New Species 09 Shadow (4 page)

She had. The thought of what had been done to her seemed to lessen his own trauma. She was so small that she wouldn’t have stood a chance at defending herself. At least the bigger females were strong and had lashed out at their captors whenever possible. He was relieved she hadn’t been molested as a child but it made him angry that she’d been harmed at all.

“They gave me drugs.” He couldn’t refuse to tell her his story. “The breeding drugs.”

“What are those?”

She hadn’t come from Mercile. She’d been spared the testing, had been given away to an investor—a more personal, hellish experience in his mind. Gift Females had been cut off from all others of their kind and most of them had been murdered at the hands of their abusers.

“Mercile invented a drug that increased our sex drives to near insanity.” Shame filled him that he’d been used that way. “They did things to us to force out our semen to sell.”

“Why would they do that?”

“They wanted to freeze it and sell it to other humans who believed they could use female humans to carry our young inside their wombs. They planned to sell the infants.”

Beauty snuggled tighter against him. “I’m sorry. Were they able to do it? Do you have young out there?”

“The doctors don’t think it worked. I desperately want to believe that is true. I have nightmares about helpless infants in the hands of those monsters. My offspring.” His voice deepened but he tried to refrain from snarling. “I would track them down and save them if it was the last thing I did, even knowing I’d die.”

She continued to stroke his chest and he appreciated the comfort she tried to give. “The doctors are smart. I’m sure they wouldn’t say that unless they believed it. I know Dr. Trisha and Dr. Alli well and they wouldn’t lie to us.”

“I know. I trust them too. Our sperm dies quickly and they said it wouldn’t have survived the freezing process they used to ship it to another country. That’s where the buyers were located.”

“You should stop worrying about that then.”

He hated to do it but he shifted a little. His ass was starting to hurt from sitting too long in one spot on the hard wood under him. Beauty didn’t seem to mind or even notice since she didn’t protest in any way.

“The storm is passing. I should radio for help.”

“It’s still raining.” She pulled away from him enough to stare into his eyes. He loved hers. They were such a soft brown and so sweet that it amazed him that she could trust anyone after what had been done to her. “Stay with me. Please?”

He didn’t want to leave her either. “I’ll stay for a little while longer but then I must call in for a female officer. You need to be returned to the women’s dorm.”

She smiled. “Isn’t that funny?”

“What?”

“That we call it that. Do you know what has been difficult for me to learn since I came here?”

“What?” He was curious and liked it when she appeared amused.

“I was raised around all humans and they never used the terms female or male. I’ve had to try to learn to use those words. And there is the whole ‘human’ thing. They were just people to me. Why isn’t it females’ dorm instead of women’s dorm?”

He couldn’t help but smile back. “I’m unsure. I think that’s just what the building was named when we were brought here and it stuck.”

“Why are Species called female or male instead of women or men?”

“Mercile referred to us solely as that. They were men and we were less. Just males.”

He hated to see her humor fade as sadness invaded her gaze. “Oh. I know about being thought of as less.” Her chin lifted. “The guards gave me mean names.”

He didn’t even want to know what she’d been called. It would piss him off. “I like the name you took.”

“The rescue team chose this one for me and I kept it.”

“It is very fitting.”

She smiled again. “You think I’m attractive?”

Beauty took his breath away and trapped it inside his chest until he forced his lungs to work again. “Yes.”

“Good. I think you’re attractive too.” Her hand left his chest and timidly rose to his hair, her fingertips brushing the ends of it. “Why is it so short?”

“I worked with the task force of humans who work for the NSO. I just returned to Homeland days ago. I lived in the basement at the unit’s headquarters. We cut our hair to fit in with the others.”

“I hate basements.” Her hand lowered to curve around the top of his shoulder and made him very aware of her light touch. “Did you have windows?”

“No.”

“I didn’t either,” she admitted. “I remember the times I was taken out into the sunshine.” Her eyes closed as if she clung to the memory so she could picture it vividly in her mind. Her expression validated his guess when she smiled. “It was so warm and bright. Those are some of my best memories of growing up.”

“I’m glad you had some good ones.”

