SmileyLaurann Dohner

Book 13 in the New Species series.

It is advisable to read the books in orderto get the most enjoyment from theseries.

Vanni is furious when her fiancétricks her into attending aconference where his father’schurch is protesting the NewSpecies Organization. She hateseverything those vile bigots stand

for. Vanni goes to the bar to cool offand ends up seated next to ahandsome New Species. Thingsheat up fast when they are bothdrugged.

Smiley doesn’t want to believethe sweet human would dose themwith the breeding drug. He’swilling to trust her and determinedto save her life. He’ll hold her.Protect her. Offer up his body todistract them both from the pain.She is h i s female, even if shedoesn’t realize it yet.

A Romantica® paranormal eroticromance from Ellora’s Cave

SMILEY

Laurann Dohner

Dedication As always, I have to thank my

amazing husband. MrLaurann ismy rock, my inspiration, and hemakes life a pretty fantasticexperience to share. On Christmas2013, I suffered a stroke. Life can befull of surprises, some wonderful…some not. I want to give a HUGEthank you to everyone for being sosupportive. It was a very scary timeat first but the many wonderfulmessages motivated me to keep mysense of humor and to push to getmy life back on track. You guysrock!

I’d also like to say a very specialthank you to Kele Moon. She’s anawesome best friend and the bestcritique partner I could ask for. Tomy mother, Donna, who pitched into help with the kids after mystroke—thank you! My editor,Pamela Campbell, is worth herweight in gold. Thank you. Last butnot least, I want to extend mygratitude to Ellora’s Cave. Fiveyears ago you took a chance on meby offering a housewife with adream of getting her storiespublished a book contract. I’m soglad that you did!

Chapter One “Stop embarrassing me.” Carl

hissed the words, glancing aroundto make sure he couldn’t beoverheard by anyone except histarget. “My father said you’re surly.It reflects badly on him. I just gotmy ass chewed out. Keep smilingand nod, Vanni. He also said youwere rude to a journalist.”

“Did you hear what he preachedup there?” She was angry too. “Iagreed to put on this long skirtbecause your father has a problemwith women wearing pants. Ididn’t say I’d talk with reporters

and repeat the hatred he spews.”“You’re not supposed to talk at

all. I know he’s old school but he ismy father. We’re here to representhim.”

“Old school? I’d use wayharsher words for what he is. No, Ionly came because I thought wewere having a romantic weekend ata nice hotel. Instead, I discoveryou’re sharing a suite with yourfather and I’m stuck rooming withhis insane assistant. You waited tospring this on me once we arrivedbecause we both know I wouldn’thave come otherwise.”

He stepped closer and wrapped

his fingers around her upper arm,glancing around again. “This isimportant to him. It’s two moredays. Just smile and keep your lipssealed. That’s all.”

“You told me you have nothingto do with your father’s church.Why are we even here, Carl? I don’tunderstand.”

“He never asks me for anythingbut some of the press have beenquestioning his family values. Heneeded us here to show support.It’s only two days. Please, Vanni. Iknow this is a lot to ask but he ismy father. That makes him familyto you.”

She was tempted to remind himthey weren’t married yet. Her mindwent over her options. She was twohours from home, without a car.Her roommate could come get herbut she’d only ask a favor that bigin an emergency. It hadn’t quitereached that point but it wasgetting close.

Carl softened his tone. “This isimportant to my father and hereally needs me to be here. He asksfor so little, Vanni.”

She stared into his eyes andhated the way her resolve cavedunder that pleading look. “I don’tlike his church members or what

they stand for.”“I don’t either but I couldn’t say

no. You’re going to be my wife. Iwanted you here with me.”

“They are bigots and I didn’texactly wave that reporter down orask to have a microphone shoved inmy face. I just said two words, Carl—no comment. Be thankful I didn’ttell him that dinner was an hour ofmy life I’ll never get back and howpissed I was, hearing that bullshit.”

His normally handsomeexpression twisted into somethingless appealing. “My father and hisfollowers just have different views.You’re not being fair.”

“Fair?” Her temper flared again.“Don’t even say that word to me.You swore we’d never have to dealwith this church business and thenyou lied to get me here. That wasunderhanded and low.”

“It’s one damn weekend.” Hehissed the words. “Don’t beselfish.”

“Who the hell are you andwhere did the man I know go? Youhate the things your father standsfor as much as I do or was that justbullshit to get me to marry you?”

He glanced around and thenstared at her. “He promised to giveme fifty grand if I showed up. Your

family isn’t exactly able to pay for anice wedding. I’m the one who hasto eat the extra costs.”

She clenched her teeth,resenting the guilt trip andknowing that was exactly what itwas. “I wanted something small sodon’t lay this on me. You’re the onewho wanted four hundred guests.”

“They are clients. I couldn’t getmarried without inviting them.”

“I want to leave.”His hold tightened and he

jerked her a little, looking awayonce again to scan the room. “Juststop it,” he snapped. “Go upstairs ifyou can’t put on a happy face.

Don’t embarrass my dad again. Doyou understand?”

“I’m starting to.” She didn’t likethe implications either. “So youwant me to hide after you broughtme here since I won’t get with theprogram?”

“You can’t embarrass him.”“What about me? I’m

embarrassed to be here with thatso-called church.” She yanked herarm, forcing him to release her andbacked away.

“You don’t have to agree withtheir beliefs but you will stand bymy side so I can support my father.Someone has to pay for this

wedding.”“Yes sir.” She raised her hand

and smartly saluted. “I’ll be goodand go hide upstairs so I don’t tellanyone that I was sickened by thehatred and stupidity your fatherpreaches.”

“You’re being dramatic. It’s notflattering, Vanni.”

She bit back a nasty response.“Don’t forget to show up at

breakfast tomorrow. We’resupposed to pose for pictures withmy dad right afterward. Wear thepink dress his assistant boughtyou.”

She cringed. “It’s horrible. It

reminds me of some nightmarebridesmaid dress where someonethrew up carnations down the frontof it.”

Carl shook his head. “Just wearthe fucking dress. Smile for thecameras and act like an adult.We’re doing this for our future andto pay for our wedding. Is that toodifficult for you?”

She was tempted to say yes.“Do it for me.” He reached out

and took her hand, his thumbbrushing over her engagement ring.“For us. It will make me happy andit’s only two days. That’s all. He’strying to gain support for his

church. There are reporters hereand the coverage is just what heneeds. We’ll get a nicer weddingout of it.”

Vanni cringed inside. Shewouldn’t be heartbroken if hisfather’s church faded into oblivionand hoped no one took to heart thecrap she’d heard during dinner.The speech Pastor Gregory Woodshad given had made her lose herappetite. She would have walkedout if it hadn’t been for Carl. She’dtried to avoid an argument buthadn’t succeeded since a reporterhad attempted to interview herright afterward. Her “no comment”

remark had pissed Carl off andapparently his father as well.

“Shit,” Carl muttered.“Reporters at two o’clock. Get thehell out of here before they spotus.” He glanced down at her andhis gaze narrowed. “Go upstairsand stay there until breakfast. We’lldiscuss this in the morning.”

She spun away, eager to leavethe banquet hall. The Carl she knewhad radically changed once they’darrived at the hotel and she wasn’tenjoying this new side of him. He’dbeen a first-rate dick. It made herseriously reconsider their future.

Pastor Gregory Woods’ personal

assistant, Mable, was anothernightmare for Vanni. The womanwas rude and snooty. The idea ofreturning to the room they sharedturned her away from the elevators.The bar sign beckoned. She strodetoward it and entered the dimly litarea. The tables were occupied butshe spotted an open barstool. Sherarely drank and bars weren’t herscene.

The bartender caught her eye ashe approached. He was in his mid-thirties and flashed a friendly smile.“What can I get you?”

Vanni smoothed the long skirt asshe took a seat and shoved a hand

inside her pocket, regrettingleaving her purse in her room. Shehad a twenty-dollar bill and herroom keycard though. Her licensewas in her wallet so she couldn’tprove her age if asked to show ID.Could my luck get any worse? “Just aniced tea but no lemon. Thanks.”

He nodded and turned away tofetch her drink. She kept her headdown until someone cleared histhroat to the left of her. She hopedit wasn’t some drunk about to hiton her—the reason she hated bars.One deep breath and she turnedher head to face her fellow barmate.

The gasp was automatic whenshe saw his features. It came as ashock to realize he wasn’t just anyguy. He had the firm jawline,pronounced cheekbones andgenerous lips that told her he wasNew Species. Her gaze lowered tohis jeans jacket and the way thesleeves were tight in the shoulderand upper arms. He wasn’tsporting the black NSO uniformthat she’d spotted a few of themwearing from the brief glimpsesshe’d gotten of them in the lobby.

She lowered her gaze to glanceat his jeans. They were molded tomuscular thighs. Her attention

jerked upward to gawk a little athis face again. I shouldn’t have asked.My luck can get worse. Panic struckher next. Carl would have a fit ifsomeone spotted her sitting next toa New Species and told him or hisfather.

This New Species possessedlovely brown eyes with long darkeyelashes. He had silky black hairthat fell just past his shoulders. Heblinked before he spoke. “Are youall right? You’re really pale andyour hands are shaking.”

His voice had a deep tone thatsent chills down her spine. Shewasn’t sure if it was from fear or

because it was the kind of voice shefound sexy. It was gruff, masculineand pleasant at the same time. Shestruggled to come up with ananswer but acknowledged beingtongue-tied.

He leaned in a little closer. “I’mnot dangerous if that’s what youheard about my kind. I’d neverattack you. Do you want me to go?”He tensed as if to get up from thestool.

“No!” She managed to speak. Itmade her feel a little guilty that hewas ready to leave because of herdeplorable reaction. “I was justsurprised, that’s all. You’re fine

where you are.”He leaned back on his barstool.

The bartender distracted her whenhe brought her iced tea anddropped off a dark-colored drink tothe New Species. She withdrew thetwenty. “I’ll pay for both of them.Keep the change.” It was the leastshe could do after making himuncomfortable.

“You don’t have to do that.”The bartender fled and she faced

the man with the whiskey voice.His nose was wider than most buthis eyes were striking with the longdark eyelashes. Beautiful, even.“Call it my version of an apology.

My mood has nothing to do withyou. I’ve been on edge all day.”

He lifted his drink and took asip. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”He put down his drink, ran his

palm over his thigh then offered itto her. “I’m Smiley.”

Her still-stunned mindscrambled for the definition of theword. Rumors speculated theypicked their names to reflect theirpersonalities. It was a nice one.“Vanni.”

His hand was large and warm.He took hers very gently, shook itand released her. “Vanni is a pretty

name.”“It stands for Travanni. My

mother had a thing for weirdnames. I hate it. All my life I’ve justgone by Vanni.” She sipped her tea,trying not to babble. She did thatwhen she was nervous andspeaking to a New Species madeher very much so. “My poor sistergot stuck with Mortimia. Sheusually refuses to tell people herfull name and just goes by Mia. Weare certain that my mom wasobsessed with vampires.”

He appeared a little confused. “Idon’t understand.”

She smiled. “Travanni reminds

me of Transylvania, home ofDracula. Mortimia, well, Morttranslates into dead. Mia translatesinto me. Dead me.”

He chuckled now. It was a nicesound. “I see. Are there any othersiblings with strange names?”

“I have an older brother. He gotstuck with Count. Again with thevampire theme. Count Dracula. Shesaid it means noble but we’re on toher.” Shut up, she ordered herselfbut then the New Species laughed.She relaxed. “She’s weird but welove her.”

“What did your father thinkabout those names?”

She hesitated. “He was aworkaholic. He was gone a lot, outof the country on business whenmost of us were born so I don’tthink he had much input. He prettymuch got her pregnant and thenflew away. We joke that we knowwhen he had vacation time bycounting back nine months fromour birthdays. He’s retired thesedays.”

“That must be nice that he’shome now.”

“Well, my parents haven’t killedeach other yet so I guess it is.”Vanni took another drink of her tea.She was downing it fast. It might

silence her before she over-sharedtoo much about her family just tofind a topic of conversation. “I takeit you’re here for the thing?”

He blinked. “Thing?”“You know. The conference

thing.” The New SpeciesOrganization was promoting theexpansion of the NSO Reservationto start a wildlife sanctuary to takein more rescued animals. Gregoryargued they were really trainingthem to attack people. He was nuts.

He nodded. “Yes. Are you aswell?”

She wasn’t going to admit it orhe might ask who she’d come with.

Pastor Gregory was one of NewSpecies’ biggest adversaries. Afterhearing the vicious things Carl’sfather had said about people likeSmiley she was ashamed to beassociated with that church in anyway. He seemed nice and definitelynot deranged. “Vacation,” she lied.

He nodded. “It’s beautiful herein Los Angeles. I love the city lightsI see from my room. It’s like adifferent world from where I comefrom.”

“Do you live at Homeland orReservation?”

“Homeland.” He drank more ofhis soda. “I’m here on security

detail. I just finished my shift.”She nodded, deciding to change

the subject. “You’re drinking RedBull and vodka?” She glanced at theglass he held.

He shook his head. “Most of mykind don’t drink alcohol. This is justa soda.”

She’d heard so many rottenthings from Carl’s father aboutNew Species but talking to Smileyproved him wrong, so far anyway.It wasn’t a surprise that the pastorwas a gasbag. She cleared herthroat, trying to think of a topic totalk about.

“Take my advice and just enjoy

the city from your room. Thisneighborhood is nice but I wouldn’twant to venture a few blocks over.The crime rate is horrible.”

One dark eyebrow arched as hepeered at her with curiosity.

“That older brother I mentionedis a cop. He made me swear not toleave the hotel after doing acomputer check of the area before Iarrived. I got a lecture aboutcarjackings, muggings and rapecomplaints that had been filed. Heacted as though I’d take moonlightstrolls down alleys or something.”She grinned. “I’m always going tobe five years old to him, I swear.

I’m hoping that one day he realizesI’m an adult but I’m not holdingmy breath.”

“He worries about you.”She completely relaxed. “That’s

what big brothers do all the wayfrom New York. He moved therefive years ago but Dad mentionedmy trip so I got ‘the phone call’. Iknow he loves me, even thoughhe’s kind of a pain.”

“Thank you for the warningabout crime but we aren’t allowedto leave the hotel.”

That surprised her. “Why not?”“There are a lot of humans who

wish us harm or death just because

we exist.”She thought she saw a flash of

pain in his attractive brown eyesbut hoped he didn’t notice herguilty look. Pastor Gregory and hischurch were part of the problem.“They are idiots.”

“The hotel has good security soit’s safe for us as long as we stayinside. We also have our ownsecurity teams in place but we’reunder orders to stick together.”

She glanced around the bar thenback at him. “I don’t see any otherNew Species.”

He hesitated. “The two humanssitting at a table in the far corner

are on our task force. They arekeeping an eye on me. We travel inteams. I just wanted some alonetime.”

“I’m sorry. And here I amchatting away at you. I’ll go.” Shestarted to slide off the barstool togive him privacy.

“Don’t. I didn’t mean that howit sounded. I wanted to get awayfrom them, not you. I’m enjoyingour talk.”

Vanni settled back into her seatand drank some tea but couldn’tresist glancing at the far corner.Two big, burly men regarded herfrom a table. They looked mean and

she knew without a doubt theywere part of Smiley’s security team.She stared up at him. “I hope theydon’t deem me a threat.”

Smiley chuckled. “I’ll deservesome pain if you attack and causeme harm. No offense.”

“None taken.” She laughed. “Iknow I’m intimidating at five footthree. This flower-print skirt reallyscreams badass, doesn’t it?” Sheglanced at her lap. “God, I hate thisthing.”

“Why are you wearing it?”Because I was ordered to and

thought it was easier to put it on ratherthan argue with Carl. “I had a dinner

to attend earlier and it wasappropriate attire.” She didn’t offermore of an explanation, just sippedher tea and tugged at her shirt. Shehad begun to sweat. “Wow. It’sreally hot in here.”

“I was just thinking the samething. It must be ninety degrees.”

“At least.” She bypassed thestraw to take a gulp of her drink,hoping the coolness would help.

Smiley shifted in his seat andpeeled off the jacket, revealing ablack tank top and tan, musculararms. She tried not to stare but itwas difficult. He was built. Hisbiceps flexed as he twisted enough

to drape the jacket over the back ofhis chair. Somebody works out a lot.She had to admire his broadshoulders too since so much ofthem showed. They were wide andthick, the kind she saw at her localgym on body builders. He smiled.

“That should help.”Stop gawking at him before he

notices! She forced her gaze awayfrom his body to stare up at hisface. “You’re really fit.” Oh my god.I just said that aloud.

“I am Species.” He shrugged.“It’s genetics and I am in Security.What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a chair jockey.”That eyebrow of his rose again.

“What is that?”“I work in an office sitting at a

desk most days. My version ofexercise is running back to grab thephone if I left my desk to send offfaxes or use the copy machine. I getto deal with a ton of paperwork, forthe most part. The technical termfor my job is executive secretary butI prefer chair jockey. It sounds moreexciting than what it really is.”

“I wish that was my version ofexercise. We run miles a day andtrain all the time.”

“What do you train for? Like

with guns and hitting what youaim at?”

“Fighting and yes, we knowhow to use guns but we want tokeep our reflexes at peak levels.Hand-to-hand-combat training iswhat we mostly do.”

She glanced at his thicklymuscled arms and those wideshoulders again. Don’t drool. Smileywas the exact opposite of herfiancé. Carl was a lawyer. The onlyexercise he got was swinging golfclubs at the country club. He waspasty white, just a few inches tallerthan she was and they were aboutthe same weight. Smiley had to be

well over a hundred poundsheavier and he appeared tall, evensitting. He was very appealing andshe definitely noticed. I’d have to beblind not to. Don’t forget you’reengaged.

She gulped more of her tea butnot even the icy drink could helpher cool down. “Wow. It is reallywarm in here.” Vanni could feelperspiration trickling down herback and between her breasts. Sheshifted in her seat, wishing shewasn’t wearing a skirt nearly to herankles. Her thighs felt damp too, asif they were sweating. “Maybe Ishould hang out in this bar more

often. It’s like a sauna. Who needsexercise?”

Smiley lifted his arm and wavedto get the bartender’s attention. Theman walked over but he didn’t lookhappy about it. He kept back fromthe counter. “What do you need?”

“The female is hot and so am I.Could you please turn up the air-conditioning?”

“Sure.” He spun and nearly ranto the opposite side of the bar.

“‘So much for giving goodservice after getting a big tip,”Vanni muttered.

“He appeared frightened.”

She glanced up at Smiley. “Youthink so?”

He nodded.She glanced at his arms. “You

took off your jacket.”“So?”She licked her lips and shifted in

her seat. A dizzy spell struck andshe gripped the edge of the bar tokeep steady until it passed. “You’rereally buff.”

“That’s terrifying?”“He probably realized you could

kick his ass.”“Oh. I’d never attack someone

without a good reason. Should I tell

him that so I don’t frighten him?I’m no threat to the male.”

She shook her head. “Just ignoreit. Some people are paranoidmorons.”

Smiley took another sip of hissoda. “You’d think I terrified himjust by being Species.”

“You don’t terrify me. You’renice.”

“Thank you.” He lifted his wristto glance at his watch.

“Do you have to leave?”“No. I just can’t believe it’s ten

at night. It doesn’t feel that late. Iguess I should finish my drink and

go to my room. I have an early shiftin the morning.”

“Yeah. I should go to my roomsoon but I think I’ll eat somethingfirst. I picked at my dinner earlier.”

He studied her. “It wasn’tgood?”

“I had to eat dinner with somepeople who said things that mademe feel sick. It kind of killed myappetite at the time. They areidiots. It seems to be going aroundtonight.”

“So why did you eat withthem?”

“I had no choice. I was kind ofpushed into it by someone else.”

He seemed to understand that.“They have good food here. I atedinner at this bar yesterday. I’drecommend the steak.”

He looked like a meat eater toVanni. Carl was a vegetarian. Animage of a white onion with Carl’sface on it suddenly popped into herhead and she burst out in giggles.

A firm hand gripped her upperarm. “Are you well?”

She stared up at Smiley and thehumor faded. He was reallyhandsome and she noticed hesmelled good. “What is thatcologne you’re wearing?” Shesniffed and wanted to be closer to

get a better whiff. She leanedforward and nearly fell off herbarstool.

“Vanni?” Smiley gripped herother arm to keep her in place.“What is wrong? Your pupils aredilated and you’re almost panting.”

Am I? The dizzy spell hadpassed but she still felt lightheaded.She focused on her breathing andrealized Smiley was right. “I’m hotand,” she glanced at what little wasleft of her iced tea, “feel drunk. Ithink the bartender gave me thewrong drink. I said iced tea, not aLong Island Iced Tea.”

“I don’t understand.”

She lifted her head and staredinto his eyes again. They weregorgeous. “One has alcohol and onedoesn’t. I, um, think he gave meone with booze. You have bedroomeyes.” She realized she’d said thatlast part aloud. “Sorry. I didn’tmean to tell you that.”

He leaned in closer until theirfaces were inches apart. Shecouldn’t help but stare at his lips.They looked kissable and soft,despite him being so masculine.

“Vanni? What can I do? Should Icall someone? Do you have a friendhere at the hotel who can escortyou safely to your room? I could

call hotel security. I’d take youmyself but that might beinappropriate.”

She cringed, imagining herroommate tattling instantly to Carlif she showed up two sheets to thewind. He’d ordered her to goupstairs and wouldn’t be happythat she’d gone to the bar instead.He’d lose his mind if Smileywalked her to the door and Mablegot a look at him.

“I’m not going to takeadvantage of you. You’re safe.”

“It’s not that.” She shook herhead and regretted it when theroom spun. “It’s my roommate.

Crap. That would be so bad.”He helped her sit upright in her

chair and released her arms. “Youshould eat. I’ll order food.”

Her stomach muscles clenchedand it almost hurt. “No.” Shegripped the edge of the bar andtried to figure out what was wrongwith her. She was lightheaded,sweating, and the pain in herstomach intensified and traveledlower to between her legs. Her eyeswidened when her clit began tothrob as though it had a heartbeat.“Oh shit.”

“Vanni?” Smiley’s voicesoftened. “What can I do? I want to

help you.”She closed her eyes and tried to

slow her breathing. Instead it madeher aware of her breasts. Theystarted to ache and she was prettysure her nipples grew taut.Something was definitely wrong.Another hot flash struck and shefought the urge to tear off herclothes since it felt as if her skinwas on fire. It passed and reliefswept through her for a fewseconds until the chills began.She’d gone from hot to cold in aflash.

“Vanni?” Smiley leaned in, hisvoice almost against her ear. “Do

you need a doctor? I could see ifone is staying at the hotel.”

She opened her eyes and turnedher head. Her teeth started tochatter and she trembled all over.“I’m so cold,” she admitted.

He frowned and called to histeam, “We need help over here.”He raised his voice. “Ned!”

It seemed as though the twomen were instantly next to them.“What is it, Smiley?”

“You have medic training,right?” Smiley addressed the dark-haired one. “Take a look at her.”

The man moved to her otherside and leaned between the

barstools, forcing her to turntoward him when he gripped hershoulders. She stared into light-blue eyes. He studied her thenreleased her shoulder to grip herwrist. Seconds ticked by. Hefrowned and glanced at someonebehind her.

“I think she’s on drugs.”“I don’t do drugs.” She was

horrified at the implication.Ned frowned and held her gaze.

“What did you take?”“I didn’t. I swear. I would never

—” A blast of pain shot through herbelly and jolted lower to her clit.The chills left and she started to

sweat again.“Shit.” Smiley’s voice sounded

strangely deep and almostinhuman. “Clear the bar. Now.Alert Security that we have anemergency situation.”

“We need to call an ambulance,”Ned argued. “She’s as high as akite.”

“Do as I say,” Smiley snarled.“Clear the bar and alert our people.Let her go.”

Ned cursed and released her,stepping away to yank out his cellphone. He jerked his head at thesecond man. “Clear the bar. I’llmake the call.”

Vanni turned her head to look atSmiley as he slid off his barstooland yanked his jacket off the backof it. He draped it over hershoulders and then grabbed thesides of her seat, twisting it to facehim. He leaned in and his nostrilsflared as he sniffed at her. Shewatched his tan face pale before hisgaze lifted to meet hers.

“What did you do?”“Nothing.”His lips flattened into a tight

line and a muscle in his jaw jerked.He made a low rumbling sound,blinked a few times and his Adam’sapple showed that he swallowed

hard before he spoke. “I can smellyou. We were warned about thedrug, Vanni. Where did you get it?Why would you take it?”

She tried not to panic but failed.“I don’t know what you’re talkingabout. What’s happening to me?”

The harsh set of his features andthe way his eyes narrowed werescary. “Did they at least warn youabout how dangerous it is?”

She was distracted when peoplestarted to complain loudly. Sheturned her head and watched theblond security guy force patrons toleave as he cleared the bar. Men inblack uniforms rushed inside to

help him.“Vanni?”She looked at Smiley. “What’s

going on?”“That’s what I’d like to know,” a

deep voice stated.She turned and stared at the

New Species who wore a black,well-tailored suit. It was designerquality. She knew that face. Someof her fear eased as she stared atJustice North. He was on televisionall the time and she’d seen plentyof interviews with him. He barelyspared her a glance before focusingon Smiley.

“Inhale,” Smiley whispered.

Justice took a deep breath andhis full attention snapped to her.His catlike eyes narrowed. “Shit.”

“My sense of smell isn’t as goodas yours but I’m right, aren’t I?”Smiley queried.

“Yes.”Vanni shivered, suddenly cold

again, despite the jacket drapedaround her and she grabbed at theedges, holding it tightly against hermiddle. She wanted to draw herknees up and curl into a ball just totry to get warm.

“Who are you working for?”Justice North glared at her.

“I don’t know what you’re

talking about.”“It’s worse,” Smiley whispered.

“I think she dosed my drink too.”A terrifying snarl came from

Justice North and he flashed somescary, sharp fangs, never taking hiseyes off her while he spoke toSmiley. “You think or you knowyou were dosed?”

“I’m pretty sure I was. I’msweating, my heart rate is up andI’m feeling it in my jeans. She’sattractive and I’m starting to hurt. Ididn’t drink enough to lose controlbut I’m in for some hell.”

“What is the emergency?” ANew Species arrived, sporting the

NSO uniform, his black hair pulledinto a ponytail. He was huge. Hesniffed and growled. “Breedingdrug. I can smell it.”

“It’s coming from her,” Smileyinformed him. “She drank it anddosed me too, Brass.”

Chapter Two “I want to go now.” Vanni was

afraid and confused. They weretalking about her as if she’ddrugged both Smiley and herself.She tried to slide off the barstool toescape but Smiley prevented herfrom leaving when he grabbed herhips and pushed her back againstthe seat.

“Stay.”His hands were warm where he

held her and she noticed again howreally good he smelled. Shecouldn’t believe she noticed that

with everything going on but shedid. “What’s happening to me?”

She stared into Smiley’s eyes,hoping he’d tell her. Some emotionflashed in them but she couldn’tidentify it. He turned his headaway but kept hold of her as helooked at Justice North.

“I don’t think they warned herwhat would happen. She’s scared.No one could act this well.”

“We need to get both of you outof here.” Justice withdrew a phonefrom his pocket. “I’ll order twoSUVs to drive around the hotel andwe’ll take you out a back doorrather than asking the hotel for

permission to use their heliport. It’sthe least suspicious way. There aretoo many reporters on scene.Medical will be on standby whenyou reach Homeland. You’ll betaken in separate vehicles.”

“No.” Smiley shook his head.“The trip will take about two hoursand she’ll attack the males if hersymptoms worsen.”

“They can restrain her.” Justiceturned and strode a few feet awayto talk on the phone. He kept hisvoice low so she couldn’t hear whatwas said.

She looked around the room andwas terrified to see the bar had

been cleared of everyone exceptNew Species and men wearingNSO uniforms. She counted over adozen.

“Vanni?” She looked up atSmiley. “It’s going to get far worse.How much pain are you in?”

“A lot,” she admitted. Herstomach hurt and she was veryaware of the area between herthighs. “What’s wrong with me? Isit poison?”

“Worse.” He bent down untiltheir faces were close. “That drugyou put in our drinks is a breedingdrug.”

“I don’t know what you’re

talking about but I didn’t do it.”“You sat next to me. You’re the

only one I let down my guardaround.”

“I didn’t do anything.”His expression softened. “I want

to believe you.” He glanced aroundthen spoke to the guy with theponytail. “Brass, she said she didn’tdo it. Perhaps it was someone else.”

The male stepped forward andvisually examined Vanni. “Where isyour purse?” He patted her down,removing the hotel key card fromher skirt pocket then frowned,staring at her. “Where is youridentification?”

Vanni fought to form words. “Idon’t have any. I left it in myroom.”

Brass scowled. “That’ssuspicious. Humans always carrycertain things and she doesn’t haveany of them. No purse. No driver’slicense. Did any other hotel guestscome near you, Smiley?”

“No. Just her and thebartender.”

“We cleared him, for now. Allthe humans who work here hadthorough background checks. Sheappears to be the guilty one.”

“What’s going to happen to me?Are they going to call an

ambulance?” Vanni’s unease wasspiraling into fear.

“A human hospital can’t helpus. We need to go to Homeland.That drug was invented for NewSpecies. Our doctors have moreknowledge than yours would.”Smiley leaned in closer, holding hergaze.

A hot flash struck and shegroaned as her skin started to feelas if it were on fire. She releasedthe lapels of the jacket and latchedon to Smiley’s upper arms. A sharpstabbing sensation pierced herstomach and jolted lower to hervagina. She cried out and clung to

Smiley. It felt as if someone wastearing her apart with a sword.

“Does anyone have a stun gunon them? We need to put her out.”

It alarmed Vanni when someonesaid that. They were going to hurther? She whimpered and leanedforward, pressing her face againstSmiley’s shoulder. He steppedcloser and allowed it.

“No,” a voice responded. “Oneof us could punch her hard enoughto knock her out.”

“No.” Smiley glowered. “Noone is going to hit her.”

“It’s going to get worse,”another man with a deep voice

responded. “It would be a kindness.She’s human. To give her a sedativewith the breeding drug could sendher into cardiac arrest.”

“She might die anyway,”someone else stated.

“The SUVs will be here soon.”Justice North was back. “They haveto inspect them first to make surethey weren’t tampered with in theparking structure. How is shedoing?”

“Not well.” Smiley released herhips and rubbed her back. “She’s ina lot of pain.”

“I bet she is. Back away, Smiley.I can smell her need from four feet

away. Brass, do you think you couldhit her and knock her unconsciouswithout causing damage?”

“I don’t know. They are morefragile than our females.”

Ned, the medic, spoke. “I couldplace her in a choke hold until sheloses consciousness. I know how todo it without causing permanentdamage but she wouldn’t staydown long.”

“No one is going to hurt her.”Smiley sounded pissed.

“The alternative is restrainingher and allowing her to be in agonyuntil you reach Homeland.” Justicesighed. “Which would be crueler?”

Vanni released Smiley’s armsand clutched at his tank top. “Helpme.” He’d been nice and had saidhe wouldn’t let anyone hurt her.She was scared, surrounded bystrangers and she hurt worse thanshe could ever remember. Sweatpoured off her and she shrugged,trying to rid herself of his jacket.

Smiley seemed to understandand removed it. It didn’t help. Shewas burning up and lightheaded. “Ihave a fever.”

“It’s the drug.” Smiley adjustedhis stance and straightened. Hedidn’t step away though, keepingher on the stool, his body blocking

her from the others.She pressed her face against his

chest. He smelled incredible. Shelifted her chin and when her lipsbrushed across hot skin at the top ofhis tank top, the urge to lick himgripped her. She resisted but shebet he’d taste good too. What thehell am I thinking? What is wrongwith me? She felt panic rising.“Smiley!” He needed to help her orget her to a hospital.

He cleared his throat. “Leave usalone.”

“No.” Justice sounded closer.“You’re both going to Homeland.”

“We’re both suffering. I won’t

lose control. Clear the room andgive us privacy.”

“That’s not happening. It’s whatwhoever planned this wants,”Justice stated, his voice grim. “I’msure they believed you’d kill her.You were dosed inside a bar full ofhumans. You would have snappedif you hadn’t figured out what wasgoing on and we got to you in timeto prevent a tragedy.”

Smiley reached between themand curled his hands over hers. “Letgo, Vanni.”

She didn’t want to and shookher head. He stepped away andgently pried her fingers off the thin

material. She missed the securityhis body provided and whimpered,staring into his eyes. He surprisedher by crouching down to put themat face level.

“Vanni, do you know what thebreeding drug does?”

“It doesn’t sound good.”“Enough,” the tall, ponytailed

New Species ordered. “We’llquestion her at Homeland.”

Smiley ignored him. “It’s a drugMercile Industry invented to forceSpecies into an overriding desire tohave sex. We heard they weretrying to create a human versionand it smells as though you took it.

You’re sweating the scent outthrough your pores.”

Distracted by the pain shesuffered, Vanni had to fight to keepup with what he was saying. “LikeGHB?” She’d heard of date-rapedrugs. “I thought that just madesomeone pass out.”

“Smiley,” Justice interrupted,“you said she’s the one who dosedyou.”

“She said she didn’t.”“You believe her?”“I don’t know but I’m certain, if

she did, whoever gave her the drugdidn’t tell her what it would do.Either way, she should have

options and know what she faces.She should decide.”

Justice North cursed softly. “Doit.”

Smiley took a deep breath andexplained, “You’re not going topass out. The pain will grow worse,at best guess. With Species it’sexcruciating and can cause us to goinsane. The only relief is notfighting the drug.”

“I still don’t understand.” Shewhimpered as the throbbingbetween her legs intensified. It feltas if her clit were being pinched. Itwasn’t pleasant.

“You can either agree to have

sex with me to make the pain stopor you can suffer. It’s that simple.”

She was horrified and it musthave shown in her expressionbecause he frowned.

“You’ve made your choice. We’llrestrain you so you don’t attackanyone or hurt yourself. Just hangon, Vanni. They’ll get us toHomeland as quickly as possibleand to our doctors. They’ll helpyou.” He stood, releasing her, andaddressed Justice North.

“Let’s go. You’ll want to restrainme too as a precaution but I’mhandling the drug well so far.”

“The SUVs just pulled up to the

exit,” one of the NSO security menstated. “They’re waiting. Let’smove out.”

Smiley backed away and two ofthe human NSO-uniformed mensurged forward and gripped Vanniby her upper arms. They weren’trough but they pulled her to herfeet. The second she put weight onher legs she cried out. Her kneesgave way and she would havecollapsed on the floor if they hadn’tbeen holding her. Sharp stabbingpain stung her from head to foot.

“Move! Let her go.” Smiley wasthere suddenly, shoving the menaside and scooping her into his

arms.Vanni clung to him. Some of the

pain eased and she breathed in hiswonderful scent. She buried herface against his warm throat. Hesat, putting her ass on his lap, andstroked her back.

“Focus on my voice. I’m righthere. I have you,” he rasped againsther ear.

“Smiley,” Justice North urged.“Hand her to Brass. He’ll carry herout to the SUV.”

“Vanni, we need to go. You needmedical attention and that can’thappen here.”

She lifted her head and stared

up at Smiley. “Don’t leave me.” Shewas terrified of strangers taking heranywhere.

“I can’t ride with you becauseI’m drugged too. It’s best if theyseparate us.”

The ponytailed guy drew herattention as he stepped closer andheld out his arms. “Give her to me.”

She let go of Smiley and waspassed over to the big New Species.The stabbing pain to her stomachreturned and she cried out. Heturned with her, walking towardthe back of the bar. She writhed inhis arms, clutching his protectivevest. They passed through a door

that was held open by NSOSecurity. Cold air touched herwhen they stepped outside.

“Stop!” Vanni couldn’t take thepain. “Take me back.”

He halted and looked at her. Itwas dim in the alley but a fewlights helped her see. He was ahandsome man, albeit scarylooking.

“We’ll get you to Homeland asfast as possible. There will be ahelicopter on standby if you worsenon the way. We can pull off andhave them land nearby thentransfer you for transport. We justhave to get out of the city first.”

“I can’t take this.” Tears filledher eyes. “Was Smiley telling methe truth?”

“You reek of a breeding drug.”“Is there a way to counteract it?”“No. You’ll have to ride it out or

once you’re in Medical they canattempt to help you. We can’t riskgiving you other drugs until then.Species have died that way in thepast. Their hearts stopped beating.You’ll want to be with our doctorsso they can save you.”

The seriousness of the situationhit home. “Am I going to die?”

He frowned. “I don’t know. Thismight be a different version of the

drug we heard was being tested. Itsmells the same but your reactionsare milder than what we felt.”

“Mild? I feel as though I’mbeing ripped to shreds from theinside out.” She panted. “This hasgot to be worse than labor.”

“You’re not screaming andgoing into convulsions. That’s whathappens when Species fight thedrug by refusing to share sex.”

“Sex really does stop the pain?Are you serious?”

“The drug is designed to createuncontrollable sexual urges so sexoverrides the pain sensors fromwhat we understand. Most of us

have no memory of what happensafter being dosed when the painbecomes too strong.”

“Move,” someone behind themordered. “Let’s get them on theroad.”

Brass carried her to the closestblack SUV and one of the NSOguards opened the door. Brassaddressed him. “Get the softrestraints. She needs to be bound soshe doesn’t hurt herself. One of youwill need to sit in the back with herto keep her from slamming herhead into the glass if she gets thaturge.”

That was the last straw for

Vanni. How much more pain didhe think she was going to suffer iftrying to bash her head into awindow was a real concern? “Justhit me. Knock me out.”

Brass frowned.She sucked in a deep breath and

yelled to get her point across. Shemeant it. “HIT ME!”

He bent and set her on herunsteady feet. “I’m afraid I’lldamage you.”

“I’m already in agony, damn it.Just do it.” She lifted her chin andclosed her eyes, hoping it wouldn’thurt too much.

The punch never came. Strong

arms wrapped around her waistand her back pressed against theside of the SUV. A big firm bodypinned her there. She opened hereyes and was stunned to realizeSmiley had her.

“No one is going to hit you. Itcould break bones. You’re toofragile. You can take the pain.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks.“I can’t.”

“Smiley,” Brass urged, “I’ll becareful.”

“Bullshit. You can’t guaranteeyou won’t break her jaw.” Smiley’sface bore an angry expression andhe suddenly lifted her off her feet,

putting her at his face level. “Iswore no one would hurt you and Ikeep my word. I’m going to kissyou. It will distract you from thepain.”

