Darkness

by Laurann Dohner

  “You blocked the security feeds to our guest.”

  He had hoped Security wouldn’t share that information but wasn’t surprised. “I’m allowing them access to the feeds when I’m unable to watch the female.”

  “Why block them at all?”

  He didn’t enjoy the idea of anyone watching Kat or knowing that he’d sneaked inside her home to snag her precious cigarettes. He also didn’t want them witnessing his interactions with her. “I’m in charge of this investigation.”

  “Justice told me what Snow said. Is this going to be a problem? Are you attracted to this female?”

  That angered him. “I’m not thinking purely with my dick. Are you asking me to pass this investigation to someone else?”

  “No. Are you are attracted to her?”

  He clenched his teeth. He didn’t want to lie but admitting the truth might make them question his judgment.

  “I see.”

  “I didn’t answer.”

  “Your silence spoke for you. I know you must feel lonely since you keep everyone at arm’s distance. Is this going to be a problem or can you be unbiased if the need arises?”

  “My job is to find out what she’s doing here at Homeland and learn her mission. That’s exactly what I plan to do.”

  Fury sighed. “That’s a given.” He paused. “I guess I’m asking you if you’re all right.”

  “I’m fine.”

  Fury hesitated again. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do if this turns sideways.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “She could be here to do harm. That might become a conflict for you if you are highly attracted to her. I’m stating that I’m here for you and I’m offering help if you find yourself in trouble. That’s what family does.”

  “I have no family.”

  “Damn it,” Fury growled. “You once helped save my life. Why must you deny our connection? Do I have to be dying again to get you to admit what we are to each other?”

  “I need to go. Is there anything else you want?”

  “I’d tell you to watch your back but you always do. Just let me know if you need anything and I do mean anything. You will have my support.”

  “Thank you.” He hung up and laid the phone on the edge of the bed.

  Guilt surfaced but he pushed it back. Fury was a good male but he didn’t want a close relationship to him, despite the blood tie from their human DNA. He’d learned his lesson and wasn’t willing to ever risk losing someone he cared about that way again.

  Darkness leaned back and relaxed by viewing Kat as she took her pajamas into the bathroom. He found it amusing that she would go in there to change. That enjoyment faded when he pondered the idea that perhaps she was aware of the hidden cameras. She exited the bathroom a few minutes later, pulled back the covers and climbed into the bed.

  She appeared small and lost on the big mattress when she rolled onto her side into a fetal position. It was odd that she left the lights on. He glanced at the clock. It was earlier than he’d thought she would turn in.

  He waited until he was certain she slept then transferred the camera feeds back over to Security and stood. It was too tempting to break in again and share that bed. An abundance of energy prodded him into changing his clothing and stepping out the patio door. He couldn’t resist staring at his neighbor’s home.

  “Damn.”

  There was no denying why he felt wired. He forced his gaze away from her bedroom window, leaped over the wall and broke into a run. He needed to burn off all that sexual tension or he’d end up finishing what he’d started in that interrogation room.

  Chapter Five

  Kat was thrilled that over five dozen New Species filled the bar. It was a bigger turnout than she’d hoped for. They filled the tables along the dance floor and in the higher section near the bar. Some even stood around the edges. She smiled and spoke in a loud voice to make sure everyone would be able to hear her in the back of the room.

  They had been receptive to her “murder scene” with the “body” that she’d made with pillows, a blanket and a few belts. She’d wanted to bring one of the life-size rescue training manikins but hadn’t been able to acquire it in time. She’d staged a mugging gone wrong. It had been fun to show them how to treat a crime scene and collect evidence.

  “Any questions?”

  A woman at a nearby table spoke. “Why do humans steal from each other?”

  The question confused Kat. “Why?”

  “They don’t understand greed.”

  Kat spun, startled by Darkness’ voice. He stepped out of the shadows behind the stage and stared at her. He wore a blue muscle shirt, jeans and a pair of black boots. His tan arms were on display. He looked good. Their eyes met and he frowned.

  He strode out onto the dance floor where she stood and addressed her class. “We appreciate the things we have since we never had anything before. Some humans are deeply flawed and crave what others have. They will rob and sometimes kill others to take it. For some it is a lack of morals or pride, to others it is a sport and some become addicted to drugs. It’s a money-based system in the out world so some acquire that money by taking it from others.”

  “Oh.” The female nodded. “I see. That’s sad.”

  “Yes, it is.” Darkness turned and stared down at Kat.

  She was mute until another woman spoke. “Is it true that some males harm their females and even sometimes kill them?”

  Kat turned and located the speaker. “Yes. Domestic violence is unfortunately a common crime.”

  “Why?” A male stood. “Males are superior in strength and there is no honor in harming a female. They should be protected.”

  “They should kill the male if he attacks,” one of the women hissed from the corner. “Why don’t your females fight back and take the male down? I would if one struck me.”

  The questions weren’t what Kat expected.

  “They aren’t like us,” Darkness stated. “Humans believe males and females are completely equal.” He chuckled. “So they don’t value the differences or acknowledge physical limitations.”