Her eyes opened and she smiled. “There was a small courtyard with grass and a water fountain. Once a week I was allowed outside for an hour or two. Master didn’t like how pale my skin would become and he said I needed a little color.”

Shadow wanted to wrap his fingers around the human’s throat and choke the living shit out of the one who’d abused Beauty. She was grateful that someone had allowed her time out of her cell because they hadn’t liked the way she looked. It also explained why she would run outside during a storm. She had no idea how dangerous it could be.

“Promise me something, Beauty.”

“Okay.” The instant agreement stunned him a little. She didn’t even know what he wanted but granted his request. It reinforced her innocence.

“Stay indoors when there’s a storm. You could have been struck by lightning or a tree could have fallen from the wind and rain. It’s dangerous to go out in them.”

“I know.”

“Then why do it?” He frowned, showing his displeasure.

“I just wanted to do something, anything, to break free I guess.”

“You are free.”

Her hand slid from his shoulder to the center of his chest and she ducked her head, laying her cheek against him. “I’m really not, Shadow.”

Her words alarmed him. “What do you mean? You are free. Is someone saying otherwise? Look at me. Tell me.”

She hesitated. Had someone at Homeland abused her? Frightened her? Was someone bullying her and ordering her to do things she didn’t want? He’d get her to talk and he’d immediately handle the situation. He’d beat on anyone who intimidated her.

“I’m a Gift Female,” she whispered.

“Yes. Who has frightened you? Who gives you orders?”

She finally met and held his gaze. “No men are allowed to approach or talk to me. I’m not allowed to work with them the way the bigger women do. We never leave Homeland to visit Reservation.” Tears glistened in her eyes and it tugged at his heart instantly.

“It’s for your protection.”

“Against what? You? Are you going to hurt me?”

“Never!”

“Exactly. Are other Species men going to hurt me?”

“No. They’d never dare.”

“I’m…” Her voice died.

“You’re what?”

“I’m lonely.”

Her tears spilled over and slid down her cheeks. He couldn’t resist wiping them away with his thumb. It hurt him to see them. “You’re surrounded by females. I’ll talk to them and they will spend more time with you. Just tell me what you need to make sure you get it.”

“You’re the first man who has ever held me, Shadow.”

Her words slowly sank into his stunned mind.

“Male. Sorry.” She sniffed. “You’re holding me. You don’t want anything more than to keep me warm and comfort me. I’ve never sat on someone’s lap before or gotten to listen to their heartbeat. Even touched their hair.”

He was mute, astounded.

“I listen when men visit my friends but that’s never going to happen to me. I’d never have gotten to speak to you if it wasn’t for you finding me in the storm and bringing me here to safety. Being a Gift Female is a prison of sorts. Master had sex with me a long time ago but he never held or talked to me. He just did what he did and never even removed all my clothes. I’ve never been kissed. The other women know all that but I’ll never know what it’s like.” Her attention dropped to his chest. “May I tell you what I always wanted to know the most?”

“What?” He managed to get one word out around the lump in his throat.

“I wonder what it would be like to sleep with someone holding me and have him there in case I woke from a nightmare.”

Shadow had never considered what life was like for a Gift Female. They had only females to comfort them and he couldn’t imagine being segregated from over half his own kind after knowing freedom. There were fewer females than males. The female officers he dealt with were warm and he always appreciated their touches when they gave out hugs or pats when he worked side by side with them.

“I’ll hold you for as long as you want, Beauty.”

She sniffed. “Will you sleep with me?”

He was going to get in deep trouble in the morning when he returned her to the women’s dorm and had to answer questions. Gift Females were off-limits. Spending a night alone with one was against the rules. He knew that but he couldn’t deny her. She gazed at him with hope and longing.

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

His dick had softened, all interest in sex gone with her admissions. He was grateful for that. He glanced away. The floor was harder than the long wooden box he sat on. It wasn’t going to be comfortable for him but she was all that mattered.

“We’ll sleep here until morning and then I’ll return you home.” He shoved away the thought of what he’d face. Tiger or Fury would wish to speak to him. Worse, he could be taken to Justice. He hadn’t been free as long as they had and his motives might come under scrutiny. “You can sleep on top of me. You’re safe.”