Vanni forgot how to breathewhen he leaned in and lowered hisgaze to her mouth. She could haveturned away but didn’t. She’d liketo have blamed it on the drug, thepain, but had to admit she wantedhim to. It seemed more than likelythat she’d die and she’d beenattracted to him since they met. Sheclosed her eyes and enjoyed thefirst light brush of his soft lipstouching hers.

He pressed tighter against herand released her hip to tangle hisfingers in her hair as he deepenedthe kiss. He tasted of cherry—probably what had flavored hissoda. The pain faded to be replacedby need. She wanted Smiley morethan she’d ever wanted any man.Her breasts ached and the desire torub against him, feel him inside herbecame so intense she moanedfrom the need.

“Let her go,” a deep voicedemanded. “Smiley!”

Smiley broke the kiss and turnedaway to shoot a fierce look at Brass.“You’re not hitting her.” Smiley

faced her again. It was too dark inthe alleyway to really see his eyes.“Let me take care of you. I can keepaway the pain with pleasure.”

“It’s a bad idea.” Brass loweredhis voice. “Don’t forget that shemight be the one who dosed yourdrink.”

Smiley held her gaze. “It doesn’tmatter. I can’t stand to see hersuffer, knowing the pain she’llface.”

He freed his hand from her hairand gripped her hips, rubbingagainst her. The feel of his stiff cocktrapped inside his jeans brushingagainst her excruciatingly swollen

clit was heavenly. Raw pleasurehad her closing her eyes again andmoaning louder. Part of her washorrified that there were peoplearound them, strangers, but it didtake away the pain. She clutched atSmiley as if he were a lifeline. He’dbecome one. She spread her legsand wrapped them around his hips,locking herself to him.

“Secure the perimeter,” Smileydemanded. “Give us privacy.”

“Fuck,” the angry-soundingBrass muttered. “You heard him.Lock this area down and give themspace. Eyes elsewhere.” He paused.“At least get her inside the

building, Smiley.”She barely heard the words as

Smiley continued to rock his hips,thrusting against her in a slowrhythm that made thinkingimpossible. Her clit was so sensitiveshe couldn’t focus on anything elsebut that firm rhythm of his sexagainst hers. It was the mostpowerful awareness of a man she’dever experienced.

His hands left her hips and slidto her ass, cupping both cheeks andgrinding their bodies together moreeffectively. Vanni buried her faceagainst his neck and opened hermouth, desperate to taste any part

of him since he’d stopped kissingher. She licked him just under hisear then latched on to his earlobe,lightly sucking it.

He shuddered against her andmade a sexy sound. His mouthfound her throat and he brushedkisses there. “Vanni.”

Her name on his lips made herburn up inside. It might be justanother hot flash but she didn’tcare. She couldn’t get close enoughto Smiley with their clothes on. Sheneeded to feel his skin and sheached to have him inside her. Animage flashed in her mind—what itwould feel like if they were naked

and he fucked her—sending herinto orgasm.

Vanni released his ear andpressed her lips against his throat,crying out. Her entire body shookfrom the force of it. Ecstasy tore heraway from any sense of realitywhile she rode out the mother of allclimaxes.

Smiley stilled his hips, hisbreathing harsh. “I’m here. I’ve stillgot you.”

She slowly became aware oftheir surroundings again. The nightair chilled her skin. Her skirt washiked up and bunched between herthighs and his jeans. His cock was

hard and pressed firmly against herpussy through the layers ofclothing. She hadn’t come in herunderwear since she was a teenagermessing around with her firstboyfriend, too afraid to have sex forfear of it hurting when she lost hervirginity.

“Oh god,” she whispered.His big hands gentled the firm

hold he had on her ass and heinched away a little, unpinning herfrom between him and the SUV.She opened her eyes and glancedaround. Four men stood aboutthirty feet away in the dark alley, infront of the vehicle. Their backs

were turned and they seemed to beguarding the entrance from thestreet. A car passed but didn’t slow.

She turned her head. The doorto the hotel had been closed and ablack-clad guard blocked it. Shelooked toward the back of thevehicle and saw more guardsposted down the alley. They werefaced away too, but seemed to bethere to make sure no one stumbledacross her and Smiley.

“Vanni?”Embarrassment was a horrible

thing but she had to meet his gaze.The look of concern on hishandsome face only made it worse.

“Put me down.”She lowered her legs along the

outside of his when he did as sherequested. Her knees shook,threatening to buckle under herweight when she stood. Smileyreleased her and she retreated,letting him go. The tremors grewworse and she leaned against theside of the SUV to stay upright onher own.

“Are you still in pain?”She couldn’t speak but shook

her head. She’d just dry-humpedhim in an alley behind a bar. Herparents would be appalled at herwanton behavior and so would

anyone who knew her. Smileywasn’t to blame. She’d practicallybegged him to help her and he had.

“It’s not over.”“What?” She must not have

heard him correctly.“It can last for hours.”“No. That—”“It’s a short reprieve that some

of us feel after finding release butwithin minutes the symptomsreturn.”

“No.” She didn’t want to believethat.

He took a few steps back.“Brass?”

The New Species turned aroundand rushed closer from his positionat the front of the SUV. Smiley methim halfway.

“Make sure they bag our drinks.I didn’t drink all of mine. Maybewe can find fingerprints on theglass that will prove her innocent.One of the hotel guests might haveput the drug in some of the emptyglasses and just waited for them tobe used.”

“It’s already done.” Brass kepthis voice low. “We’re takingeverything to Homeland to test. Weneed to get out of here. Thereporters want to know what

happened to cause us to lock downthe bar and they are interviewingthe humans who were inside at thetime. Justice is refusing to answertheir questions until we’re underway but they might obtain securityfeeds. They don’t record sound butthey do have video. It’s only amatter of time before they realizeshe’s missing.”

Vanni’s eyes widened whenwetness seeped down her thighs. Ithad to be because she’d just comebut it was a lot. Her nipples beadeduntil it was painful and a sharp,stabbing sensation jolted her vaginaand spread upward to her rib cage.

She gasped and doubled over.“Vanni!” Smiley was at her side

an instant later, one hand grippingher shoulder and one on her hip.

She couldn’t breathe. Agonytore through her center and theonly thing keeping her from hittingthe pavement was Smiley’s hold onher. Her heart beat so rapidly shewondered if she’d have a heartattack. Pain stabbed her chest. Shelifted her head and was blinded bytears as she tried to stare into hiseyes. He had to be aware of herdistress.

“Let me help you.”She nodded. She’d do anything,

try anything, to make it stop. Heshifted his hold and forced herupright. It helped as she sucked in alungful of air before the tearsseeped down her cheeks. Hereleased her hip and wiped themaway with his thumb.

“I’m right here. I’ll do whateveryou need.”

She needed him to make thepain go away. Kissing him and histouch turned the pain into pleasure.It was almost instinct to fist hisshirt and yank him closer. Thesound of ripping material wasshocking. He was taller but sheused her other hand to grab a

handful of his black hair, pulling itto get his mouth down to hers. Herlips met his when he tilted his headand she was the one to kiss himfrantically.

The agony faded into sexualneed. She didn’t care aboutanything except trying to climb histall frame. He helped by hookingan arm around her waist and liftingher off her feet. Loud moans torefrom her when she wrapped herlegs around his waist once more.She was the one who started tomove, grinding her pussy againstthe front of his pants.

He tore his mouth away and

turned his head. “Slow down,” hepanted.

“No.” She focused on hisexposed throat and latched heropen mouth on it, licking andnipping at him.

“Fuck.” His voice deepened.She wanted to, badly. It meant

releasing either his hair or his shirtthough. She let go of his shirt andreached down, trying to work herfingers between their stomachs tolocate the snap of his jeans. Hebowed his back enough to give herroom to do it and she clawed at thefront of his pants. He suddenlyturned and she was trapped

between his body and the SUVagain. He pinned her there andreached up with his free hand tountangle her fingers from his hair.

“Slow down,” he demanded.She pulled away from his throat

and struggled in his grasp. He letgo and she gripped his jaw, turninghis face enough to kiss him again.Her tongue delved into his mouthand she moaned.

“We have someone on the hotelroof!” a man yelled. “This is Shane.Send someone up there now!”

Vanni ignored the warning. Shegripped Smiley’s hips with herthighs and writhed against the

bulge in his pants, moving up anddown against him. It felt reallygood on her clit but she wantedmore.

“Smiley!” one of the men yelled.“Get her under cover.”

Smiley pulled her away fromthe SUV, holding her tightlyagainst his body with her arms andlegs wrapped around him. He tooka few steps and turned, gettingthem both inside the SUV. Sheended up straddling his lap withhis ass perched on the edge of theseat to give her legs room so theyweren’t crushed between it andhim. Someone slammed the door,

sealing them inside.Vanni went for Smiley’s mouth.

They were in the roomy backseat ofthe SUV and alone. The windowswere tinted and she hoped no onecould see in. He kissed her withenough passion to steal her breath.She wiggled on his lap, frantic tocome again.

Smiley broke his mouth fromhers, leaving both of them panting.“I’m rolling you. Spread yourthighs.”

She didn’t want to let him gobut he forced the issue when hegripped her hips and lifted her,turning at the same time. She fell

back flat on the leather seat and hescooted all the way to the door, stillholding her. One of her legs wastrapped between his hips and theback of the seat. He jerked hercloser, until her ass was against hisside.

“Open up for me.”It was a struggle to do as he

asked when she wanted to lunge upand climb on his lap again. He letgo of her hips and fisted her skirt,shoving it up to her stomach, andused his other hand to grip herinner thigh and push it toward thefront compartment. It hit thepassenger-side seat. He released it

and she cried out when his fingerssnagged the center of herunderwear. One strong tug andthey were torn away. His thumbrubbed over the wet seam of herpussy and upward, caressing herclit.

Vanni threw back her head atthe teasing touch and arched herhips. “Yes.”

“I’m here. Trust me to take careof you.”

It felt too good and she thrashedon the seat, clawing at the leatherabove her head. She didn’t want todig her nails into Smiley and hurthim. It was the only sane thought

she had. It might cause him to stopplaying with her throbbing clit. Itwas the center of her world at thatmoment, aching so much it seemedher heart had traveled down thereand she was sure he could take herpulse.

His hand returned to her hip,shoving her down to keep her flaton the seat. Vanni closed her eyes.Every muscle in her body seemedto tense and then she cried out,coming hard. She sucked in air andwould have screamed if Smileyhadn’t released her hip and bentforward, his hand clamping downover her mouth.

She opened her eyes, staringinto his. They were barelydiscernible in the dim SUV. Hisface was just a shadow but shecould make out the shape of hiseyes. His thumb circled her clit,causing her to jerk as the climaxcontinued to roll through her. Shegrabbed at his wrist, just needing totouch him.

He pulled his fingers from herclit and lifted his hand away fromher mouth. “Sorry. There’ssomeone on the roof of the hoteland you looked about ready toscream. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She lay spent, trying to catch her

breath. Her legs were spread openand her skirt was bunched aroundher waist. Smiley lay half over herwhile her sprawled position tookup most of the bench seat. Shehoped he couldn’t see her face anybetter than she could see his. Heatrose to her cheeks. The desire toclose her legs and shove her skirtdown to cover her exposed pussywas strong but she couldn’t musterthe strength to do it.

“I’m sorry I got aggressive.”She winced. “Me too.”“It’s the drug. Go ahead and pull

my hair, tear my shirt and bite meall you want.”

It sank in that she’d done allthose things as memory surfaced.She released his wrist and reachedup, feeling the front of his tank top.It was torn open and she felt hiswarm skin.

“I’m so sorry.” She tried to seehis neck where she’d been kissinghim, wondering if she’d done morethan lightly nip him, but couldn’tmake it out. “I bit you?”

“You can’t hurt me, Vanni. It feltgood.”

Her gaze lowered between thembut the shiny ring on her left handsnagged her attention. Realitybitch-slapped her. “Oh my god, I’m

engaged.”The sound Smiley made was a

growl and groan combined. “I sawthe ring but hoped it was justjewelry.”

She closed her eyes. Carl wouldnever forgive her for what she’ddone with Smiley. He’d be furiousand hurt. It wouldn’t matter why ithad happened or that she hadn’tmeant to fool around with someoneelse.

Chapter Three “Vanni?”She looked at Smiley when he

shifted over her. He rose enoughfor some of the light in the alley toreach his face and she could makeout his gorgeous brown eyes again.She hated the sad look in them.

“We can ride this out withoutme entering you. I can handlemyself and take care of you whilewe suffer the effects of the drug.Just don’t be offended. I’m inserious pain.”

“You are?” She felt stupid and

selfish hearing that. “I forgot thatyou’re drugged too.”

“Yes. I need release or I mightsnap. I respect your status withanother male and don’t want youto hate me. I just don’t want youafraid when I free my dick. I’m notgoing to force you to take me. Don’tlook.”

He’s going to masturbate. No guyhad ever done that in front of herbefore. She averted her gaze whenhe sat up and unfastened his pants.He lifted off the seat to shove hispants down enough to get them outof the way. Curiosity was strongbut she resisted. He sat back down

and his bare skin rested against theside of her leg, which was betweenhim and the seat. He turned a littleand cleared his throat.

“You’re safe with me.”She braved looking at his face. “I

understand.” It was probably themost awkward moment of her life.She was half naked and he had hislap exposed. They were practicallystrangers. Her clit started to heat upand her nipples beaded. She waslearning the signs.

“It’s about to happen again.”Her breathing increased, herstomach muscles quivered and adull pain began to build between

her thighs. “When will this drugleave our systems?”

“It could be hours.”“I won’t survive it.”“You will.”His hand caressed her thigh and

she bit her lip. “That feels good.”“May I enter you with my

fingers? I’m afraid you’re going tohurt tomorrow if I continue to onlytouch you here.” His thumbbrushed across her sensitive clit.

Instant pleasure shot throughher just from that light touch. Shenodded. The damage was done.She’d already cheated on Carl. She

reached up and gripped the edge ofthe seat, fighting the temptation tosquirm under his thumb to keephim stroking her. The pain returnedwith a vengeance.

“Smiley,” she panted, “it’sgetting bad.”

He drew circles with the pad ofhis thumb across the bud of her sexand she adjusted her thigh to keepher legs open. The seat under hermoved a little when Smiley turnedtoward her.

“Look at me, Vanni.”She locked gazes with him and

moaned when he turned his handenough to brush his fingers against

the folds of her pussy. He cuppedher there and his fingertip gentlybreached her pussy. She archedagainst him, wanting more. It wasincredible and she moaned.

“You’re so tight.” His voicedeepened. “My dick is envious.”

She turned her head, unable tofight the temptation anymore. Ittook some twisting on the seat butshe stole a glance at his lap. It wasin shadow but she could make outhis cock. He was big and his otherhand was wrapped around thebase. It fascinated her and shecouldn’t look away.

He inserted his finger deep

inside her and she cried out.Amazing. His motion changedfrom drawing light circles acrossher clit to rubbing up and downwhile he fucked her with his thickdigit. She rolled her hips, strainingto meet his slow pace. The sight ofhim fisting his cock and stroking itto the same tempo as his fingerturned her on more.

“Faster,” she urged, wanting tocome fast and hard.

“I don’t want to be too rough.”Vanni let go of the seat and

reached down and grabbed hiswrist. She bucked her hips wildly,riding his finger. His thumb slipped

off her clit but it didn’t matter. Thefeel of him inside her, any part ofhim, was enough to have herthrashing and moaning, lost infervor.

He responded by groaningdeeply and she grew excitedwatching his hand pump his cockfaster. It was hotter than hell to herand she wished there was betterlighting. His cock looked thickerand bigger than any guy she’d everslept with. She imagined what itwould feel like to have himstretching her pussy and sheclimaxed, crying out his name.

Her vaginal muscles seized

around his finger, twitchingstrongly enough that she was awareof every one. Smiley tore his wristaway, withdrawing his fingerabruptly. He grabbed his cock withboth hands. She watched him wraphis fingers around the shaft. Hethrew his head back, eyes closed,mouth open. He didn’t make asound but his entire body jerkedand she looked down, watchinghim shoot his release. Thick streamsof semen jetted out before hewrapped the head of his cockwithin his palm and turned awayon the seat. It left her staring at hiswide shoulders. He quivered a few

times and his breathing was erratic.Smiley recovered faster than she

did. He straightened in the seat, hisback still turned, and pulled historn tank top over his head. Sheguessed he used it to clean up. Hefinally faced her and their eyes met.

“Are you okay?”It stunned her that he was

concerned for her. “Yes.”“Don’t be afraid.”She wasn’t. Not even when he

shifted on the seat and came downon top of her. He braced his armson both sides of her and his facehovered inches above hers. He wasclose enough to kiss. Her vision

must have adjusted to the dimnessbecause she could make out hisfeatures a lot better than before.

“I don’t have lotion.”“Okay.”“You’re soaked, babe. I need to

rub against you to coat myself orI’m going to be sore tomorrow.”

It took her a few seconds tounderstand what he meant. She felther cheeks heat up and hated theway she blushed so easily. “Oh. Iunderstand.”

He shifted a little more and shewas surprised when his cockrubbed against her pussy. He’d justcome but he was still rock-hard. He

didn’t even need to use his handsbut instead adjusted his hips toslide the shaft along her slit. Hergaze locked with his and she againrealized just how sexy he was. Thestreetlight coming in through thefront of the SUV illuminated hisface clearly.

The pain hadn’t returned yet butshe wanted to kiss him. He rolledhis hips, sliding the tip of his cockagainst her clit. She moaned and hefroze.

“Don’t do that,” he rasped. “Youhave no idea how much I want you.I’d die just to possess you once.You’re so beautiful, Vanni.”

No man had ever said thatbefore. It might just be a line heused but the sincere look in his eyesmade her believe him. She didn’tplan to touch his face but ithappened anyway. She justcouldn’t resist cupping his cheeks.

“Really?”“I’ve never wanted anyone

more.”She bit her lip and took a deep

breath. Her gaze shifted from hiseyes to the ring on her left hand.She let go of his face and reachedbehind him. She tugged theengagement ring but it didn’t wantto budge. Vanni was persistent.

When the band slid off, she let itdrop to the floor of the SUV.

Smiley moved to the right alittle and stared down at thediscarded ring. He frowned thenlooked at her. “Why did you dothat?”

“I’m too honest and will have totell my fiancé about whathappened between us. He’ll nevermarry me. It’s over.”

“He can’t blame you if you hadno part in our drugging.”

“You don’t know him. I don’tthink I knew him as well as Ithought either, until recently. It’sokay. I think I’m doing both of us a

favor by taking that off.”A hot flash hit and she closed

her eyes, breathing through it.Smiley lifted to put more roombetween their bodies and sat up.She reached out a hand and hegrasped it, holding on tightly.

“It’s going to pass. I’m right herewith you.”

She opened her eyes and usedhis tight grip to pull herself into asitting position. She had to scootaway from him a little to do it. “Ineed you.”

“Lie back down.”Her hands trembled as she

gripped her shirt, trying to get it off

but feeling too shaky to undress.Sweat poured off her. “Get theseclothes off me.”

He hesitated.“Please?”He brushed her hands aside and

yanked her shirt over her head. Hisgaze lowered to her bra and helicked his lips.

“All of it. Please. I’m so hot.”“I could turn on the engine and

run the air-conditioning.”“Please?” Panic gripped her.

“I’m burning up!”He leaned forward, reached

around her, unclasped the bra and

tugged it off with an efficiency thatbespoke experience. The skirt cameoff next, the elastic waist making itsimple for him to tug it down herlegs. Her panties were destroyedand she had no idea where hershoes were. She couldn’t rememberlosing them but they were gone.

“Fuck.” Smiley didn’t try to hidehis thorough examination of herbare body. “You’re perfect.”

The hot flash passed and shewished she’d kept some of herclothes on. Carl had gifted her witha gym membership to lose fifteenpounds before their upcomingwedding. Smiley didn’t seem to

mind those extra curves as heopenly admired her with a hungryexpression. He didn’t point out herflaws. She reached for him.

“Kiss me.”He hesitated. “We should

partially cover you.”The rejection hurt her feelings

and she shrank away. “I’m sorry.”He was there in an instant,

scooting across the seat. “Forwhat?”

She drew up her knees in a sadattempt to cover her breasts andshield her pussy from his view. “Isuck at being forward.”

His fingers brushed her hairaway from her shoulder and hestroked her arm with the back ofhis knuckles. She smothered amoan. Her body was turned-on andshe didn’t seem to have an offswitch. To her senses, even thebarest touches seemed amplified.

“Vanni? Look at me.”It took courage but she did it.

Their gazes locked.“Talk to me. How are you trying

to be forward? I’m unsure of whatyou mean. Be blunt. What are youthinking?”

She’d always been a bit shy andpassive when it came to sex. Of

course she’d never been dosed witha drug that made her breasts feelheavy and ache to be touched. Herpussy throbbed so much it wasturning into real pain.

“I took off the ring.” Sheswallowed. “I need you.” It wasdifficult to tell him that she wantedhim to fuck her and she couldn’tget those exact words out. “You,um, don’t have to take care ofyourself. We could help eachother.”

That soft growly groan heuttered was sexy and made herache.

“I don’t want you to hate me

tomorrow after the drug is out ofyour system. You’ll regret it.”

“Maybe.” She decided to behonest. “But tomorrow isn’t rightnow. And I won’t hate you. I’ll beatmyself up if I have to blamesomeone. I want you.”

“Are you certain?” He stoppedstroking her arm.

“Yes.”“Are you on the Pill or any form

of birth control?”“Yes and I have a clean bill of

health. What about you?”“Species don’t carry diseases.”She lowered her gaze to his

chest. He was muscular and broad-chested. “You’re perfect too.” Astabbing pain shot up her spine.She clutched his upper arm. “It’sstarting again.”

He leaned closer and reachedbehind her seat. She wonderedwhat he was doing until theseatback reclined. She collapsedwith it and gasped. Smiley slid offthe seat, breaking her hold on him,and fumbled with something nearhis legs. The front driver’s seatclicked and he shoved it forward.He straightened to his knees in theless cramped space between theseats and gripped her thighs. One

tug and her ass slid to the edge ofthe leather. He wedged his hipsbetween her spread thighs and bentover until his face hovered inchesabove her own.

“I’ll be gentle.”She was about to have sex with a

stranger. She always thought itwould be impersonal and cold. Itdidn’t feel that way when hesmiled. It put her at ease. Smileydidn’t just enter her, he kissed herinstead. She wrapped one armaround his middle and the otherover his shoulder, her handsexploring the expanse of his back.He was warm and had silky-soft

skin, considering he looked sotough. He reached between themand massaged her clit.

She tore her mouth away fromhis and moaned. “I hurt.”

“Wrap your legs around me ashigh as possible.”

She didn’t argue or questionhim but pulled her knees higherand clamped her inner thighsagainst his ribs. It trapped one ofher arms under his but he pressedhis weight down to pin her therewhen she tried to wiggle it free.

“Just allow me to lead this,Vanni. I’m going to make you feelso good.”

The way he said it, so soft yetgruff, sent the good kind of chillsdown her spine. He stoppedplaying with her clit and shewanted to protest but before shecould his cock brushed against theslit of her pussy.

“Relax,” he urged.She wiggled, wanting him

inside her too much to worry abouthis size. “I can’t.”

He pressed tighter against herand she assumed he used his handto guide his shaft to the perfectspot. He found it and surgedforward. Vanni gasped, his cockstretching her vaginal walls as he

pushed inside her. She wasextremely wet and ready to takehim but he froze.

“Son of a bitch.”“Don’t stop.” She wasn’t sure

what was wrong but she dug herheels into his lower spine. “Please.”

He made another soft sound inhis throat. “I couldn’t if the damnSUV caught fire. We’d burn. I’mjust afraid I’m going to lose it andbe too rough. You feel too good.”

She bucked her hips. “I hurt foryou.”

He pressed deeper inside herand she cried out. He was reallybig. Her body seemed stretched

beyond capacity. Concern hit herfor a split second. He went deeperand she clawed his back, franticallywanting him to move faster. She’dbeen so sure it would hurt but hefelt amazing.

“Too slow,” she gasped.“I’m trying to be gentle, babe,”

he murmured, his voice gruff.“Fuck. The drugs are making youswell inside. We’re going to killeach other. I’m terrified I’ll be toorough with you.”

He was part animal and she hadno idea what his version of roughwas. It didn’t matter though, whenhe withdrew a little and adjusted

his hips to drive into her again witha steady thrust. The pleasureoverrode any fear. He found that G-spot she’d heard so much about butnever had a guy find before. Hereyes widened in surprise and shecried out his name.

His chest touched her breastsand every movement brushed hishot skin against her hard nipples.He rode her faster, hitting thatmagic spot that sent sparks ofrapture straight to her brain. Shemoaned, lost in the sensation oftheir joined bodies. It was a tight fitand she could feel every thick inchof him. More of Smiley’s weight

came down on her but the solidmass of his body stretched aboveher was comforting instead ofcrushing. She wanted to get as closeto him as possible, until they fusedtogether. His pelvis ground againsther clit.

Vanni screamed as the climaxhit. It was ten times stronger thanthe other ones Smiley had givenher. She finally knew what mind-blowing meant, as if a bombdetonated inside her skull. Herpussy seemed to have the samereaction as those musclesconvulsed, squeezing his rigid shaftso tightly she worried something

might get damaged on one of them.“Oh hell,” he groaned.She forced her eyes open despite

her difficulty to focus on anythingbut the waves of pleasure stillsurging through her. Smiley liftedhis chest away from her. A painedexpression contorted his featuresinto something almost frightening.He clenched his teeth, showingfangs since his lips pulled back inan almost-snarl. He’d frozen on topof her when she’d come but hestarted fucking her again in short,violent jerks.

Vanni’s eyes widened and shestruggled to breathe. She couldn’t

draw air into her lungs. Theextreme pleasure coursing throughher was too much. Smiley groanedas his cock drove deeper, stayedthere, and he started to come. Heatpulsed inside her as his semen filledher. Another climax struck Vanni. Itwas too strong.

I’m dying. Terror nearlyoverrode the pleasure but it crashedthrough her again. Her eyes closedand blackness came, takingeverything away.

Smiley braced his arms to keep

from collapsing on top of Vanni.His jaw hurt a little from grinding

his teeth to prevent himself fromyelling when he came. He hadn’twanted to scare her. Tremorsracked his body in the aftermath ofwhat he’d just experienced. Noneof his past sexual encounters withfemales had ever come close towhat they’d just shared. Heunderstood the term “turned insideout” after the volatile eruption ofhis nuts. He’d be shocked if theystill contained a drop of semen.

He stared at her. Her eyes wereclosed, her face turned slightlyaway. “Vanni?”

She didn’t answer or react inany way. He cleared his throat,

hoping his gruff tone didn’t soundtoo harsh. “Are you okay?”

She didn’t move. His gazelowered to her lovely breasts. Theymoved with the rise and fall of herchest. He shifted position, used oneelbow to brace his weight andcupped her cheek, gently turning itto get a better look at her. Sheappeared to be sleeping peacefullybut it scared the hell out of him.

“Vanni!”Her breath fanning his face

assured him she was alive but shedidn’t respond or open her eyes.Panic wasn’t an emotion he feltoften but he did then. He’d been

told of a story by a Species who’dbeen given a breeding drug. He’dwoken to find himself still on top ofa female but she’d died. He’d killedher during their coupling.

“No,” he whimpered.He slowly withdrew his dick

from the tight confines of herpussy. “Vanni? Open your eyes.Tell me you’re okay. Tell me Ididn’t harm you.” He wasn’t abovepleading.

He needed to get help. He liftedup, forgetting where he was, andthe back of his head slammed intothe roof of the SUV. The painbarely registered as he looked

down between them. He sniffed,not seeing or smelling blood. He’dlost control when she’d climaxed.The feel of her, the sounds shemade, had driven him into a frenzy.Her pussy had tightened to thepoint that he couldn’t move at first—almost torture since he’d beenright on the edge. The second hermuscles had eased their grip on hisdick, those urges couldn’t bedenied. He’d come so hard he’dbeen oblivious to everything else.

“Vanni?”She still didn’t move but she

was breathing. He grabbed his jeansand tried to jerk them up his thighs.

The material was trapped under hisknees. He threw himself forwardand to the left, slamming hisshoulder into the seat. He got thepants up but didn’t bother to fastenthem. Her skirt tangled with hisboot when he slid closer to thedoor. He looked down and grabbedit. The fabric ripped but he got hisfoot free.

One glance at Vanni made himaware of her nakedness and hetried to cover her with the flimsygarment. The thing was longenough to go from her breasts toher knees. He took a second to closeher limp legs. Protecting her

modesty seemed important at thatmoment. He reached out, grabbedthe handle and shoved the dooropen.

“Get a medic!”He wouldn’t leave her side. He

adjusted the skirt over her andbrushed his fingers through herhair. “Vanni? Come on, open youreyes.”

Heavy footsteps sounded andBrass leaned into the SUV throughthe open door. “What is wrong?”

“She’s out. I don’t know if I hurther or not.”

The other door was yanked openand Ned was there. Smiley wanted

to attack when the guy touchedVanni. He grabbed her wrist andbatted Smiley’s hand away fromher hair to press his fingertipsagainst her throat.

“What are you doing?”Ned met his gaze. “Checking

her pulse. It’s slow and steady.What happened?”

“I don’t know.”“They were sharing sex and now

she’s unconscious,” Brass grouched.“I don’t smell blood.”

Smiley was glad to hear that.His sense of smell wasn’t as acuteas the canine’s. It meant he hadn’tcaused internal bleeding. “Is she all

right?”Ned released her and frowned.

“I think she just passed out. Herheartbeat is stable. I don’t exactlyhave a blood pressure monitor onme but I probably should examineher.” He reached for the skirtcovering her body.

“Don’t.” Smiley lunged,bumped his head on the roof of theSUV again, but effectively stoppedthe human when he leaned overher still form and grabbed the backsof the seats to keep from falling ontop of her. It put his face inchesfrom Ned’s and he showed hisfangs to make the threat clear.

Ned almost tripped, making ahasty retreat. “Okay. Don’t bite me.Fuck.”

“It’s the drug.” Snow arrived atthe other side of the SUV. Hepushed Ned out of the way, his coolstare fixing on Smiley. “Easy,Smiley. Where’s your normalchipper attitude?”

“Fuck you. He isn’t going to seeher naked.”

Snow blinked a few times andfrowned. “Okay.”

Shane arrived, a little out ofbreath. He stared at Vanni, andSmiley didn’t like it. He rumbledgruffly. Shane’s hands went up. “I

have medical training. You yelledfor a medic.”

“He won’t let us examine her,”Ned whispered. “He’s scary pissedand defensive.”

“Under the circumstances, that’snormal,” Brass reminded them.“Smiley? Look at me. Sit down.”

Smiley eased his ass down andreleased the backs of the seats so hewas no longer leaning over Vannibut kept close. He focused on her.Her expression was peaceful. Shedidn’t seem to be in pain.

“Smiley?” Brass’ voice softened.“She probably just passed out. It’s apainful drug and humans aren’t as

tolerant of it as we are. It’s for thebest.”

That whipped his head aroundto glare at Brass. “How can you saythat?”

“She isn’t suffering. We need toget her to Homeland before shewakes. I’m listening to herbreathing. I’ve spent enough timearound human females to knowhow they breathe when they aresleeping. That’s all it is unless youthink you broke some of her bones.Did you become too aggressive?”

“No.” He was sure of that.“We need to get her to our

doctors.”

It made sense. He noddedsharply. “Drive.”

Brass hesitated. “Shane andNed, I want both of you to travelwith them in case she needsmedical help. If she wakes in pain,you can call for a helicopter onceyou reach an isolated area whereone can land without causing a stir.A backup team will follow in theother SUV. Snow and I have to stayhere with Justice.”

Shane climbed into the driver’sseat and adjusted it to fit his longlegs. The engine roared to life.Smiley relaxed a little now thatsome of the fear had eased. He had

to believe she was just exhausted orthe drug had knocked her out. Itbeat the alternative that she wasgravely ill.

Smiley’s dick hardenedpainfully and a sharp stab of painhit his gut. He groaned.

“Smiley?” Brass leaned into theSUV again. “What’s wrong?”

“Pain,” he rasped, holding hisstomach, his breathing erratic.

“Sorry. I don’t want you tosuffer,” Brass stated.

Brass gripped his shoulder andSmiley glanced at him when themale forced him to turn. Smileysaw the fist a second before it

landed on his jaw.

Chapter Four “I would hate to be in the other

SUV,” a man stated.“Me too. Smiley is going to be

pissed that Brass decked him whenhe comes around. They don’t fuckaround, do they?” The second voicebelonged to a guy too.

Vanni lay on her side in somekind of vehicle. It was dark whenshe opened her eyes and it took afew seconds for memory to return,fear coming with it. She was alonein the backseat of one of the SUVs—probably the same one she and

Smiley had been in. Someone hadput seat belts on her. One wasaround her thighs, the other aroundher rib cage. Her skirt was drapedover her like a blanket but she wasnaked underneath. The feel ofleather against her skin assured herof that.

“No shit,” the first one stated.He was in the driver’s seat.

“Sometimes I wonder if we’recrazy to work with New Species.What about you, Shane? Do youever think you should be doingsomething else?”

“Nope. I love the NSO. It’s justbeen a bad night, Ned. Nobody

expected an attack like that to godown at the hotel.”

Ned was silent for long seconds.“I was right there just twenty feetaway. You expect this shit in third-world countries, not at home.”

“What shit?”“Terrorists being women. I saw

her sit next to Smiley and didn’tgive it a second thought. Shelooked innocent enough.”

“I heard her say she didn’t drugtheir drinks.”

“You buy that?” Ned snorted.“How are you so naïve? I forgot.You’re like a full-grown Boy Scoutand think all chicks are as sweet as

your sisters. Wake the fuck up andlive in the real world. We’re luckyshe wasn’t an assassin. I’d have feltlike a real asshole if she’d killedhim in that bar. I’m guessing she’ssome hooker they hired.”

“She doesn’t look like one.”Ned laughed. “How would you

know? Have you ever paid somechick to fuck you?”

“No.”“Exactly. I have and not all of

them are dolled up all the time. Idid one who reminded me of mythird-grade teacher. It was kind ofhot since I had a crush on her.”

“You’re sick.” Shane cursed

softly. “The engine light just cameon. Radio it in.”

“Just pull over at the next gasstation. Why bother them? It’sprobably a loose battery cable. Thathappened to one I drove lastweek.”

“The oil light is blinking now.”“So we’ll buy some oil and I’ll

put it in. It will take a few minutes.Otherwise we’re going to have towait for the other SUV to catch upand they’ll transfer her to it whilewe’re stuck waiting for roadsideservice. I just want to turn her overto Medical and go home.”

“She needs to be taken to

Homeland as fast as possible. Theyare only about thirty miles behindus.”

“She’s out cold. It won’t matterand hell, we’ll probably be on theroad before they reach us. Just pullover at the gas station.”

“Fine. I’m radioing it in thoughwhen we stop.”

“Boy Scout.” Ned chuckled.“You’re probably terrified Smileywill tear you a new asshole if hethinks you might have had a fewminutes to examine her. Did yousee the way he damn near bit offmy face?”

“They are protective of women.”

“He should want her strung upfor drugging him. I wouldn’t give adamn what happened to a chickwho laced my drink so I had to fuckher.”

“Shut up, Ned. We don’t knowif she’s guilty or not.”

“I think she is. He sat at thecorner of the bar. She was the onlyone to take that empty seat next tohim and was close enough to dopehis drink.”

Vanni wanted to protest butkept quiet. They thought she wasstill unconscious and she wasn’tsure how they’d react if she letthem know she was awake. Did the

NSO really think she’d dosomething so awful?

“I just hope both of them aregoing to be okay.”

“She’ll probably end up arrestedand he’s going to have a hell of aheadache from that sucker punch.Take the next exit.”

“I see it.” Shane sighed. “I hopeyou’re wrong. Smiley seemed toreally like her.”

“I’d say so. I don’t even have thesuper nose they do and I want toroll down the windows. It smellslike a brothel in here.”

“Keep the windows up. I don’twant her to get cold.”

Ned laughed. “No commentabout the brothel remark, huh? Doyou even know what sex smellslike? Don’t tell me Boy Scout is stilla virgin.”

“I’m not. Why are you beingsuch a dick tonight?”

“I’m tired and just want to go tobed. Pull into that truck stop.They’ll have oil. I’ll run in whileyou make the call to the other SUV.Pop the hood for me.”

The SUV slowed and they madea few turns. Vanni closed her eyeswhen they drove under the brightlights in case one of them turnedaround to check on her. She didn’t

know what else to do but she didn’twant to talk to either of them. TheSUV stopped and the engine shutoff.

“You go in,” Shane ordered. “I’llstay here with her.”

“She’s dead to the world. Justpop the damn hood and I’ll buy theoil.”

“Fine. I guess that’s okay.”The doors opened and closed.

Vanni hesitated and the vehiclejerked a little. She lifted up to peerbetween the seats. The hood was upand she could see through the smallspace between it and the engine.One man stood there. She turned

her head and watched the otherone walk inside a gas station. Theywere parked away from the othercars that were getting gas. Oneglance around the area showed afew food places and a lot of cars.

She fumbled to get free of theseatbelts then frantically put on herskirt. Her bra was on the floor withher shirt. She didn’t take the timeto put it on but instead shoved itinto the pocket of her skirt after shepulled the white top over her headand yanked it down to her waist.

A search of the floor failed tolocate her shoes. Her ring caughther attention though. She stared at

it with dread before picking it up.She put it in her pocket andhunched down to stare through thegap between the open hood and theengine compartment. The manremained there. The other was stillinside, in line, holding somethingagainst his chest.

A big semi pulled into the lotand parked about ten feet away.The loud engine stayed on while aman opened the passenger door,slid out of the cab and headedtoward the gas station.

Vanni took a deep breath. Shewasn’t in pain anymore. Most ofthe drug must have left her system.

She had two options. Stay in theSUV and be taken to Homelandwith everyone around her thinkingshe’d drugged a New Species, ortry to escape.

No interior lights had come onwhen they’d opened the doors andthere’d been no dinging sound. Sheremembered they hadn’t come onwhen Smiley and she had enteredthe SUV. She tested the door on thedriver’s side and found it unlocked.The noise of the semi’s enginedrowned out any sound when thedoor opened. Her heart poundedwith fear of being caught but sheslid out into the windy night and

pushed the door just enough for itto catch but not close all the way.

The pavement was cold on herbare feet as she crouched andtiptoed to the back of the vehicle.Several cars were parked aboutthirty feet away near a restaurant.She hesitated, checking to makesure the guard was still in linebehind a few customers who wereahead of him. He wasn’t lookingher way.

