Anger still made his blood boil but he acknowledged the regret in the other male’s face. He seemed sincere. Shadow unfurled his fists. He’d learned patience when he’d lived at the task force headquarters. Misunderstandings happened often between Species and humans. He just hadn’t expected it from other Species males.
“I would never force myself on a female.”
“I’m glad to hear that but I don’t know you. I assumed the worst.” Torrent lowered his gaze. “Do you want to take a swing at me to make us even?” He glanced up, holding his stare.
“Not in my exam room!” Dr. Harris shook his head. “Take it outside in twenty-four hours.” He glared at Torrent. “I have him a shot to help him heal. He’s not doing anything until it wears off.”
Shadow decided to forgive the male. He had been attempting to defend Beauty, after all. “You could still teach me to swim. I’m afraid the river being so close will pose a danger. I never learned.”
“I would be more than happy to do that. We’ll start tomorrow.”
“Not Beauty though. You stay away from her. You teach me and I will teach her.”
A grin lifted the corners of the other male’s lips. “I understand. I doubt I’m her favorite person right now.” He reached up and touched his shoulder. A bandage could be seen through the thin material of his shirt. “She bit me.”
Shadow smiled back, feeling satisfaction. “I’m the only male she wants.”
Chapter Fourteen
Creek tilted her head. “Someone approaches. I hear a Jeep.”
Beauty trailed her from the kitchen to the front door. The two council members had remained outside where Creek joined them. Beauty hesitated, glancing around first to be sure none of the human task force members were present too. A Jeep parked and relief swept through her as Shadow slid out of the passenger seat.
The dark-haired Species with bright-green eyes approached Shadow while the other one hung back. “How are you doing?”
“Fine.” Shadow’s gaze sought Beauty before he glanced at the Species. “You may go.”
He tried to step away but the male blocked his path. “Not so fast.”
“What’s wrong, Jaded?” Creek walked down the porch steps to halt at his side.
“The male had to be given the healing drugs. The symptoms will make him irritable, aggressive, and unstable. Shadow, you should return in the morning once you’re feeling more yourself.”
“I’m fine.” Shadow sidestepped Jaded, his focus locked on Beauty again. “I’d never harm her.”
Jaded jumped back into his path again. “Rethink it. I could make it a direct order.”
“Don’t,” the other male spoke, his voice deep. “He won’t harm the Gift. They are bonding. This time is important.”
“Damn it, Bestial.” Jaded turned his head. “Stay out of this.”
“They’ve had enough interference. That’s why this happened. No one should have come near them. Allow him to pass and let’s go.”
“We have no idea how he’ll react to the chemicals pumping through his system right now, accelerating the healing process.”
The other Species smirked. “I do. That’s Shadow, formerly of the human task force. I actually read the reports that come across my desk instead of going to all those charity events you frequent. He’s taken them at least two dozen times with no ill side effects and never attacked any of the humans on the team. I’m sure they irritated him plenty. She’s safe and we need to leave them alone.”
Jaded softly cursed. “Okay.” He stared at Shadow. “Call if you need anything at all. We’re going to put this area on total lockdown so no one comes here again.”
“Breeze is on her way,” Creek reminded them. “Are you going to tell her she’s banned from checking on her Gift Female? I’m certainly not. That’s one order I’ll refuse if you try to push that on me.”
“Fuck no.” Jaded growled. “She’d have my nuts.”
“I agreed to allow Torrent to teach me how to swim.”
Beauty was stunned by Shadow’s admission. It seemed she wasn’t alone when the other Species showed surprise as well. Shadow shrugged.
“The male’s intensions were good. I need to learn how to swim and he offered to teach me. What if Beauty were to fall into the river? It’s my duty to protect her against any danger. We’d both drown.”
“Okay.” Bestial nodded. “What did you learn from those humans?”
“Mistakes happen but you deal with them and get past it.”