“I know. Thank you.” She smiled.

Consequences be damned
, he thought, staring at her. “I’ll keep you warm and you may listen to my heartbeat if you wish.” He glanced at the light. “Do you want it on or off?”

“I don’t care.”

He just turned—she didn’t weigh much at all—and stretched out flat on his back along the bench. His feet hung off the end but Beauty settled down over him, sprawled facing him. Her hands curled at the top of his shoulders and she rested her cheek over his heart. He slowly wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her from sliding off him to the floor.

“Comfortable?”

“Yes. Are you?”

“Yes,” he lied.

“Thank you, Shadow.”

“Don’t ever thank me for this. I’ll be here if you have a nightmare. You’re protected.”

He closed his eyes to block out the soft light from above and forced his body to remain lax. Her breathing against his skin was warm and he knew as time passed that she fell asleep when her own heartbeat slowed. He doubted he’d slumber at all, too worried he might turn over or touch her wrong in his sleep.

Chapter Three

Beauty woke slowly, enjoying the warmth of her bed and the strange noise that somehow seemed comforting. Her eyes opened to stare at something odd hanging from a wall few feet away. It slowly dawned on her that she was staring at net bags filled with an assortment of balls.

She froze, confused, but then realized the noise she heard was a heartbeat.
Shadow.
Memory returned instantly as her fingers gently dug into firm, hot flesh. In her sleep her hands had lowered to his sides to become trapped between his biceps and ribs.

It was a nice feeling, being so warm and snug on top of a man. She breathed in his scent, enjoying it. The smooth skin under her fingertips tempted her to explore. The thought of running her hands all over his body was hard to resist. The only reason she didn’t do it was an uncertainty if it would wake him. He might get angry. That wasn’t something she wanted to test. It would ruin the unique moment of waking with someone for the first time in her life.

The room was lighter than it had been the previous night as she gently lifted her head to find the source. A small window at the back of the room allowed in sunlight. Her focus shifted to Shadow’s handsome face. He slept peacefully, looking much younger.

His arms rested over her back, a heavy weight she enjoyed. Her legs were stretched down his as she became aware of something else. A firm object was nestled between her slightly parted legs. The silky material of the flags they wore prevented a lot of her skin from touching his but something else was definitely between her thighs.

Beauty gently twisted her head and stared over her shoulder to find the source. Her lips parted when she realized what was poking up. Fear gripped her for a few seconds but she calmed. Shadow was aroused and it was a scary sight. His cock jutted upward between her thighs. The material covered the thick, rounded shape but she knew what it was.

Her legs tensed, unintentionally squeezing his sex with her thighs. He sucked in air, his chest under her expanded, and she turned her head in time to peer down into his blue eyes. They were confused at first as he blinked but it only lasted a heartbeat before his memory must have kicked in. His nose flared and a soft rumble came from his throat. It was almost a soft growl or maybe a moan. She wasn’t sure which but she was fascinated by him.

The arms around her waist tightened but then relaxed. His hands rubbed gently, almost a pat to assure her she was safe. She continued to stare into his sexy eyes. They were very attractive and she didn’t want to look away. The urge to explore his body with her hands struck again. Would he mind? Get angry? Stop her? She opened her mouth to ask permission but never got the words out.

A faint sound from outside drew her attention to the door. The body under hers seemed to harden all over and she gasped when the arms tightened around her waist. Shadow moved fast for someone who’d just woke. He shifted her quickly, lifted her to the side, and she watched with wide eyes as he crouched on the floor next to her. A deep snarl burst from his throat and his hands clawed against the concrete flooring in preparation to launch an attack. She could see his lips part and he showed his fangs.

The door burst open and Beauty whimpered, terrified at the sight of two big men filling the doorway. She almost slid off the long box in her haste to flee. She ended up huddled on it instead. Her attention shifted to Shadow. He was big and he was defending her against danger. Some of her fear eased.

The two men who stepped inside were in uniform. Shadow slowly rose to his full height. “Hello. I apologize. I heard someone approach and didn’t realize it was you.”

Beauty stared at the two officers as they watched her. She noticed both of them had paled. The one on the left snarled and rage changed his features into something scary as he glared at Shadow.