Just do it! She kept low and ran.It hurt her feet but she wasmotivated to get away. It was arelief when she made it to the carsand ducked, hiding behind one. No

one shouted at her. Keeping low,she moved closer to the restaurant.She needed to get out of therebefore they discovered her gone.She had no money but she couldcall her best friend collect.

Vanni reached the side of thebuilding and straightened, crossingher arms over her breasts, trying tohide that she wasn’t wearing a bra.She’d just go inside and ask to usetheir phone. She’d lie and say hercar broke down. The fact that shehad no shoes, money or even herpurse might give that lie away. Sheconsidered saying she’d beenmugged but then the police would

get involved. That was the lastthing she wanted. They’d contactthe NSO and hand her over tothem. It would defeat the purposeof escaping.

A woman came out of therestaurant as she approached thefront doors. She wore faded jeans, asweater and appeared to be in herfifties. Vanni glanced at her face,nodded and walked around her.

“Are you okay?” The womanstopped. “You look like hell.”

Vanni paused and turned. Theconcern on the other woman’s facewas clear. “I had a fight with myboyfriend and just left him next

door,” she lied.“Aw. You poor thing. They

won’t let you go in there withoutshoes.”

Vanni hadn’t thought of that.“I’m just going to ask to use theirphone and have my friend pick meup.”

“Where do you live?”“It’s about an hour from here.”

She gave the name of the city.“I’m heading that way to go

visit my sister. Do you want a lift? Ihave a daughter about your age. Ialways try to pay it forward. Youcan use my cell phone and haveyour friend meet us when we get

closer to your home.”“Thank you.” She jumped on the

offer. “I’d appreciate that so much.”“That’s my pickup right over

there. I have a jacket you canborrow. You must be freezing.”

It reminded her of Smiley. Hisface flashed in her mind. Sheshoved those memories away. “I’mokay.” It was a lie. She’d had sexwith a stranger and her entire lifehad turned upside down in thespace of a few hours.

She followed the woman to herpickup and climbed inside the cab.They backed out of the parkingspace and Vanni turned her head,

peering at the gas station. All thedoors on the SUV were wide openand one of the guards wasfrantically throwing his armsaround while the other one seemedto be on the phone. They’ddiscovered she was gone.

“What’s your name, hon?”Vanni forced a smile, facing her

companion. “Vanni.”“Oh, that’s an odd name but it’s

pretty.”“Thank you.”“I’m Melinda. Do you like

country music?”“Sure.” She didn’t care what

played on the radio. It wasimpossible to relax until they wereon the freeway and she was safelyaway. No big black SUVs appearedin the side-view mirror.

“Thank you for this.” Vannihugged her chest tighter.

“You’re welcome. You’re myvery first hitchhiker. Well, I guessyou’re technically not since yourthumb wasn’t up.” Melindalaughed.

Vanni tried to pay attention tothe friendly chatter and answerwhen it was appropriate but hermind kept drifting to Smiley andwhat they’d done together in the

back of that NSO vehicle. Her bodywas sore, especially between herlegs. No stabbing pains joltedthrough her though, something forwhich she was grateful. No hotflashes or cold chills struck her. Shewas going to survive after all. Nowit was all about dealing with theconsequences.

“Men are jerks. You look sodepressed. Don’t be.” Melindareached over and patted her leg.“You’re young and attractive.You’ll find a better one.”

Vanni just nodded.“Did your boyfriend cheat on

you?”

Vanni hesitated. “He screwedme.”

“Don’t all men.”The cheating reference hurt.

Smiley wasn’t the cheater. She’dhave to face Carl. The ring in herpocket would have to be returned.She almost was sorry she’d runfrom the NSO. They might havebeen more understanding aboutwhat happened than her soon-to-beex.

* * * * *Smiley climbed out of the bed at

Medical. “They just allowed her to

walk away from them? Whyweren’t they watching her?”

Fury took a deep breath. “Shaneand Ned made a mistake.”

“A mistake? She could be outthere in pain. Vulnerable!” Smileyyelled, not caring to lower his tone.“Someone could take advantage ofher.”

“Put the ice pack back on yourface,” Midnight urged. “Please?Brass really tagged you.”

“I’m going to kill him. He hadno right to hit me.”

“You were in pain andexhibiting breeding-drugsymptoms. He was afraid you’d go

insane and hurt the human.” Furypushed away from the wall. “Bereasonable. You would have donethe same. Do I have to point outwhat could have happened?”

“I wouldn’t have harmedVanni.”

Midnight frowned. “She was theonly female in the vicinity. Youwould have mounted her even ifshe’d been unconscious. It wouldhave damaged your soul. You’re agood male.”

Smiley cringed at the thought. “Iwas in control.”

“Brass wasn’t certain it wouldlast.”

“We have contacted all thehuman hospitals and their police tobe on the lookout for a female indistress. Tell him, Fury.” Midnightshot him a dirty look.

“We have many agenciesworking on this. Our teams at thehotel are attempting to identify thefemale. No one with the nameVanni was registered there.”

“Her full name is Travanni.”Smiley regretted not asking for herlast name. Humans had those.

Rusty walked into the room andstared at Smiley. “I heard you weregiven the breeding drug.” Shestepped closer. “What happened to

your jaw?”“Brass put him out,” Midnight

answered. “He seems to be doingokay now.”

“Leave us alone.” Rustyunfastened the straps securing hervest over her uniform.

Smiley was grateful to have somany friends and he understoodand appreciated Rusty’s offer, buthe just wasn’t interested. “I’mfine.”

Her fingers froze and shefrowned. “You don’t want to sharesex?” Her gaze lowered to the frontof his pants. “You’re hard.”

Vanni’s face flashed in his

thoughts, the image crystal clear.He wanted to have sex but not withRusty. It made him feel a littleguilty since he liked her and they’dshared sex in the past. He couldn’tdeny some of the drug was still inhis system, enough so to keep hisdick erect.

“You need me.” Rusty’s huskytone and the way she kept staringat his pants made her intent clear.“I’ll take care of you.”

“I can’t.” He didn’t want to hurther feelings.

“You don’t have to do anythingto me with your mouth if your jawhurts.” She dropped the vest on a

chair and reached for the waist ofher shirt.

“Stop!” Smiley inwardlywinced. “I appreciate that youcame here but I have anotherfemale’s scent all over me.” Thatwas true. He could smell Vanni onhim. They’d rubbed together, skinto skin, covered in sweat and he’dtouched her all over. His dickhardened even more, a painfulthrob in his jeans. Someone hadfastened them when he’d been outbut he still wore the same pants. “Itwouldn’t be right.”

“I know. I could give you asponge bath or we could shower

together. Poor Smiley. Was ithorrible having to touch a humanagainst your will? I’ll make youforget about her.”

Horrible? Hell no. Smiley wantedto put his hands on Vanni again.She wasn’t the female standing feetfrom him, offering to get nakedthough. That was the problem.Forget Vanni? Never. I want her foundand brought to me.

Midnight snagged the discardedvest and stepped between him andRusty, her back to Smiley. “He’s inpain and agitated. We have to runX-rays on his jaw to make certainBrass didn’t fracture it. You know

how tough our males are. They’dnever complain. Why don’t youreturn to the women’s dorm? I’llcall you if you’re needed.”

“He’s my friend and I’m notleaving him in this condition,”Rusty protested.

Midnight growled. “Let merephrase that. Go to the women’sdorm, or wherever you were whenyou heard the news, but get out ofMedical. I’m running X-rays on hisjaw. He isn’t permitted to share sexuntil he’s cleared.”

“He needs me.” Rusty wasn’twilling to give up yet.

“You stay and you’ll need your

own room.” Midnight steppedforward, bumped into the otherfemale and pushed her back. “Doyou want to test who is moredominant? I’ll kick your ass.”

“Why are you being this way?”Rusty sounded confused.

“We’re in a crisis and you needto leave. I’ll call you if thingschange. Go.” She handed the vestto Rusty.

Smiley relaxed a little whenRusty spun on her heel andstomped out of his room. Midnightturned and sighed. Her expressionsoftened when she said, “You’re toonice.”

“I don’t understand.”“You have an expressive face,

Smiley. She was too busy staring atyour lower half to see yourdismayed reaction when sheoffered to share sex. She was prettyhot to get you out of those pants. Aprimate Species on a breeding drugprobably is an experience she eitherwanted to try out or perhapsmissed from Mercile days. Wouldyou have agreed to it if I hadn’tmade her leave, just to avoidhurting her feelings?”

“No. Maybe.”“That’s what I figured. Now it’s

not an issue.” She put her hands on

her hips. “My work here is done.I’ll let you males argue. I have somecalls to make so I’ll be in my office.”She left.

Fury’s phone beeped and hewithdrew it, reading the screen.

“Is it about Vanni? Has she beenfound? Is she safe?” Smiley hopedso.

Fury’s lips compressed into atight light and he looked up. “Thatwas Brass. The news isn’t good.”

Smiley sat hard on the bed,gripping the edges of the mattress.“She’s dead?” Just saying the wordshurt. He didn’t want to believe it.

Fury put his phone back in his

pocket and approached. “Her nameis Travanni Abris. She wasn’tregistered at the hotel because shewas a guest of a group that bookedan entire floor of rooms.”

“Is she dead?” he repeated, notsure what he’d do if Fury said yes.The meal he’d eaten early in theevening threatened to come up.

“We haven’t located her yet.”Fury paused. “She was with theWoods Church, Smiley.”

He’d heard that name before. Ittook him a moment to rememberwhere. “The church that came toprotest our presence at theconference?”

“Yes. Gregory Woods is apreacher or something, who headsthat church. He’s been very vocal inthe news concerning his belief thatwe should never have been createdand insists our existence is an insultto his god. He wants Homelandand Reservation shut down and allof us returned to our cells. He refersto Homeland and Reservation aszoos.”

Smiley let the information sinkin. “Why would he say that?”

Fury shrugged. “He’s an asshole.I had to watch some of his televisedsermons for research purposes.Know your enemies. He compared

us to animals that have beentrained to talk and dress as if we arehumans. He states that wildanimals shouldn’t be domesticatedand it is a disaster about to happen.He even referenced a few horrormovies for what could happen ifwe aren’t put back in cages andkept in our place. His tactics are touse fear to frighten humans intobelieving we’ll take over the worldand put them in cages instead.”

“He sounds like someone I’dlike to lock up.”

Fury flashed a grin. “Exactly.”Smiley couldn’t find the humor

in their exchange. Vanni obviously

belonged to a church that hatedSpecies. He reviewed everymoment they’d shared. “She didn’ttreat me the way humans whothink we’re dangerous do. Youknow how they act as if we’regoing to bite them or they talkslowly as if we can’t understandwhat they say?”

Fury nodded.“I liked her,” he admitted.“She drugged you. At least now

we know who Drackwood Researchsold the formula to. The WoodsChurch obviously bought thehuman version of our breedingdrug.”

Dr. Harris walked in. “How areyou feeling, Smiley?”

“I’m okay. The pain is gone.”“I see you’re still suffering an

erection. I’m going to have to drainthe blood if that side effect doesn’tgo away within a few hours.”

Smiley reached down andprotected his crotch with one hand.“No. I told you that already whenyou mentioned it the first time.”

“Priapism can cause you tosuffer erectile dysfunction in thefuture, Smiley.”

“What is that?”“Priapism means long-term

erections. Can you ejaculate?”The memory of being on top of

Vanni, inside her and comingflashed through Smiley’s mind.“Yes.”

“We’re not like you,” Furyreminded the younger of the twoHarris doctors who worked for theNSO—father and son. “None of uswho have taken the breeding drughave trouble getting hardafterward. That was the point whenMercile created it. They wanted tomake sure we had sex often whenthey were attempting toimpregnate our females.”

“Do you feel like yourself?” Dr.

Harris studied Smiley.“I’m a bit irritated but I’m fine.”

He’d feel better if they locatedVanni and brought her toHomeland so he knew she was safe.“The stomach cramps are gone.”

“How are your levels ofaggression?”

“Still high.” He wouldn’t lie.The urge to hit something wasthere but he resisted. The last thinghe wanted was to be restrained ifthey worried he would hurtsomeone. “It’s manageable.”

“Some of our tests have beenconfirmed. It is a form of thebreeding drug, albeit a milder

version. I wish I could send it off toa friend of mine to look at butJustice said no.”

“The last thing we need is tohand another weapon against usover to unknowns.” Fury’s phonebeeped. He retrieved it and heglanced at the screen. “I’m withJustice on this. It’s too risky. Hangon. I have to take this.” He rushedout of the room.

“What would the milder versiondo to a human?”

“I’m not sure. I’d have toexamine her. I was told she escapedcustody.”

“Is she going to die?”

“I don’t know.”It infuriated Smiley. “What do

you know?”Dr. Harris backed away. “Calm

down.”“I just keep thinking she woke

up in pain and ran away. She’sprobably suffering and some malecould come across her. He could doanything to her.” His voice took ona gruff sound and his hands fisted.“She’s defenseless.”

“Listen to me,” the doctorurged, “I tested both drinks. Theamount of the drug was higher inyour drink than in hers. You’recranky but fine. The pain is gone.

You’re just moody as shit. I’m sureshe’s probably the same. I read thereport. According to her height andapproximate weight, I don’t think itwas a toxic amount.”

That made him feel better.“Unless she has health issues.

Those are things I can’t factor in.”He wanted to hit the doctor.

“Go.”“Smiley, I really think I should

run a few blood tests on you.”“Get out before I strike you. I’m

about to.”Dr. Harris left in a hurry. Fury

returned.

“Who called? Have they foundVanni?”

Fury hesitated. “Someoneresponded to the APB the policeput out. A witness said he saw afemale fitting her descriptiongetting into a truck with anotherfemale. She appeared to be fine butthe witness remembered herbecause her skirt was ripped nearthe hem and she wasn’t wearingshoes. He thought she might behomeless.”

“Were they able to track thattruck?”

“He didn’t catch the licenseplate or where it headed. They

pulled her driver’s licenseinformation and two police officersare parked outside her apartment.No one answered when theyknocked. They are watching in caseshe returns home. We’ll find her,Smiley. The good news is that she’swith a female. No male took her.”

“All right.” He took deepbreaths. “I need an outlet for therage. I’m not in pain but I’mpissed.”

“We’ll go to the training room.I’m sure someone will spar withyou.”

He nodded. “Let’s do that.”“You may wish to shower first.”

Vanni. Her smell was on him. Hehesitated, not willing to lose thatconnection. It wasn’t rationalthough, he realized. “Okay.”

Fury studied him, worryevident.

“I’ll be fine.”His friend nodded. “I know.”

Chapter Five Vanni knew Beth hovered at the

bathroom door of their sharedapartment because she wasworried. They’d been best friendssince first grade. “I’m okay.”

“I don’t see how. I still can’tbelieve what you told me in thecar.”

She looked at Beth. “I wish itwas a lie but it’s all true. I need ashower.” She began to strip andshoved the skirt down. Theengagement ring fell out of thepocket and bounced on the tile

flooring. She stared at it, areminder of her new reality.

“I can almost read your mind.You look so sad, Vanni. This wasn’tyour fault. You were drugged.”Beth paused. “You don’t have totell Carl. I might not like him but Iknow how much he matters to you.We could say you got a bad case offood poisoning and I came and gotyou from the hotel.”

She shook her head. “No. It’sover. He lied to me about why wewent to the hotel in the first placeand became a total jerk. You wereright about him.”

“Which part? That he was a

selfish son of a bitch or that he wasa user?”

Vanni frowned.“Come on. He asks you to marry

him and immediately stopstouching you? You haven’t had sexwith him in four months.”

“He was afraid it would reflectbadly on his reputation. Iunderstood that. When ourengagement was announced in thepapers, they did a story about hisdad too. It would have lookedterrible to have a preacher’s sonhaving a woman stay late at hishouse. The reporters suddenlybecame interested in him and his

life.”“That’s lame. I said that and I

stand by it. There’s something offwith Carl. You said the sex wasn’teven good and he rarely touchedyou. He probably has a boyfriendstashed somewhere. He got you tosay yes and dried up the affection.It screams to me that he likes guysand he needed you as a front tohide it.”

Vanni wasn’t sure. “Either way,we won’t be getting married now.”She bent, picked up the ring andput it in the drawer so it wouldn’tget lost. “I’ll give that back to himwhen he returns to town.”

“Tell me more about this NewSpecies. All you said was that youboth were drugged and had sextogether. Was that any good atleast? I mean, you remember it,right?”

“I’ll never forget. I remember itall.” She turned on the water andlet it warm then closed the toilet lidto sit so she could look at thebottom of her foot. She hoped itwasn’t cut. She gasped when shesat, aware of being tender.

“Are you okay?”Vanni examined her sole. “It’s

just a bruise. I don’t see any cuts orblood.”

“That’s not what I’m talkingabout. Did he hurt you?”

Vanni looked up. “No, he didn’thurt me.” She stood. “I’m justsore.”

“In a good or a bad way?”“What does that mean?”Beth arched her eyebrows and

smiled. “Was he big? They look big.Is that why you flinched when yousat down?”

“Beth!” Vanni scowled. “Don’tbe disgusting.”

“I’m being honest. You shouldsee the way you were walking. Itwasn’t just the limp but you’re a bit

bowlegged. Was he like JusticeNorth with those gorgeous kittyeyes?”

“No.”“He’s like Fury? He’s canine and

so hot. I envy Ellie. It was so damnsad but dreamy when they wereshot at and he just swooped her upto get her to safety. Can youimagine any guy taking a fewbullets to protect a woman? That’sloyalty to the extreme.”

Smiley’s face surfaced in hermemory. “He wasn’t like either ofthem.”

“He was a primate?” Bethleaned against the wall. “What do

they look like? I haven’t seenpictures of them that really showtheir features.”

“He had beautiful eyes.” Sheturned around and stepped into theshower.

“Shit!”Beth scared her and Vanni spun,

almost slipping in the wet tub.“What?”

“I thought you said he didn’thurt you.”

“He didn’t.”Beth stepped into the bathroom

and grabbed their small makeupmirror off the vanity. She

approached and offered it. “It’s agood thing you are calling it offwith Carl or he’d know some otherguy nailed you. Check out thebruises on your ass. He has bighands.”

Vanni grabbed the mirror andtwisted, getting a look at her butt.Bruises were forming on bothcheeks in the shape of handprints.“It doesn’t hurt.”

Her friend accepted the mirrorback. “Let me guess. He nailed youstanding up, grabbing your ass.That takes skill.”

A flashback struck her—Smileypinning her against the SUV and

his hands cupping her ass whilehe’d ground his pelvis against hers.“I just want to forget this night.”

Beth returned the mirror to thevanity and took a seat on thecounter. “This was your first one-night stand.”

“Thanks for the reminder. Didyou not hear me? I want to finishmy shower, go to bed and justpretend none of this everhappened.”

“You won’t. I know you toowell. You aren’t going to tell Carlabout having sex with this otherguy, are you?”

Vanni hesitated. “I owe him that

much.”“Bad idea. He’s a prick, hon. You

were attracted to this Smiley,drugged or not. I listened to youreally closely since I was in stunmode and couldn’t talk at first. Youshould be more upset.”

“I am.”Beth was quiet while Vanni

showered. She turned off the waterand grabbed a towel to wrap herwet hair and another to dry herbody.

“You like Smiley.”Vanni paused and met her

friend’s concerned gaze. “He wasnice.”

“The sex was great, wasn’t it?”“It was the drugs. You have no

idea what they did to us.”“Want to tell me?”“Not really.”“You’re not the casual-sex type.

Something more happened thanthe two of you just getting it on.You felt something for him.”

“I felt a lot of things and most ofthem weren’t good. That drug isawful. I don’t think I ever want tohave kids. I can imagine what laborfeels like now. It was that bad.”

“He was that big? Are you surehe wasn’t a horse instead of a

primate?”“Shut up.” Vanni wrapped the

towel around her middle andlimped out of the bathroom to thebedroom they shared. “I’m talkingabout the pain I felt when weweren’t…you know.”

“Getting it on?” Beth followedher.

“Yes, if you want to use thatcrude term.” She tugged on anightgown and climbed into bed.“I’m so tired and I don’t want toface tomorrow.”

Beth took a seat on the edge ofthe mattress. “You could just mailthe ring back to Carl and avoid him

completely. That’s what I suggest.”“I wasn’t thinking about that

but thanks. It just reminded me thatwe sent out wedding invitations.I’ll have to contact everyone to tellthem it’s off.”

“It’s not a bad thing. Carl was ajerk, hon. I’m kind of glad thishappened.”

Vanni gaped at her.“I didn’t mean the drugging and

having sex with a New Species.Carl wasn’t right for you. He justfilled your ideal-husbandchecklist.”

“I didn’t know I had one.”

“He has a stable job and hewanted kids. He’s so damn boringthat you know he wouldn’t beplaying hide-the-brief with hisoffice staff.” Beth smiled. “That wasa lawyer joke. I’m trying to makeyou laugh.”

“There’s nothing funny aboutthis. My life is destroyed.”

Beth shook her head. “It’s not.It’s just different now. You hatedCarl’s father and everything hischurch stands for. We couldn’t evenget through five minutes of histelevised show. He was a blowhard.You’re not going to have to pretendto like him anymore when he

shows up for visits or worry aboutCarl making you attend any of hissermons when you visit him.”

“I got to see one earlier inperson. Once was more thanenough.”

“Well, that’s a good thing sinceyou and Carl are done.”

Vanni couldn’t argue with that.“And you finally got laid.”“That’s not funny.”Beth teared up. “Sorry. You

know I handle stress with humor.”Vanni crawled across the bed

and clasped her hand. “Don’t youdare cry or I’ll start.”

“Are you okay? Don’t bullshitme. I hate when you act all toughand in turn, I try to act just astough. I can’t imagine what youmust have gone through. We’reboth avoiding the ‘R’ word butthat’s kind of what it was.”

“He was drugged too. We wereboth victims in this.”

“Are you sure? I mean, how doyou know he didn’t spike yourdrink?”

“The NSO thinks I did it.”Beth paled. “What?”“I guess I was the only one who

sat next to him.”

“That’s insane. You’d neverdrug a guy to have sex. What iswrong with them? You weredrugged too.”

“I know.”“I’ll call them tomorrow myself

and set them straight.”“Don’t.” She was instantly

fearful. “They were taking me toHomeland when I slipped away.”

“What?”“Yeah. I don’t know if they were

just going to get me medicaltreatment or arrest me. Smileyseemed to believe me when I said Ididn’t do it but I’m not sure aboutthe guys with him. I overheard two

of them talking when I woke up inthe backseat. It scared me.”

“We’ll hire a lawyer.”“They don’t know who I am. I

mean, I left my purse in the hotelroom and only told them my namewas Vanni. The room was inMable’s name. That’s Gregory’sassistant. I couldn’t even sign forcoffee this morning. I was just aguest in her room.”

“That’s good. Maybe we shouldgo to the police and tell them whathappened.”

“No!” Vanni was horrified at theidea. “I just want to forget.”

“Your shit is still at the hotel.

Does Carl even know you’re gone?”“Crap. No. He might raise hell

in the morning when I don’t showup for breakfast.”

Beth released her and stood. Shewalked to the dresser and lifted hercell phone. “I’ve always got yourback.” She called a number and puther finger over her lip to motionVanni to silence.

“Hi, Carl. It’s Beth. I just wantedto let you know I picked up Vanniand she’s home with me now.” Shepaused. “She ate something and gota bad case of food poisoning. Shedidn’t want to bother you since sheknows this was an important

weekend for your father.” Shepaused again, listening, and staredat Vanni.

Vanni was grateful. She didworry when her best friend grittedher teeth.

“Just have her things packed upand get someone to drop them offat our apartment tomorrow. She’ssleeping now that she puked herguts up. Thanks for being soconcerned for her health and notobsessed about some stupidbreakfast she’ll miss.” Beth hungup.

“He took it that badly?” Vannisuspected he would.

“It’s official. He’s a total asshole.He didn’t even ask how you werebut ranted about some press photosyou were supposed to take withhim at breakfast. He said it’s goingto make him and his father lookbad. I just threw that in at the endso he felt like an ass, if that’s evenpossible. You dodged a bullet withthat loser.”

Vanni nodded.“It’s going to work out.”She really wanted to believe

that.“Don’t look so sad. Carl isn’t

worth it. I don’t think you everreally loved him. It was just the

idea of the white picket fence.”Beth glanced around. “Bright side,we’ll save a lot of money on thisnew place since we downgraded toa one-bedroom so I wouldn’t bestuck paying for that two-bedroomafter you moved out. Maybe we canuse the spare money and finallytake a trip to Hawaii. That wouldbe cool.”

“I’m so sorry, Beth.”Her best friend sat on the other

bed a few feet away. “For what?I’m the one who got to pick thisplace. I love it. It’s cozy. I likesharing a room with you. It’s likesummer camp every night.” She

crossed her legs and leaned backagainst a fluffy pillow.“Remember? We’d stay up all nightand drive those camp counselorsinsane with our giggling.”

It lightened Vanni’s mood.Those were some of her fondestmemories. “We don’t have to sharea bathroom with eighteen othergirls. I hated those hikes in themiddle of the night just to pee.”

“Or the mosquito bites on ourasses from those suckers hiding inthe toilet.”

They smiled at each other.Beth spoke first. “Tell me your

deepest, darkest secret and I’ll tell

you mine.”It was a game they used to play.

Vanni licked her lips and said thefirst thing that came to mind. “Ireally liked Smiley.”

“Oh hon.”“He was so sweet, Beth.” Tears

filled her eyes. “He should havebeen pissed, thinking I druggedhim, but he wasn’t. I was scaredand in pain but he took care of me.I didn’t have to have sex with himbut I wanted to. I initiated it.”

“He was hot, wasn’t he?”Vanni wiped away her tears.

“Very hot.”

“I knew it. Was he good in bed?”“The best.”“Did you fall a little for him?”“Probably.”Beth lay down and curled on her

side, holding her gaze. “Do youwish you could see him again?”

Vanni wasn’t sure how toanswer.

“It’s okay if you do. I won’tjudge. You know that about me. Hesounds amazing, besides how youmet, I mean.”

“I don’t think he’d ever want tosee me again.”

“You can’t be sure unless we try

to contact him.”“No. I need to forget this night

ever happened and get on with mylife. It’s your turn. Tell me yourdeepest, darkest secret.”

It took long seconds for her toanswer. “I really hated Carl.”

Vanni smiled. “I knew that.”“Listen to your best friend next

time. That’s all I ask.”“Deal.”“Sleep. I’m right here. You’re

home. It’s going to be fine.”Vanni closed her eyes but all she

could think about was Smiley. Shehoped he was okay, wherever he

was.

* * * * *Smiley entered his apartment at

the men’s dorm and locked thedoor. The drug had passed throughhis system. His dick no longerached from a constant erection andhe had worked out his aggressionon a punching bag. The silenceinside his corner apartment wasabsolute. The male who lived nextto him had gone to Reservation andthe one across the hall had taken amate. They now lived together inanother section of Homeland.

He grabbed a cold drink from

the fridge but stared at the cherrysoda in his hand. It reminded himof Vanni. He put it back andremoved a bottle of water instead.He drank half of it and walked tothe balcony. He didn’t open thedoor or step outside, just stoodthere staring into the darkness.

Vanni was somewhere out there.He considered the constant worryfor her to be a form of torture. Thecell phone he’d taken from Securityon his way home sat heavily in hispocket. They’d promised to call himif they found her. It remained asquiet as his surroundings.

He put his open hand on the

glass. “Where are you, babe?”He spun away, pacing the carpet

in front of the couch. They hadn’tknown each other long but all hecould think about was Vanni. Herimage seemed permanentlyimprinted on his thoughts. He’dshowered and changed clothes buthe could still smell her.

A soft knock was welcome andhe lunged toward the door, twistedthe locks and swung it open. It waspossible they hadn’t wanted to callif the news was bad. They’d wantto tell him in person but it wasn’tan on-duty officer who stood there.

“Hi, Jericho.”

“I heard what happened. May Icome in?”

It beat being alone. “Sure.” Hestepped aside. “I’m fine.”

The male closed the door andleaned against it. “Would you sayotherwise?”

That comment surprised him.“The drug is out of my system.”

“It must have left you with a lotof difficult memories.”

“It wasn’t that bad. I mean, Iremember it all and the pain didn’tcome close to what it could havebeen.”

Jericho rumbled deep in his

chest. “You and I are different fromthe rest.”

“I don’t understand.”“Yes, you do.” He tilted his

head. “We keep our emotions closerto the surface. I’m better at hidingit than you are. Your feelings showin your eyes. You appear sad. That’sunusual for you. This does affectyou. Talk to me.”

Smiley hesitated. “I’m worriedabout her.”

“The female who drugged you?”“She said she didn’t.”“The team stated otherwise in

their report. Are you certain she

wasn’t responsible?”“No but I’m sure she didn’t

know what was going to happen.”“How?”“I saw the fear in her eyes. The

shock.” Smiley ran his fingersthrough his hair and began pacingagain. It helped. “She had no ideawhat was about to happen to us.”

“Perhaps not to what extent.”That halted him in his tracks.

“What do you mean by that?”“The team is certain she dosed

both drinks. She had no form ofidentity. There was only a room keyfrom the hotel. Don’t you find that

suspicious? Humans always carryID, especially to a human bar. Shealso didn’t have a room in hername but her key card wasregistered to a room that was paidfor by the Woods Church. We’vebeen dealing with them for a while.They aren’t our friends.”

He couldn’t deny that theevidence seemed damning. “Maybeshe was pushed into it somehow.Forced.”

“You shared sex with her andremember the details so I imagine itwas intense.”

Smiley didn’t like where theconversation was headed. “You

believe I might feel a protectivebond to her because of the extremephysical responses?”

“You did threaten teammembers with harm when theyattempted to examine her. You alsorefused direct orders from Brasswhen he was willing to knock herunconscious to transport her here.You really wanted that female.”

“Because I was drugged.”“You stated you were in control

at the time. Which is it?”Anger stirred. “Did you come

here to argue with me?”“No. I came to talk to you

because I’m concerned.”

Smiley calmed and droppedonto the couch. He placed thewater bottle down on the side table.“Sit if you plan to stay.”

Jericho chose to sit in the chairopposite him. “I don’t want yourfeelings hurt because this wasn’tdirected toward you. You were theonly Species in that bar and that’swhy you were the target. Tell meyou understand that.”

“I do.”Jericho regarded him with his

red-hued brown eyes.“I do,” Smiley repeated. “It

could have happened to anyone.”“The canines would have

smelled the drug in the drink.”He clenched his hands in his lap.“That’s not your fault. Their

sense of smell is just better. That’sgenetics.”

“Why bring it up?”“I’d be thinking that, partially

blaming myself for making an easytarget. I am trying to put myself inyour shoes. We’re not the weakestSpecies here. I also think about thatsometimes.”

“You have gorilla DNA. I’mprobably from a chimpanzee.”

“They can be vicious creatures.”Smiley snorted.

“They are. Do your research.They are very territorial and aregood fighters.”

“I don’t have inadequacy issues,head shrink.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that. Wehave our advantages over thecanines and felines.”

“We are better climbers,although I envy the felines for theirability to leap.”

“Don’t make light of this,”Jericho grumbled.

Smiley sighed. “We’re allSpecies. We’re family. I never takethe time to really ponder ourdifferences.”

“You should right now. We tendto be more emotional, the wayhumans are. We grow attachmentsfaster. I’ll be blunt.”

“I wish you would be.”“The only females you and I

share sex with are canine or feline.They have told me how I’mdifferent and I’d bet they do thesame with you. We need more thanjust sex. It’s about the touching andthe sense of the bond we share withthem during intimate moments.I’ve avoided humans for that veryreason. You probably do the same.”

“I just haven’t met any I wasattracted to who felt the same way

about me or I would haveattempted it.”

Jericho shifted in the chair andrested his arms along the arms.“Our females know when to pushus away but humans don’t. I readthe report, Smiley. You were caringfor this female and she allowed it. Ican only imagine how that affectedyou but it was probably prettypowerful. That, mixed with thebreeding drug’s effects, could posea problem.”

“You lost me.”“You’re too concerned in the

wrong way about finding thisfemale. You’ve made it clear that

it’s not about making sure she’spunished for what she did to youbut rather your fear for her safety.I’m worried you believe there’s abond there that doesn’t really exist.Do you understand? I don’t wantyou hurt more.”

Smiley wasn’t sure how torespond.

“This female walked into thatbar with the intent to harm us.”Jericho kept his voice low andsteady. “There were reporterseverywhere to cover Justice’sspeeches revealing our plans toexpand Reservation toaccommodate the wildlife we’ve

welcomed from rescue operations.That is important to all of usbecause we know what it is like tobe viewed as dangerous animals. Itwould have harmed our publicimage if you’d attacked her in frontof all those witnesses. This isn’tabout you. That attack was directedat the NSO.”

“I know I wasn’t the target.”“A kind, decent human

wouldn’t have done that. It’sobvious the Woods Church boughtthat drug from Drackwood. Weknow they were working on aversion that wouldn’t kill humans.It’s the only way she could have

gotten it. The test confirms it’s analtered version of the original. Thatmeans they’ve spent a lot of timeand money plotting this attack. Idon’t want you to feel innerturmoil over a female not worthy ofit. She might not have been warnedof the pain the drug caused but herintent to hurt Species isundeniable.”

“Perhaps she didn’t understandthe impact it would have.”

“Then why did she escape? Theywere taking her to seek medicalassistance. I’m attempting to belogical for you.”

The way his chest tightened and

ached was an unpleasant,unexpected feeling for Smiley.“You’re right.”

Jericho stood. “I’m going to get adrink and sleep on your couch. Youshouldn’t be alone at a time likethis, my friend. I’m sorry thishappened.”

“I won’t throw myself out awindow.”

Jericho spun, a horrified lookplastered on his face.

“That was a joke.” Smiley forceda smile. “I am disappointed. I’ll getover it. You don’t have to stay inmy apartment.”

“Would you prefer to stay with

a female? I’m sure Rusty wouldallow you to sleep in her bed thisonce. She’s concerned about youtoo.”

“I’m not ready for that.”“You should be. Forget the

human and enjoy a little pamperingfrom one of our females. It willmake things seem better.”

Smiley stood. “I’m lonely. Onenight with one of our females isn’tgoing to cure that. It would justmake it worse. I’m strong. I’ll getpast this. I always do. It’s just beena difficult day.”

“I’m sleeping on the couch.You’ll have to pick me up and toss

me out if you want me gone.”There was no use arguing with

the male. “I appreciate yourfriendship.”

“We’re family.” Jericho openeda cherry soda and sipped it. “You’ddo the same for me. I wouldn’twant to be alone after somethinglike this either. I’ll wake you if youhave nightmares.”

“I’m exhausted. I’m going toturn in.”

“I’ll be here.” Jericho noddedtoward the television. “Do youmind if I watch it?”

“Be my guest.”

Smiley walked into his roomand closed the door. He pausedthere, remembering Vanni’s face.He needed to let it go. He neededto let her go. Jericho had madevalid points. Then again, he hadn’tbeen there.

Vanni had blushed when shewas stripped bare. There had beenan innocence about her that hefound endearing. That wasn’t atrait a malicious human wouldpossess. None of it made sense.

He walked to the window andstared out into the darkness. Whereare you, Vanni?

Chapter Six “Vanni! Wake up, damn it. Get

out here!”Vanni shot upright in her bed

when Beth started shouting fromthe living room. She threw off thecovers and dashed to the opendoorway. “What’s wrong? Are youhurt?” Her gaze frantically soughtand found her friend.

Beth was on her knees in thecenter of the room between thecoffee table and the television. Herfriend was pale as she pointed aremote control at the television.

Vanni glanced at it, seeing acommercial.

“What’s wrong?”“It’s coming up. I just saw the

promo for it.”“For what? Beth? What the

hell?”Her mouth opened, closed and

opened again. “It’s on my morninggossip show.”

“What is?” Vanni stepped out ofthe bedroom, pushing her messyhair out of her face.

“It’s you and that New Species.”“What?”“They showed a video clip of

you two from last night.”Vanni had to be hearing wrong.

“What do you mean?”“Nobody else has that ugly-ass

skirt you came home in last nightand believe me, it was you. Theyshowed a clip of an upcoming storyand it’s about the NSO. It showed afew seconds of you wrappedaround a big dude and you weremaking out.”

“That’s not funny.”“I’m not kidding. I’m being

heart-attack serious. It’s coming upafter the commercials.”

“You’re wrong. What did theysay?”

“I heard NSO on the TV while Iwas making my oatmeal andlooked up. They showed you withyour legs wrapped around a bigjock type, making out hot andheavy. There’s no mistaking thatskirt.”

The commercial ended and thecable show began. Beth turned upthe volume as the host couple facedthe cameras. The man took the lead.

“I know you’ve heard a lot ofstories about the NSO lately buthere’s a new one for you. Ananonymously submitted videoarrived at our station and manyothers this morning.”

“Usually the stories we bringyou regarding the NSO involvethem being targeted for hatecrimes. Not today.” The woman’sgrin spread. “It seems some peopleare really friendly to New Species.”

Vanni’s knees collapsed underher and she hit the carpet when agrainy video started to play on thescreen. It was her and Smiley. Theangle was from above and theoperator of the video camerazoomed in.

They stood next to each otherwith Smiley’s hand on hershoulder, the other holding her hipwhile she straightened. His words

couldn’t be heard but Smiley saidsomething. She nodded. His lipsmoved again. Her hand darted outand clutched a handful of his shirt.It tore open to reveal the bare skinof his upper chest and almost to hisnavel. She went for his hair too,grabbing a handful behind his neckand used her hold to jerk his facedown.

“Oh shit,” Beth gasped.Vanni watched in horror as she

kissed Smiley. She looked desperateand slutty. It got worse when shelifted a leg high enough to hook hercalf around the back of his thigh inan obvious attempt to get him to

pick her up. He did. That’s whenshe wrapped her legs around hiswaist, her skirt hiking up to herthighs in the process.

“No,” Vanni whispered.Memory returned and she wasn’tsurprised when she started to grindher body against him. It washorrendous to watch though. Itreminded her of a dog she’d oncehad that humped any leg it couldget to hold still.

“No, no, no,” she chanted.Smiley jerked away from her

and tried to avoid her mouth. Itdidn’t stop her. She buried her facein his neck and his eyes closed. He

just stood there allowing her tomaul him, except his lips movedslightly, as if he were telling her tostop. She couldn’t remember thatpart but seeing was believing.

Something happened on theother side of him that the cameracouldn’t see but he bowed his backand then spun, pinning her againsta black SUV. He seemed to try tostop her from humping him andpulling his hair. He pressed againsther, pinning her, but then shegrabbed his face to plant her lipsover his. It was a good shot of mostof her face. Her eyes were closedand she was going to town, kissing

the hell out of him.“We have someone on the roof!”

an NSO guard yelled—the onepositioned at the front of the SUV.He drew his weapon and pointed itat the camera. The person operatingit jerked away and the clip ended.