Shadow approached Beauty. The bandage on his forehead was small but he walked on steady legs. He looked healthier and no longer pale. She was grateful that he seemed to be recovering from his injuries and that he’d returned so quickly. He came up on the porch and paused to stare down at her.
“How are you?”
“I’m fine.”
His eyebrows rose. “Really?”
“I was scared,” she whispered, unable to see the others with his body in her way. “How is your head?”
“Not broken.” He smiled.
“Let’s go and leave them alone,” Bestial announced. “You have a charity event to go to, don’t you, Jaded? We don’t want you to be late.”
“Shut up. For the thousandth time, I don’t enjoy them. They are a pain in the ass.”
“I don’t see you turning down any of those invitations.”
“They are for good causes and our publicity team said they improve our image.”
“You mean your image. Say cheese.”
“Boys!” Creek laughed. “No fighting. Stop antagonizing him, Bestial. We don’t want him to show up with any bruises if you two start exchanging blows. They always want Jaded be in the pictures. He can’t help it that he’s so pretty.”
The male snarled. “Screw you both.”
“You’re not my type,” Bestial teased.
“It would be so wrong to fuck my boss.” Creek laughed again. They left and Beauty listened to the engine sounds fade away. Shadow waited too until only birds singing nearby could be heard. He took a deep breath and reached out slowly to cup her face with one of his hands.
“Are you really fine? I hated to leave you.”
“I know.” She believed him. “Did the doctors clear you or should you still be there?” It wouldn’t surprise her if he’d refused to stay at Medical even if they’d asked him to.
“They said I could go.”
“Okay.”
He released her and she backed inside the cabin. His gaze left hers to drift around the room. His mouth tightened into a grim line before he looked back at her. “You cleaned up the destroyed table.”
“Creek helped me. I knew you’d do it but I didn’t want you to be reminded of what happened.”
“That is always going to stay with me. I should have heard him coming.”
“We were distracted.” Heat rose in her cheeks, remembering what they had been doing and that Torrent had seen them having sex. She cleared her throat. “I’m making us food. Go shower while I finish up. It’s just sandwiches. I wasn’t sure when you’d return but wanted to keep busy.”
He hesitated, closed the door at his back and locked it. “Can I hold you first?”
She nodded, stepping into him. The second his arms encircled her waist and drew her against his long frame, she breathed him in. The stench of antiseptic was strong but she wrapped her arms around his middle, hugging tightly. It didn’t matter that he smelled bad, just that he was back.
“I’m so sorry,” he stated gruffly. “It won’t happen again.”
“Don’t do that.”
He tensed.
“That wasn’t your fault. Stop blaming yourself. We’re both fine. It was a lesson learned. We never thought anyone would enter the cabin.”
He rested his chin on top of her head. “I’m proud of you.”
It was her turn to tense. “Why?”
“You bit him.” He chuckled. “You fought with a male. I won’t forget that. You faced your fears atte
mpting to defend me.”
Worry melted into warm sensations as she relaxed in his hold again. “Creek thought your pride would be injured and warned me you might be angry. That wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to protect you when you were unconscious.”
“My pride is bruised for allowing anyone to sneak up on us. I was worried that you’d regret coming here with me. I am probably not the right male for you.”
It was an improvement. He’d said probably instead of being certain. “You are perfect,” she swore.
He hugged her a little tighter. “I’ll shower. I reek from being at Medical.”
A small laugh escaped. “I wasn’t going to complain.”
Shadow nuzzled her again. “I’ll hurry. We’ll talk.”
“Okay.” Her hold on him loosened but she didn’t want to let go. “You need to eat something.”
“I do.” They stared at each other as they stepped back and broke physical contact. “Food will help my body process the drugs they gave me.”
“Are you really okay?”
He nodded. “I’ll heal fast. I’ve adjusted to the side effects. You’re in no danger from me.”
“I know that. I trust you.” She did, completely.
“Living with the task team wasn’t easy but I’m glad for the experiences it gave me.”