“She’s Gift. What are you doing with her?”

“I can explain.” Shadow growled back.

“Really?” The other man glanced at Shadow’s waist. “I see what you were doing.”

Beauty realized what the men thought had occurred. Shadow was definitely aroused and the flag tied around his waist did nothing to hold down his erect cock. She tore her attention away from it and slowly uncurled her body to slide off the box and stand.

“It isn’t that way,” Shadow protested. “I found her running in the storm.”

“You thought you’d take advantage of her?” One of the men reached for the radio clipped to his belt, quickly using it to call in for help. “This is Book. Get a female officer to the park now. We have a Gift Female on scene with a Species male inside the sports equipment building. Code red.”

“No.” Shadow backed up, his hands raised, palms out. “It isn’t a code red.”

“Move away from the Gift Female,” the man ordered.

“Wait!” Beauty inched closer to Shadow’s side.

The two officers ignored her. “Walk forward, outside and do not resist. We are taking you to Security.”

“I said wait!” She spoke louder.

“Jericho, you know me,” Shadow hissed. “This isn’t what it appears. Inhale. I did not share sex with her.”

“It doesn’t matter. You were alone with her and neither of you are dressed. We located your abandoned cart and have been searching for you. You obviously spent the time with her. You need to explain this.”

“Stop!” Beauty yelled, actually stepping in front of Shadow to get between him and the officers. “This isn’t…he didn’t…just stop!”

“I’m trying to tell you what happened,” Shadow spoke at the same time.

One of the officers finally lowered his accusing gaze and it softened when he met hers. “You are safe. A female is on her way. Remain calm and please step away from the male.”

“No. I won’t.” She opened her arms wide and made sure no one would get around her to reach Shadow. “He didn’t do anything to me.”

“Beauty,” Shadow spoke behind her, “move out of the way. I’ll go outside with them.”

She turned her head to stare at him, more than a little upset that he seemed to be in trouble for spending the night alone with her. “No. You didn’t do anything.”

His expression became shuttered. “I broke rules when I didn’t immediately radio in the situation. You’re not helping me. Please step aside and wait for a female to arrive. It will be fine.”

She studied him closely but she couldn’t tell if he was being honest or not. Her arms dropped to her sides and she faced him, noting that he wasn’t aroused anymore since the flag draped smoothly over his thighs.

“It will be fine,” he assured her a second time. “It will make it worse if you don’t allow me to go.”

“Okay.”

She didn’t know what to do as he bent to retrieve his discarded clothing and boots. The officers stepped outside with him and the door closed after them, leaving her alone inside the equipment building. Beauty darted to her discarded nightgown but it was still wet. She released it and stared at the door, straining to pick up any conversation.

It was too quiet and she wanted to go outside to make sure Shadow wasn’t in trouble but hesitated. The other men had seemed really angry and they frightened her a little. She hated not having the courage to march out there and state again that she hadn’t been hurt.

Minutes passed before the door opened and dread gripped her when Kit entered, anger forming crinkles around her mouth and eyes. The tall Species woman wore her work uniform. She always intimidated Beauty a little.

The feline sniffed loudly before her gaze swept the room and halted on Beauty. “Are you harmed? Did that male do anything to you?”

“No.”

“How did he take you from the dorm?”

“He didn’t. I went for a run in the storm and he found me.”

“I bet he did.”

“He wanted to call for someone right away but I asked him to stay with me. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Sit.”

Beauty instantly sat on the edge of the box, the other Species’ tone so harsh it made her knees weak.

“I don’t smell sex but there are things a male can do to hide the scent. Did he force you to put your mouth on his dick?” She growled the words. “Did he ask you to touch him?”

“No.”

“Don’t lie for him!”

“I’m not.” Tears filled her eyes at the ugly accusations, a reaction she couldn’t help. “He didn’t do anything wrong. He just stayed with me the way I asked. The storm was bad and we slept here.”

Kit stomped closer and gripped Beauty’s arm. “Let’s go.”

Beauty was hauled to her feet and pulled to the door. The rain had stopped when they stepped out into the early morning sunshine. The grass was cold and squishy under her bare feet. It surprised her when she glanced around to find no one else nearby. Shadow and the two officers were gone.