The show returned to the hosts.The woman fanned herself andgrinned. “I’d say that was veryfriendly.”

The man chuckled. “None of myfans ever do that to me. I only getasked for autographs.” He winked.“I’m single.”

“You don’t exactly look like himand she obviously wanted more

than his signature. I think you’dbetter start lifting weights if youwant that kind of response fromyour fans. Did you see the muscleson that New Species?” The womanwiggled her eyebrows at thecamera.

“Turn it off,” Vanni whispered.Beth looked as stunned and

dismayed as Vanni felt. “Did youhear what they said? Every station.Oh Vanni. Your parents watch thenews and those gossip shows.There’s no way they aren’t going tosee this. Even without that skirt on,I knew it was you. Your faceshowed a few times.”

The phone rang. Both womenjumped. Vanni frantically shook herhead. “Don’t get it.”

Beth didn’t move. The phonerang four times before theiranswering machine picked up. Itsank in to Vanni that everyone sheknew would see that video at somepoint. That included her friends,family and coworkers. It made hersick to her stomach.

“Vanni?” Her mother’s voicecame out of the machine speaker.“Vanni? We saw the news. Was thatyou? It looked like you. You—”

“Damn it!” her father yelled inthe background. “Did you get hold

of her? She’s not answering her cellphone. On the news they said ithappened at the same hotel whereshe was staying this weekend.”

“I got the machine,” her mothertold him.

“Call Beth. Make sure Vanni isall right!” her father yelled. “Ourgirl wouldn’t act like that in publicunless she was drunk. Do you thinkshe’s all right? What if she wenthome with him and he won’t lether go? Should we call those NewSpecies people to see if she’s stillwith him?”

“I’ll call Beth now.” The phonewent dead.

Seconds later Beth’s cell phoneblared rap music. Vanni stared ather friend. Beth moved. “I’ll tellthem you’re safe. They areworried.”

“I can’t talk to them.”Beth reached into her purse.

“Shut up.” She answered. “Hi.Vanni is fine.”

Vanni was going tohyperventilate. The house phonestarted to ring again. Beth ignoredit as she held her cell phone. Shemet Beth’s gaze.

“She’s here. I went to get herlast night. She’s sleeping. She’s fine.Let me have her call you later. The

other phone is ringing. I swearshe’s safe.” Beth hung up.

The answering machine pickedup. “Vanni?”

She groaned. “Carl.”“Goddamn it, Vanni!” he

shouted into the machine. “What inthe hell have you done? My fatherwarned me that you were nothingbut trash. How the hell could you?”His voice lowered somewhat buthis anger was clear. “Do you knowwhat kind of bad press this is goingto cause my father? For me? We’reengaged and you screwed one ofthose creatures in an alley outsidethe hotel?” He lowered his voice to

a whisper. “I could kill you.Someone identified you to thereporters. Shit. Another news crewis at the door. This is all your fault!”He slammed the phone down.

The house phone rangimmediately. Vanni realized tearswere running down her face. Bethturned off the ringer and answeringmachine. The cell phone blared rapmusic again. Beth cursed andturned it off.

“Vanni? Look at me.”She wiped at her tears. “This is a

nightmare, right? I’m still in bed?”Beth sat down on the floor and

hugged her. “It’s going to be all

right. In a few days this will blowover. Someone else will dosomething to get their attention.”

“Do you think they have morefootage they didn’t show yet?”

“I don’t know but it’s going tobe okay.”

Vanni pulled away. “How? Howcan it be?”

Beth had tears in her eyes too.“We’ll get through this.”

“Everyone is going to see that.How am I going to leave the house?Go to work?”

“I don’t know.” Beth sniffed.“Look on the bright side.”

“I’m afraid to ask what justpopped into your head, but what?I’m desperate.”

“You don’t have to make anyphone calls to tell people you aren’tmarrying Carl. I think it’s a given.”

Vanni leaned forward andhugged her again. “Not funny. Tryagain.”

“Okay,” Beth whispered. “Thereporters are annoying the shit outof Carl. He threatened to kill you soI hope they give him hell.”

“Not helping.”“I don’t know what else to say.”“Me neither.”

A good minute went by. Bethspoke again. “Did you have sex inthat alley?”

“Inside the SUV.”Beth unwound her arms and sat

back. She lifted a hand in the air.“High five.”

Vanni just stared at her blankly.“Bucket list, remember? Sex in a

car.” Beth kept her hand up.“Bright side. That’s one thing youticked off yours.”

“Oh Beth.” Vanni shook herhead. “That’s so wrong.”

Beth lowered her arm. “Workwith me here. I’m trying.

Otherwise we’re going to cry andstay huddled on this floor.”

“Is that so bad?”Someone pounded on the door.

Beth got up, walked over andpeeked out the peephole. Shecursed and backed up as the personpounded again.

“Miss Abris? Travanni? Couldwe please speak to you for amoment?” The voice was muffledthrough the door.

Beth turned. “It’s a lady with acameraman.”

Vanni clawed her way to herfeet and ran into the bathroom. Shegot violently sick. Her life would

never be the same.

* * * * *Smiley had been ordered to

Fury’s office. He had no idea whybut knew it was urgent. The doorwas wide open and Fury waitedinside.

“You better sit.”“I’m fine standing.” Smiley

stiffened his spine. “Has Vannibeen found?”

More Species entered the room,including Jericho. The grim look inthe male’s eyes had Smiley rethinkthe offer of taking a seat. He

stepped a few feet over anddropped into a chair. He reallyhadn’t expected to be told Vanniwas dead. It was his worst fear. Itseemed as good as confirmed. Bilerose but he swallowed it down.

“She’s dead?” He managed toget the question out.

Jericho shook his head. “No.”Smiley could breathe again.“Last night there was a human

on the roof of the hotel.” Furyrounded his desk and sat. He lifteda remote and turned on thetelevision. “Were you aware ofthat?”

Smiley nodded. “Yes. I heard

Shane shout it out and I movedVanni inside the back of the SUV toget her under cover in case it was asniper.”

Fury pushed a few buttons.“This is playing on all the stations.Prepare yourself. The male had avideo camera and apparently sent itto anyone with an interest. Here’sone I recorded off the television. Imissed the beginning of it but it’senough.”

The video wasn’t the bestquality but it was clear enough,even in the dim alley, to make outdetails. Smiley squirmed in his seat.It was uncomfortable having a

replay of such a personal momentdisplayed in front of so manymales. It also angered him.

The clip ended and a white-haired news anchor took the lead.“The woman in the alley has beenidentified as twenty-seven-year-oldTravanni Abris.” A picture of Vanniand a blond male flashed on thescreen. They were smiling. Itreturned to the anchorman.

“You might recognize the manpictured in the photo with her asattorney Carl Woods, son of PastorGregory Woods of the WoodsChurch. The Woods Church hasbeen a frontrunner in the campaign

to shut down the NSO. We’ve beenunable to reach Miss Abris for acomment. She’s gone into seclusionat her home.”

The camera focused on a womanstanding in front of the WoodsChurch. She introduced herself.“No one will speak to us but it’sbeen a flurry of activity for the pasthour.” The camera panned to theparking lot full of cars and thenback to the reporter. “We were toldby someone who wishes to remainanonymous that Pastor Woods andhis son are inside the church andthis has come as a total shock to thefamily. As everyone knows, Pastor

Woods opposes New Specieshaving civil rights. He started thechurch—”

Fury turned off the televisionand sighed. “She was engaged tothe son. They were to be married inseven weeks.”

Smiley wouldn’t forget the faceof the blond male any time soon.He’d appeared much smaller andshorter than himself. Their coloringwas vastly different too. That wasthe male who had laid claim toVanni until last night when she’dremoved his ring. He clenched hisjaw.

“I’m sorry.” Smiley wasn’t sure

what else to say.“For what?” Fury arched an

eyebrow.“We are to avoid news coverage

and bad publicity.”Jericho snarled. “You did

nothing wrong, Smiley. It wasn’tbad for us. The Woods Church isalways saying we belong in a zooand yet that female shared sex withyou. It means not everyone eats hisbullshit.”

Fury nodded. “Nothing aboutthe breeding drug has come outyet.”

Bestial cleared his throat.“Worst-case scenario, even if it

does, she appeared to be the sexualaggressor. That female attackedyou, not the other way around.They can’t flip this on us in a badway.”

Tiger spoke. “I don’t understandwhy they used her to launch thisattack in the media. It wasn’tflattering to them. The last femaleI’d have fuck my enemy would bethe one set to marry someone sohigh up in their organization.”

“I can think of some goodreasons they picked her.” Timstood.

“Name them,” Fury demanded.Tim didn’t hesitate. “They

probably figured a New Specieswould end up killing her. She’sfrail-looking, judging by that video,and has that girl-next-door lookthat would piss off everyone. Whatbetter way to gain public sympathyfor their cause than losing someoneso important to the family? Theycould also have sued the NSO forher death to the tune of millions.They’d assume their pockets wouldget lined and drain ours at the sametime. It would have also kept theirname in the papers and made NewSpecies look like hell for killing thatgirl.”

Rage twisted inside Smiley.

“You mean the son fooled Vanniinto believing he loved her whenhe just set her up to be killed?”

Tim shrugged. “I don’t knowmuch about him but I’ve done myresearch on Gregory Woods. He’s apiece of work. I wouldn’t put it pasthim to have chosen her out ofmaliciousness. He wasn’t happywhen their engagement wasannounced. It might have been away to just stop the wedding andget a shot in at us at the same time.Either way, I bet he’s thrilled theirwedding is off.”

“Unless the son still wants tomarry her.” Tiger frowned.

Tim snorted. “No guy is going tostill marry her after that video wentviral. He’d be a laughingstock.”

“Why?” Smiley thought thatseemed insulting to Vanni.

Tim met his stare. “Pride. Shewas all over you. No one wouldever let him forget it.”

Flame grinned. “Not to mention,would she still want to marry himafter Smiley? That was onepathetic-looking human male.”

“Flame.” Fury shook his head.“This is no time for jokes.”

“I’m just saying the son lookspuny.”

“What if she got pregnant?”Jericho frowned.

“She’s not. She is on birthcontrol.” Smiley clenched his fists.“I wasn’t that out of it. I asked.”

“What kind?” Bestial peered athim.

“I’m not certain.” Smileyshrugged.

“The breeding drug can overridecertain contraceptives.”

Smiley felt sucker punched.“Are you certain?”

The council member nodded.“Pretty certain. Condoms work butonly if they don’t break. I don’t

suppose you used one?”“No.”“Did you release inside her?”“Yes.”Bestial grimaced. “Then it’s a

possibility we need to be aware ofand make a contingency plan for.”

Vanni pregnant with my child.Smiley bolted to his feet, unable toremain seated any longer. “Weneed her brought to Homeland.Where is she?”

“Calm,” Jericho ordered.“What if she’s carrying my

child? She’s out there alone.”Smiley refused to back down. “Our

enemies could go after her to stealmy son or kill her outright toprevent his birth. Tim said she’s indanger from that church. Someonefrom there set her up. We need toretrieve her now to secure hersafety.”

“Smiley?” Fury drew hisattention. “We’ll keep asurveillance team on her but wecan’t send a team to pick her up. Itwould seem as though we’rekidnapping her. That would be badpublicity.”

“They said she was in seclusionat her home. Do we know if that’strue?” Smiley wasn’t even sure if

she was okay or not.“Yes.” Tim nodded. “I have a

two-man team outside herapartment masquerading aspaparazzi. We went to the wrongaddress last night. The one listed onher driver’s license was outdated.She moved last month. We havevisual confirmation that she andher roommate, an Elisabeth Goss,are holed up inside. They arerefusing to take incoming calls oranswer the door. The only reasonwe know for sure she’s there isbecause someone called the copsreporting a possible suicide.”

“What?” Smiley snarled.

“She’s fine. It’s a bullshit rusesome of the paparazzi pull to drawout whomever they want tophotograph. It’s standardprocedure for the cops to do awellness check and interview theresidents to make sure there isn’t areal problem. My men verified thecall didn’t come from inside theresidence. In this case the policehad Travanni and Elisabeth talk tothem on the doorstep after theapartment manager unlocked thedoor for them. They weren’topening it up for anyone.”

“Your team actually saw her?They are certain?” Smiley needed

confirmation.Tim nodded. “Yeah.”That calmed Smiley a bit. “Did

she look well?”“I don’t know.” Tim frowned.

“She was talking to the cops andthey left without calling anambulance so I assume so.”

Fury drew Smiley’s attention. “Ican only imagine the stress you areunder right now but this isn’t thetime to pull her into Homeland forquestioning. This is a media frenzyand all focus is on her. We need towait for things to blow over a littlebefore we make a move.”

“She’ll pay for what she did,”

Bestial promised. “We’re good withpatiently waiting when we needto.”

“Pay?” Smiley glared at him.“I’m not even sure if she did it. Shedenied drugging us.”

Bestial blew out a breath. “She’sassociated with a group that hatesus. She also escaped rather thancome here.” He paused. “Howmany Species ate and drank in thatbar when she wasn’t there, yetnothing happened? She comes inand you’re drugged. Do I need tocontinue? It all points to her.”

Smiley hated to admit that it didsound bad. He kept silent.

“We aren’t certain if she wasaware of the danger but no goodcomes of dumping a drug intosomeone’s drink. That female hadto know it was potentiallyharmful.” Bestial inhaled and blewout a deep breath. “She’ll beprosecuted under New Specieslaw.”

Jericho cut Smiley off before hecould speak. “Either way, she needsto be brought in for questioning atthe first opportunity.” He flashedSmiley a warning look to keep himsilent. “She can link this crime tothe Woods Church. We have tolocate that drug and make certain

all of it is destroyed, otherwisenone of us are safe in the out world.They could launch more attacks.”

“Agreed,” Fury stated. “We’llwait until the media hype diesdown and have Tim’s team grabher.”

Smiley stewed in anger. Themeeting broke up and he stormedout, needing time to think. Jerichocaught up with him and grippedhis arm.

“She did drug you. Don’t forgetthat.”

“Vanni was frightened and shesuffered. I don’t want her sent toFuller. She paid enough even if she

was the one who did it.”“I spoke to Ned. He said the

three of you entered the bar andyou sat alone at the counter. Noone approached you except her.That female was the only one whosat next to you. He noticed you turnin your seat a few times and itwould have given her anopportunity to dope your soda.”

He couldn’t deny that. “Therecan be no crime if there is novictim. I’ll refuse to stateotherwise.”

“You can’t deny whathappened, Smiley. You weren’thurt this time but who will be the

next victim if we don’t stop thisnow? This concerns all Species.”

“Perhaps she was forced. Justconsider that possibility.”

“Stubborn male,” Jerichogrumbled under his breath. “You’regoing to pull a True, aren’t you?Should I prepare for that? Will youtake her from our custody whenshe’s brought here and make yourhome her sanctuary?”

It was a good idea. “Are yougoing to try to stop me if I do?”

“Damn.” Jericho’s expressionsoftened. “I don’t want you hurt.I’ll make a deal with you.”

“What kind?”

“You don’t sign mate papers ifthey ask you to.”

Smiley frowned.“They asked True to sign mate

papers when he kept Jeanie in hishome. I’ll argue your case if youtake her. Just promise not to doanything rash. I don’t trust thisfemale and I don’t believe you’rebeing completely rational. I want tomake sure you get to know herbefore you possibly make amistake.”

“I agree.”Jericho nodded. “She also needs

to help with discovering wheremore of that drug is. I doubt the

Woods Church only had two dosesfor your drinks.”

“She’s kind, Jericho. I knowshe’ll help. She wouldn’t wantwhat happened to us to happen toothers.”

“You hope she’s kind. You barelyknow her, Smiley.”

He couldn’t argue but his gutinstinct screamed that she was.

Chapter Seven “I’ll go with you. He’s a dick.

Who knows how he’ll react afterseeing that video clip.”

“He’s not going to hit me, Beth.”“I wouldn’t put anything past

that asshole.”“You’ve never liked him.”“With good cause. He’s selfish

and never thinks about you. Thatthing he has going on with his dadis creepy as shit too. He’s a grownman but it’s as if he’s so far up hisdad’s ass he can’t think for himself.He said he wasn’t part of that

church but he’s never publicallyopposed them either. I checkedonline. He was photographed a lotwith his daddy before you datedhim. I think he hid the associationbecause he knew you wouldn’t datehim otherwise. He sure as hellwouldn’t want to marry one ofthose insane groupies that hangwith that church.”

“What does that mean?”Beth sighed, looking frustrated.

“They are a bunch of paranoididiots. You were perfect, Vanni.Your brother is a cop, your sister isthe poster child for housewives andyour parents have been married

forever. You clean up nice and haveno criminal history. The perfectwife, image wise.”

Vanni shrugged. “He did ask meto marry him against his father’swishes.”

“I bet that old son of a bitch ishappy as shit this happened.”

“Maybe.”“Is he going to be there? He’s so

nasty.” Beth frowned.“No, Gregory isn’t there. Carl

said his dad is too busy at thechurch to get away. This is anightmare for them too, with allthe reporters. I’m just going to dropoff the ring, grab my stuff and get

out. He said he had to hide therefrom reporters.”

Beth lifted one hand, fisted it byher shoulder and pinched thethumb and forefinger of her otherhand together, swinging it back andforth. “That’s me playing theviolin.” She dropped her hands toher side.

Vanni laughed. “You’re somean.”

“He’s holding your shit forransom.”

“I owe him the courtesy ofdoing this in person.”

“I’m going with you.”

“You are supposed to havedinner with your parents and goout with your sister tonight. I’m notruining your plans.”

“You think it’s going to makehim less pissed that you cheated onhim because you were drugged?You might need some backup.”

“I’m not going to tell him aboutthat.”

“Why not? Are you nuts?Otherwise he’ll just think you’re atotal bitch.”

“He’d tell his father and he’lltwist it somehow against the NSO.He’s a dick like that.”

“That’s true.”

“I’d rather just take the heat andget out as fast as possible. He blewit before I ever did by pulling thatstunt with the weekend getaway. Ihad my eyes opened that he’s kindof a jerk.”

“I’d use stronger words likedouche bag but all right. You callme if shit hits the fan and you needme to come home and eat ice creamwith you.”

“Deal. Right after I get my cellphone returned.”

She grabbed her spare keys andhoped she didn’t get pulled herover since her wallet was with herpurse. Her car was in the

underground parking garage,which exited behind the building.Beth should be able to distract thepress while she slipped away.

The twenty-minute drive wasuneventful but Beth’s partingwords kept repeating in Vanni’shead as she drove up to the gates atthe Woods estate. Don’t do this. It’sstupid.

She’d only been there once withCarl when they’d first begundating. It was when she’d metGregory, who owned the reclusivevacation home in the hills. It hadn’tgone well. They’d disliked eachother on sight.

A man in uniform stepped outof the tiny guard shack and held uphis hand. She slowed to a stop andpressed the window button. “I’mVanni. Carl is expecting me.”

He frowned.“He called and told me to come

here to collect my things.”The guard used a two-way radio

to contact someone at the house. “AVanni is here to see Carl.”

“Send her up,” another voiceordered.

The guard hit a button inside theshack. The gates slowly rolled openand Vanni pushed down on the gaspedal. The paved, narrow road

wound upward around a few turnsand opened into a vast circulardriveway. She parked in front ofthe house.

Her nerves were a mess. Theplan had been to return theengagement ring to Carl by mailbut that was before he’d held herbelongings hostage. The messagehe’d left had been clear. She couldeither come to meet him or not gether things back. It was possible hewas afraid she’d keep the expensivering that had belonged to hisgrandmother. It was insulting thathe thought so little of her.

She climbed out of her car and

gripped the jeweler’s box in her fistas she climbed the stairs and rangthe doorbell. Waiting for the doorto open so she could finally faceCarl was torture on her queasystomach.

The door opened and a manpeered at her. He was a tall manwith a blunt haircut and harshfeatures. It was difficult todetermine because all Gregory’speople wore suits but he wasprobably one of their manybodyguards. “This way.”

She blew out a breath andfollowed him down the hallway toan office. Carl sat behind the desk.

He hung up the phone and stood.“Thanks, Bruce.”“No problem, sir.” He shot

Vanni a dirty look. “I’ll be close.”She managed not to roll her

eyes. It was ridiculous if he thoughtshe was dangerous. The grimsituation dampened her attitudethough when she saw how tiredher ex looked. Dark circles rimmedhis eyes and his normally perfecthair was a bit mused.

“Here’s your grandmother’sring.” She set it on the edge of thedesk. “I wanted to apologize. Inever meant for any of this tohappen.”

He reached over and snappedopen the lid and examined it.

“It’s the right one.” His actionirritated her.

He closed the lid, opened adrawer and dropped it inside. “Idon’t know what you’re capable ofanymore.”

Her lips remained sealed. Ideserved that. Ouch.

Carl kept the desk betweenthem. “Why didn’t you just go tothe room the way I told you to?None of this would have happenedif you had.”

She knew he deserved some

answers. “I was mad at you fortricking me into going to that hotelfor the weekend. The last thing Iwanted to do was pace around theroom after our argument or getmore lectures from Mable abouthow I’m not good enough for you. Itold you she’s mean. I just thoughtI’d have a drink, relax a little andthen go to bed.”

He stared at her, his mouth atight line of anger. She knew thatexpression well. Disapproval wassomething she often got from him.Their relationship was over but shefelt no pain at the loss. Beth mighthave been right. It would have torn

her apart if she’d really been in lovewith Carl but instead she justwanted to get away from him.

“I’m sorry. We shouldn’t havebeen engaged to begin with. Iconcluded that over the weekend.You’re always saying mean thingsto me and I resented it more than Irealized. It’s best for both of us thatour relationship ended. I’m nevergoing to be the kind of woman youkeep trying to mold me into. I wishyou a happy life, Carl. I’ll get mythings and go. You’ll never hearfrom me again.”

He inched around the desk.“That’s it? That’s all you have to

say?”“I never meant to hurt you.”He stepped a little too close for

comfort. “No excuses?”“It happened. I would have told

you even if it hadn’t been all overthe television. I had planned to seeyou tomorrow when you camehome from the hotel. Obviouslyyou had to leave early. I’m sorry. Idon’t know what else to say.”

He appeared a little shocked andirate at the same time, while heclosely studied her eyes. Vanniwasn’t sure what he hoped to seebut he took a step back and angerwon out when he cursed.

“You can’t be that stupid.”“Excuse me?” That wasn’t a

response she expected.“You were drugged. Why aren’t

you telling me that? Didn’t yourealize? Feel weird? You shouldthrow yourself at my feet and begme to still marry you. Dad saidyou’d do anything to gain myforgiveness.”

The world tilted a little as shestumbled back a step. How did heknow I was drugged? Has it leaked tothe press? She hadn’t told anyoneexcept Beth. Her best friendwouldn’t betray that secret. It waspossible the NSO had released the

details. She gripped the desk tosteady herself.

“Say something!” Carl yelled,making her jump. “Beg me toforgive you and tell me how itwasn’t your fault.”

It took her a few moments topull herself together. He appearedto be having a meltdown. It was abit surprising since she didn’t thinkhe’d take their breakup that hard.He’d been kind of remoteemotionally the entire time they’ddated.

“I wouldn’t do that. I slept withanother man. I know it’s over. Idon’t expect you to still marry me. I

couldn’t go through with thiswedding even if you somehowmanaged to get past whathappened. I can’t.”

His complexion reddened andhe started to breathe faster, almostpanting with rage. It scared her alittle.

“Where is my stuff? I’ll go.”“Just like that?”“What else do you want me to

say? Neither of us can pretendnothing happened. Everyone istalking about it. I’m so sorry if thishurt you, Carl. I think I should justget out of here and you’ll neverhave to see me again. I honestly

believe this is for the best. Wewouldn’t have had a happymarriage.”

“Did you know you weredrugged?” He seemed to beworking himself up into a tempertantrum.

“I realized. It doesn’t change theoutcome though.”

“What are the police going to doabout it?”

“I didn’t go to them.”“Why not?” He advanced,

getting too close again, and keptyelling. “You should want thatrapist in prison!”

“He didn’t drug me and itwasn’t rape.”

Carl grabbed her arm. “What?”Vanni really wanted to get out

of there. “You heard me. Just tellme where my things are. I want toleave.” She tugged her wrist, tryingto break his hold. “Let go. You’rehurting me.”

He released her and steppedback. His expression changed. Theanger left, to be replaced bysomething cold and calculating.“You liked being fucked by thatcreature, didn’t you?”

“My things,” she got out. “I’mleaving.”

“I told you she was a slut.”Gregory spoke from behind Vanni.“I kept warning you she wasn’tworthy of being included in thisfamily. Now you see the truth inmy assessment.”

She twisted her head, aghast tofind him in the room. She hadn’theard him enter and Carl had toldher his father wasn’t going to bethere. The older man eyed herdisdainfully.

“It’s not going the way you saidit would.” Carl sighed. “Whatnow?”

Vanni glanced between them, abad feeling rising. She wasn’t sure

what was going on but wanted toleave. “Where are my things? I’mleaving.”

Gregory snapped his fingers andthe bodyguard who’d let her insidethe house stepped into the room.He kept his gaze locked on Vanni.“You’ve met Bruce. I wouldn’tattempt to leave just yet if I wereyou.”

It was a threat. “You knowwhat? Keep my things. I’m out ofhere.” She tried to walk aroundBruce but he blocked her path. Shehalted and stepped to the side toget past him but he moved withher. “Get out of the way. You can’t

keep me here against my will.” Shewas scared.

“I can.” Gregory soundedconfident. “You and I need to cometo an understanding.”

She turned and stared at Carl.“Tell them to let me out of here.”

Carl rounded the desk and tooka seat behind it. “We’re notengaged any longer.” He glared ather. “Don’t speak to me or expectme to help you. You fucked thatcreature. I will never forgive youfor humiliating me this way. I’velost clients since the news broke.Payback is a bitch and so are youfor doing this to me. You deserve

whatever happens next.”You asshole. Vanni faced his

father. “Tell your bodyguard to getout of my way.”

“Have a seat.” Gregory pointedto a chair by the fireplace. “Weneed to discuss what you owe us.”

“No.” She backed away. “Ireturned your mother’s ring to yourson. I don’t have anything else thatbelongs to your family.”

“You’ve cost us a lot of time andmoney.” Gregory pointed again.“SIT!”

“You can get your depositsrefunded for the reception. Theysaid four weeks’ notice was the

cutoff point. I paid attention tothat. Send me a bill if they don’treturn all of it. I’ll put it on mycredit card.”

“I’m not talking about thewedding.” Gregory’s voice rose, hisexpression angry. “Sit your assdown in that chair.”

She refused. “I know everyone isupset about what has happened butI think we should take a few daysto calm down. You especially. Idon’t know why you’re so upset.You always hated me. You shouldbe throwing a party to celebratethat the engagement is off.”

“Bruce.” Gregory jerked his

head in her direction.The large man advanced. Vanni

tried to get away but found herselftrapped in the corner. She tensedwhen his beefy hands gripped herupper arms and he yanked hardenough to take her almost to herknees. He dragged her over to thechair and dropped her into it.

“Stay there.” He backed up afew feet and opened his jacket,making sure she could see theshoulder holster and gun.

She was mute and terrified.Were they going to kill her? Shoother? It didn’t make sense. Shehuddled in the chair, too afraid to

do anything else. Gregory struttedto another chair near her and sat, asmug look on his features. Hecrossed his legs and his expressioncleared of all emotion.

“Here is what is going tohappen. We’re holding a pressconference tomorrow. You’ll readthe statement we wrote telling theworld you were drugged and rapedby that creature in the video withyou.”

She opened her mouth to denyit but wasn’t given the chance tospeak.

“You’ll stay here tonight as ourguest. Mable is out buying you a

nice outfit that will make youappear tragic and I expect you toshed lots of tears. Tell her, Bruce.”

The thug cleared his throat.“Sobbing would play out better.We’ll have Mable do her makeup soshe looks really pale and add somedark shadows under her eyes togive the impression she isn’tsleeping.”

Gregory smiled. It was ice cold.“Nice. I like that idea. Of courseCarl will stand at your side,Travanni. You’ll also wear mymother’s ring as if the engagementis still on. We wouldn’t wantanyone to think we would abandon

you after such a heinous crime wascommitted against you. My entireflock of parishioners is going to bevery supportive. We’re going totake you into the fold and help youheal.”

“I wasn’t raped.” They’d losttheir minds. Maybe it was how theywere dealing with the stress. Shetried to ease out of the seat slowly.“I’m leaving now.”

Bruce put his hand on the buttof the gun. “Suicide would worktoo. She couldn’t withstand thetrauma of such a highly publicizedsexual assault. I can stage it easyand the press will eat it up.”

She sagged in the seat. He wasthreatening to kill her. She wasn’tstupid. They were nuts. She turnedher head and stared at Carl, hopinghe at least remained sane. His gazeheld hers.

“She still hasn’t put it together.”He shook his head. “So cute but sodumb. It was one of her best traits.Now I see how annoying it can be,Dad. You had her pegged.”

“Put together what?” Sheglanced between father and son.

“Dad, you deal with her. I’msickened by this mess.” Carl stoodand left the room.

Vanni watched him go and

resisted bolting out of the chair.Bruce still touched his gun whenshe dared glance at him. She’dnever make it to the door if hereally intended to shoot her. Sheaddressed Gregory. He seemed tobe in charge.

“What is going on?”He blinked. “We know that

creature didn’t drug you. Brucepaid the bartender to do it.”

All her muscles seemed to golax. She just gaped at him.

“Do you know how manyhundreds of thousands of dollars Ihad to pay to get my hands on B-47?”

“What’s that?” She had ahorrible suspicion though.

“It’s what was in your drink.They have a long, boring name forit but that’s what the man I boughtit from called it. Batch forty-seven.It makes sluts show their truenature.” He glanced up at Bruce.“What was the total we paid out?”

“Almost seven hundredthousand,” the man murmured.

“Nasty business dealing withthat man but it’s a war.” Gregoryshrugged. “You fucked up our planby going into that bar. It wassupposed to be a woman we hiredwithout any ties to us but she ran

late. You sat next to that creatureinstead. You caused us a hellish dayyesterday while we figured outhow to make this work to ouradvantage.”

“It will,” Bruce confirmed.“We’ll see.” Gregory studied

Vanni. “We need a victim.Otherwise we would have justdrugged the creature and letwitnesses watch him kill her. Astempting as that was, I was afraidthe NSO could spin it that he’d hada mental breakdown from theatrocities done to him in the past.They really enjoy playing that feel-sorry-for-us card. This way we’re

pitting you against one of them.Fathers, brothers, mothers andsisters are going to side with youafter you tell them how you weredrugged and raped by thatcreature. We’ll put you out thereevery few days with the media andreally work the angle of how yourlife was destroyed by the event. Ithink it would be a nice touch ifyou say you caught him slipping avial into his pocket but didn’t thinkanything of it until after yourealized what he’d done.”

“She could say he explained it assome liquid vitamin he takes andthat he bragged about putting it in

her drink after she started feelingunwell. That should kill anybullshit they come up with whenthey deny he drugged her. Itimplies forethought.” Bruce smiled.“We can spin this any way we wantnow that we are in control of her.Bleeding hearts will eat it up.”

“I agree.” Gregory gazed at her.“We’ll write your speech andpractice it before you’re put in frontof the cameras. One of myparishioners is an acting coach.She’ll work with you to get yourgestures and facial expressions justright while you read from thecards.”

It wasn’t a nightmare. She waswide awake. “I won’t do it.”

Gregory’s composureevaporated and he grabbed thearms of the chair, his face twistinginto a mask of rage. “You will doevery damn thing I say or you willtragically be found dead with asuicide note blaming the NSO.That’s not what I want. I need a livevictim to parade around in front ofthe cameras and that’s what you’regoing to be if you want to stayalive. I’ve got too much invested inthis.”

Bruce reached inside his pocketfor gloves then put them on. The

sight terrified Vanni. It implied hewas about to do something criminaland he didn’t want to leavefingerprints. They were reallyplanning to kill her. She glanced atthe door.

Think. “Bullet holes in my backisn’t suicide.”

She launched out of the chair,knocking it over, and ran to thedoor. The expectation of being shot,of feeling searing pain, drove herinto a healthy sprint. Her partingwords were the only protection shehad, hoping they thought better ofshooting her in the back.

The front door loomed and she

managed to unlock and yank openthe door. She reached inside herpocket, fisting her keys assomething hit her shoulder blade. Ithurt. She would have screamed butcouldn’t. Electricity jolted throughher body and she convulsed, hittingthe floor hard. It stopped and shelay there panting.

Gregory bent down andchuckled. “Tasers really lookpainful. Did that hurt as much as itappeared to? She might have somebruises now.”

“We’ll blame them on thatcreature she fucked. It will lookbetter for the cameras anyway. I

might knock her around a bit moreif she keeps attempting to run.”

“Let’s try to avoid that sinceshe’s been photographed a fewtimes at her apartment by thepress.”

Bruce crouched next to her. Sheflexed her fingers but they wereslow to respond. Her body feltsluggish and everything ached.More pain made her flinch whilethe guard removed the dartsimbedded in her skin. She waspretty sure she was bleeding. Ithurt bad enough.

“Fine.”“I mean it, Bruce. Don’t mess

her up. What if a medicalexamination is required? How arewe going to explain what you justdid to her?”

“The NSO security carries thesame brand. I made sure of thatbefore I bought this one. We canblame it on them.” Bruce rolled her.He dropped the Taser and reachedinto the inside pocket of his blazer.He withdrew a glass vial, smiled ather and gripped her hand.

Vanni tried to jerk away but shedidn’t have the strength. Shewatched as he pressed her fingersto the sides and lid of the smallglass bottle. “What are you doing?”

“Insurance.” When he was done,Bruce pulled a plastic bag out of hisother pocket and dropped the vialinside. He waved it at her. “See thatsmall amount of liquid inside? It’sB-47.”

“You’re framing me for thedrugging?” She was recovering andtried to scoot on the floor to getaway. “You people are nuts andstupid. You can’t blame me too.You’re trying to pin it on the NSO.At least try to make sense.”

Gregory stood and held out hishand. “Give it to me.”

Bruce passed over the plastic bagwith their so-called evidence.

Gregory smiled at her. “Have youever heard of New Species laws,Travanni?”

She struggled closer to the door.“I do my homework on those

beasts. They are vicious.” He wavedthe bag. “Do you want to knowwhat would happen if you were togo against my wishes by doingsomething really stupid at thatpress conference tomorrow? I’dhave this hand delivered to theNSO gates.”

Bruce straightened and reacheddown, grabbing her by the front ofher shirt. He fisted it and hauledher ruthlessly to her feet. She

almost collapsed but he yanked herforward and spun her to faceGregory, his free arm hookingpainfully around her waist to keepher against him.

“They are far worse than weare.” Gregory placed the bag insidehis pocket. “If I can’t use you to myadvantage, I’ll put you at theirmercy. They don’t have any. We’vespent money on privateinvestigators searching for Mercileemployees in hopes of getting themto talk in front of the cameras abouthow brutal New Species really areand the deaths they caused whenthey were still chained and caged.

Do you want to know what wefound? Nothing. They justdisappeared off the face of theEarth to never be seen again. I thinkthe reason the NSO doesn’t allowhelicopters to fly over theirHomeland or Reservation isbecause we’d see the graveyardswhere they bury their victims.”

Vanni struggled against Brucebut it only hurt when he squeezed.She stopped. It was pointless. Hewas a brute and too strong.

“They aren’t kind or friendly.They are just good actors.” Gregorytapped his pocket, as if she neededa reminder of what was inside.

“The only way you’re going tosurvive is to be more useful to mealive than dead. Do youunderstand? They’ll kill you if Isend them the vial.”

Gregory paused, seeminglydistracted as he watched Brucesubdue her. It was obvious heenjoyed her distress. The vilecreature refocused and continuedhis threat, “Bruce will also have thebartender swear he saw you dumpsomething in that beast’s drink.They’ll have all the evidence theyneed to believe you’re guilty. I’ll bethe hero who discovered you usedus to get close to them at that

conference. They won’t believe Iwas behind it since I’ll just say Irealized you were using my church.Do you see where I’m going withthis? I win, no matter what. Screwme over and you’ll pay for it. I needa victim, Travanni.” He grinned ather. “Do you feel like a victim?”

She refused to respond.He looked at Bruce. “Escort our

guest to one of the rooms. I wouldnever accuse her of being overlybright so perhaps she needs time torealize that we own her.”

Bruce lifted her and spuntoward the stairs. She clawed at hisarms and he cursed. One hand

gripped her throat and he leaneddown enough to put his lips againsther ear.

“You don’t want to piss me off,little girl. My plan was to find youafter you fucked that creature, beatyou to a pulp and leave yourdestroyed body in that alley. Theywould have gotten the blame oncethat video was sent out. Gregorythinks you’re more useful as ourpress whore. Push me. Please. I hadmy heart set on making you into apunching bag.” He chuckled. “Ilove hearing screams.”

She stilled in his arms.He chuckled and continued up

the stairs. It was uncomfortable butshe didn’t dare complain. Brucewas a sadistic bastard who terrifiedher and was probably a serial killer.

He carried her up to the thirdfloor. It wasn’t a place she’dexplored on her only visit. A guardwaited up there and nodded atBruce as he opened the door. Theguy didn’t even glance her way ormeet her frantic gaze. There was nohope that he’d help her. Brucestepped inside the room anddropped her hard onto her feet. Theparting push was just for meanness.

She stumbled and turned. Brucegrinned. “The walls have been

soundproofed. Gregory bringsprostitutes here and doesn’t wantanyone to hear that he enjoys alittle kink with his sex.”

She wasn’t surprised at anythingGregory Woods was capable ofanymore. She’d thought he waskind of prudish but he was just evil.

“He was afraid reporters wouldbreach the grounds so the windowshave been sealed off. There is noescape. I’ll be posted at the door.You try anything and I’ll hang youfrom that ugly chandelier.” Hefisted his hands and weavedaround as if he were boxing. Hestopped and smoothed down his

jacket. “Understand? Nobody isgoing to care how bad I hurt you aslong as whatever outfit Mable pickshides the bruises.”

He backed out and left Vannistaring after him. She finally jerkedout of her horrified stupor and tooka good look at the room. Other thana massive bed it was empty. Thewindows were closed off. Hehadn’t lied about that. Thick boardshad been nailed over them. Sheinspected them and knew noamount of prying was going tounseal them.

