  The pup growled as Christopher lowered the girl to a sleeping mat and left her there. He backed up quickly. The pups were strong and fast, despite their young age. He’d never turn his back on the little bastard. Many of the staff had already learned to be wary. No deaths had occurred yet, but the test subjects were growing more dangerous as they developed. He felt a little safer knowing Tad would shoot 927 with a tranquilizer dart if he lunged for his throat.

  “I mean it,” Christopher warned. “She dies, you die. Got it?”

  The pup growled at him again.

  Christopher was certain the pup understood a lot more English than it pretended to, despite its refusal to speak. He’d bet the little animal would actually speak to his daughter after they spent enough time together. Mercile would welcome the opportunity to monitor their interaction, and they’d learn exactly how smart the little bastards really were. Candace would be key to that research. She was about the same age as the pup.