Beauty watched him jog up the stairs and disappear in the direction of his room. She was tempted to follow him. She’d love to watch him strip and shower. Instead, she entered the kitchen to finish preparing lunch. It gave her a sense of fulfillment to prepare food for her Shadow.
She froze. My Shadow? Beauty closed her eyes as her heart stuttered inside her chest. He wasn’t really hers, not for certain yet. They’d had sex but that didn’t mean they were a real couple. Sleeping in his arms didn’t mean he’d want her there every night for the rest of their lives. It hurt thinking about a day that might come when she wasn’t welcome there.
* * * * *
Shadow rushed his shower, careful of the bandage on his head. He didn’t want to get the stitches wet. That would mean another trip to Medical or acquiring an ugly scar. It usually wouldn’t matter to him but now his looks mattered. He wanted to be attractive to Beauty.
He reached up to run his fingers through his hair to wash out the soap. He was used to the military hairstyle he’d had to keep while working for the task force. It helped him fit in with the team. It had begun to grow out since he’d returned to Homeland with Wrath but not by much.
Did it bother Beauty that he didn’t have the long hair that most Species males had? Insecurity was a new emotion he didn’t enjoy. He turned off the water and grabbed a towel. He dried quickly, knowing she waited for him.
They were both damaged by humans. He and Beauty had that common bond but was it enough to bridge the differences? She was soft, timid. He wasn’t. She’d been sheltered after her release from her prison while he’d faced humans head-on as a task force member after being given his freedom. She’d hidden while he was being treated. What if he wanted to go back to headquarters and work for Tim Oberto again? Beauty would have to deal with the human males on a daily basis.
The answer came to him instantly. He couldn’t go back. He’d returned to live with Species as a vacation, not planning to stay, and he’d enjoyed his time in the outside world, but he’d have to stay at Homeland for good.
Shadow entered his room, grabbed clothes from the dresser and sat on the bed. Beauty’s image filled his head when he closed his eyes. Her smile, the way she blushed. Her dark eyes staring intently into his seemed imprinted there forever. She trusted him. He’d been the one she’d chosen to approach for sex. The time they’d spent during that storm had somehow made her pick him.
“Damn,” he rasped.
The idea of walking away from her wasn’t one that sat well within his heart. It ached just considering saying goodbye. Another male would eventually take his place if he left. She didn’t want to be segregated from other Species and obviously enjoyed sex. It meant someone would touch her, kiss her, and put their hands on her lithe body. Rage burned inside until beads of sweat broke out over his skin.
No way in hell. She’s mine!
Astonishment replaced his violent show of temper. He hadn’t meant to form a bond but it was there. He opened his eyes as he rose to his feet to put on a pair of jeans and a tank top. He didn’t bother with shoes and rushed down the stairs in search of her. She sat at the table in the kitchen with two plates of food, waiting for him.
Beauty’s smile at seeing him made him want to kiss her. He didn’t hesitate to crouch near her chair and slide his fingers into her hair at the base of her neck. Her dark eyes widened a second before he brushed his lips against hers. They were so soft, welcoming, and they parted when he licked over the seam.
He wanted her. Blood rushed to his dick until his jeans were uncomfortable. He pulled back to stare into her eyes.
She blushed but didn’t look away. “What was that for?”
“I missed you.”
Surprise then pleasure showed on her beautiful face. “I missed you too.” Her hand lifted to grip his shoulder. “More.” Her chin tilted up, offering her mouth again.
“Let’s eat first.”
The flash of pain wasn’t missed. He wanted her to know it wasn’t a rejection in any form. “I was given drugs to help me heal. I need food to help my system level out.”
“Okay.” Her hand slid away.
“You’re sleeping in my bed again.” He wasn’t sure how he’d handle it if she refused. Not well, was his guess. The air inside his lungs froze, waiting for her reaction.
“I’d like that.”