She glanced at the bed andshuddered. No way was she going

near the place where Gregory hadsex with his paid women, especiallyif it involved violence. She sat onthe floor instead and hoped thatBeth would call the police whenshe got home after her outing withher sister.

Beth is going to know something iswrong. She had to have faith in that.She’ll call the police and they’ll comehere looking for me. I just have to keepit together until then.

Chapter Eight Smiley had never had an issue

with being called to Justice North’soffice but a sense of dread clung tohim. He entered and took a seatwithout being asked. Justice, Furyand Bestial were already present.

“What has happened now?” Heglanced at all three males. “I knowit isn’t good.”

“No.” Justice cleared his throat.“It’s not.”

“Is Vanni well?” Smiley couldn’tshake the fear that the drug mayhave harmed her.

Fury leaned forward and bracedhis elbows on his knees. “TheWoods Church is holding a pressconference this morning. PastorWoods is accusing you of druggingand raping his son’s fiancé. He’ssaying it happened in the humanworld so you should face humanlaws. He wants you charged andprosecuted in the human courts.”

Smiley hadn’t seen that coming.“I didn’t do it.”

“We know,” Bestial growled.“We need to find Vanni and

have her tell them we were bothdrugged.” Smiley stood. “Sheknows I wasn’t responsible.”

Justice stood. “She’s holding thepress conference with them. Iunderstand that you wished tobelieve she was innocent but it’sbecome clear she did drug you.They set you up and she was part ofit.”

Jericho entered and paused bythe door. “I’m sorry.”

Smiley turned his head andglared at him.

“You need to admit you werewrong about that female.” Sadnessflashed in his red-hued eyes asJericho took a deep breath andexpelled it. “I was hopeful for youbut she’s accusing you of a forced

breeding. She plans to stand infront of cameras and tell them youdrugged and harmed her.”

“There is good news,” Justicestated. “The video clip doesn’tsupport that. She was clearly thesexual aggressor.”

“They’ll use the drug to blameher behavior.” Fury sighed andshook his head. “This is a mess. Timwants to send a team to grab herbefore the news conference.”

“I told him no. It will only makeus appear as if we have somethingto hide.” Justice came around thedesk and stopped in front ofSmiley. “Regardless of how this

plays out, you are safe. They don’thave the right to come here todemand we deliver you to theirauthorities. We will fight this andprove it was them. It just mighttake time.”

“Why would anyone believe Iwould need to drug a female toshare sex?” Smiley’s temper flared.

“The Woods Church has alwaysstated we must drug or pay femalesto make them agree to be mountedby us.” Jericho snorted. “Tell thenews cameras to pan our gates andget shots of the females who showup here with signs asking us to takethem as mates.”

“Not the best strategy.” Justicesmiled though. “Some of them arefresh out of prison or believe they’dfind sanctuary here from whatevercrimes they are about to face. I readthe background checks on theregulars. We have our publicrelations people on this.”

“It would be better if ourresearch on Ms. Abris had foundsomething useful,” Fury said.“She’s clean.”

“You investigated Vanni’s life?”Smiley took a seat. “What did youdiscover?”

“She has two siblings. One ismated with two children and one is

a New York police officer with amate and one child. Her motherwas a full-time housewife, whileher father is retired. None of themhave criminal records. Travanniwas a good student, never introuble and everyone interviewedhad positive things to say abouther. She works as an executivesecretary in the same building asher fiancé. They met last year,dated and became engaged.” Justicepaused. “She pays her taxes, owesonly a few thousand dollars in debton credit cards and most of hercharges were for her upcomingwedding. We found nothing in the

statements that indicated anyillegal activity.”

“Those are some of the thingsshe told me. She didn’t lie.” Smileyfrowned. “Wouldn’t she have madeup a false background if she wishedto fool me?”

“Did she tell you she came withthe Woods Church?” Bestial cockedan eyebrow.

“No. She said it was a vacation.”The silence in the room agitatedSmiley. “You’re sure she’s going tosay I drugged her and was toblame?”

“It’s standard procedure fornews outlets to contact us when

someone is holding a pressconference regarding anything todo with the NSO. They want astatement in advance. We werecontacted by at least six majornetworks half an hour ago.” Justiceheld his gaze. “I’m sorry, Smiley.You have to remember that youwere just the unlucky Species shechose. It could have been any of usat the hotel.”

“Perhaps she suffered memoryloss.” Jericho stepped closer toSmiley.

He knew his friend was tryingto be kind. “They planned this. Theactual details after the drug is given

might be blurred but not the eventsleading up to it.” Smiley noticed adull ache in his chest but heignored it. As much as he hadwanted to believe Vanni, he had toface facts. Anger came next. “Whatdo we do?”

“Prove they were somehowbehind this.” Justice’s relaxeddemeanor disappeared. “That’swhat I’m having Tim work on. Isent him to Fuller Prison tointerview everyone we have fromDrackwood. That’s where they hadto have gotten the drug. We justneed to prove it.”

“Otherwise,” Fury growled,

“they’ll say it was a Species drugthat only Species had access to.”

“Is there any way I could speakto Vanni?” It was a long shot butSmiley hoped if anyone couldchange her mind, it might be him.She’d seemed goodhearted. “Icould call her and perhaps she’llreconsider.”

“We don’t know where to reachher until she arrives at the WoodsChurch to make her statement.”Fury held his gaze. “It will be toolate by then.”

“I thought we had maleswatching her. Couldn’t you haveone of them take her a phone? Just

ask her to speak to me?”“They lost her. She was evading

the press camped outside herapartment and managed to slip byall of them when her roommatetook out the trash. They werefocused on her. The only reason weknow she’s no longer at home isbecause her roommate attemptedto file a missing person’s reportwith the police last night and thenin frustration walked outside to tellthe reporters Travanni had gone tovisit her fiancé but hadn’t returnedhome.”

Smiley tensed. “What?”“She must have decided to stay

with him overnight. She hasn’treturned. Her roommate talked toreporters again two hours agoasking them to help her locateTravanni.” Justice shrugged.

The bad feeling returned. “Herroommate is asking for help to findher? Something is off.”

“That’s what her roommatestated to the reporters. She isworried Carl Woods may haveharmed Travanni,” Bestial stated.“She is obviously well enough tohold a press conference though. Wehave no idea what is going on withher.”

Smiley made a decision. “I want

access to the team outside Vanni’sapartment. I need to speak tothem.”

“It’s not a good idea.” Justiceshook his head. “It’s best if we letour public relations people and thelawyers deal with this. I’ll listen tothe Woods Church press conferenceand address it after I have ameeting with our people. We mightneed you there.”

“Contact me if you do.” Smileyleft the office and didn’t need toturn to know Jericho followed. Hestopped walking when they exitedthe building, spun and glared.“Why are you shadowing me?”

“What are you going to do?”Jericho sounded suspicious.

“Wait for Justice to call me.”“Bullshit. I know you too well.

What is your plan?”“I want to talk to her

roommate.”“That’s a bad idea.”Smiley didn’t care. His resolve

must have shown in his expression.Jericho reached into his back

pocket and withdrew a folded sheetof paper and then a cell phone.“Her name is Elisabeth and this isher number. This is a blockedphone. I knew you’d be irrational

but I’d want to do the same if Iwere you. Take them before Ichange my mind. Just rememberanything you say could be usedagainst us. She might be involved.”

“Why would she worry CarlWoods would harm Vanni? Thatimplies he’s a danger to her, notus.”

“I had that same question. That’swhy I copied the number from herbackground file and took one of ouruntraceable cell phones. The taskforce teams use them. This numberis for the apartment and I called ina favor. One of the team membersis going to text me if she leaves.

She’s still home.”Smiley moved behind the

building, out of sight, and glancedaround to make sure he was alone.Jericho waited at the corner,seemingly ready to interceptanyone who came that way. Smileyopened the paper and dialed thenumber. It rang four times before amachine with a computerized voicepicked up.

“Elisabeth, my name is Smiley.I’m—”

The phone was immediatelypicked up. “I know who you are.”She had a pleasant voice but itsounded stressed.

“I heard you were worriedabout Vanni. What happened?”

“Can you help me?”“Possibly. Why do you believe

she’s in harm’s way?”“She left yesterday to get her

belongings. Carl wouldn’t give backthe stuff she left at the hotel unlessshe returned his engagement ringin person. She never came homebut she would have if he hadn’tdone something to her. The policesaid they couldn’t look for her untilshe’s missing for seventy-twohours. I know something is reallywrong. Now the police told meshe’s talking to reporters with Carl

later today, implying she’s fine andto stop bugging them.”

“I’m aware.”“That’s bullshit! She wouldn’t

talk to the press. Hell, we’ve beenhiding in our apartment to avoidthem. They even offered her moneyto talk and she refused. Nobodybelieves me when I tell them Ithink Carl has done something toher.” She sounded as if she werecrying. “The police won’t do shit.”

“Do you know where shewent?”

“To his father’s vacation housebut I called there. The staff said sheshowed up but left with Carl in a

limo. I’ve called but he won’tanswer his cell. I even contacted hissecretary but she told me she hasn’theard from him directly butlearned that he’d passed hisupcoming cases to an associate. Hetold them it was because he neededto support his fiancé at this time.”She took a gasping breath. “Onlyshe isn’t going to marry him.”

Smiley leaned against thebuilding. “Are you sure? Perhapshe still wanted to marry her.”

“Bullshit! Vanni never lovedhim. I know my girl. He was nice toher and she’d dated a dickheadbefore him so boring seemed safe.

She was almost relieved it wasover. Sure, she felt guilty aboutwhat happened with you but notenough to go back to him or talk toreporters about anything. You haveto trust me. I know her.”

“What do you want me to do?”“Find her. She’s kind of naïve

about men. Carl was just too calmand reserved. That never bodeswell to me. Something isn’t rightwith that jerk. I’d bet my last dollarhe made her leave with him and isforcing her to talk to the reporters.She hasn’t called me. That alone ismaking me freak the hell out.We’re best friends. We tell each

other everything.”Smiley closed his eyes, trying to

take in all the information.“Including that she really likes

you,” she added.That snapped his eyes open.

“What?”“The only reason Carl would

want her to talk to the reporters isto say something bad about NewSpecies. I think he’s so far up hisfather’s ass it isn’t funny, regardlessof what he swore to Vanni. He keptassuring her he wasn’t part of thatchurch but he always does what hisdad asks. I mean, he stoppedsleeping with Vanni because his

dad thought it would look bad forhis son to have sex before thewedding. He said it was for hiscareer but I call bullshit. He’s alawyer, not running for mayor.Nobody cares if he’s sleeping witha woman or not. He’s a grown man,for god’s sake. His father says jumpand Carl asks him how high. It’slike he’s a ventriloquist doll for hisdaddy.”

“What is that?”“It’s a creepy doll that someone

sets on their lap and they pretendto speak for the doll. Freaky stuffbut that’s the kind of therelationship I suspect Carl has with

his father. Is that plain enough?Anyone with a brain would put afew barriers between their careerand that church if they didn’t wantto offend some clients but I thinkCarl is totally onboard with them.”

He understood. “I’ll do what Ican to find her, Elisabeth.”

“Call me Beth and thank you.Your number didn’t show up onthe caller ID. How can I get hold ofyou? I was afraid to call the NSObecause Vanni said you guysthought she might have druggedyou. That’s the stupidest thing Iever heard, by the way. She wokeup in the SUV and heard those

guards talking about arresting her.It’s bullshit.” Her anger rose withher voice.

“They were discussing havingher arrested?” He felt some angertoo. “That’s why she escaped?”

“Yeah! Duh. She was afraid ofbeing arrested for something shedidn’t do.”

“I’ll call you.” He hung up andstrode to Jericho. “We need to findVanni. Her friend believes she’sbeing forced to talk to thereporters.”

“Shit.” Jericho studied him.“Are you sure that’s not what youwanted to hear?”

“Her best friend is certain. Youknow me. Wouldn’t you bealarmed if I acted contrary tomyself all of a sudden?”

Jericho blew out a deep breath.“You have changed, Smiley. It’s justthat I know why. It’s the female.”

“She’s in trouble. I told Beth I’dlook for Vanni. Are you going tohelp me or not?”

“We need to go talk to Justice.”“Let’s do that.”

* * * * *Vanni clenched her fists and

glared at Mable. The older woman

returned the hostile look. Theacting coach was a woman whoshould have been a drill sergeantinstead. She issued orders with thesame ruthless tone she’d seen inmovies.

“Shoulders slouched, Travanni.You want to look beaten down anddepressed. You were raped.”

“I wasn’t.” She turned her angeron Gilda. “How many times do Ihave to say it? This isn’t aproduction of some play. This isbullshit. Did you see the guard youpassed at the door? I’m being heldagainst my will. Do you want to dosomething useful? Help me

escape.”Gilda frowned. “I don’t think

we used enough shadowing underher eyes.”

Vanni wanted to scream.“I’ll get my makeup bag.” Mable

marched into the half bath in thecorner of the room.

“Don’t you have any morals atall?”

Gilda shook her head. “This is awar.”

“I’ve heard that before. Withwho?”

“We’re fighting for our future.Those things are going to take over

the world and make us their pets.”“Did you take your meds

today?” Vanni doubted it.“I don’t take meds.”“Then go see a doctor. You need

them. You’re delusional andparanoid!”

“Shut up,” Mable snapped,returning from the bathroom. “Inever liked you.”

“It’s mutual.” Vanni jerkedaway when the older womanattempted to dot more makeupunder her eyes. “Stop that.”

“Do we need to call Bruce inhere?” Mable had made that threat

a few times. “He said he wouldhold you down if you gave us anytrouble.”

“He’s insane too.”“Did you ever think the one

with mental issues might be you?”Mable tried again to put themakeup on Vanni.

She backed away. “Me? You’rethe one who joined a cult.”

“Shame on you,” Mable hissed.“Pastor Woods is a prophet. Heknows what the future will bring.Those creatures are going to figureout how to multiply and createmore of them. They’ll lure idiotslike you into birthing their spawn.

Mark Pastor Woods’ words, thatday is coming. There will be moreof them than us. Let history be alesson. Look at what the white mandid to the Indians. They’ll spreadout and we’ll be the ones living onreservations.”

“Wow.” Vanni hadn’t heard thatone before. “Just wow.”

Gilda nodded. “We’re savingour race from extinction.”

“Are they going to make us petsor kill us? I’m kind of confused,”Vanni muttered sarcastically.“Which is it?”

“It’s what will happen.” Gildanodded vigorously. “First we’ll be

turned into livestock to breed theirevil spawn and then they’llslaughter us after they’ve built upan army of them.”

“I hate to point this out but um,wouldn’t that make their childrenmore human than New Species? Imean, try to be rational. They lookmostly human already.”

“Pastor Woods said otherwise.”Mable glared at Vanni again. “He’sthe smartest man I’ve ever met.Mark his words, they are going tobe the destruction of mankind if wedon’t send them back where theycame from.”

“Mercile Industries doesn’t exist

anymore. The company was shutdown.” Vanni wasn’t sure why shewas trying to talk logically withtwo idiots but it beat crying again.

“Then a new lab can containthem,” Gilda snapped. “Or theycould be put down if zoos don’twant them.”

“They aren’t creatures. They arepeople.”

Mable huffed, shooting adisgusted look at Gilda. “Stopwasting your breath on this one.She’s not listening. I told Carl shewasn’t good enough for him. MissSlut here had to go and chase afterone of those creatures.”

Gilda shuddered. “That’s so sad.I pity her. Don’t you? It must havebeen horrible.”

Vanni ground her teeth but heranger wouldn’t be contained. “Feelpity for yourselves. You’re the oneswith loose morals and you’restupid. I don’t even want to countthe laws you’re breaking by helpingGregory keep me prisoner. I’d stopworrying about what the NewSpecies plan to do and instead startfiguring out how much jail timeyou’re facing.”

Gilda frowned. “What are youtalking about?”

“You’re not getting away with

this,” Vanni promised.“Ignore her. Pastor Woods said

he’s taken care of it. She won’t daredo anything but exactly what hewants.” Her gaze locked withVanni’s. “I’m calling Bruce. Do youneed a reminder?”

“Fuck you, Mable.”“Bruce!” the bitch yelled.The door opened and the guard

stepped out of the way. Bruceentered the room. He wore a darksuit and a pissed-off look. “Is shegiving you trouble?”

“She’s making threats of jail.”He opened his jacket and

showed off his gun. “It would bethe last thing she does.”

“What are you going to do?Shoot me at the press conference?”Vanni’d had enough. “You can’tmake me stand up there and lie. Iwon’t do it.”

“You will.” He allowed hisjacket to close and withdrew hiscell phone. A few taps of his screenand he turned it toward her. Evenfrom five feet away she could makeout the photo. It was Beth takingout the trash. Bruce grinned. “Youdon’t care about your life? This wassent to me by one of my men. He’sgoing to drive over there again

when the press conference starts.You say anything besides what ison the cards put in front of you orfail to make it look convincing, he’sgoing to shoot your bitch of afriend.”

Vanni’s knees weakened but shekept upright.

“I also will have that packagedelivered to the NSO that wetalked about. Do you want to knowwhat that means? We’ll want youdead. They will want you dead.You won’t have anywhere to hideand one of us will take you out.”

“I hate you.” She said the wordssoftly but meant every one.

He backed out of the room andthe guard closed it. Mable beamed.“I knew he’d shut that foul mouthof yours. Now stand still and let mefix your makeup.”

Vanni froze, allowing it. Bethwas in danger. It was bad enoughthat they were threatening her life.That was something she waswilling to risk but not Beth’s. Shehad to get away before that pressconference started and warn her toget out of the apartment.

But how?

Chapter Nine “It’s time to go,” Mable

announced.“I’m going to be sick.” Vanni ran

into the bathroom and slammed thedoor. She didn’t rush for the toiletthough, but instead grabbedMable’s cosmetics bag. Therewasn’t much in it she could use butshe spotted a small travel-sizedhairspray. She shoved it down thefront of her shirt into the gapbetween her breasts, securing italong the center.

She flushed the toilet, hoping it

would mask the sound as sheshuffled around the contents of thebag, searching frantically for theeyeliner pencil. It was at thebottom. She tugged it out and hid itinside her underwear, hoping itwouldn’t fall out, then returned thesmall bag to the counter. She ranwater in the sink and opened thedoor.

Both Mable and Gilda stoodthere staring at her.

“False alarm. Gas.”“Disgusting,” Mable hissed.“I haven’t eaten. No one

bothered to feed me last night orthis morning. That’s probably a

good thing or I would be throwingup my guts. You people make mesick.” She moved away from thedoor and crossed the room,hugging her waist, hoping it wouldhelp keep the eyeliner in place. Shepressed her fingertips against it.

The door opened. Bruce and theother guard entered. “Let’s move.We don’t want to be late.”

Vanni meekly walked forward.She didn’t want to give either mana reason to touch her. They mightfeel her two stolen items. Brucetook the lead with the guard closeon her heels as they went downtwo flights of stairs and out the

front door to a waiting limousine.Bruce opened the passenger door.

“Get in.”Vanni didn’t have a plan but she

hoped she could get her hands onBruce’s gun and maybe holdGregory hostage. All she’d need todo then was take his phone and callBeth. Her next call would be to 9-1-1. The cops could take the gunaway after they arrived and she’dexplained why she had pointed it atthe jerk’s head.

Gregory wasn’t inside thelimousine. It was empty and herdesperate escape plan wasdestroyed. She climbed in and

moved toward the bar, wanting tobe far away from the big man whoclimbed in after her. Bruce sat inthe center of the bench seatbetween the two doors. She lookedout the window, watching theother guard enter the driver’s side.Privacy glass blocked the frontcompartment from the back. It waspossible Gregory was in thepassenger seat.

“We’ll be there in twentyminutes.”

“Great.” She hoped Brucerecognized sarcasm.

“Do you want to go over thecards one more time? I have a copy

of them in my pocket.”“No. Gilda covered it fine. I can

read them.”He grunted but didn’t reach for

his seatbelt when the enginestarted. She didn’t either. She hadtwenty minutes to escape thelimousine and find a phone. Vannitried to appear relaxed as she satback, casting sidelong glances atanything she could use for aweapon. The small plastic bottlewedged between her breastsseemed her best option. She couldblind him if she flung the contentsin his eyes but he was a big man.He sat between the only two exits.

She’d have to get past him to getout one of those doors.

“Nervous? Just read the damncards and act the way you weretold.”

She held his stare.“We’ll enter from the side of the

church and go directly to the frontwhere the press will be set up.Gregory and Carl are already there.Carl is going to take your arm andhold your hand. Allow it or so helpme, I’ll break your damn fingersone at a time. You’re still a coupleand you will pretend to be gratefulthat he’s standing by your sideduring this difficult time.”

Vanni clenched her teeth.“Get that damn look off your

face.”She lowered her gaze and

turned her head away. The smallbar contained a few glass bottles,drinking glasses and bottled water.Her attention lingered on the darkbottle of alcohol. “May I have adrink?”

“Fuck no. The last thing we needis for you to be drunk.”

“I meant the water.” Shepointed.

“No.”“Fine. My throat is dry. I’m sure

that will sound great when I’mtrying to read those cards andclearing my throat two dozentimes.”

“Drink the damn water. Justdon’t spill it on your outfit.”

She glanced down at the button-up white top. The neckline rose toher throat and it had long sleeves toher wrists. The black shapeless skirtfell almost to her ankles. Itreminded her of something aschoolteacher from the earlynineteen hundreds would haveworn. “God forbid. Does yourgrandma want it returned to her?”

“Shut the fuck up.”

She faked a cough, turned in theseat and stealthily removed thehairspray. She twisted the cap toloosen it and wedged the smallbottle between the seats to makesure it was hidden. The belt bucklefor the seatbelt stuck out and shehoped it blocked his view when sheleaned forward toward the bar.

“Water,” he reminded her.“I heard,” she muttered.She took a bottled water and

twisted the lid. It wasn’t a lie thather throat was dry. She took acouple of sips, glancing out thewindows. They’d left Gregory’sproperty and were driving through

a neighborhood of upscale homes.In less than a block they’d hit abunch of shops and restaurants. Thefreeway would be after that. It wassoon or never. She took another sip,sat back and dug down the side ofher skirt since her hip faced awayfrom him. She removed theeyeliner and used her thumb to flipoff the plastic cap.

The limousine made a turn andshe spotted the first shops. Theylined the streets close together andwould continue for two blocks tothe onramp to the freeway. Trafficslowed the car to a crawl. Shewatched Bruce from the corner of

her eye. He appeared relaxed. Sheglanced at her water and just let itgo. The plastic bottle hit the floorand water poured out.

“Whoops.”“Son of a bitch!” he yelled.

“Grab it.”She refused. “You.”He lurched forward and almost

fell out of the seat. She twisted thelid off the hairspray. The back of hisneck was exposed as he picked upthe plastic bottle, cursing about thewater all over the carpet in theexpensive limousine. She fisted theeyeliner pencil with her right handand grabbed the hairspray in her

left.Fear and anger drove her to stab

him with the pencil. Part of it duginto his skin before it broke. Heroared out in pain and grabbed athis injured neck, falling all the wayout of his seat. He turned his head,pure rage twisting his features. Sheshoved the hairspray at him andfrantically dumped all of it. Theliquid poured over his eyes and hetried to jerk away, squeezing themshut.

“You fucking bitch! I’m going tokill you.” He blindly fumbled at hissuit with one hand, while wipinghis eyes with the other.

Vanni stood, bent and grabbedone of the almost-full glass bottlesof booze. The fact that Bruce hadnearly tugged his gun out of theholster motivated her to swing theglass as hard as she could. Itsmashed over his head. He gruntedand the loud sound of the gungoing off at close range almostdeafened her.

He slumped and the driverapplied the brakes. She stareddown at the motionless man,shocked. Blood spread along histhigh where the bullet hadembedded. He’d shot himself.Horns honked and she looked out

the windows. They were holdingup traffic. The limo driver suddenlypunched the gas, almost knockingVanni on top of Bruce, who wassprawled at her feet.

She managed to use the bar infront of her and the ceiling to keepupright. The driver seemed to belooking for a place to park as thelimo slowed. Vanni dropped to herknees, landing on Bruce’s hand. Shedug into his jacket, avoiding thegun. She found the cell phone he’dused to torment her about Beth. Asan afterthought, she bent a littleover him and dug his wallet out ofhis pocket. She crawled to the door.

The second the limousinestopped, she shoved the door open,happy it wasn’t locked. Shestumbled out and was almost hit bya car. The driver honked his horn ashe slammed on the brakes,screaming obscenities.

She ran toward the sidewalk inthe opposite direction of the limoso the driver couldn’t rush afterher. He might throw it in reverse togive chase but he’d hit the manshe’d just pissed since his car was inthe way.

People stared as she ran. Sheturned her head when more hornsblared. The limo driver was out of

the car and she heard yelling. Shefaced forward, barely managed toavoid slamming into a pedestrian,and turned into one of the alleysbetween the buildings. She keptgoing until she glimpsed adumpster.

It was a good place to hide soshe got behind it. She was out ofbreath from her mad dash andleaned against the brick wall as shestudied the cell phone. Please don’tbe password protected! She tappedthe button and the screen lit up.She hit the phone icon and theWoods Church number displayed.She tapped again for the keypad

and it opened. Her finger trembledwhile she dialed home.

It rang four times until themachine picked up. God, please behome! It played the automatedmessage and beeped.

“Beth! Pick up the phone. Now,damn it.”

“Vanni?”She’d never been so relieved to

hear her friend’s voice. “Listen tome. You’re in danger. Gregory has aman on his way to our apartment.He’s going to kill you. Dial 9-1-1and wait for the police. Get outwhen they get there!”

“What?”“We don’t have time for this

shit. Grab your cell and dial 9-1-1.Do it!”

“Okay. What is going on?”“They kept me locked up. They

are going to kill you. I escaped sothat man is going to go after you.When the cops get there, you gostay with that guy who loves Elvis.Don’t say his name. You know whoI mean.”

“Are you okay? Hang on while Icall.” As she waited she heardBeth’s call to 9-1-1. “Yes. I have anemergency. I think someone isbreaking into my apartment.” Beth

rattled off the address. “I’m herealone. Send someone fast. He mighthave a gun.”

Vanni pulled her ear away fromthe phone, listening for any soundof the driver or Bruce. The alleywas quiet, the only noise comingfrom the traffic down the street.

“Vanni? Vanni?”“I’m here. Are the police on

their way?”“Yeah. What happened? Are

you okay? Did they hurt you?”“We don’t have time to talk. I

have to go. They are probablylooking for me. I’m okay so farthough. Dump your phone and go

to Elvis. I remember his address.Don’t trust anyone and tell myparents to get in the RV. They needto get out of town. I never took Carlto the cabin. He hates the outdoors.I don’t know if Gregory plans to goafter them next.”

“Are you serious?”“They are nuts. You have no

idea.”“I can guess. I told you

something was seriously wrongwith that family. I’ll meet you atElvis’ place. How long until youcan get there?”

“I can’t. I’m too far away.”Vanni peeked out from behind the

dumpster. She didn’t see anyonecoming down the alley. Yet.

“Tell me where you are and I’llcome get you.”

“It’s too dangerous.”“Bullshit,” Beth spat. “Where are

you?”“I’ve got a killer hunting for me

if that bullet to his thigh didn’tcripple him.”

“You shot someone?”“I don’t have time to explain.

Grab your shit and don’t open thatdoor until the cops arrive. Get outof there and leave your phone sothey can’t find you. Ditch your car

after you get a few blocks away andhave Elvis pick you up. I’mprobably being paranoid but theyhave money. Don’t use your cards.No trace, okay?”

“What are you going to do?”“I don’t know. I haven’t thought

that far ahead. I can call the policeand tell them everything.”

“Go to Smiley. The policewouldn’t even take a report when Itold them something was wrong.You need protection and Homelandis somewhere no one can get toyou.”

“He thinks I drugged him.”“He doesn’t. We talked.”

“What?”“You didn’t tell me he’s got such

a sexy voice. He—”“Fucking bitch!” Bruce yelled.

“Do you see her?”“No!” another man shouted. “I

think she disappeared somewherein this area though.”

“I gotta go. I’ll call you when it’ssafe.” Vanni hung up and madesure the ringer was off on thephone while she crouched behindthe dumpster. It would be her luckthat Beth called her back if Bruce’snumber showed on the caller ID.She shoved it between her thighsand stomach to muffle it if it

vibrated.Heavy breathing grew louder.

“I’m going to kill that bitch.” Brucewas close.

“You’re bleeding.”“My tie slowed it down.”“She’ll go to the police if we

don’t find that cunt.”“Gregory has that covered. Dr.

Barns is going to say she suffered anemotional break after her rape.He’ll go in after her and takecharge. She won’t be going to ahospital though. I’ll drop her off atthe morgue myself. Do you knowwhat it’s going to cost us if we haveto get her that way?” He seemed to

be breathing hard and sounded as ifhe were right on the other side ofthe dumpster.

Vanni closed her eyes, slowedher breathing and hoped he didn’tfind her.

“Maybe she ran down that otheralley. I’d keep booking it if I wereher.”

“Go left. I’ll go right. The bitchstole my phone and wallet.”

“Can you track it?”“Yeah. I just need a laptop to log

in to my phone account.”“There’s a laptop in the limo

under the passenger seat. I play

online games while I’m waiting todrive Gregory.”

“I’ll go use it. You check thealley. Give it four minutes and thenget your ass back to the limo. We’lltrack her that way.”

They separated because sheheard the driver run farther downthe alley and Bruce’s footstepsfaded as he headed back toward thelimo. Vanni opened her eyes andlooked down at the phone. Sheneeded to ditch it. She figured shehad about three minutes beforeBruce reached that laptop. It wouldtake time for the computer to loadand for him to log into the tracking

system. She had maybe fiveminutes tops.

She peeked out and moved onceshe was sure they weren’t withinsight. She went to the street, peeredaround the corner and saw Bruceabout sixty feet away. A group oftourists passed and she movedahead of them so they’d hide her ifhe looked back. She ducked into acoffee shop two stores down.

The waiting customer line waslong so she entered their unisexbathroom and locked the door. Herhands shook as she stared at thephone. Gregory had a doctor on hispayroll. Could they really just send

him into a police station to say shewas nuts and take her way? Itwasn’t a risk she was willing totake.

She dialed and got information.“New Species Homeland.” Shepushed the button to connect thenumber directly. It rang twice and apleasant male voice answered.

“Homeland. How may I helpyou?”

“I don’t have a lot of time. I’mbeing tracked. My name is TravanniAbris. I’m the one in the video onTV. I’m in trouble. I need to talk toSmiley. Gregory Woods is trying tomake me give an interview to the

press to tell lies about him and NewSpecies.”

“Right. Sure you are. Look, youcan’t talk to him and you’re thefiftieth Travanni that has called inthe past half an hour alone.”

She leaned against the lockeddoor. “Brass was with Smiley. Brassis a big guy, scary, and wears hishair in a ponytail. The medics wereShane and Ned. I escaped fromthem at a truck stop. I’m reallyTravanni Abris and I’m in trouble.Gregory Woods kept me prisoner athis vacation home. I just escapedfrom two of his guards and they aresearching for me. I stole a cell

phone they are tracing right now. Ihave to dump it or they’re going tofind me.”

The man’s voice deepened.“Where are you?”

She rattled off the address andthe name of the coffee shop. “I’mhiding in the bathroom. I can’t stayhere.” She bit her lip. “Can youhelp me?”

“We’ll send a team. Stay in thebathroom.”

“They could come in here andtake me.”

“Do you know a nearby safelocation?”

She didn’t know the town wellbut she’d seen a park on the otherside of the shopping center whenshe’d driven through it. It had beenmemorable because of the largestatues. “There’s a park. I can hidethere, maybe.”

“We’ll send a team. They can beto you within twenty-fiveminutes.”

“Okay. I have to ditch thisphone.”

She hung up and flipped it overbut she couldn’t find a place toremove the battery. She entered thestall and dropped it in the toilet. Itsank into the water.

Bruce had fifty-seven dollars inhis wallet. She memorized his fullname and where he lived. The cashwent into her pocket and shedropped the wallet into thetrashcan. She took a moment todump paper towels over the top tohide it from sight.

It was terrifying to unlock thedoor and step out of the bathroombut she was more afraid to stay putin case the signal from the phonewas still active. It would lead themright to her. The customer line wasstill long as she eased out of theroom and glanced through the bigwindows at the street. Bruce and

the driver weren’t within sight soshe approached the door, lookingfor them. Only strangers passed asshe exited.

She turned and walked quickly,trying to stay with groups. Shewished she could change herclothes but all the clothing shopslooked expensive. Fifty-sevendollars wasn’t going to get her anoutfit.

She passed a T-shirt shop,paused, glanced at a sale sticker andentered. The friendly teen grinned.“Hi! Is there anything I can helpyou with?”

“Just browsing.”

She quickly assessed the racksand grabbed a baggy black T-shirt.It was on sale and she didn’t eventake the time to look at what wasprinted on the front. She moved tothe back of the store where theyhad men’s cotton shorts. Shegrabbed a medium that wasmarked down to ten bucks andstrode to the counter. They hadcheap flip-flops and caps. Shesnagged black ones, droppingeverything on the counter.

The girl rang her up. Vanniwinced, handing over most of thecash. “Do you mind if I changehere? I’m running late for a

workout session with my personaltrainer. I can’t exercise in this.”

“Did you go to a funeral?” Thegirl gave her a sympathetic look.

Vanni looked down at thehorrible shirt and skirt. “Yes.”

“I’m sorry. I lost my uncle lastyear. Who did you lose?”

She picked up her purchases.“Someone I barely knew.” That waspartially true. She’d been wrongabout Carl and he might as well bedead to her.

“There’s a bathroom rightthere.”

The skirt and shirt went into the

trashcan and she put on the loose,ill-fitting clothes. Her hair wasalready up so she just pulled thecap over it, hoping it would helpher blend. The heels followed thediscarded outfit into the trash. Shestepped into the flip-flops andexited the bathroom.

“Thanks!”She didn’t wait for the girl to

respond or comment if she noticedVanni wasn’t carrying her thingsout with her. She checked thesidewalk, didn’t see the limo, Bruceor the driver. She tucked her chin,kept her head down and blended inwith the crowds traveling in the

direction of the park.

* * * * *Smiley had been in Justice’s

office arguing his case to search forVanni when Flirt rushed in.

“Travanni Abris just called ourmain line.” He held a phone. “Idownloaded the recording.” He hitplay. Everyone listened to theexchange.

“We have to get her.” Smileywanted to rush out the door and goto the helipad immediately. Thatwas the fastest way to reach her.“Call the pilot to start the

helicopter.”Flirt glanced at him. “Already

done.”Justice frowned. “It could be a

trap.”“You heard the fear in her

voice,” Smiley snarled. “Let’s gether. They held her against her will.It was just as her friend said. She isin trouble.”

Fury stood. “I’ll go.”“No, I will.” Justice rose from

his seat and opened his top drawer,withdrawing a holster and gun.“She briefly met me at the hotel. Iwant her to see a familiar face. Youheard what Smiley had to say about

what she may have overheard inthe SUV on her way to Homeland.She might believe we have sent ateam to arrest her if we just sendthem to her location. I don’t wanther to run if she really is introuble.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Furyprotested. “I’ll go with the team. Itmight calm her just seeing a Speciesface.”

“I’m going.” Smiley surgedforward.

Fury leveled him with a coldstare. “No. It could be a trap to lureyou there. You going after herwould make you appear guilty of

their charges. They’ll say youarrived to prevent her fromspeaking to the press.”

“That’s another reason I’mgoing. I’ll handle the press if theyare lying in wait to see if we show.”Justice clipped on the holster andyanked his jacket off the back of thechair. He stared at Flirt. “I assumeyou asked for a team to assemble atthe helicopter?”

“Yes. I wanted them on standbyin case you decided to pick up thefemale.”

“At least allow me to ride in thehelicopter. I won’t get out.” Smileyneeded to be there. Fury and Justice

worried it was a trap but he didn’tbelieve that. She’d sounded sofrightened in the recording.

“No.” Justice approached himand gripped his shoulder. “You’retoo emotional and that’s the lastthing we need. We’ll bring her heresafely if her story checks out. Youcan see her then.”

He wanted to protest but Justicespoke again before he could.

“We can argue or I could go tothat helicopter, getting it in the airfaster to reach her. Which is itgoing to be?”

“Go,” Smiley ground out.Justice and Flirt strode out of the

office and Fury sighed.“I hope it’s not a trap.”“She’s in trouble.” Smiley was

certain.Fury’s gaze held his. “I hope so

for all of our sakes. I don’t knowthe female but I really detest theWoods Church. Do you wish to goto Security with me? We’ll monitorthe situation from there. The teamwill stay in constant contact withus.”

“Yes.” Smiley at least wanted aminute-by-minute update if hecouldn’t be there.

Chapter Ten Vanni craned her neck, peering

around the large bear statue she hidbehind. The street wasn’t too faraway and the limo had passedtwice. Bruce and the driver werehunting her and she was afraidthey’d find her before the NSOarrived. She wished for a watch buthad to guess at how much time hadelapsed since her frantic phone callto Homeland.

What if they don’t come? It was ascary thought. What if they arecoming to arrest me? That was a real

possibility if Gregory made good onhis threat to hand over that vialwith her fingerprints on it. Sheleaned against the front leg of thelarge white statue and hugged herwaist.

It all boiled down to her beingmore afraid to call the police. Brucewouldn’t have bluffed aboutGregory having a doctor on hispayroll since he hadn’t known shewas close enough to overhear theplan. She’d end up sounding asinsane as the doctor would claim ifshe ranted about an entire churchout to get her.

Her purse was still at Gregory’s

vacation home. Though she had nomoney, no identification and no carshe refused to risk putting Beth indanger by asking her to come pickher up. Bruce knew what her bestfriend looked like. She shivered,imagining how terrible it would beif he spotted Beth. He might shoother on sight.

Beth said she had talked toSmiley. She knew Beth wouldn’thave urged her to contactHomeland unless she thought itwould be okay. What was said? Shepeered out at the street again.There was no limo but no SUVswere in sight either.

“Where are you?” It had to havebeen twenty-five minutes. Itseemed as though it had beenhours. It was the fear andadrenaline. She leaned back andlooked up at the sky. It wasgrowing warmer by the second.The shade of the big statue kept herout of direct sunlight but it wouldbe a long day if the NSO didn’tshow. She’d be too afraid to makeher way across the park until it gotdark. Bruce didn’t seem the type togive up easily.

Maybe he’ll bleed to death. It wassomething to hope for. At somepoint he’d need to seek medical

attention. She doubted he’d go to ahospital though, unless he blamedher for being shot and wanted tocause her grief by reporting it. Thatwas a grim concept. The policewould be searching for her too. Shepictured the headlines in her head.Deranged woman shoots poorbodyguard who was trying to get herhelp. She snorted.