“You need to be trained better,” Kit hissed. “Gifts are clueless children and I don’t enjoy babysitting you. I keep telling Ellie and Breeze you need to be toughened up and taught to fight but they coddle you. A male would never pull this shit on a female officer.” The hand tightened as she walked faster, pulling Beauty alongside her through the park.

“Do you know what he could have done to you? Anything. You’re weak and wouldn’t have been able to stop him. You even allowed him to spend the night with you. That’s stupid. Do you know anything about our males? He could have seduced you and you couldn’t handle that.” She snarled a curse under her breath. “Never mind. Just don’t talk at all. I’m furious.”

“Shadow is—”

“I said don’t talk.” Kit came to an abrupt halt and growled, showing fangs. “I was on my way to breakfast when I received the assistance code. I’m hungry and want to eat. Instead I’m taking you home. You’re grounded for a week. No privileges. You aren’t to leave your room.”

Defiance rose inside Beauty and she jerked hard to free her arm from Kit’s hold. “I’m not a child!”

Feline eyes narrowed and Kit growled. “You need a spanking and I might give you one if you don’t shut up.”

“Shadow didn’t do anything wrong and I’m not weak or stupid. I’m an adult and probably almost as old as you are. You can’t restrict my privileges and don’t threaten to hit me. You should have been a canine mix because you’re a bitch.”

“What did you say to me?” Kit took a threatening step forward.

Beauty refused to back down. “I don’t know what your problem is but you’re mean, Kit. I might not be as strong as you or as big but I have something you never will.”

“I’m dying to hear this. What would that be?”

“You have been given so much but you don’t appreciate it. You’re cruel to your own kind when we aren’t the enemy.”

“I am not.”

“I live next door to you.” Beauty walked away, determined to distance herself from the angry Species and return to the dorm on her own. She took five steps before a hand clamped down on her shoulder to make her stop. She stared at Kit.

“What does that mean?”

“You think Shadow forced me into that shed. You’re the naïve one if you believe I didn’t welcome spending time with him. I’d never treat him the way you do our males by using them and tossing them out your door the second you get what you want from them. Release me.”

Shock was evident on the feline’s features as her eyes widened. No words came from her lips but she did release her. Beauty faced forward and marched through the damp grass, avoiding the muddy puddles.

“Hey, Beauty?”

Her back stiffened but she kept going, refusing to verbally spar with Kit. She’d stood up for herself and said the words that had filled her head. It had felt good despite being terrified the woman would strike out. The fight would be short and Beauty knew she couldn’t win if there was actual violence.

“You’re growing pretty brave for a primate. Too bad your fangs aren’t as sharp as your tongue. Words don’t hurt as much as physical pain. Remember that.”

Beauty halted and peered over her shoulder to see if Kit was still watching her, wondering if it was a threat. “I wouldn’t agree and that statement just proves who is more intelligent between us.” She opened her mouth, curled her upper lip back, and hissed at the feline. She had sharp teeth and didn’t hesitate to show them for once. “I’m not as weak as you think.”

Kit did the unexpected by suddenly grinning. “Get your ass home. I think I actually like you. Breeze is fit to be tied. Good luck with her. You better hope Ellie has arrived at the dorm to handle you instead.”

Beauty hurried through the park to the sidewalk. Carts and Jeeps passed her but she kept her head down, refused to glance at them to see if she was being stared at. It wasn’t normal for a Gift Female to walk alone. Escorts were usually assigned to them if they left the dorm. Her wearing a flag would also draw a lot of attention.

Dread made her stomach quiver when she reached the front doors and Breeze opened them. The tall Species wore an oversized T-shirt and it was obvious by her messy hair that she’d recently rolled out of bed.

“Are you all right?” Concern etched her features. “Should I take you to Medical?”

“I’m fine.” Beauty wanted to flee to her room but the canine had other ideas when she grabbed her hand, holding on to it. It made her stop to stare up at Breeze.

“Security wouldn’t tell me his name. I want it or I’m going to sniff you to find out.” Her voice deepened into a growl. “I’ll take care of him. He’ll pay for what he’s done.”