  A guy at the bar snorted. “Equal? Males are physically stronger, while females are more prone to be superior in tactical strategies. We each have our own strengths but they are not the same.”

  One of the women laughed. “You mean you males are impulsive while we take our time to plot everything out.”

  He laughed. “Exactly. That is an advantage you have.”

  “Don’t forget sex,” one woman added and chuckled. “We have the advantage there too.” She stood and waved her hand down her body. “We have what you want.”

  A howl broke out in the back and Kat was startled by the animalistic sound.

  Darkness grinned at her response. “That was an agreement.” He faced the class. “Focus on the techniques she taught to process evidence but don’t expect her to explain human nature. We’d need her to move to Homeland indefinitely to cover those topics. Humans are flawed and their crime rate is high. Just accept that they don’t make sense to us.”

  Kat resented his words. “Not all humans commit crimes.”

  “Not all but a lot of them do.” He shrugged. “Let’s have lunch. Class is over.”

  It stunned her that he’d cut her time short. It also pissed her off. Her students started to talk amongst themselves and she reached out, gripped Darkness’ arm. He looked down at her fingers on his forearm and then met her gaze.

  “Can we talk?” She wanted an explanation for him interrupting her class.

  “Sure.” He motioned toward the stage. “Back there unless you want to be overheard.”

  She released him and marched behind the stage. He followed and she turned on him when they had privacy. “What was that about?”

  “Saving your ass. Did you really think they wouldn’t question why a human would rob another one for something as petty as a wallet when you used that scenario?”

  She stared up at him, unsure
how to answer.

  “You’re not in your world anymore. Species don’t rob other Species. Teach them something they can actually use. They won’t be solving a homicide like that here.”

  Kat tried to cool her temper. “Fine. What kind of crimes do you face?”

  “Most of it happens at the gates. We pass those investigations to our human task force.”

  “Then why am I here?”

  “Blame your crime shows. It made my people curious about humans and those are the reactions you’ll mostly get from them. They’ll want you to explain why humans are so fucked-up. Good luck with that.”

  “You’re human too—mostly.”

  He took a step closer and she backed up, finding a wall there. He lifted his arms and rested his open palms on each side of her, pinning her in place. “We’re nothing like you. Never forget that. Do you know how we were created?”

  “Mercile Industries.”

  “They vetted human donors for targeted physical and mental attributes, used them to create embryos and then let a geneticist splice away with specific animal DNA, manipulating it to create traits they desired. They culled all the bad shit or killed any infants born with defects or flaws they hadn’t aimed for. We were birthed by surrogate mothers. They just carried the fetuses to term and didn’t give a damn about anything except the money they were paid. Our childhoods were spent chained to walls while they shoved drugs into our veins or down our throats to benefit your world. We didn’t have parents or people who gave a shit about us unless it was one of the doctors who depended on us to gain whatever results they wanted. In those situations they protected us against death or severe abuse but only until the study was over. Hell, having an actual bed and the ability to see daylight is treasured by us. We’re nothing like you.”

  Her heart ached for him and the others. “I didn’t mean it that way. I meant you are physically like us, for the most part.”

  He leaned down, getting in her face, and opened his mouth. “Really?”

  The show of fangs didn’t scare her that time. She could tell he was angry and wanted to defuse the situation. “I realize you’re different too.”

  “I can bench press five hundred pounds without really straining,” he rasped. “I can endure pain that would leave one of your kind screaming and probably fainting. Look to your left. See that ten-foot ledge? I can reach it without the use of a ladder. You have no idea what we can do because we don’t publicize it. Your kind is already afraid of us.” He sniffed at her. “My senses aren’t as good as a canine’s but they are far better than your average human. I can tell what shampoo, conditioner and body wash you used this morning. I can even identify what kind of laundry soap you buy. Your toothpaste.”

  He tilted his head and nudged hers aside. “Stop wearing perfume. It’s not pleasant to us. You dabbed some of it at the back of your neck.” He lifted his head. “I can smell some of your emotions if they are strong. Fear. Desire. Hell, even anger. Can you do any of that?”

  Kat stared into his eyes. “No.”

  “Then stop saying we’re anything alike.”

  “You are part human though. A genetically enhanced version but—”

  He moved so fast that she gasped when he gripped her hips and yanked her off her feet. She found herself dangling a foot above the floor until they were face level. Her hands automatically gripped the tops of his shoulders.

  “We’re not the same. Here’s a lesson, teacher.”

  He growled and his chest vibrated against hers. The low, dangerous sound sent chills down her spine and the color of his eyes seemed to darken. It might have been a play of the dim light since they were far from the windows but he looked terrifying. Her heart rate quickened and she wondered if he planned to hurt her.

  “Try to fight me,” he snarled.

  “I won’t.” She knew he was attempting to provoke her but she wasn’t dense. His body felt as hard and solid as the wall at her back. It wouldn’t be a fight she could win.