A distant sound caught herattention and she peered up at thesky again. Her heart rate increasedwhen she realized what it was. Thehelicopter neared and she spotted itover a line of trees. It was blackwith white lettering on the side.

She squinted against the sunbehind it but was pretty sure itspelled out three letters—NSO.

“They came,” she muttered andpushed away from the statue.

The helicopter flew closer andshe lifted her arms, waving to getthe pilot’s attention. He seemed tohave spotted her since it changeddirection. Her exuberance dimmeda lot though when the wind fromthe blades ripped off her hat andthe loud engines almost deafenedher when it lowered about ahundred feet away on the grassbetween the line of trees and thebig bear. She threw up her hand to

protect her eyes and waited until ittouched the ground.

The side door opened and fourblack-clad, uniformed men jumpedout. The assault rifles cradled intheir arms didn’t bode well for afriendly welcome. They spread outfast, dropped to one knee andpointed the weapons outward as ifthey were expecting an attack.None of the muzzles were aimed ather though.

A figure in a suit climbed outlast and he kept his head tuckeduntil he passed the moving blades.Vanni recognized him andstumbled forward, unsure if she

should approach Justice North orflee in the opposite direction. Hisdark gaze locked on her and shecouldn’t miss the grim set of hismouth.

She paused and waited until hehalted before her. “You came!” Shehad to yell.

He glanced around, speakingloudly enough for her to hear,“Come with me. You’ll be safe.”

She shifted a little to lookaround him at the helicopter. Shehad hoped Smiley would come toget her but he wasn’t there.

“We can’t stay on the groundlong. We didn’t get permission. The

police will arrive soon and probablynews crews.”

She swallowed hard. They’dcome at her request and it wasn’t asif she had any other options. Ahelicopter landing in a park woulddraw a lot of attention. She turnedher head and looked at the street.Cars were stopping and peoplerushed out of the stores to stare.She faced Justice North andnodded.

He reached out his hand and shetook it. He had warm skin thatreminded her of Smiley. Shefollowed when he tugged gently.Her legs trembled and the sound of

the helicopter wasn’t exactlysoothing. She’d never flown in onebut Bruce could show up at anysecond if they were still in the area.

Justice tucked his head and ledher to the open helicopter door. Hereleased her hand and she grippedthe floor of the cargo area, unsurehow to climb in. It was higher thanshe imagined one would be. Thatdilemma was solved when Justicegripped her hips and just lifted her.She grabbed at one of the seats andscrambled inside. It wasn’t gracefulbut she was in. His entry made itlook easy when she fell into a seatand watched him. He just put his

hand on the floor and kind ofjumped. He motioned her to scootover and she did.

The four uniformed men roseand returned to the helicopter.They were inside in seconds andthe door slammed. It didn’t mutethe engines or blades by much.Justice sat next to her and handedher a belt. He pointed over her lapto the other side and she glanceddown. She strapped in and watchedhim do the same. One of theuniformed men sat next to him onhis other side while three of themsat opposite.

She stared at their guns since

their faces were covered withtinted full-face shields attached tohelmets. They all wore NSOpatches on their Kevlar vests. Thehelicopter lifted off and shemoaned in response to the queasyfeeling the motion caused. Theentire thing seemed to sway backand forth for a few seconds. Shelooked out but regretted it as theylifted higher than the treetops.

Justice touched her arm and shestarted. She turned to him and heheld out chunky headphones,motioning for her to put them on.She accepted them and watchedhim put on a matching set. He even

showed her how to push the micclose to her mouth. She followedhis example.

“Can you hear me?”His voice came out clearly in the

headphones against her ears. “Yes.”“You look unwell. This mode of

transportation is safe. Don’t lookout the windows if you arebothered by heights or fast motions.Just focus on me.”

“Okay.” She kept her gazelocked with his. He had pretty eyesand the grim expression in themhad faded.

“I’m Justice. Do you rememberme from the hotel?”

“I do.”“You don’t look well, Travanni.

Do you need medical attention? Wecan have our doctors standing bywhen we land.”

“It’s probably just the makeup.I’m okay. Scared but okay.” Shesealed her lips. She was nervousand didn’t want to babble. He wasJustice North. Her fate was in hishands.

“There’s no need to befrightened. Can you tell me whyyou called us?”

“I was held against my will atGregory Wood’s vacation home lastnight. They were planning to force

me to say Smiley drugged me.” Shelet the story come pouring out. Shebabbled after all but it kept herdistracted from the horrible waythe helicopter bounced around. Herfingers dug in to the seat tightlyenough that she worried she mightdo damage to the leathery material.

“I didn’t drug Smiley,” sheswore. “They said they paid thebartender to do it. That Bruce guyput on gloves, withdrew a glass vialand forced my fingertips against it.They put it in a plastic bag soGregory could frame me if I didn’tsay what he wanted.” Tears filledher eyes. She really wanted him to

believe her.He scowled. “We ran

background checks on all theemployees. The bartender workedseveral shifts with other Species inhis bar without incident. That’swhy we assumed it was you. Theteam said you walked directly toSmiley when you entered the bar,as if you targeted him.”

“I didn’t even realize he wasNew Species until after I sat down.Gregory said you have graveyardsfull of bodies at Homeland andReservation. Please don’t kill me.”

“We don’t kill females.” Hereached out and hesitated before

patting her knee. It was acomforting gesture. He stoppedafter two taps. “That male says a lotof things about us that aren’t true.”

“Gregory also said they paidsome woman to sit by Smiley butshe was running late or something.Instead, I showed up and interferedwith their plan. It was just bychance that I chose to sit there. Iwouldn’t ever drug someone. Ineed you to believe me. I hate theWoods Church and everything theystand for.”

“Why were you at the hotelwith them then?”

“Carl told me he wanted to

make it up to me that we weren’tspending any time together. Heworks a lot. I thought it was justgoing to be the two of us for aromantic weekend. Instead, afterwe got there, he lays it on me thathis father is paying us to attend. Iwanted to leave but I didn’t havemy car. Carl tricked me and then Ifelt stuck.”

“Why would his father payyou?”

“The media was giving his dadgrief because Carl and I neverattend his church or go to socialevents with him. That was a goodthing in my mind since Gregory

and I never got along. I guessGregory figured it would makethem stop if we were his guests.Carl was fixated on the money andkept telling me we could have abetter wedding if I’d just keep mymouth shut and smile for pictures.It’s been a constant argument withus since we started planning ourwedding. It’s traditional for thebride and her family to pay and thegroom springs for the reception. Hewanted four hundred guests butthe chapel I could afford only seatsa hundred. I absolutely refused toget married at his father’s church.He offered that but it was a deal

breaker for me.”Justice opened his mouth as if he

intended to speak but then closedit.

“Carl said his dad was going topay us fifty grand to be at the hotelto take pictures with him. Carlstarted guilt-tripping me into juststaying for a few days. I shouldhave left. Let’s just say I got to see awhole new side of my ex and Ididn’t like it one bit. I’m glad theengagement is off.”

He grimly regarded her. “Doyou know why they drugged youtoo? It would have been moreeffective if they’d just heavily

dosed one of our males. He wouldhave attacked any female near him.That would have been horrific. Youexperienced a milder version of thedrug but full dosage of even thatdrug would have made Smileydeadly.”

“Gregory said he wanted avictim to parade around in themedia to keep the story active. Hewas afraid the NSO would sweep itunder the rug otherwise byblaming Mercile Industries.”

“That male is deranged.”“Tell me about it. I just got an

up-close-and-personal experiencewith how nuts he truly is. His

church members think he’s somekind of messiah who can predictthe future. I’m still confusedwhether they just think NewSpecies are going to take over theworld or believe they plan toslaughter everyone. I don’t eventhink they can decide.”

“Why would we kill others? Welock ourselves behind secured gatesto protect our people from the outworld. They come after us, not theother way around.”

“I know. I follow the news.”He grew quiet and she lowered

her gaze to her lap. Mr. Northseemed really nice and she hated to

repeat any of the garbage Gregoryor his members had shared.

“They plan to send us a vial withyour fingerprints then?”

She looked up. “Yes. I swear Ididn’t drug myself or Smiley. It wasthe bartender.”

“It makes sense. You were theonly female to go near our male butthe bartender was the one to mixthe drinks. He had no criminalrecord and showed no hatred for usduring his interactions with ourgroup.”

“There’s always a first time,right?”

He cocked an eyebrow.

“You know, every bad guy wasonce good until he crossed a line. Idon’t think they come out of thewomb being assholes.”

His expression cleared and hesmiled. “I like you, Vanni. I see whySmiley was so adamant aboutdefending your innocence.”

That news surprised her. “Hewas?”

“Yes. He’s protested ourassumption that you dosed him butyou have to admit thecircumstances made you appearguilty. You had no form ofidentification on you that night andyou weren’t registered at the hotel.

Then you escaped the SUV takingyou for medical treatment atHomeland.”

“I was afraid I was going to bearrested for something I didn’t do.That’s why I ran away.”

“I understand. We’ll be atHomeland soon. I need to contactthem so I’m switching broadcastsignals to a secure one with theNSO. Just tap me if you need tospeak and I’ll switch to the short-range one we use to communicatein the helicopter so our signalsdon’t travel.”

“Thank you.”She made the mistake of turning

in her seat and staring out thewindow. The helicopter flew highand fast, the ground far enoughaway to assure her they’d die if itcrashed. It made the swayingsensation worse.

I hope we get there soon or I’mgoing to throw up. Good thing Ihaven’t eaten anything today.

* * * * *Smiley paced the floor. The pilot

had radioed in that they’d pickedup Vanni and she seemedunharmed. Justice had notcontacted Security though, and it

drove him insane.“Relax,” Fury ordered. “We

knew he planned to speak to her.”“He should have broadcast it.”Jericho shook his head. “What if

our channels are breached? It couldhappen. It’s safer if any of thedetails Justice learns from her aresecure.”

At the moment, Smiley hatedlogic. They didn’t want anyone toknow Vanni was on her way toHomeland or the news houndswould swarm the gates. The WoodsChurch press conference shouldhave started already but they didn’thave Vanni anymore. He glanced at

the clock.“It was delayed.” Fury seemed

to guess where his thoughts hadturned. He lifted his cell phone andflashed the screen to show the textmessages. “We have someone fromthe task force team there workingas a cameraman. Preacher Woodssaid their star witness is stuck intraffic.” He smirked. “They areprobably still searching for her.”

“As if they could find her.”Flame chuckled.

“It’s not amusing,” Smileysnapped, his temper flaring. “Shecould have been harmed.”

“You’re right.” Flame schooled

his expression. “But she is fine. Thepilot didn’t request medicalassistance to be waiting at thehelipad. I apologize. We’ve all beenstressed about this situation. It’sjust a relief that she’s on her wayhere instead of talking to thereporters.”

Smiley nodded. He was relievedabout that as well. To hear Vannisay bad things about him ontelevision would have been anordeal he didn’t want to suffer. Thefemale had gotten under his skinand he cared about her welfare. Itmattered to him how she viewedhim.

“Incoming message,” Bluebirdcalled out. “From the helicopter.”

Everyone stopped talking whenthe speakers broadcast Justice’svoice. “Hello?” It sounded a littlemuffled.

“It’s not a clear transmission,”Fury informed him.

“Understood. I’ll text the info.”“Communications ended,”

Bluebird muttered.“He’s texting me,” Fury

announced while staring at hisphone. For long minutes he readthe screen and typed responses. Hefinally looked up and met Smiley’sanxious gaze.

“He has her and they are tenminutes out. She’s well. He wants ameeting in his office.”

“I’d like to be there when theyland.” Smiley wanted to be one ofthe first faces Vanni saw.

Fury frowned. “Justicerequested you stay away for now.”

That angered Smiley. “Why?”“He doesn’t want her in a more

stressful situation. Justice requestedyou keep your distance. You aren’tinvited to the meeting.”

“No. I’m going. This involvesme.”

“She’s not in any trouble,

Smiley.” Fury shoved his phoneinto his pocket. “Justice believes shewasn’t the one who drugged you.We need to get more answers andyou’ll be a distraction.”

“She’ll be frightened.”“We’re not throwing her into an

interrogation room. She’ll be takenby Justice to his office. I’ll be thereas well. He wants to limit herinteraction with Species right now.He said she’s a little stressed by theentire situation.”

“I really need to be there.”“The last time you saw her was

when she was drugged and youshared sex.” Fury lowered his voice.

“It might not be a pleasant memoryfor her. We need her as stress-freeas possible. Don’t you want to makecertain she’d like to see you? Wecan’t be sure she does. We’veoffered her sanctuary from theWoods Church and all harm.”

“I’d never hurt Vanni,” Smileyburst out. It was insulting to beexcluded. “I’m the one who knewshe wasn’t a threat to the NSO.”

“It appears you were correct.We’re just asking for time to learnanswers and then we’ll ask her ifshe’d like to see you. Is that toomuch to ask? You seem to careabout this female. Aren’t her

wishes more relevant than yours?”“Of course.”“We’d also like Medical to

examine her. She might be morecomfortable without you hoveringnearby. I promise I’ll call youmyself if she requests you bepresent.”

Smiley still wanted to protestbut what if Vanni didn’t want tosee him? It angered him and worse,it made his chest ache. “Fine. I wantupdates though.”

“You’ll have them. Why don’tyou work? That will pass the time.”

Smiley spun away before he saidsomething he’d regret and stormed

out of Security. It was tempting toignore orders and just show up atthe helipad to greet Vanni. Herefrained though, because Fury hadmade a good a point. He might bethe last male she wished to see afterwhat had happened between them.

He bypassed the vehicles andsprinted off toward the north wall.He knew the helicopter fly zonesand at least wanted to watch it passover to make certain she arrivedsafely at Homeland. A few mileslater he was out of breath when hestopped at the wall. The male aboveshifted his hold on his weapon andremoved his helmet.

“Is something wrong?” Slashpeered down at him from above.

“I’m relieving you.”The male arched his eyebrows.

“No one told me.”“Just do it.”“Is this about the female?”Smiley ground his teeth in

frustration. “Yes.”“We got word they are flying in.

Aren’t you going to meet thefemale when they land? You’re farfrom her here.”

“I was told to stay away.”The male set his weapon and

helmet down. He leapt, landing in

a crouch a few feet away. The felinestraightened and stared at him withnarrowed eyes. “You’re angry.”

“Wouldn’t you be?”“She requested you not go near

her?”“Justice and Fury did.”“Why?”“They want to question her.”“You’re going to allow it? You

could do what True did and justrefuse to allow them access to her.They had True ask Jeanie questionsand interview her himself.”

“Why does everyone keepbringing that up?”

Slash hesitated and then smiledslowly. “It was brave and it workedfor him. True got to keep thefemale. Perhaps that’s why youwere asked to stay away. Theysuspect you could do that as well.”

It wasn’t as if he hadn’tconsidered just grabbing Vanni andkeeping her away from otherSpecies. They hadn’t taken Jeaniefrom True. Darkness had stood upfor the male and threatened thetask force team with violence ifthey tried to interfere. He’d alsohad support from other Specieswho’d known her from captivity.Vanni was an unknown to all but

him.“I don’t want to traumatize her

if she doesn’t wish to see me. Shemight not want to.”

“But you want to see her.”“I do but I won’t force the

issue.”“Smart.” Slash nodded. “Need

help up the wall? I’ll let them knowwhere you are and that you’vetaken my place.” He touched hisradio.

Smiley pointed at the tree. “I’vegot it.”

“It’s been quiet.”“Good.”

Slash turned and walked away,disappearing behind some largebushes. Smiley walked over to thetree next to the wall and started toclimb. He had to jump from abranch to the top of the wall thatsurrounded the perimeter ofHomeland. The four-foot-widewalkway ended in a waist-highbarrier. He picked up the discardedassault weapon and helmet, puttingthe latter on. He fixed his attentionon the out world. Nothing movedas far as he could see.

His gaze lifted to the sky. Vanniwould be flying over soon withJustice. It seemed like forever

passed before the sound of theapproaching helicopter drew hisattention. It flew overhead and heturned, watching it land near thecenter of Homeland.

Vanni had arrived. He turnedhis back and kept a close eye on theground for movement. The lastthing he wanted was an attack togo down while Vanni visited theNSO. He was angry enough at thatmoment to kill anyone who daredtry to breach the wall in his section.

Chapter Eleven Vanni hated the way her

stomach grew queasier when theyfinally reached Homeland. It mighthave been caused by not havingeaten all day but nervousnessmixed with the helicopter rideseemed more logical. Justice Northsmiled encouragingly when shelooked at him. The helicopterlanded and the uniformed guardsopened the door. He motioned herto follow him.

Justice exited but then reachedup to assist her down. Her anxietyincreased when she glanced around

the area. At least a dozenuniformed New Species stared ather, minus the helmets with tintedface shields. Their grim expressionsweren’t welcoming or friendly. Shefollowed Justice to a waiting Jeep.

“Take the passenger seat.”She climbed in but tensed when

two large New Species got in theback. Justice slid into the driver’sseat.

“I’m taking you to my officefirst. It will give my people time toprepare guest quarters for you andwe still have a few questions.”

“Okay.” It wasn’t as if she couldprotest.

The drive was short but theypassed a lot of New Species on thestreet. They turned to peer at her asthe Jeep passed. It made her self-conscious and she second-guessedher decision to call the NSO. She’dnever felt so out of place before inher life. Justice parked in front ofan office building and she climbedout.

“This way.” He waved hertoward the front doors where twointimidating New Speciesprotected the entrance. The twoguards from the rear of the Jeeptook positions behind her. It madeher feel as if she were under arrest.

Fear inched up her spine and shestruggled to remain calm.

“Where is Smiley? Is he here?”She wasn’t sure if she wanted to seehim or not but a familiar face mighthelp.

“We weren’t certain if youwanted to see him. He’s currentlyon duty.”

“Oh.”“We can arrange for him to visit

you later if you wish.”Vanni just nodded, keeping pace

with Justice. They entered areception area and she got her firstlook at a New Species woman. Thedark-haired, tall woman rose from

behind her desk. “Jessie is in heroffice if you want a female presentto make that one morecomfortable.”

“Tell her I said thank you buteverything is fine. Vanni, pleasefollow me.”

Vanni smiled at the woman butreceived a frown in response. Herdark gaze wasn’t pleasant either.She hustled to follow Justice. Twomen waited inside, both seated on acouch. They rose to their feet whenshe entered.

“This is Fury and Slade.”She couldn’t help but gawk at

Fury. She’d recognize him

anywhere after all the newscoverage of the press conferencethat had turned violent. For weeksfootage had been shown of himsaving the woman he loved byscooping her into his arms andrunning for safety after a gunmanhad opened fire. He’d been shotprotecting Ellie. The couple hadbecome an icon of true romance toa lot of women. “It’s an honor tomeet you,” she managed to get out.

His eyes widened but hestepped forward and offered hishand. “Thank you. I think.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that you’reFury.” She managed to offer her

trembling hand.He had a firm grip and a brisk

handshake. “I am.”Vanni sealed her lips to avoid

embarrassing herself further byhaving a fan-girl moment. Sheturned her attention on the secondguy. He appeared to be canine withjet-black hair and striking blue eyes.He nodded but didn’t offer hishand.

“Why don’t you sit, Vanni?”Justice rounded his large desk andindicated she should take a seat inone of the leather chairs.

She gratefully collapsed into thenearest one. Justice took the lead.

“Vanni didn’t willingly offer toparticipate in the Woods Churchpress conference. They held heragainst her will and made threats.Have you heard anything regardingtheir current status?”

“We did.” Fury resumed hisseat. “They have delayed speakingto the press. We’ve gotten a lot ofcalls asking for comments. TheWoods Church looks bad after notdelivering what they promised.”

“Good.” Justice reached up andloosened his tie. “Tell them whodrugged you and Smiley, Vanni.”

She swallowed and held Fury’sdark gaze. He had nice eyes and he

didn’t glare at her. “The bartender.Gregory said they paid him to do itand he even told me the name ofthe drug.”

Justice growled softly and Vanniglanced at him, alarmed. He lookedfurious. “You didn’t tell me thatpart.”

“Sorry. Gregory said they paidsomeone almost seven hundredthousand dollars for B-47. He didn’ttell me the actual drug name butthat’s what he called it. He saidsomething about a batch and hemade it clear that he didn’t thinkmuch of the guy he bought it from.He never said a name.”

“The bartender worked there forthree years with never anycomplaints against him. I double-checked all employee records foranyone working in the room at thetime of the incident.” Sladeremoved his cell phone from hisshirt pocket. “I’ll text Tim to pickhim up.”

“Do that,” Justice agreed.“Quietly.”

“Of course.” Slade focused onhis phone.

Justice cleared his throat. “Areyou well, Vanni? You’re pale.”

“I’m out of my element,” sheadmitted. “Am I under arrest? I

swear I didn’t know anything aboutwhat they planned to do at thehotel. I only found out about thebartender and all that last nightafter Carl and his father refused tolet me leave.”

“You’re not our enemy. We’rewilling to believe you and you’recurrently our guest at Homeland.”Justice’s words were comfortinguntil he spoke again. “Unless wediscover you’re lying to us.”

“I’m not. Everything I’ve toldyou is the truth.”

“We’ll get to the bottom of it,”he promised.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have come

here. I saw the way some of yourpeople looked at me.”

“The Woods Church has beenunkind to the NSO and we weren’tcertain if you were a member ornot. Word will get out why you’rehere and they’ll warm to you.”Justice paused. “I am curious aboutsomething. Why haven’t they usedSmiley’s name yet? It hasn’t beenmentioned at all during any of thetelevision coverage.”

“Bruce asked me his name thismorning but I lied to him. I toldhim I didn’t remember. He didn’tbelieve me but then those horriblewomen showed up so he didn’t

have time to force me to talk.” Shewent into more detail about herordeal before her rescue. “I told mybest friend to get lost and asked herto tell my parents to do the same.You don’t think Gregory will havesomeone go after my sister orbrother, do you? They are in otherstates.”

“We can send out teams tosecure them if you wish. They’ll berelocated to a nice hotel and put inprotective custody.”

She hesitated. A week beforeshe’d have laughed if someone hadinferred that Gregory was a dangerto her life and to the people she

loved most. She’d never haveguessed he was capable ofeverything he’d done so far.“Please. I’m worried about them.My sister is home alone with hertwo kids while her husband is atwork. I don’t worry that muchabout my brother since he’s a copand I know they live in a verysecure building. Beth is fine whereshe is and so are my parents.Gregory won’t be able to findthem.”

Justice withdrew a pad from adrawer and pushed it across thedesk with a pen. “Write downdirections so we can reach your

siblings. I give you my word theywill be comfortable and secure.”

She wrote down her brother’sand sister’s addresses. Her parentswould have fled to her father’s bestfriend’s cabin. They vacationedthere every summer. She pushedthe information across the desk toJustice and returned the pen.

“Thank you.”Slade approached and lifted the

pad. “I’m on this.” He left.“We need to stop the rumors the

Woods Church has created,” Furystated.

Justice nodded and stared atVanni. “They informed every press

outlet that you were going toannounce you’d been drugged andraped by a Species male. They wantSmiley prosecuted in your humancourts.”

“That was on the news?” Ithorrified her. “That’s not true!”

“We’re aware.”“Gregory is insane. Around-the-

bend, toss-a-net nuts.” She sighed.“I never liked him but Carl seemedso different from his father. I’vehad my eyes opened. Carl doeswhatever his father tells him to do.He just walked out and left methere with his father and Bruce. Hecould never have cared about me at

all to be able to do that. They seemobsessed with destroying NewSpecies at any cost.”

Justice’s features softened.“Gregory Woods and his followerstruly hate the NSO. We try not totake it too personally. Perhaps youshould do the same. You weren’tthe female they meant to drug.”

Vanni couldn’t follow hisadvice. It was personal, at leastafter she’d been held prisoner andthreatened. Carl had sworn heloved her but he hadn’t batted aneyelash when she was in danger.She wanted to get back at them andmake them pay for what they’d

done.“Do you need me to speak to the

reporters?” She hugged her waist.“I’ve avoided them since the videowas plastered all over the TV butI’ll do it if it clears Smiley’s name.”Her parents would flip out if theyheard that on the news. Theywould wonder if she’d lied aboutthe limited details she’d sharedwith them about that night. It hadbeen easier to allow them toassume she’d just drank too muchand hooked up with someone in abar.

Fury spoke. “I’ve been on thephone with our public relations

team all morning. I informed themVanni was on the way to us andthey recommended no directcontact with the media where theycould ask her questions.”

“Wise advice.” Justice nodded.“They can be brutal.”

“Miles suggested an outing withthe two of them but keep the pressat a healthy distance. They canphotograph Smiley and hertogether. That will discreditGregory Woods when they are seenin a friendly setting.”

“I agree.” Justice studied her forlong moments. “She’ll needclothing. We could send two

support teams with them to takeher shopping tomorrow. That willgive us enough time to set it up andwe won’t have to leak it to thepress. Humans always report oursightings so that will allow aboutfifteen minutes before thepaparazzi and news crews arrive onscene.”

“Good idea.” Fury shifted in hisseat. “Never forget social mediasites. Humans will snap photos ofthem and upload them from theirphones. They will assume they aredating though if they are seentogether again.”

Vanni listened to them converse,

a little surprised at Fury’sstatement. “But we aren’t.”

He frowned. “It’s better to allowthem to assume you’re in aromantic relationship with Smileythan what they have been told sofar.”

She couldn’t dispute the sense ofthat. “Yeah.”

“We’ll schedule the outing.”Justice stood.

“What will Smiley have to sayabout this plan? I mean, heprobably doesn’t want to spendtime with me after whathappened.” It made her nervousjust thinking about seeing him

again.Apparently, Justice didn’t need

time to think about his response.“Smiley will be very agreeable totake you shopping. He’s beenconcerned for your well-being.”

Vanni wasn’t sure how she wasgoing to react to seeing Smiley butclearing his name was importantenough to her to agree to anythingthe NSO suggested. “Okay.”

“You’re safe here with us,Vanni.” Justice smiled. “Relax. Youappear nervous and there is noneed. We’ll assure your safety andkeep the press far from youtomorrow. We deal with them

often.”“I’m sure you do. They are

always saying something about youguys on television.”

“We’re glad to have you staywith us. We’d like our medical staffto take a look at you. You weregiven a version of the breedingdrug and you told me you wereTasered.”

“I’m fine. I’d really rather avoiddoctors right now. I just want toshower, eat and sleep.”

“Perhaps later you’ll agree.”Justice didn’t seem happy with herrefusal but he didn’t argue. “I’llhave one of our males escort you to

guest housing.”She was dismissed. “Will you

tell me about my family when youtake them to a hotel? I’d like toknow when they are safe.”

“Of course.” Justice inclined hishead. “I’m sure they are worriedabout you, as well. We’ll assurethem that you are safe.”

“Thank you.”“We’d appreciate it if you gave

them the impression you are hereto visit Smiley. The last thing weneed is your family assuming we’rekeeping you here against your willand asking your police tointervene.”

She nodded. “Of course. Theywon’t be happy about it but I don’twant them to worry.”

“They don’t like Species?”Justice’s eyes narrowedsuspiciously.

“It’s not that. They’ll be happy ifthey think I’m dating someone butthey will worry that I jumped into anew relationship too fast. I wasengaged a few days ago. They likedCarl. He had all of us fooled.”

“I understand.”“I can sell it though.” She was

sure of that. “I’ll just tell them howhorrible Carl treated me at thehotel and they won’t be fans of his

anymore. I don’t want them toknow about the rest of it because itwould upset them too much. I’ll tellthem Carl and his dad made upthose lies if they heard anythingabout what Woods Church leaked.”

“Thank you. We’ll forward theircalls once we have them secured ina safe location,” Justice promised.“We’d appreciate it if you didn’tmake any outgoing calls. Youshould know they would bemonitored. All calls are. It’s notpersonal.”

She had no clue why they’d dothat but she had nothing to hide. “Ido need to call Beth. We’ve been

best friends since we were kids andI want to make sure she’s safe withElvis.”

Justice’s eyebrows shot up.“Not the real one. He’s dead. It’s

a guy she dates on and off. Heimpersonates Elvis for charityevents. We just joke around bycalling him that. His real name isMickey.”

“Fine.”Someone entered the office and

Vanni turned. Her mouth hungopen as she gawked at themassively built New Species. Hehad an immense chest and bulky,muscular arms but it was his eyes

that she couldn’t look away from.They were brown with red glints inthem.

“This is Jericho,” Justice said ashe pinned the man with an intentlook. “I’m not sure why he’s in myoffice but I’d like to know theanswer to that since this was aclosed meeting.”

The guy didn’t look away fromVanni. His gaze lowered though,and he seemed to study every inchof her from head to foot. “I amSmiley’s friend. Is there aproblem?”

“No. I was about to have herescorted to guest housing. Perhaps

you would like that job?”“I just wanted to make sure

things were fine.” He crossed hisarms over his chest and shifted hisgaze to Justice. “It’s cool?”

“She’s not accusing Smiley ofanything and is willing to help ussolve this mess.” Justice sighed.“Tell Smiley he was right. I havephone calls to make. Can youarrange for transportation?”

Jericho’s tense stance relaxed.“This way, Miss Abris.”

“It’s just Vanni.”She kept a few feet between

them as she followed him out of theoffice, down the hallway and out

the front door. The two guardswere still stationed there. Jerichopaused by one of them.

“Escort her to human housingand make sure she has everythingshe needs.” He turned to her. “Ihave something I need to do. Enjoyyour stay here. This is Wager. He’lltreat you well.”

“Thank you.” Jericho was afriend of Smiley’s and she wantedto ask a ton of questions butresisted. He was a scary personwith those unusual eyes. Hercuriosity about Smiley’s welfarecould wait.

She watched Jericho stride to a

Jeep and drive away. Wager clearedhis throat and she turned, staringup at him. He was blond, tall andhad pretty catlike eyes.

“Welcome to Homeland, MissAbris. I have a cart parked just overthere and will drive you to humanhousing. Your cottage has beenstocked.”

“Cottage?”“It’s what we call the houses in

the Species and Human housingareas.” He was cute when hesmiled.

“Human housing? Aren’t youhuman too?” She regretted askingthat but it was already out. “Sorry. I

hope that wasn’t insulting.”“It’s not. We encourage

questions. We are human but we’realso more. I’m a feline Species.” Heoffered her his arm. “Let’s go, MissAbris. May I call you Travanni?”

“Yes but it’s just Vanni. No onecalls me Travanni unless I’m introuble.” She was really out of herelement. “I’m not in trouble, am I?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”She put her hand on his forearm

and he led her to a marked golfcart. She noticed more of themnearby as she took a seat. “Do youhave a golf course?”

“No.” He released her, climbed

in the driver’s seat and started theengine. “We have three types ofvehicles at Homeland andReservation. The SUVs we usewhen we leave NSO lands but theJeeps and golf carts are for travelinginside the gates. We tend to usemore golf carts here at Homelandthan at Reservation. The terrainthere is harsher in some areas.”

She relaxed in the seat. “Thankyou for being nice to me.”

He turned his head and flasheda grin. “I feel as though I partiallyknow you.” He pressed the gas andtook off, turning the cart around inthe street.

“I don’t understand.”“I saw you on the television

with Smiley.” He glanced awayfrom the road to run his gaze downher body. “You appear smaller inperson than on my television.”

She cringed. “You saw that?”“Everyone has.”She looked away to stare at the

buildings they passed but it onlymade her aware that they drewattention from New Species. Twomen standing in front of a buildingopenly studied her and thenanother one stopped his Jeep to geta better look at her. She started toregret calling the NSO. It was

tempting to ask if Wager wouldtake her to the exit but she hadnowhere to go and with no moneyshe couldn’t reach her parents.They’d just ask her a lot ofquestions that she didn’t want toanswer.

For better or for worse, she wasstuck at Homeland.

* * * * *Smiley prowled the wall, alert

for any movement on the otherside. Vanni was safe at Homeland.Fury had made valid points but itdidn’t sit well with him that hewouldn’t be there when she was

questioned in detail about theWoods Church. She might befrightened.

The low groan that escaped hislips assured him it was probably forthe best he wasn’t present. Vanniaffected him too strongly. Hecouldn’t be logical when instincturged him to protect the female.

The sound of an approachingJeep drew him from his thoughtsand he turned. Jericho parked nearthe base of a tree next to the walland he waited until the maleclimbed up and leapt the five feetto land gracefully on the walkwaybeside him.

“Is she well? Justice and Furyaren’t intimidating her, are they?Fury promised they would go outof their way to tone it down.”

Jericho frowned.“What?” Smiley tore off his

helmet and gripped his weapontighter. “Did something happen?Did the doctors find somethingwrong with her?”

“She didn’t agree to go toMedical but she is fine. Wager istaking her to human housing rightnow. I assigned him the dutymyself.”

“Wager?” Smiley felt his ragebuilding. “He’ll flirt with her. That

male is always talking about howhe wants to find a human to givehim babies.”

“He’s not an idiot. Everyone hasseen that video and he’ll assumeyou’d fight him if he touches her.”

Smiley frowned, debatingwhether Wager would be foolishenough to offer to share sex withVanni. It would be a mistake.

“I’m going to go see her now.”He reached for his radio. “I’mcalling in for someone to take myplace at this post.”

“Why do you think I came? I’llcover the rest of the shift.”

Smiley shoved his weapon and

helmet at Jericho. “Thank you.You’re a good friend.”

“Go home, shower and don’twear your uniform when you seethe female.”

“Why?” He glanced down. “Do Ismell? Look bad?”

“You’re not sweaty but I believeshe’s seen enough of our officerstoday. You should dress casually soyou’re just a male to her. Sheappeared a little overwhelmed.Give her some time alone first.”

“She’s frightened?” His guttwisted. “She needs me.”

“You’re not listening.” Jerichosounded annoyed.

“She is here alone. I’m the firstSpecies she ever met. She was heldagainst her will and had atraumatic day between escapingthem and coming to Homeland. Ineed to let her know she’s safe.”

“You’re being irrational.”Jericho’s voice had deepened whenhe continued, “I’m your friend andyou need to trust my judgment.”

Smiley didn’t enjoy hearing theadvice.

“The last thing that femaleneeds is to have you arrive withyour emotions on a short leash.Shower, relax and then go see herwhen you aren’t in protective

mode.”“I didn’t frighten her before.”“I listened in on everything that

took place in Justice’s office. Shesounded nervous about seeing youagain.”

“You listened in?”Jericho shrugged, cradling the

rifle. “My hearing is good and Iwanted to know if she was really asblameless as you believed. Shedoesn’t hide her emotions wellwhen she speaks. She hides themeven less effectively with herexpressions. I see why you wereconvinced she didn’t drug you.”

“You spoke to her?”

“Not much. I could detect heremotions while she answeredquestions and then I saw herexpression when I walked intoJustice’s office. She wasn’t able toconceal her fear of me. She readseasily.”

“You frightened her?” Smileytensed.

“It was my size and she seemedconfused about my eyes. I get it alot but humans attempt to hidetheir reactions after a second. Shewasn’t able to. Follow my adviceand be calm when you see her.Take it slow, Smiley. She isn’t oneof our females. Don’t forget that.

She reminded me of a spookedkitten. I didn’t spend time with herbecause I was aware of her fear ofme. Wager puts humans at easewith his friendly personality so Ipassed her into his care. I tend tofrighten humans when I do this.”Jericho grinned, showing teeth.

“You look menacing.”“I know.”Smiley took a deep breath. “I’ll

go home and shower. Should Iwear jeans and a tank top? Orslacks and a nice dress shirt?”

“Wear workout gear. She’llappreciate your show of armmuscles. Humans seem to like

those.”He remembered her reaction in

the bar when he’d removed hisjacket and grinned. “You’re right.”

“Take it slow, Smiley. I knowyou want the female but she’sskittish.”

“Understood.”He stepped around Jericho and

leapt, landing on a thick treebranch and swiftly climbed down.He looked up and pointed to theJeep.

“Take it,” Jericho called out. “Ileft the keys in the ignition. Yourreplacement will have a vehicle so Iwon’t have to jog home.”

Smiley slipped into the driver’sseat and started the engine. His firstinstinct was to drive to humanhousing but he pushed back theurge. He’d follow Jericho’s advice.He admitted to being a littleirrational where Vanni wasconcerned. He couldn’t wait to seeher again but a shower and changeof clothes seemed like a good idea.

Chapter Twelve Vanni reflected on her

conversation with Wager. He’dsworn she wasn’t a prisoner atHomeland. He’d given her a tour ofthe two-bedroom house, telling herit was stocked with food and therewere clothes in the dresser, beforeleaving her to her own devices. Afew minutes later he’d knocked onher door, delivering lunch. She’dconsumed the sandwich and chipswith gusto.

The phone on the counter had adial tone when she tested it. Shedialed Elvis’ number after getting it

from information and was relievedwhen Beth answered on the firstring.

“It’s me.” Vanni was glad tohear her voice. “You’re safe. I wasso worried.”

“Well, I’m still worried. Whereare you?”

“At Homeland. I took youradvice.”

“Should I come there? Mickeycould drive me.”

“No. I’m okay.” She glancedaround the spacious home. “Theyare treating me really good andhave put me up in a house. It’snicer than a hotel.”

“They didn’t blame you fordrugging that Smiley guy?”

“No.”“Is he there with you?”“I haven’t seen him yet but I

will tomorrow. I don’t have anyclothes so he’s going to take meshopping.”

Beth’s voice lowered. “Are youokay? Seriously?”

“I’m fine. Seriously. They werereally nice and picked me up in ahelicopter.”

“Wow. You got to ride in one ofthose?”

“It wasn’t that much fun. Trust

me. I felt a little motion sick. Theyfly faster than I thought theywould. I did get to meet FuryNorth.”

“Seriously? Is he as cool as heseems? Was Ellie with him?”

“I didn’t get to meet her but hewas really nice.”

“I should come to you,” Bethstated. “You’re alone. I’d beterrified in your shoes.”

“Everyone is being super nice.They even brought me lunch. I’mreally okay. I just called to makesure you made it to Elvis’ okay andthat Gregory’s guy didn’t get you.”

“The cops came and checked out

the apartment. They blamed thepaparazzi creeps, thinking one ofthem might have tried to break into take pictures. They escorted meout to my car after I told them Ididn’t want to stay there anymore.I did exactly what you said. I hadMickey meet me in a parking lotand he drove me here. I left my cellphone locked in my glove boxinstead of at home. I wanted tomake sure my family didn’t freakout if they couldn’t contact me. Icalled them while I waited.”

“I didn’t think of that.”“You had other things on your

mind like how damn fucked-up

Carl and his father are. Did thosebastards hurt you?”