He breathed again. “Every night.” He couldn’t help but push for more. It was his nature.
“Okay.”
Joy and relief merged as he straightened and took the seat next to her. The desire to stay close was strong. He forced his attention from Beauty to the food. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He glanced at her to discover her smile. “This smells really good.”
“I know how to cook. I learned how to clean too. I can do laundry.” She nibbled on her bottom lip.
Something bothered her. He shifted his weight to stare at her. “What is it?”
“Nothing.”
He smothered a growl. “Beauty? You have an expressive face.” Beautiful too. Delicate. “What are you thinking?”
“It’s nothing.” Her gaze skirted away.
He growled that time, not holding back his frustration. She appeared startled as her eyes met his.
“Don’t lie to me. No deceit should be between us. You have something on your mind, something you want to say. Spit it out.”
She didn’t smile but instead suddenly took great interest in his tank top.
“Beauty?”
Her shoulders sagged. “It’s stupid.”
“Everything you say matters.”
“Okay. I was just thinking how pathetic you must see me. I made you food and I’m listing off my domestic qualities.”
Confused, he forced her head up gently with a firm grip on her chin. “Those are nice skills. I’m bad at laundry.” The need to assure her was strong. “Do you want to know what new black uniforms being washed with new white socks does? It turned the socks an ugly gray. The team laughed when they saw them the first time we hit the mats to train. No one told me whites should be separated from dark colors, especially ones that have never seen the inside of a washer before.”
“Ellie would never allow us to make that mistake. She’s our house mother who teaches us living skills.” Humor lit up her features before it faded quickly. “I have nothing else to offer you.”
He tried to make sense of what she was saying. He shook his head, at a loss. “I don’t ask for anything.”
“I live with our women. I know they train with our men and they play sports sometimes. They work together at jobs outside the home. I am not trained for anything but hous
e chores.” Color bloomed in her cheeks. “They have a lot of experience with sex too. I don’t. I keep thinking that all I can offer in our relationship is to keep a good home if we were to share one and make you meals instead of you having to eat at the cafeteria. We won’t be able to share work stories or play rough together the way they do. I know nothing about sports or the hundred other things they could talk to you about to keep your interest.”
He struggled to find the right words.
“It’s pathetic.” She tugged out of his hold but kept eye contact. “You didn’t even want to be here.”
He hated the way she gasped when he lunged. The last thing he wanted was her fear but he didn’t stop. She was light when he just scooped her out of the chair to settle across his lap. He liked her there.
“I was afraid I might hurt you but I’ve wanted you since the moment we met.” He hugged her tighter to him. “I’m damaged and was worried that would cripple me when it came to sharing sex.” His fingers stroked her arm, glad she relaxed. “There isn’t a damn thing pathetic or lacking in you, Beauty.” He mentally ticked off her list. “I avoided Species women. It wasn’t just my hang-ups but they are kind of scary.” He softened his tone, smiling.
“Nothing scares you.”
“A lot of things do.” He wouldn’t lie to her. Pride was a small price to pay when it came to making sure Beauty knew her value. “I used to consider sharing sex with one of them and feared my body wouldn’t function. Can you imagine what one of them would do if I couldn’t get an erection?” His eyebrows lifted. “It wasn’t a pretty situation in my thoughts. What if I froze or had a flashback? They are great females but our males don’t seem to have those issues. I imagined them laughing or worse. Pity.”
Beauty saw sincerity in his steady gaze. It made her chest hurt as she snuggled into him, putting her arms around his neck. She loved being held so close to him on his lap.
“I wasn’t put into the breeding experiments much. They rarely sent a female to my cell at Mercile. Then they took me from there and…” his voice trailed off as he swallowed hard. “Abused me with machines and videos of human females. I don’t have that much experience either. It’s been years since I had a real female under me. Don’t you think I was worried that I wouldn’t be good at it anymore? You were abused too. It left me shaking inside thinking I’d remind you of that when I touched you.”
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