  “Exactly.” The growling stopped and the vibrations ceased. His tone lowered to a harsh whisper. “Never believe we’re amenable creatures who could conform to your way of life. We have an entire section at Reservation that is full of failed examples of what happens when idiots attempt to make pets out of animals not meant to be tame. They live with us for a reason. Take the blinders off. We have more in common with rescued ex-circus animals than with you.”

  He shifted his hips closer and the press of his groin rubbed against her inner thigh. The rigid length of his erection couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. Most women would have begged to be put down or pleaded with him to cool his temper. She thought he was kind of sexy when he was hostile.

  “We’re not too different though.” She eased her hold on his shoulders and trailed her fingertips down his chest. “You want me. An ex-circus animal wouldn’t be sporting a boner from having me this close.”

  His eyes widened and he hissed. “Fuck.”

  The sound he made reminded her of a pissed-off large cat. “Sorry that your plan to intimidate and terrify me isn’t working.” She felt no regret though. “Did you expect me to burst into tears?”

  The low growl that came from his slightly parted lips was sexy. She liked the way he glanced at her breasts before meeting her eyes again. She traced her palms upward to curl her fingers over the tops of his shoulders.

  “You feel like a man to me. That makes us compatible as people.”

  “Don’t,” he rasped.

  “Don’t what?”

  “Provoke me.”

  She was tempted to. “I’m just stating the obvious. You can keep denying we’re comparable but your body doesn’t believe what your mouth is saying.”

  His hold on her eased and she slid down his body. He backed up the second her feet touched the floor to release her completely. “Teach them the tricks your people use to lie and deceive our officers. That’s how you can be useful. Rusty told me what you did with your purse. Show all that you know. Tomorrow tell them about the weapons they aren’t aware of.”

  She appreciated the suggestion. “Okay.”

  “Don’t sugarcoat humans either. We don’t deal with nice ones, for the most part. Tell them about the worst of your kind.”

  “I resent that. Not every human being is a criminal.”

  “You drove through our gates. Did you see the protestors?”

  “I saw the supporters too.”

  “Do you believe all of them are there with good intentions?” He tilted his head, staring deeply into her eyes. “What does your training tell you about those who try to seem harmless, when in fact they are a danger to the NSO?”

  She swallowed, feeling that question was directed at her. He was smart, though, and she wouldn’t treat him otherwise. “It’s possible that some are pretending to be supportive to spy on the ones who really are or to gain the trust of your officers in hopes that they’ll be able to launch an effective attack.”

  “Exactly. Teach them that.”

  “I just don’t want to leave them with the impression that all people are bad. You seem to already think that.”

  “Supposedly your job here is to help us learn how to protect ourselves more effectively.”

  “Supposedly?” Was he still suspicious of her? She studied his dark eyes but he gave no emotion away.

  “I don’t trust anyone. I made that mistake once and learned. It’s how I’ve survived.”

  She wondered who had betrayed him. Something he’d said when they’d been in that interrogation room tugged at her memory. “A woman?”

  He scowled. “Did I say that?”

  She should just let it drop but couldn’t. There was just something about Darkness that made her want to know more about him. “You said something about pretending I was someone else to effectively do your job. I got the impression you meant a woman. You said ‘a female from your past’.”

  “You read too much into it.”

  “Did I?” She wasn’t convinced
. He was good, though, keeping his tone unchanged.

  He leaned in a little and ducked his head to stare down at her. “Let me give you a little advice, sweetheart. You’re very inquisitive but your skills of observation are a little too refined for your background. I’d watch that.”

  He spun away and strode out into the main area of the bar. She hugged her waist and leaned against the wall, taking a few deep breaths. It was a warning, plain and simple. He suspected she wasn’t who she claimed. He had a point though. She was trained in ways a crime lab technician wouldn’t be. They were skilled at determining data at a scene, not delving into behavioral or verbal observation and clues.

  “Well hell,” she muttered.

  She pushed away from the wall and dropped her arms to her sides. She stepped out from behind the stage, forced a smile and glanced around the room. Darkness was nowhere to be found but plenty of New Species seemed to want her attention as they indicated they’d like to speak. It was time to be sociable.

  “Hi.” She kept her voice cheerful.

  “I have a question.”

  “Ask away.”

  * * * * *

  Darkness plowed his fist into the punching bag without restraint. The chain that held it suspended groaned. The bag swung out and came back. He threw his left fist into it. The top of the bag ripped at the hook and the weighted container slammed to the floor four feet away.

  “That was impressive but you aren’t supposed to break our equipment.”

  He clenched his jaw and slowly turned to stare at Bluebird. She was the last person he wanted to talk to, besides Kat. “Hello.”

  She glanced at the bag then up at him. “That’s a whole lot of frustration. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “I was at the class earlier. I saw you take our teacher behind the stage. I was curious so I crept forward enough to see what happened. You want her.”

  He didn’t enjoy being spied on. “How did you come to that conclusion? She needed to be instructed on what to teach Species and was irritated that I intervened during the class.”

  “You’ve never pinned me to a wall when we talk.”