Vanni debated going into detailbut dismissed it. Beth would flipout if she heard she’d been Taseredor if she repeated Bruce’s threats.“I’m fine. Really. I just plan onsleeping. I’m exhausted.”

“You sound it.”“I only got a few hours sleep last

night and the floor wasuncomfortable.”

“They made you sleep on afloor? Those bastards.”

“There was a bed but it’s a longstory. I wasn’t going to touch it.”

“Okay.” Beth hesitated. “I cancome to you if you want me to. Idon’t mind. I’d actually feel better.”

“Stay there. I’m really okay. I’mjust going to sleep. There’s no pointin you driving all this way to watchme snooze.”

“Give me the phone number.The caller ID didn’t reveal one.”

Vanni studied the phone. Itwasn’t marked. “I don’t know it.”

“I guess I could call Homelandand they could connect me to you,right?”

“I guess so.” Vanni wasn’t sure.“I need to get off here thoughbecause I don’t know if they have

call waiting. Justice Northpromised to send someone to Mia’sand Count’s homes to make suretheir families are safe. I didn’t wantGregory sending thugs after them.Someone is going to call me to letme know.”

“I really hate that rat bastard.”“Me too. Have you heard from

Mom and Dad?”“They took off in their RV. Your

dad was fit to be tied after I toldhim what was going on. They areon their way to the cabin but weknew that’s where they’d go. Theyare either home or up there.Period.”

“I figured.”“They had me give them

Mickey’s number and your momkeeps calling every time they stopfor gas. They ditched their cellphones. I’ll tell them you’re atHomeland.”

“Please don’t. They might showup here.”

“That’s true.”“Just tell them I’m safe. They

can buy one of those inexpensivecell phones with the minute cards.Talk my dad through it and havehim give you the number. Tellthem I’ll call them tomorrow. I justdon’t want to deal with them right

now. You know how they can be.”“Boy, do I. Your mom asked me

if you go to bars often and pick upstrangers.”

Vanni cringed. “Great. Theythink I’m a slut.”

“I told them it was your firsttime.” Beth chuckled. “And yourlast. I did assure her you don’t needrehab. She worried you might havea bit of a drinking problem theyweren’t aware of.”

“Is that a joke?”Beth laughed. “Nope. I also told

them it was your first and last one-night stand too. Us crazy kids haveto try some things at least once.

That seemed to settle her down abit.”

“You’re not helping, Beth.”She was quiet for a few seconds.

“It’s either laugh or cry. Mickeypanics and starts shoving chocolateat me if he sees tears. I told himthat’s the best way to deal with meif I have PMS and now he thinksit’s a cure-all when I’m upset. Theguy is a total sweetheart but I don’twant to gain ten pounds thisweek.”

“He doesn’t mind you stayingthere?”

“Are you kidding? He’s called inat work to take time off so he can

play personal bodyguard after Itold him what was going on. Heeven brought out the baseball bat toknock some heads if anyone showsup here looking for me.Testosterone overload aplenty isgoing on. It’s kind of cute. I didn’tknow he was so defensive of me.”

“I told you he was in love withyou.”

“I’m not ready to settle downbut he’s making me reconsider it.”

Vanni was happy Beth was okay.“Just be safe.”

“I am. I have ‘bat man’. Yousound exhausted. Go sleep and callme when you wake up. I want to

hear from you often.”“I promise. Love you.”“I love you too.”Vanni hung up the phone. At

that point she just wanted to getclean and take a nap. She took aquick shower and stepped out ofthe stall, using two towels to dryoff. The house was nice, fullyfurnished and they’d even stockedthe bathroom with every personalitem a person could need. She hadshampoo and conditioner for herhair, body wash and even a newtoothbrush with toothpaste tobrush her teeth. She did that next.

She exited the bathroom and

approached the dresser, unsurewhat kind of clothing she’d find.They had to be better than thescratchy T-shirt and shorts she’dbought at the discount shop. Thetop drawer contained a few neatlyfolded T-shirts with the NSO logo.She removed one and liked the feelof the soft material. It was a triple-large size. An investigation of theother drawers revealed a fewsweatshirts, sweatpants and shorts.None of them were even close toher small size. She sighed and puton the big T-shirt. It fell to herthighs as if it were a nightshirt.

There was a guard posted

outside her door if she neededanything but she decided to waitawhile before asking if they hadanything that would fit her better.She couldn’t go shopping withSmiley just wearing a baggy shirt.The bed was large and she waseager to climb under the covers andsleep. One glance at the nightstandassured her she wouldn’t miss thecall from her family when it came.

Apprehension struck when sheheard a noise in the living room.She spun and crept toward thehallway. A quick glance forsomething to use as a weaponyielded no results.

“Hello?” She hoped her feardidn’t sound in her voice.

Vanni gasped when a manstepped into her line of sight. Shejumped and bumped into the wall.A pair of attractive brown eyesstared back at her and she calmedonce she recognized Smiley. It wasa surprise to see him inside thehouse but her fright evaporated.

“I knocked but you didn’tanswer.”

She took a hesitant step forward,her heart still doing a number inher chest. “I was in the shower.”

He remained still. She studiedhim from head to foot. His hair was

wet and he looked as if he’dshowered recently too. The dark-red tank top accentuated his tan,muscular arms and broad chest. Ithad been tucked into a pair offaded denim jeans that hugged hiships and thighs. He wore no shoesand the sight of his bare feetsurprised her. Her gaze lifted to hisface. He was as handsome as sheremembered. His lips parted.

“Don’t be afraid, Vanni. Pleasedon’t bolt to one of the bedroomsand lock the door. I was worriedand wanted to check on you.”

She nodded. He made her awareof her body and the fact that she

only wore a baggy T-shirt. Shedidn’t even have clean underwearso she wasn’t wearing any at all.

Smiley raised one hand andmotioned her closer. “Would youcome into the living room andspeak to me? You’ve been throughan ordeal. Are you okay?”

That was sweet of him. She tookanother step closer and thenanother. He held still, just droppedhis arm at his side. She paused afew feet away. He smiled, hisexpression softening. It encouragedher to answer him.

“I’m just a little tired. I didn’tsleep much last night.”

“You should allow our doctorsto check you. They are excellent atwhat they do.”

“I don’t need a doctor. Really. Ijust have a little bruising from theTaser darts and from the fall.”

The smile disappeared and a lowgrunt came from him. He appearedangry all of a sudden. “WhoTasered you? What fall?”

“Gregory Woods had his guardstun me and I hit the floor. Ithought you’d know about that. Imean, I told Justice.”

“I haven’t spoken to him.” Hisgaze traveled down her body.“Where are you hurt?”

“My back. I was trying to escapeout the front door when I wastagged with one of those electricdart guns. It’s really not bad.”

Smiley took a step closer, almosttouching her. “Let me see.”

He smelled like soap and man. Itstirred instant memories of the lasttime they’d been that close. Shetilted her chin up to keep her gazelocked with his. He had reallybeautiful eyes and she felt lost inthem. The sunlight coming inthrough the windows showed smallswirls of darker brown in them.They were truly breathtaking.

“Let me see.” His voice was

almost a whisper.Vanni had to force her mind to

work, reminding herself what hewanted to see. The attraction shefelt for him made her a littlebefuddled. Images of them kissingand what they’d done in the SUVkept flashing through her mind,which made it difficult to focus onhis words. “I’m okay. It’s just minorstuff. Really.”

“Vanni,” he rasped, “let me see.”She forced her legs to move and

retreated a step. “Um, it’s myshoulder blade.” Her hands openedagainst her thighs, the feel of thefabric there comforting. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”“I don’t have anything on under

this. I didn’t want to put on theonly pair of panties I have until Ican wash them.”

He glanced at her thighs andthen back up. “I still want to see.”

She swallowed hard. “I’d benaked.”

“I don’t have a problem withthat. I’d enjoy it.”

Whoa. He actually said that. Shewasn’t used to men being so frank.

“I’ve seen you before.”As if I need a reminder. More

flashes of that night popped into

her head. Smiley without his shirtafter she’d torn it. Him leaningover her, his lips brushing kissesalong her neck. Her nipplespebbled when she rememberedhim nipping her shoulder with histeeth. She quickly crossed her armsover her chest to cover them inhopes he wouldn’t notice.

“Um…” Her mind blanked.He inched forward. “You’re

blushing.”She could feel the heat in her

cheeks. “Um…” She retreated astep.

He advanced one, pacing her.“You’re shy.”

“Yes,” she got out.“There’s no reason to be. It’s me.

Take off the shirt and turn for me.”Her lips parted but she wasn’t

sure how to respond to that anddidn’t want to sound like an idiotagain. She swallowed and took adeep breath. “No.”

A pained look flashed in hiseyes.

“I mean, I can’t take my shirtoff. That’s, um, I barely know you.”

Smiley’s eyebrows rose.“You know what I mean. We

barely know each other. I mean, wedo know each other but we were

drugged. We aren’t now. I can’t juststrip.”

He offered a hand. “Let’s go intothe living room. I didn’t mean tomake you uncomfortable, Vanni.We’ll sit and talk. I won’t ask againto see your injuries.”

She timidly reached out and puther trembling hand in his. It was aswarm and big as she remembered.He gently closed his fingers aroundhers and turned, waiting for her tofollow. She appreciated it when hemoved slowly, mindful of herhesitant steps until they ended upnext to the couch. He released her.

“Have a seat. Please.”

She sat, tugging the shirt hemdown to cover her knees. Smileydidn’t take a seat next to her butsurprised her by crouching andpushing the coffee toward one endof the couch. He faced her, droppedto his knees and sat back on hisheels. His smile looked a littleforced.

“Relax,” he urged. “We’ll justtalk.”

“Why are you there? You can siton the couch with me.”

“I’m better off here.”“Why?”He licked his lips. The slide of

his tongue over them drew her

attention and she focused on hismouth. “First off, thank you for notscreaming when you discovered I’dlet myself into your home. I wasworried about you when you didn’tanswer the door. I came in througha back window. I’ll fix the locklater.”

She stared into his eyes,unconcerned that he’d justadmitted to breaking into thehouse. “It’s okay.” It really was. Itwas kind of sweet that he’d dosomething that drastic to make sureshe was well.

“I have an important questionbut I don’t want to make you

uncomfortable again. It hasbothered me every waking momentsince the other night. I need to ask.”

She braced for it. “Okay.”“Did I hurt you, Vanni?” His

gaze lowered to her lap and thenlifted to stare directly at her. “Wasthe sex too rough?”

“I’m fine.” She hadn’t expectedthat and was glad she was seated.

“Really.” He frowned, studyingher.

It was an awkward topic. He’dsaid it was important for him toknow but she wasn’t about to admitshe’d been a little sore the next day.

“You didn’t hurt me. I have afew bruises but it’s no big deal.You’re strong.”

“I’m sorry.”“It’s okay. They don’t hurt.”“You passed out afterward and I

feared I’d damaged you.”“I think it was from being

drugged. I told you I’m a chairjockey. It was…” She wasn’t surehow to explain it withouthumiliating herself.

“It was what?” He leaned in alittle closer and flattened his handon the couch next to her knee.“Please talk to me. Don’t allowyour shyness to stop you from

being blunt. There’s no need withme. You can tell me anything.”

“I don’t talk about sex withmen,” Vanni admitted hesitantly. “Ihaven’t dated that many guys andthey always tended not toappreciate a discussion about it.”

“I’m not them.” His voicedeepened as he continued, “Iwelcome this conversation.”

She licked her lips and pushedherself to be more forward andforthcoming than normal. “I’m outof shape. I told you I don’t workout the way you do. That drug putme through the wringer, okay? Iwas sweating, then freezing and

then we were touching.”Embarrassment forced her gaze tohis chin at that point. “I think I wasexhausted. That’s why I conkedout.”

He said nothing so she lookedup again. She didn’t see anynegative emotions in hisexpression. He actually appearedhappy when he smiled. It reachedhis eyes that time. It encouragedher to go on.

“Plus it was really extreme, youknow? I’ve never felt that waybefore.”

“You are talking about the sex?”He lowered his tone to one that

gave her chills. It was the good kindagain and she remembered thatabout him too. He could talk acertain way that turned her on.

“Yes.”“Sharing sex while drugged is

very powerful.”“That’s an understatement if I

ever heard one. I thought I wasgoing to die.” She’d survived theuncomfortable talk and breathedeasier, her tense muscles relaxing.“Are you okay? I worried aboutyou too.”

“I’m fine. Species are tough.There were a few uncomfortablehours after I woke but my jaw was

only bruised.”“I hurt your jaw?” She leaned

forward, peering at his lower face.She didn’t see any scratches orbruises. He had flawless skin.

“No. Brass punched me to knockme out. I had some marks but theyfaded fast.”

“Why would he do that? I don’tremember that part. I thought Iremembered it all.”

“It was after you passed out. Wewere about to be driven toHomeland and I was extremelyworried about you.”

Vanni realized their faces wereinches apart and her gaze locked

with his. “Why would he hit you?”“He was afraid I wouldn’t be

able to resist touching you againeven though you wereunconscious.”

It took a moment to sink in. “Hethought you’d…” She couldn’tfinish that sentence.

“Mount you while you wereout.” He didn’t have a problemspeaking the words. “It was agenuine concern. I was highlyaroused and wanted to keeptouching you. I believe I wouldhave resisted the urge but it wasbest that I wasn’t tested.”

“Oh.” She leaned back a little.

“Does your jaw hurt at all?”“No.” He put his other hand on

the couch, one on either side of herknees. “Don’t be afraid of me,Vanni.”

“I’m not. I’m sitting here withyou. I wouldn’t do that if I thoughtyou’d do something bad to me. I’dscream. I know there’s a guardoutside my door.”

“I sent Wager away.”That news stunned her. “Why?”“I wanted us to have some

privacy.”She wasn’t sure how to take

that. Smiley rose to his knees and

she realized he had her pinnedwhere she sat. Her heart rateincreased but it wasn’t caused byfear. “Why?”

“Species have excellent sensesand I didn’t want him to overhearanything said between us.”

She wanted to get something offher chest. “It was the bartenderwho drugged us. Gregory Woodsadmitted that to me last night. Ididn’t lie to you. I wasn’t the onewho dosed our drinks.”

“I believe you.”“But you thought I had at first.”“You have a very expressive

face, Vanni. I think you’d tell lies

badly. I like that you’re easy toread. Right now you’re nervous.There’s no need to be.”

“You can tell that?”He glanced at her chest. “You

have accelerated breathing andyour eyes are wide. I don’t see fearthough. I’m grateful for that. Thelast thing I want to do is frightenyou.”

“Do you want me to tell youeverything I’ve learned? I went tosee Carl last night to return the ringand—”

“Tell me you no longer belongto that male.”

She gasped at his harsh tone.

“Sorry.” He softened his voice.“You no longer wear his ring. Ilooked. Your finger is bare. I heardwhat you said on the phone whenyou called Homeland. You wereheld against your will and thatmale doesn’t deserve you. Heshould be beaten for allowinganyone to hurt you in any way. I’llmake him bleed if I ever get thechance to meet him.”

Wow. She could tell he feltstrongly about it and it was kind ofhot hearing him make threatsagainst her ex. He looked pissed butshe knew it wasn’t directed at her.“It’s so over.”

“Are you in love with thatmale?”

“No.” She felt the need toexcuse why she’d ever been withCarl. “I think I wanted to see thingsin him that weren’t really there.”

“You dated a bad male once andthis one seemed better than the lastone?” Smiley was good at guessing.

“Yes.”“You wished to get married and

start a family?”“That was the plan but not

anymore. Carl is an ass. I feel sorryfor anyone who dates him now thatI know how he really is.”

“Good.” Smiley smiled, hisanger gone. “That means no malehas a claim on you.”

Claim on you. She blinked,repeating his words in her head. “Iguess.”

Silence stretched between themand it made her aware that sheknew very little about the manshe’d had sex with. They’d beenintimate but she had no idea whatto say to him. Nerves made herclutch at the hem of her shirt.Smiley glanced down at themovement and made a soft soundin the back of his throat.

“Are you okay?”

He looked up. “Yes. Sorry. Ididn’t mean to rumble at you.”

“Why did you?”“I’m frustrated but it’s my

problem.”“Why?”He licked his lips again and his

hands flexed against the couchcushions. “You’re skittish and I amafraid I’m going to make you wantto get away from me. That’s the lastthing I want. I have so much to talkto you about and so many questionsI want to ask. I just don’t know howto do it without worrying that I’lloffend or upset you.”

Vanni could relate. She felt the

same way, minus the fear of himrunning away from her. “We’restrangers but we’re not. You’renervous too?”

“Yes.” He smiled. “What wouldmake you more comfortable withme? Tell me and I’ll do it.”

She smiled back. “I don’t knowbut I won’t run away. You kind ofhave me blocked in.”

He didn’t move. “Does it botheryou that I’m so close?”

She debated it. “No.”“Good. We’ll just talk. Do you

remember everything thathappened at the hotel that night?We’ll start there. At first I did think

you drugged me but I believed youwhen you told me you hadn’t. Youactually saved us, Vanni.”

“Saved us?” She shook her head.“How did I do that? We were bothdrugged and we had sex. Iwouldn’t call that a save.”

Smiley regretted the words. He

could see Vanni’s distress. Thatwasn’t the reaction he’d expected.His chest tightened enough tomake drawing air difficult. He feltprotective of the female but he wasthe one causing her anguish.

“Easy,” he crooned. He wantedto stroke her but resisted. It was

hard not to touch her but he wasn’tsure if she’d allow it yet. He battledhis desires, considering her needs.“Just take a few deep breaths.”

She followed his orders and itmade him realize just how differentshe was from Species females. Oneof them would have punched himalready for encroaching on herpersonal space and for telling herhow to breathe. They also wouldn’tget nervous every time he got tooclose. He knew he should backaway and take a seat across theroom. He just couldn’t do it.

The scent of Vanni was differentfrom before but it was the products

she’d used when she’d showered.He made a mental note to ask herlater what kind of things shebought and to obtain them for her.It was low in priority though. Heneeded to figure out how to get herto let her guard down and let himin.

His gaze dropped to her lap andhe muffled a groan. He wanted in,all right. He wanted to push up hershirt and spread her thighs. Hisdick hardened just thinking abouthow incredible it would feel toclaim her again. One look into hereyes, though, assured him shewasn’t ready to share sex. He’d

have to go very slowly and figureout how to deal with Vanni. Justoffering to share sex wasn’t anoption. He’d have to work up to it.

It was important that Vannitrust him. The little he knew ofhuman females assured him thatwas the only way he’d be allowedto stay with her. He didn’t want toleave. It would drive him insane ifhe had to stalk around hisapartment while she was atHomeland. Wager and other malesaren’t going to take my female. Heinwardly winced at thinking of herthat way but it was the truth. Shewas his.

He suddenly felt even moresympathy for the males who’dfallen for humans. It had seemedsimple in theory to persuade one ofthem to allow a male into her bedand heart. The reality of it wasanything but easy. Everything heknew about human dating ritualswouldn’t apply at Homeland. Herefused to take her out to dinner atthe bar. He’d have to punch othermales when they attempted to gainher attention. The show of violencemight leave her with theimpression that he was a viciousmale.

Vanni finally spoke and it was

only then that he realized thesilence had stretched between themagain. “How could you say that?”

He struggled to remember whathe’d said. She reminded him.

“How did I save us?”“The drug I was given, if it is a

full dose is…” He didn’t want tohorrify her but he wouldn’t lie. “Iwould have been too mindless witha driving need for sex to care if Ihurt you or how bad. At full dosethe breeding drug Mercile createdto use on us causes brutal sexualbehavior and total memory loss.You alerted me to your symptomsinstead of hiding them. Luckily I

didn’t finish my drink. That couldhave been tragic.”

“I got a lot of the drug and Iremember it all.”

“The drug you were given was amilder version. We’d heard from anemployee who worked there that aresearch facility associated withMercile Industries had tested thenew version. She stated they werecreating it to use on humanfemales. We believe the WoodsChurch must have obtained it fromthem.”

“Gregory said he bought it fromsomeone but he didn’t mention aname. He called the drug B-47.”

“Our task force is interviewingeveryone from that facility to seewho sold it to the church.”

“We were guinea pigs for someuntested drug then?”

“We used the term lab rat whenwe were the subjects of Mercile’stesting. Full dosage of the breedingdrug they used on us would kill ahuman. It makes me furiousknowing what could havehappened to you. I talked to thedoctor after I returned toHomeland. You could havesuffered heart failure or seizuresthat might have resulted in yourdeath.”

It made him icy cold inside justimagining her lifeless body. Hewanted to go to Fuller Prisonhimself and interrogate everyonefrom Drackwood. They neededproof though, before they took onthe Woods Church. OtherwisePastor Gregory Woods wouldaccuse the NSO of targeting thembecause of their outspoken viewsagainst New Species. It was apublicity nightmare they didn’tneed.

He stared into her eyes andhated to see the pain there. She’dbeen dragged into his world but hewasn’t sorry she was there. He

wouldn’t have met her if theyhadn’t been targeted. He couldregret the circumstances but neverthe outcome. Vanni was just inchesaway from him, right where hewanted her to be.

Chapter Thirteen Vanni let it all sink in. Smiley

had lived a hellish life. She’d onlybeen drugged once but he’dsurvived countless episodes thatwere far worse than what she’dexperienced. He’d helped herthrough the worst of it but he’dbeen alone at Mercile Industries.She suddenly had sympathy likenever before for New Species.

“Are you sure I didn’t harm youduring sex, Vanni?” His voicesoftened. “You could tell me if Idid.”

She looked away, unable tostand seeing the pained look in hiseyes. “I really don’t want to talkabout this.”

He softly cursed. “I did hurtyou. I’m so sorry.”

Smiley sounded tormented andit made her feel guilty. He deservedtotal candor, even if it made hersquirm. She looked at him andreached out to place her hand onhis arm. The skin-to-skin contacthelped her feel connected to him.

“I get embarrassed. That’s why Idon’t want to talk about this. Theonly person I gave any details toabout that night was my best

friend. She’s the only one I’mcomfortable discussing sex with. Iwas a little tender the next morningbut it wasn’t because you didanything wrong. I’m fine now.”

“I was too rough.” He winced. “Iunderstand. Thank you for sharingthe truth with me. You were sotight that I feared I’d tear you alittle. You should have one of ourdoctors look at you, Vanni.”

His bluntness startled her butshe recovered quickly. “You’re veryopen about things, aren’t you?”

He nodded. “My people believein total honesty.”

She swallowed and took a deep

breath. Her cheeks were probablyburning but she was willing to riska bit of discomfort for Smiley.

“I don’t think I tore. I mean, I’mnot in any pain. I just hadn’t hadsex in a while. I have a tough timebeing so direct about sex. We didn’ttalk about it in my house growingup. It was kind of taboo.”

“Why?”“I don’t know. Mom never

brought it up unless you counttelling us a stork dropped us offwhen we were babies. My dad washardly home. My sister and brotherwere older so they didn’t say much.It was more of a warning about

don’t-let-men-talk-me-into-getting-naked-or-I’d-end-up-pregnant kindof thing. Beth was the one whogave me the sex talk when I was inmy teens.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Astork?”

“You never heard that? Parentsmake up a story for kids to avoidtelling them the truth about sex.They say that a big bird flies in andthat’s how babies arrive.”

He laughed. “We openly talkabout sex. Do you have anyquestions about me since we sharedsex? We’re a little differentphysically than your fully human

males.”“You’re larger.” She felt her

cheeks grow warm.“Yes. Our muscle density is

usually greater and we wereengineered to be taller and larger inbone structure than most all yourmales.”

“I meant…” She couldn’t finishthat sentence.

He smiled. “Our dicks?”She nodded sharply.“We were genetically designed

to be larger all over. We don’t havea lot of body hair either. That isstrange since we were given DNA

from animals with fur. I’m glad Idon’t have fur.”

Vanni grinned. “Yeah. Thatwould kind of suck in the summerwhen it’s hot.”

Smiley chuckled. “I like it whenyou let your guard down with me.You have a wonderful smile.”

“So do you.”His smile faded. “I was sexually

attracted to you before the drugs.Were you even a little sexuallyattracted to me?”

Her mood sobered. “I don’tthink we should discuss this.”

“You’re not sexually attracted to

me in the least then?”She stared into his eyes. “Why

do you want to know?”“I’m aroused being close to you.

There are no drugs now.”She gaped a little, astonished

that he’d admit that. It took a lot ofrestraint not to glance down at hislap to see if he meant that in aliteral sense.

Smiley hesitated, studying herface. “I wish to touch you and seewhat is between us without the aidof drugs.”

“That’s a bad idea.”“Why? I want you, Vanni. I have

thought of nothing else since thatnight.”

“I can’t have sex with you, ifthat’s what you want.”

Smiley’s shoulders sagged. “Youaren’t attracted to me.”

The sad look on his face almostbroke her heart. She couldn’t standseeing him that way. “I am. It’s justthat I believe in love before sex. Wejumped into it and I don’t knowhow to feel about that. We’ve beenintimate but we know so littleabout each other. It’suncomfortable for me.”

“Why? Do you think you’reunable to love me? Is it because I’m

not fully human?”“I don’t even know you.”He leaned in closer. “We can

remedy that by getting to knoweach other. I’m taking you outtomorrow and we’re here togethernow. We just need to keep talking.”

She couldn’t deny the logic. “Wecould try that.”

“Do you believe anything yourchurch says about us?”

“I’m not a member of the WoodsChurch and the stuff Gregoryspewed was horrible.”

“That’s a good start. I know theyhate us but I don’t know why.”

“I refuse to repeat that crapagain. It was miserable enoughtelling Justice the kind of stuff theysaid while I was locked in thatroom listening to their garbage.”

He just stared at her. She cavedunder his steady gaze.

“It’s kind of confusing becausethey are nuts but it seems theythink you guys are going to figureout a way to make an army of NewSpecies and enslave the world. Orkill everyone. Maybe in that order.Did you ever see…” She shut up.“Never mind.”

“Did I ever see what? Talk,Vanni. We should have no secrets.

You can say anything to me.”“Fine. You know those horror

movies where apes take over theworld? I think they watched themtoo many times or something.” Shecringed. “Sorry. I totally don’t wantto offend you because I don’t thinkthat way. You’re an amazingperson. I don’t share their beliefs.It’s stupid. They are just idiots.Everyone knows New Species can’teven have kids.”

He looked away and his gazedrifted around the room. He finallylooked at her again, glanced downat her stomach and then closed hiseyes.

“Smiley? I’m so sorry.” She feltbad. “I shouldn’t have said that. It’sjust that it was the only reference Ithought of. Really. Please don’t beangry at me.”

He opened his eyes and stared ather. “I’m not angry. I promise. Icould never be angry with you.”

“You’re upset.” She didn’tbelieve him. “You’re primate,right? That ape reference was justunforgivable. I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not upset.”“I would be. I should just shut

up. You make me nervous. I’mmaking a mess out of—”

“I want to kiss you.”

That silenced her. She wasflabbergasted.

His gaze fixed on her mouth. Hemoved in closer, his body almosttouching hers. “Let me kiss you,Vanni.”

“I…”She wasn’t sure what to do or

say. He didn’t really give her achance to come up with a response.His mouth descended over hers.She closed her eyes and wasamazed at how soft his lips were.His tongue swiped her lower oneand she gasped. He used thatopening to deepen the kiss.

Smiley took charge of her mouth

in a way that left her grasping hisshirt just for something to cling to.He pressed tighter against her untilthey were chest to chest and shewas pushed against the yieldingcouch cushions. The passion he hither with left her reeling when hesuddenly stopped. He pulled awaya few inches. She opened her eyesto stare into his. Her hearthammered and she panted as ifshe’d just been jogging. She wasspeechless but he wasn’t.

“We have chemistry. You doknow me, Vanni. Stop thinking andjust feel.”

He went for her mouth again,

cupping her face with one of hishands to keep her in place. Shedidn’t fight but instead closed hereyes again and welcomed his hotmouth meeting hers. She openedup to him without any urging thesecond time. There was nogentleness in the second kiss, moreof a raw hunger. She met it. Herbody did remember him andyearned to be touched.

He seemed to know it since hisfree hand firmly gripped her thighand slid higher. The cotton shirtrode up over the back of his hand ashe used his thumb to stroke herthigh, inching up. She moaned

against his tongue and he rumbledin response. He broke the kiss andthey stared at each other again.

“Spread your thighs wide andscoot your ass to the edge of thecouch.”

She glanced down and realizedhow high her shirt had risen. Shereleased him and grabbed for thehem, trying to shove it down tohide her exposed pussy. Smileymoved faster, releasing her thighand face. He captured her wristsbefore she could recover hermodesty. He shook his head.

“Don’t hide from me.”“Let go.”

“We’ve shared sex but I’ve neverseen you here. It was too dark toenjoy the sight before. Spread openand show me.”

“You’re seeing. All you have todo is look down.”

He slowly shook his head. “Notenough. I want to see all of you.”

“I’m not taking off my shirt.”“Put your hands up and hold the

top of the couch.”“Why?”His smiled. “You know what I

want to do.”She shook her head. “I don’t.”His eyes narrowed and his

expression grew somber. “Howmany males have you known,Vanni?”

“Two.”“Didn’t you ever show them

your sex? Didn’t they ever want tospread you open and appreciateyou?”

She swallowed. “No.”He emitted a deep, sexy

rumbling sound.“Why are you making that

noise?”“I’m turned-on. I rumble. It’s a

good thing. We’ve shared sex.Share this with me. Let me see you,

Vanni. I know how you feel herebecause I’ve been inside you. It wasthe best feeling I’ve everexperienced. Reach up and hold thetop of the couch. You will enjoy meseeing you.”

“I don’t think so.”“You’re beautiful and there is no

need to be shy. My nakedness doesnot embarrass me. Your nakednessmakes me hurt with wanting totouch you.”

“Well, you work out and you’rein perfect shape. I’m not.”

“I like your shape. It is a turn-on.” Smiley moved her wrists,lifting them high, and then bent

them until her hands touched theback of the couch. “Hold on righthere and don’t let go. Close youreyes if it helps you relax, Vanni.You’ll enjoy what I do to you.” Helowered his voice and murmured,“Please?”

“We shouldn’t be doing this. It’stoo fast.”

“I’ll go slower. Will you hold onto the couch?”

She dug her fingers into thecushion. He eased his hold on herwrists and stunned her by grippingher hips and yanking her closer tohim. It spread her thighs and heturned his hip, pressed between her

knees and widened them. Shelooked down and bit back a curse.The shirt had bunched at her belly,leaving her completely exposedfrom the waist down. It was brightin the living room and everythingwas in perfect clarity.

He lowered his chin to stare atthe V of her thighs. “Beautiful. Ican’t wait to taste you.”

She tensed. “I know people dothat but I don’t.”

His head snapped up and hiseyes widened. “What?”

“Oral sex, right?” She figuredher cheeks were probably neon redat that point. “I don’t. I’ve never.”

He just continued to gape at her.It made her feel kind of like a freak,as if something were wrong withher. She felt the need to explain.

“I have given. I just don’t get.”She released the couch cushion andtried to grab her shirt to shove itdown but he captured her wristsagain, holding them in place.

“Stupid human males. What waswrong with them?”

“It just never happened.” Shetried to wiggle away but it washard to do with her wrists beingheld and Smiley’s hips between herknees.

He shook his head. “I’m not

letting this go. Grab the couchagain and hold still.”

“I’m not comfortable with that.”“You will be by the time I’m

done.”“Let go.”“Not a chance.” They stared at

each other until he lifted her armsagain. “Grab.” He pressed herhands against the top of the couch.“Close your eyes if it helps. We aregoing to do this.”

She shook her head. “You justwanted to see and now you want todo more than that.”

“You’re shy. You don’t like

males to see you naked or to haveyour pussy exposed?”

“That’s right.”Smiley’s pretty eyes lit with

amusement. “I sent Wager awayfrom the front door but there isanother guard posted in thebackyard. I didn’t make him goaway.”

“Why are you telling me that?”“He’ll rush in here if you yell

out. We’d have company in lessthan thirty seconds.” He tilted hishead toward the slider. “He’dsmash through it thinking I washarming you, which I’d never do.You don’t want him to see you

naked, do you?”“No!”“Keep that in mind. Be very

quiet, my little Vanni. I’m going toshow you what you have missed.Otherwise they will rush in here tosave you from me.”

She gasped when he suddenlyreleased her wrists and gripped herrib cage. He lifted, pulling her rightoff the couch. He was strongenough to lay her on the carpetbefore she realized what heintended. He lifted up, let go of herand then gripped her behind herknees. He bent them up and spreadthem as he slid lower. She couldn’t

miss the grin on his face rightbefore he lowered it precariouslyclose to her sex.

Her mouth opened but sheremembered his warning. Hereminded her in case she’dforgotten though.

“Relax for me, little Vanni. Youwill enjoy this. Try to keep quiet.I’m not shy about sex but you are.”

“Smiley, whatever you’re goingto do, don’t. I—”

She gasped again when heignored her and all she could seewas the top of his head. The feel ofhis tongue swiping across her clitwas something she wasn’t prepared

for. It was hot and wet, the slightlyrough texture a shock to hersystem. It felt good though, as asensation of extreme pleasure joltedupward. Every muscle in her bodyseemed to go rigid.

He rumbled again, creatingvibrations. She clawed at thecarpet, forgetting how to breathe.He closed his mouth around thattiny area and applied morepressure with his tongue, rubbing itback and forth.

Vanni moaned. “Oh god.”That seemed to encourage him

because he grew more aggressive.His mouth clamped down firmly

and he sucked on her clit. Histongue pushed against the sensitivebundle of nerves without mercy.Vanni thrashed her head and had touse her hand to cover her mouth tomuffle the sounds she made. Shefelt as if he’d hooked her to a liveelectrical wire.

She began to perspire and shetingled all over. Her nipples beadedand the shirt rubbed against themas she writhed on the carpet. Theywere super sensitive. It was toomuch, too intense. The urge hit herto slam her legs closed and she triedbut Smiley kept them open. Hecontinued to play with her until her

back arched and she wondered ifshe’d snap her spine.

She didn’t care at that moment.She lost the ability of thought andthen she was being crushed fromher center outward as she climaxed.Her body jerked violently witheach spasm and her hand couldn’tmuffle the noises that came out ofher.

Smiley released her thighs andclimbed up her. He shoved herhand out of the way and his mouthcovered hers, smothering her cries.He kept his weight off her so hewouldn’t crush her under him. Shecontinued to twitch until she

stopped coming.Vanni kept her eyes closed,

trying to regain some semblance ofreality. Smiley continued to kissher. His kiss was more aggressivethan her more sluggish response.She still reeled from what he’dmade her experience. Her limbs feltheavy. She realized her legs werestill spread apart and his jeans werepressed firmly against her innerthighs. She managed to reach upthough, and wrap her arms aroundhis shoulders.

Smiley broke the kiss andgroaned. That opened her eyes andshe stared at him. His expression

seemed a bit harsh. She studied himand knew it wasn’t from anger. Helooked hungry and a little wild. Hisbreathing was almost as erratic ashers.

“I need you. Say yes.”She nodded.He shifted a little and reached

between them. He had to lift hiships away to get the zipper of hisjeans down. It was a distinctivesound in the room. He wiggled alittle and then lowered.

“Wrap your legs around me.”She bent them up and her calves

rested on his ass. He shifted closerand she couldn’t look away from

him when his cock nudged her sex.She was wet but he felt so big as hepushed against her. The sensationof him entering her made hermoan.

“So damn tight,” he rasped. “Sowet. Your pussy is clamped aroundme almost painfully.”

No guy had ever spoken to herthat way before but she liked it. Itmade her feel sexy and she lovedwatching the way his beautiful eyesnarrowed and his lips parted,showing his fangs. The tips of themreminded her of when he’d nippedher shoulder. She turned her head alittle to give him access to her neck

if he wanted it.“Relax, babe. Your muscles are

still clenched. I don’t want to haveto fight my way inside. I’m afraidI’m going to tear you.”

She had to force her body to doas he asked. He slid in deeper,filling her more. She felt stretchedto the limit but he wasn’t done.Smiley rolled his hips and sankmore of the thick girth of his cockinside her body. She closed hereyes, enjoying the way they fittogether. He withdrew a little andpushed back in, riding her slowly.

“Oh god.” She clutched at hisback, finding bare skin around his

tank top. Her nails dug in a littlebut she tried not to draw blood. Hejust felt too good.

“I have control.” He took a deepbreath. “I have control. I havecontrol.”

“I believe you.”He buried his face against her

neck. “I’m convincing myself. Slowand steady.”

That was how he moved on topof her. She moaned and lifted herlegs higher, digging her heels intohis firm ass. The muscles flexedwith every thrust and he adjustedhis hips, hitting a new spot. Shemoaned louder, clinging to him.

“Fuck,” he groaned.He brushed kisses along the

column of her throat and then hebit down on her shoulder. It didn’thurt but the slight bite had awonderful effect on her body. Thepleasure built until another climaxstruck. It wasn’t as intense at thefirst one but it left her moaning hisname and twitching.

Smiley released her neck fromhis teeth and sucked in a sharpbreath. He snarled something shecouldn’t understand then droveinto her faster. She felt him come,his shaft pulsing like a heartbeatagainst her vaginal walls. He stilled

his hips and panted with her.Smiley’s hand brushed her

cheek and she opened her eyes tofind him staring at her.

“Did I hurt you?” He keptcaressing her.

“No.”He smiled. “We’ll work this

out.”“Work what out?”“Breaking you of your shyness.”

He laughed. “You liked showingme your sex, didn’t you? Do yousee what you’ve missed?”

She tried to look away but hemoved his face with her. She had

no choice but to meet his gazeagain. He waited for an answer soshe gave him one. “I liked that alot.”

“Liked? I’ll have to try harder.You said you only want a male totouch you when you feel love. I’llget you there.”

She closed her eyes. He wantedher to love the sex but she wasafraid she was going to fall in lovewith him. Her heart and body wereconnected. It was a package dealwith her.

“Vanni? Look at me.” He kepthold of her face but stoppedbrushing his thumb along her

cheek.She couldn’t resist. His smile

had vanished and the seriousness ofhis gaze held her full attention.

“That was apparently a bad joke.I meant to put you at ease. As Isaid, we will work this out. I wantit too. There’s something powerfulbetween us.”

“Your muscles?” She could tryhumor too.

His lips twitched. “You looktired.”

“I didn’t sleep much last night.”“Nor did I. We need a nap.”She nodded.

He slowly withdrew from herbody. She hated the separation. Thesecond he was off her though, shefrantically shoved her shirt down tocover her lower half. Vanni sat upand reached for the edge of thecouch to stand but Smiley grippedher hand instead. She looked up athim. He’d tugged his pants up butthey weren’t zipped. The V of skinshowing was an attention getter.

He pulled her to her feet andthen surprised her by letting herhand go as he bent. One of his armswrapped around her back and hehooked her behind her knees, justscooping her up as he straightened.

“I’m sleeping with you.” Heturned with her in his arms. “Wejust shared sex and all I want to donow is strip us both naked and holdyou close.”

She put her arm around his neckand didn’t protest. He carried herdown the hallway into thebedroom. “How did you know Ipicked this one?”

“Scent. I’d know yoursanywhere.”

Vanni bit her lip and saidnothing. It was a strange thing buthe was New Species. He gently sether on the bed and stood. He torehis tank top off and then shoved his

jeans down. She stared at his body,a little in awe. Every ripple ofmuscle displayed on his arms,chest, and stomach were testamentto how fit he was.

“Jeez.”Smiley froze. “What’s wrong?”“Your body is perfect.”He blinked at her a few times.

“No.” He turned around.Faint scars marred his lower

spine. She was on her feet andreaching her trembling handoutward before she gave it anythought. Smiley peered at her overhis shoulder. She jerked herfingertips away, worried he might

not want her to do that.“You can touch me anywhere.”

He seemed to guess her thoughts.“They don’t hurt.”

She traced one of the thickerones. “How did you get these?”

“I killed one of the techniciansand this was my punishment. Theywhipped me. It was worth it. Heabused females.”

Horror washed through her.“Oh Smiley.”

He spun to face her. “I’m notperfect. That’s why I showed youthose. I’ve had to kill to survive orto make certain others of my kindsurvived.” A muscle in his jaw

jerked. “Do you want me to leave?”She shook her head. “No. Why

would you even ask that?”“The look in your eyes. You’re

revolted.”“By what was done to you. Not

anything else.”He reached out and took her

hand, stroking the back of it withhis thumb. “It’s important that youknow the real me. I usually have agood temperament but I will kill toprotect those I care for. I’d kill foryou.”

Her knees felt a little weak. Shemay have swayed a little on herfeet because Smiley took a step

closer and wrapped his arm aroundher waist, helping to steady her. Noman had ever said those words toher but she could tell he meantthem.

“I’d never hurt you though. Inever want you to be afraid of me.”

“I’m not.”“Good. Your opinion of me is

important. I don’t want any liesbetween us, Vanni. I want you toaccept me for who I am, instead ofjust showing you the better sides ofme. I try to be the best male I can bebut I have flaws. Everyone does.”

“I know I do,” she admitted.He grinned. “Tell me a few.”

“Beth tells me I’m too trustingbecause I don’t want to be one ofthose negative people who alwayslook for deceit in others. My oldersister is like that and she’s adowner. I always look for brightsides.”

“I think that’s a good trait.”“I didn’t see what a liar Carl

was.”He scowled. “That male didn’t

deserve you.”“Thank you.”He jerked his head toward the

bed. “Let’s rest.” He released herand gently nudged her closer to it.“Take everything off.”

She hesitated but then tore theshirt over her head. It was probablythe fastest she’d ever climbedunder the covers in her life. Smileymight have some scars but he didhave a perfect body otherwise. Itmade her more aware of her flaws.She peered at him while he went tothe curtains and pulled the thickdrapes closed to block out a lot ofthe light. He approached the bedand climbed in.

“Come here. I want to holdyou.” He lay on his back andopened his arms.

She had rarely shared a bed witha man. Her first boyfriend and she

had discussed living together buthe’d kept putting it off. Later she’ddiscovered he’d been a cheatingbastard who was afraid she’d figureit out if they shared a home. Carlhad wanted to wait until after thewedding to live together. Sheinched closer.

Smiley pulled her against hisside until she rested her head on hischest and his arm curled along herback, his fingers stroking her hipunder the covers. His chin rested onthe top of her head. “I like this.”

“Me too,” she admitted. Vanni was in his arms and she

felt right. Smiley breathed in herscent, making a mental note to askher for her bath-productpreferences. He liked her othershampoo better but the one shewore was nice too. Her skin wassoft where he stroked her and heshifted his legs, trapping hishardening dick between his thighs.

She looked exhausted. Thereason behind it made him angry.The Woods Church, her ex-maleand his father would pay for whatthey’d done to her. He tuggeddown the covers a little after herbreathing assured him she slept andgot a good look at her back. He’d

just caught a glimpse of it whenshe’d removed the shirt andpractically dived into bed.

Rage rose in him. Her pale skinwas marred with multicoloredbruises. All Species had experiencewith being Tasered and it wasn’tpleasant. She was too fragile andthe male responsible would feel fargreater pain if he ever got his handson him. He planned to talk toJustice and go over everything he’dlearned from her so she wouldn’thave to deal with the trauma oftelling it again. Smiley sworesilently to be there when the taskforce teams brought in the ones

who’d hurt his Vanni.He regretted the faint bruises

he’d glimpsed on her ass. Hisactions had put them there and hemade a mental note to be morecareful the next time he lifted herin his arms. Avoiding anything thatmight hurt her in any way was atop priority.

My Vanni. He closed his eyes.None of the symptoms were therethat other males had warned himabout. He liked her scent but didn’tfeel addicted. He’d managed tokeep quiet regardless of how goodthe sex was and it was the best. Hedid feel protective of her but flashes

of memory of the night at the hotelhaunted him. She’d been terrifiedand dependent on him to help her.That had bonded them.

He still wanted her for a mate.He opened his eyes and stared atthe ceiling. They were different butthey could make it work. He wasmotivated. She had obviously beenready to settle down with a matesince she’d agreed to marry Carl.He hated even to think the male’sname. Smiley would make a farbetter mate than that abusivehuman.

Guilt also surfaced. He’d had anopportunity to tell Vanni that she

might be pregnant when she’dremarked that everyone was awareSpecies couldn’t breed. He shouldhave informed her that was notcorrect but had been afraid it wouldremind her of the Woods Church’saccusations against the NSO. Shewouldn’t be sleeping in his armsafter sharing sex if he had. The lastthing he needed was for her toavoid him. He also wouldn’t havetaken her on the floor if he’d seenher bruised back beforehand. Hehoped that hadn’t beenuncomfortable for her.

He sniffed at her again, huntingfor any telling signs of pregnancy

but detected none, though his senseof smell wasn’t as good as acanine’s. It would be better if hecould talk her into going toMedical. They could tell with testsfaster than a change in her scentwould. He pondered how shewould take the news if she didcarry his child. He’d mate her forsure if that were the case but evenwithout a pregnancy, he stillwanted to claim and keep her.

She was nothing like Speciesfemales. Her blushing andnervousness endeared her to himeven more. She was shy and itmade her adorable. Her lack of

sexual experience would be fun. Hegrinned, remembering the wayshe’d responded to his mouth onher pussy. He looked forward toteaching her all the ways he couldgive her pleasure. He just neededtime to show her he was the rightmale for her.

He formed a plan. He would gether addicted to him. She wouldn’twant to leave if she becamedependent upon him. Sharing sexwas a great way to cement theirbond but he needed to connectwith her on an emotional level aswell. He’d cook for her and showher how domestic he could be. It

wouldn’t hurt to talk to a few of themates to ask their advice. He woulddo that in the morning when heneeded to go home to get clothing.It was a given that he’d move tohuman housing since he doubtedshe’d feel comfortable if he tookher to the men’s dorms.

He lifted his hand and gentlycupped her soft belly. It didn’tdisturb her sleep as he kept hispalm there, wondering if life grewinside. She couldn’t find out aboutthe possible child until he’d had achance to alleviate all her fears andshe’d want him as much as he didher. He would never forget how

Becca had believed Brawn onlywanted her for the sake of theirchild. Smiley wanted Vanni forwho she was. Vanni should becertain she knew how he felt abouther before any symptoms appearedif she were pregnant. He’d makesure of it.

He closed his eyes again andrelaxed. He had slept poorly sincereturning from the hotel but nowhis Vanni was safely curled upagainst him. He drifted into sleep.

Chapter Fourteen Vanni woke alone. She rolled

over and stared at the clock on thenightstand, startled to see it was sixo’clock. She’d slept for a few hoursbut it felt longer. The room wasdark but faint light still shone in atthe top of the curtains. She sat upand heard paper crinkle. Shelocated the note on the pillow nextto her and had to stretch over toturn on the bedside lamp to read it.

Good morning, Vanni. I

turned off the ringer on the

phone after you received acall last night. You werevery tired and didn’t stir.Your siblings are safe. I ranhome this morning to getclothes but I’ll be back soonin case you wake before Ireturn. You are beautifulwhen you sleep and it wasan honor to hold you allnight. I can’t wait to do itagain.

Smiley

She reread the note and lookedat the clock. It sank in that she’dbeen out for over fourteen hours. Itwasn’t evening but morning. She’dalso missed talking to her sister andbrother. She wasn’t really upsetabout that. Her brother would raisehell and her sister would complainabout how Vanni had upset herperfect life.

She rose from the bed feelingrefreshed and entered thebathroom. The smile tugging at thecorner of her mouth couldn’t becontained. Smiley thought she wasbeautiful and his note left no doubtthat it hadn’t been a one-night

stand. No guy had ever left her anote on a pillow before.

She turned on the shower andstood under the hot water. Shefinished her shower and brushedher teeth. The towels were large soshe just wrapped one around hermiddle and stepped out of thebathroom, half expecting to seeSmiley in the bedroom. He wasn’t.She walked over to the dresser toget another large shirt to wear.They were supposed to goshopping but nothing in the dresserlooked acceptable to wear outsidethe house.

“Hello?”

That wasn’t Smiley’s voice. Sheshoved on a shirt and a pair ofbaggy cotton shorts then rushed outof the bedroom and down thehallway. Wager stood in the livingroom holding a tray. He grinnedwhen he saw her peeking aroundthe corner.

“Good morning, Vanni. Ibrought food.”

“Thank you.” She pushed herwet hair away from her face andstepped into the room. It made hera little self-conscious to be wearingsomething she’d normally sleep in.“Good morning to you.”

“Do you want this on the bar?”

“The coffee table is fine. I reallyappreciate you deliveringbreakfast.”

“It’s something we do for specialguests.” He put the tray down andstraightened. His nose crinkled andhe grinned. “Smiley stayed.”

“How do you know that?” Hergaze darted around the floor by thecouch, looking for any evidence ofwhat they’d done yesterday but theonly thing out of place was thecoffee table, which Smiley hadshoved a few feet from its originalspot. “Did you talk to him?”

“I can detect his scent. It’sstrong.”

“Wow. Your sense of smell isthat good?”

He smiled. “Yes. I can tell allkinds of things with my nose.”

She believed him.“I’m glad it was not just the

breeding drug that drew you bothto share sex. I know this time yourfood and drinks were not tamperedwith. I’ll be outside.” He crossedthe room and the door closedbehind him.

“Shit.” She sniffed, unable topick up anything but the smell ofbacon and coffee coming from thetray. It was a little disturbing toknow Wager could tell they’d had

sex.She sat, staring at the food—

scrambled eggs, toast, bacon andhash browns. The coffee was blackbut a few creamers and sugarpackets had been added to the tray.She unwrapped the silverwarefrom a napkin and dug in. Herstomach rumbled from havingmissed dinner.

The front door opened a fewminutes later and Smiley steppedin carrying a backpack slung overone shoulder and a thick blackgarment bag held aloft. He grinned.

“You’re awake and you’vealready showered.”

“Hi.” She felt a little self-conscious but tried not to let itshow. They’d spent the nighttogether and she needed to get overher shyness with him. He’d made itpretty clear with that note that heplanned to spend a lot of time withher while she was at Homeland.There was no telling how long thatwould be.

He dropped the backpack andlaid the garment bag over a chair bythe door. Smiley wore a blue long-sleeved, button-down shirt withblack pants tucked into a pair ofblack biker boots. The style lookedgood on him. Her gaze lifted to his.

“I’m sorry it took longer thanexpected. Justice wanted to see me.Our public relations team broughtthis garment bag for you. I was toldit contains an entire outfit—ins toouts. I assume that meansundergarments and shoes too.”

“That was nice of them. I hopethe sizes aren’t too off.”

He crossed the room and sat onthe coffee table next to her tray. “Ihave to confess something.”

Her fork froze on the way to hermouth. The last time she’d heard aman say those words it had beenher first boyfriend telling her he’dgotten someone else pregnant.

That’s how their relationship hadended and she’d realized what ascumbag he’d been.

“The task force team kind ofbroke into your apartment andscouted it. They relayed thatinformation to our public relationshumans so they could buy youaccurate-fitting clothing for today.”

“They broke in?”“Yes. I’m sorry, Vanni. It had

nothing to do with us not trustingyou. It’s just that you were sleepingso peacefully that I refused to wakeyou. The clothing you brought withyou obviously wasn’t to your shape.I know you live with another

female so I gave one of our malesthe shirt you wore to enable him torecognize your scent. He identifiedyour clothing for the team and theyrecorded the sizes. A male whoworks with our public relationsteam had a shop open afterhoursand he picked out something foryou. I hope it is to your liking.”

Her gaze drifted to the bagacross the room and then to Smiley.He frowned.

“Are you angry? They securedyour home afterward and did nodamage. Our public relationspeople wanted to buy you a newoutfit to wear today when we take

you to buy new clothing. It gives usa reason to show everyone we’retogether. I saw no reason for themto take your possessions from yourhome without your permission.”

“I’m just kind of surprised. Thatseems like a lot of work when youcould have just asked my size.”

“We get things done. Youneeded the sleep and I handled thesituation. I also ordered personalproducts for you, like the ones youkeep in your home. They will bedelivered today.”

“Personal products?”He smiled. “Your bathing

products. Shampoo, conditioner,

body wash and even the deodorantand toothpaste you prefer.”

“Okay.” It seemed a bit muchbut she couldn’t really complainsince he’d said they hadn’tdamaged anything. It was actuallyvery thoughtful. “Thank you.”

He grinned. “I chose the outfitfrom the ones they selected. Theybrought a few. I hope you don’tmind. Someone will send the restover later if you wish but I’mtaking you shopping today. Ithought you’d like to pick out yourown style.”

“I don’t mind.” It had to beatanything Mable had chosen for her

when she’d been imprisoned atGregory’s vacation home. “Haveyou eaten?” She indicated that hecould share her meal.

“I ate. Thank you.”“What time did you leave?”“Around four a.m. I thought I’d

be back sooner but it took time togo to Security to collect your bagand pack my own things. I broughtenough to last a few days and I canget more when I run out.”

She managed to keep her mouthfrom dropping open. It did soundas if he planned to stay with her theentire time she was at Homeland. Itwasn’t a bad thing in her mind. It

was actually comforting andwonderful knowing she wouldn’tbe alone.

“Please eat your food, Vanni.You’ll need your strength.”

She was glad she didn’t havefood in her mouth when his gazedropped to her breasts and ahungry look narrowed his beautifuleyes. His implications were clear.

He glanced up and smiled. “Areyou ready to go shopping todayand get harassed by humans withcameras?”

“I guess so.”“Don’t worry. No one will get

too close. I’m going to protect you

and we’ll have a few teams backingus up. Justice didn’t notify anyoneof our plan so it will take the mediasome time to assemble whereverwe go.”

“Is that a good or bad thing?”“Good. Humans use social

networks when they see us andupload photos. The press arrivessoon afterward. We’ll be in and outbefore they can get too many vansout there and set up to shoot video.We do this all the time.”

“You have to face that everytime you go shopping?”

“We don’t usually buy ourclothing in the out world. It’s

mostly online but we do haveoutings we can’t avoid sometimes.It’s not as bad up at Reservationbecause there aren’t a lot of hotelsor motels to house the reporterswho hound our people. Thehumans who live in the nearbytown aren’t too welcoming of thepress so there’s less to deal with.Here at Homeland it can get prettybad, fast.”

She finished most of herbreakfast though her appetite wasgone. Her brief dealings with themedia circus outside her apartmentwasn’t a fond memory. “I don’tthink anyone really likes reporters.”

“The humans who live byReservation are friends of ours.They won’t tolerate protestorseither.” He grinned. “I like SheriffCooper. He asks for our help oftenand arrests anyone who causesSpecies trouble.”

The NSO compound known asReservation was located up northand it would be a long drive to visitit. “Do you go there often?” Theheavy feeling in her chest at theconcept of him being gone formonths was unpleasant. It wouldmean she couldn’t see him if shewanted.

“I live at both places. It depends

on where I’m needed most.”“Oh.” She dropped her gaze to

stare at her discarded food to hidethe way that bit of news affectedher. Long-distance relationshipsnever worked, at least none thatshe knew of.

“Vanni?”She stood. “I should get

changed. I hope the sizes are right.”She crossed the room and lifted thegarment bag. “Wow. It’s heavierthan I expected.”

Smiley stood in her path whenshe turned and she almost steppedinto him.

“What’s wrong?” He frowned.

“Nothing.” She schooled herfeatures.

“Tell me the truth. What did Isay that made you shut down thatway?”

“I’m just nervous about theshopping trip.”

He leaned down a little. “You’rea bad liar.”

“I am nervous about leavingHomeland.” She held his gaze.

“What else is wrong?” Hestudied her closely. “You askedabout Reservation. Does it frightenyou? What have you heard aboutthe Wild Zone? We don’t reallyfeed our enemies to the tigers and

lions we’ve rescued.”“What? I’ve never heard that.”“You were at the conference.

Some of the protestors there werestating that.”

“I didn’t pay them anyattention. That’s awful. I think it’sgreat that you guys have taken inanimals other places would havekilled. I read that story last yearabout the two grizzly bears somejerk had abused that were foundhalf starved in cages on hisproperty. The humane society hadnowhere to house them since nozoos had room for them but theNSO offered to take them.”

“Gus and Pete.” He grinned.“They are doing well.”

She suddenly feared for hissafety. “The story said they were inpretty bad shape.”

“They were mistreated. Theytook to freedom well. I was therewhen they arrived. Both have puton weight and are doing great.”

“That’s so cool.” Her admirationfor him notched higher. “Isn’t it abit dangerous though? I mean, Iread they aren’t in cages anymore.”

“They don’t belong in them.Nothing can be happy lockedbehind bars. They’ve made friendswith some of our residents and are

pretty playful. Species take care ofthem.”

“You’ve played with them?”He grinned. “You just have to

watch the claws and teeth whenthey’re hungry. Pete loves to havehis belly rubbed and Gus enjoysswimming in the river. I helpedhim learn how to fish.”

Her mouth hung open. Smileychuckled and reached out, pushingit closed with his fingertip underher chin.

“I’ll introduce you to them ifyou want. I promise I’ll keep yousafe. The Wild Zone residents havereally done wonders to socialize

them. They are learning to trustus.”

She recovered. “How do youteach a grizzly how to fish and whywould you want to?”

“They were born in captivity sotheir instincts were denied. Bearsare smart and they pick up whatthey see. It was just a matter oftaking them to the river andshowing them how to fish. Theycaught on quickly. The residents ofthe Wild Zone spend plenty of timewith them.” He dropped his handaway from her. “You should getdressed. The store we plan to go toopens at eight and we need to

assemble at Security to go overbasics before we leave Homeland.”

“Basics?”“Go over safety measures and

timetables so we can control thesituation. I believe our publicrelations team wants to speak to ustoo.”

“Okay. I’ll go get ready.”“I’ll do the dishes.”She stopped and watched him

pick up her tray and stride to thekitchen. He was actually going towash her plate and mug. It wassweet and reminded her again ofhow much he differed from theguys she’d dated. They would have

expected her to do the chores.She entered the bedroom and

dropped the garment bag on thebed, still thinking about what he’dsaid regarding the bears. Shepictured him standing half nakednext to a river with two ferociousbeasts, showing them how to fish.

“I’m apparently dating the bearwhisperer,” she muttered, stunnedbut impressed.

* * * * *Smiley hummed while he dried

the dishes. He even wiped downthe already-clean counters and then

folded the wet towel over theholder. It was tough not to go intothe bedroom but he didn’t wantVanni feeling as if she had noprivacy. He repositioned the coffeetable and fluffed the couchcushions. One glance aroundassured him the room looked tidy.He lifted his backpack and set itinside the closet to keep it out ofsight in case it reminded her that heplanned to move in.

She hadn’t thrown a fit whenhe’d mentioned bringing enoughclothing to last for days. A femaleSpecies would have picked up hisbag and tossed it out the front door,

ordering him to fetch. She’d haveslammed and locked the door withhim on the other side of it toprevent him from returning. Hegrinned, grateful Vanni washuman.

The soft sound of clicking drewhis attention and he stared at Vanniwhen she paused at the end of thetile hallway. The button-down shirtshe wore hugged her breasts andribs. He had thought she’d lookgood in it but hadn’t known shewould keep a few buttons open atthe top to reveal a hint of cleavage.His gaze lowered to the black form-fitting skirt that fell to mid thigh.

Her rounded hips were accentedand it made him want to touchthem. She was short but the heelsmade her legs appear longer thanthey really were.

“Does this look bad?”His gaze jerked up to her face.

She wore no makeup and had justbrushed her hair into a ponytail. Heshook his head.

“The skirt is kind of short andthe shirt is a little tight. I tried tobutton it all the way up but itgaped open over my bra.”

“You look perfect.” Thecompliment brought color to hercheeks and it angered him a little. It

was as if males rarely told her shewas appealing, when they should.He wouldn’t make that mistake.“You’re beautiful, Vanni.”

Her hands clasped over herlower belly and she straightenedher shoulders. “Thank you. That’ssweet to say.”

He stalked closer. “Not sweet.”His attention strayed to the vee ofthe shirt and he licked his lips.“None of my thoughts are.”

She stared at him. “I don’tunderstand.”

He gently gripped her hands,stilling their motion “You look sexyand I’d like nothing better than to

remove those clothes from you. Iwould toss you over my shoulder totake you back to bed if an SUVwasn’t waiting outside. I’m goingto do that later though. Expect it.”

That seemed to surprise her.“I’m not even wearing makeup. Imean, I look a lot better with it on.”

“No, you don’t. I prefer you justlike this.”

Her gaze lowered to his mouthand he wanted to kiss her. He knewbetter. He’d end up followingthrough and taking her to thebedroom. As tempting as it was, hedidn’t need Justice, Fury or Jerichoon his ass for ruining their plans to

dispel the horrible rumors thechurch had started. He didn’t carewhat humans thought of him butthey’d damaged Vanni’s reputationas well.

“We need to leave.”She nodded and finally stopped

staring at his mouth. “Okay.”“It’s going to be fine. I won’t

leave your side.”“I trust you.”A warm feeling settled in his

belly. That was one hurdle down inthe path to gaining her as a mate.“Good. I would pity the humanwho tried to harm you.”

Her eyes widened.He just smiled. “You’re mine to

protect and I won’t fail you.” Hereleased her hands and steppedback, offering his arm the way he’dseen gentlemen do in films. “Allowme, beautiful. Let me escort you tothe SUV.”

Vanni curled her fingers aroundhis forearm. He wished he’d worn ashort-sleeved shirt so he couldenjoy her touch better. He likedskin-to-skin contact. He glanceddown as they walked forward,getting a better view of hercleavage. His dick stirred at thethought of putting his mouth there

later. It took effort to contain hisdesire enough to control hisphysical reactions. A raging hard-on would be noticeable.

He led her outside. Slash,Jericho, Wager and Flame were thefour males he’d requested for theSpecies team. They were human-friendly and trustworthy. He shot awarning glare at Wager, who stareda little too intently at Vanni’s legs.Wager frowned but averted hisgaze immediately. Smiley pausedbeside them.

“You’ve met Wager and I heardyou were introduced to Jerichoyesterday, Vanni. This is Slash and

Flame. They are friends of mineand have been assigned toprotection duty. They will travel inour SUV with us. A second vehiclewill carry our human task forceteam members.”

“Hello.” Vanni smiled at themales. “It’s nice to meet you.”

He watched her face closely,hoping none of them would appealto her. She didn’t keep her gaze onany of them for longer than a fewseconds. He did notice that sheglanced at Jericho again. The malehad said his eyes frightened her.Smiley drew her a little closeragainst his side.

“It’s good to meet you.” Flamegrinned. “We’ll have fun shopping.That’s the main point of this,besides showing the humans thatSmiley isn’t a monster you hate.”

Smiley snarled, not liking theway Vanni’s smile faded at Flame’sremark.

Flame backed away. “I’m sorry.That was intended to be a joke.”

“She didn’t laugh.” Smiley triedto control his temper but it washard to do, knowing Vanni hadbeen offended. “You drive, Flame.Silently.”

“Okay.” The male fled aroundthe SUV.

Jericho opened the passengerdoor. “Please get in, Vanni. Youtake the middle seat. Smiley and Iwill sit by the doors.”

Smiley helped her climb in andwatched her fight the skirt to keepit from inching up her thighs.Jericho clamped a hand on hisshoulder when he attempted toscoot in after her.

“Get a grip,” the malewhispered.

Smiley wasn’t sure what hemeant.

“You’re acting irrational. You’reSmiley, not Grumpy Ass, ready totear off the heads of males who

look at your female. Everyoneknows she’s yours.”

Smiley jerked out of his holdand climbed into the SUV. Jerichoslammed the door and he winced.His friend had a point. He wasn’tbehaving as he normally did. Vannidrove him a little insane. Wagerhad no business appreciating thesight of her legs and Flameshouldn’t speak to her at all.

She put on her seatbelt and hetried to relax. He didn’t want her tosee his stress. She touched his hand.He met her gaze.

“Are you okay?” She soundedworried.

“Yes.”The door opened and Jericho

took the seat on her other side. Hedidn’t like his friend that close andfought the desire to remove her beltand place her on his lap instead. Itwas unreasonable and stupid, yetthe urge still goaded him.

Vanni stroked the back of hishand. “I’m not afraid. I feel safe.You can relax.”

He wished it were that simple.Jealousy was a new emotion and hedidn’t like it one bit. He recognizedit though. Vanni wasn’t his mate.Yet. That left room for other malesto draw her attention. He had to

resist glancing at her stomach. Hisson might be growing there butthat wasn’t why he wanted her. Itjust meant he’d have a valid reasonto beat on any male foolish enoughto flirt with her.

“Listen to her,” Jericho ordered.“Chill out. We have two teams onthis mission and this will be a short,surprise outing. We don’t expectany trouble but we’re prepared ifanything happens. We even havethe helicopter on standby in casewe need an emergency airlift.”

No one had mentioned that lastpart to him. “For a medicalemergency?” His gut twisted. Did

they think someone would shoot atVanni? He wouldn’t risk it. “I’mcalling this off right now.”

The red in Jericho’s eyes flashedmore prominently than usual,showing his anger. He knewimmediately what Smiley wasthinking.

“In case the roads are congested,Smiley. No one expects violence.This outing is needed to show thehumans you didn’t harm one oftheir own. We might have tohelicopter her and you out if themedia has a chance to catch us ifwe’re stuck in traffic. You knowthose bastards would drive on the

sides of the highway to reach us.”“Oh.” He calmed a bit. “That’s a

good plan.”Jericho crossed his arms over his

chest. “Just shoot me.”Vanni gaped at his friend.

“What?”Jericho didn’t look at her but

glared at Smiley. “He understandswhat I mean. I’d rather be shot thansuffer foolishness.”

Smiley faced forward andturned his hand, lacing his fingerswith Vanni’s. He cringed a littleinside but was grateful Vannididn’t question him. She let it go.He knew what Jericho meant. The

male would rather take a bulletthan fall in love with a female.

He wasn’t exactly being a goodexample to his friends. He’d beenmoody and rash since meetingVanni. Everyone seemed toappreciate his good humor so heneeded to show her more of that. Afew deep, calming breaths helped.He’d be on his best behavior whiletaking her shopping and show herhow much fun he could be. Femalesappreciated a male who couldmake them laugh.

Chapter Fifteen Vanni wasn’t a fan of Miles

Eron. The sixty-something head ofthe NSO public relations teamwasn’t the friendliest guy. “Lookhappy at all times,” he demanded,pushing his glasses up the bridge ofhis nose. “I’m not sure I like thatoutfit.” His gaze scanned Vanni.“Cindy? Get your ass over here.”

“Yes?” A woman with unrulycurly hair—the mass was barelycontained in a ponytail on top ofher head—stepped forward.

“What the hell were you

thinking? Her shirt barely fits. Giveher yours.”

“I disagree. She looks fantastic.Craig did her shopping though, notme. I stand by his choice. It’s a goodlook for her.” The woman lifted herchin, openly regarding Miles withcontempt.

“The shirt is too damn tight.You’ve got massive boobs but takeyours off and give it to the girl.”Miles waved his hand. “Now.”

“Vanni looks perfect.” Smileyglowered at Miles. “Don’t ask yourfemale to disrobe in the company ofmales.”

“As if I’d do it,” Cindy

muttered. She raised her voice.“This isn’t 1950, sir. Women arecomfortable and flaunt theirfemininity. She is a pretty womanwith a gorgeous figure. Let it go.”

“Who pays you?” Miles pointedat his own chest. “I’m the boss.”

“You’re a chauvinistic ass,”Cindy muttered.

“What did you say?” Milesadvanced.

Her voice rose. “I said I knowyou’ve got an eye for class.” Shepaused. “But with all due respect,you’re wrong on this one. That’swhy you hired me, remember? I’mthe voice of the younger

generation.”Justice chuckled. “Enough,

Miles. Vanni looks fine. They needto leave.”

Smiley tugged on her arm andled her out of the building. Vannilooked back and caught Cindywaving goodbye. She felt sympathyfor her as she returned the gesture.

“Wow. Is that Miles always sucha jerk? I couldn’t work for him.”She looked to Smiley for an answer.

“He can be abrasive but he’sgood at what he does. You lookperfect. That female was correct.He’s an ass.”

“And apparently a little hard of

hearing.” She grinned. “That waskind of funny.”

Smiley laughed. “Cindy does itoften when we have meetings. Wecrack up because he has no ideawhat she said or why we’reamused.”

A little jealousy rose in Vanni.“You know her well then?”

“Cindy is a nice female. Sheaccompanies Miles to a lot of ourjoint meetings when media issuesarise. They mainly work atReservation but came here lastnight to help us handle thesituation.”

“Great. I’m a situation.” She

didn’t like the sound of that.Smiley helped her into the SUV.

He kept touching her. “You didn’tcause this problem. Place the blamewhere it belongs. The WoodsChurch has had it in for the NSOfor a long time.”

Jericho took the seat next to her.The big primate flashed a half-smile, making him look lessmenacing. She wanted to askSmiley if he’d ever dated Cindy butdidn’t want to do it with four otherNew Species in the SUV with them.Flame and Slash sat up front.Wager took the third row seat. Sheglanced back at him but he was

staring out the rear window.She leaned against Smiley.

“What’s he doing?” She jerked athumb toward Wager.

“He’ll make sure we aren’tfollowed and he has a weapon atready in case it’s needed.”

Vanni regretted asking thequestion. “Weapon?”

Smiley took her hand andclasped it. “It’s standardprocedure.”

“I have a weapon too.” Jerichounfastened the strap on his Kevlarvest and reached inside, pulling outa handgun. He showed it to her andthen returned it, replacing the

strap. “The safety is on. We’re welltrained.”

“We sometimes hide them inpublic when we leave NSO lands.”Smiley squeezed her hand.

“You’re not on duty?” She’dnoticed everyone in both SUVs,except Smiley, wore NSO uniforms.

“No. This is our outing and it’stheir job to protect us.”

She was glad Smiley wasn’tcarrying a gun. They scared her.“Do you think it’s really necessaryfor them to be armed? I mean,we’re just going to a clothing store,right?”

“Standard operating

procedure.” Slash spoke from thefront. “We need to be prepared todefend our lives at all times whenwe’re not at Homeland orReservation. A lot of the officerscarry weapons at Reservationthough, even when they are offduty. The walls are vast and alwaysexpanding. It’s possible an intrudercould breach one but Homeland issmaller and more secure.”

It saddened Vanni that they hadgo to those extremes. She couldn’timagine living in a world where themajority of society had to keepguns strapped to their bodies.Smiley lifted her hand and brushed

a kiss across her knuckles. Shestared up at him, a little awed. Hedid the sweetest things when sheleast expected.

“We have no crime within oursociety. When we encounter it, itusually involves humans. It’s rareto have anyone breach our walls.It’s more of a precaution.”

He could read her too well. Itwas kind of nice though. “I justhate that you have to live like that.”

“It’s our way of life and weenjoy the freedom. That’s the costof it. There are a lot of humans whodon’t wish us harm.”

Flame chuckled. “The mate

hunters.”“What are those?” Her interest

was piqued.“Never mind.” Smiley shook his

head. “Just humans who are a littletoo friendly.”

“Or wish we were.” Slashchuckled.

“Now I’m really curious,” Vanniadmitted.

“They are females who flashtheir breasts at our officers.” Jerichosnorted. “They think we’ll bedriven insane with lust and takethem home.”

“Oh.” Vanni had no idea the

NSO had groupies.“We tend to ignore them.”

Smiley lowered his voice. “Theyaren’t the kind of humans you takehome.”

“Why not?”“They are crazy,” Jericho

answered. “One of them is aninety-six-year-old female. She’s aregular at the gates. That is a sight Icould have lived without.”

Wager laughed. “She worenothing and opened her long coatto flash Darkness. He ordered oneof the task force members to takeher a warm cup of coffee. It seemedto him that she must be cold.”

Smiley’s chest rumbled and sheliked that cute sound when he wasdeeply amused. A grin lit up hisface and she smiled back.

“What about you? Have youbeen flashed?” She didn’t reallylike the idea of women chasingafter him.

“I stick to the outer-region wallswhen I walk them. The humanstend to gather at the main gates.”Smiley shrugged. “I mostly dointerior duty.”

“Smiley is good with humans,”Flame offered. “He’s had some veryimportant assignments and isrespected by all.” He released the

wheel with one hand as they exitedthe main gates and tapped Slash.“Tell her.”

Slash turned in his seat. “Smileyis a great guy. He’s intelligent andvery tame.”

“Enough,” Smiley ground out.Vanni glanced between the two

men. Smiley seemed angry. Slashfaced forward and mutteredsomething under his breath thatshe didn’t catch.

“I don’t need help,” Smileystated.

She bit her lip and fought alaugh. It didn’t take a genius tofigure out they were talking him up

to her.“I would never use the word

tame.” She couldn’t believe thatcame out of her mouth. She darteda glance at Smiley to see hisreaction and felt heat rise in hercheeks at the way he his eyeswidened. “I wouldn’t,” she insisted.

“What word would you use?”Smiley arched an eyebrow.

“Amazing.” She was flirtingwith him and enjoyed it.

He smiled. “I like that onebetter.”

She ducked her head andrubbed her thumb against his.Holding hands seemed like such a

silly thing but it felt good. He’dbrought over clothes to stay withher. The note he’d left implied hewanted more than just sex. Walkinginto that bar might have seemedlike a nightmare right afterwardbut she was almost grateful she’dbeen the one to sit next to him. Ithad brought Smiley into her life.She didn’t regret it.

At least not right now. I hope I stillthink that next week or next month.She pushed back the negativethoughts. No relationship was aguarantee to a happily-ever-after.She’d learned that the hard way,twice. It had hurt deeply to know

the first love of her life was acheating bastard who’d led her onfor years with no real intentions ofsettling down or being the type ofman who’d make her happy. He’djust been an excellent liar and actor.Losing Carl hadn’t hurt though. Ithad taught her never to settle forsomeone just because she waslonely.

She lifted her chin and peered atSmiley. He was watchingeverything they passed. She studiedhis profile. He was a handsomeman but even better, he was a goodone. They’d gone through atraumatic experience together and

he’d seemed more concerned abouther welfare than his own. Itshowed strong character and agood heart.

A slow burn of anger builtinside her. Carl and his fatherwanted to hurt New Species. Sheglanced forward at the two men inthe front seat then at the one nextto her. They were scary-looking,admittedly, with their alteredfeatures and muscular bodies. Thatdidn’t make them bad people. Theywere all there to protect her, astranger. She hadn’t met too manypeople in her life who would takerisks for someone they didn’t know.

Vanni realized how bad thingscould have been if the otherwoman had taken the seat next toSmiley that night in the bar. TheWoods Church would have madehim out to be some rapist whodrugged his victim. They’d spoutthose lies to anyone who wouldlisten, damaging the NSO, who’dall been nothing but kind to herand didn’t deserve to be slandered.

She debated whether the mediawould believe her if she told themwhat had happened when she’dreturned the engagement ring toCarl. Gregory Woods and men likethat horrible Bruce shouldn’t get

away with their evil deeds. Itwasn’t right. They could do it againand pull some innocent into it asthey’d done with her. No oneshould ever go through beinglocked up overnight and threatenedwith death.

“Vanni?” Smiley reached overand caressed her arm.

She stared up at him. “Yes?”“Are you okay? Don’t worry.

Your safety is my top priority. Iwouldn’t allow anything to happento you. This will be fun.”

“I believe you.”“We’ll buy you clothing. Don’t

look at price tags. Money isn’t a

concern.”“All right.” She’d pay them back

though, if she ever got her walletand credit cards returned. Shemade a mental note to cancel themlater. She’d been too disorientatedto really think about those thingsuntil that moment. The last thingshe wanted was the Woods Churchcharging purchases in her name.

“We’re almost there.” Smileysqueezed her hand.

She glanced out the windshieldand realized Flame was driving theSUV into a shopping center. Hermusings had left her unaware ofhow far they’d traveled. It put her

at ease when she saw the name ofthe store they parked in front of.She had worried they’d take her toa fancy dress shop but this was oneof the chain stores where shenormally bought clothes. Thereweren’t a lot of cars in the parkinglot since it had just opened.

“Are you ready? I will be withyou.” Smiley studied her eyes. Sheknew he looked for any show ofemotion and tried to gauge hermood.

She nodded, forcing herself torelax. Smiley opened the door andkept hold of her hand as she slidout behind him. The NSO officers

surrounded them, putting her andSmiley in the middle. A car passed,the driver openly gawking at theteam. The woman nearly hitanother car before slamming on thebrakes.

“So it begins,” Jericho sighed.“Expect the cell phones to comeout.”

Smiley released her hand andpulled her against his side,wrapping his arm around her waist.“Just smile. They tend to want totake photos with us but we’ll keepthem back. I don’t want anyonegetting too close to you.”

“Don’t snarl at anyone,” Slash

warned, his gaze locked on Smiley.“You smile. I don’t care what yourinstincts say. Got it?”

“I know.” Smiley complied.“See?”

“You look constipated but tryingto look happy about it,” Flamemuttered.

Vanni laughed. Smiley actuallysmiled then. It reached his eyes andtransformed his features. Hehugged her tightly as the humantask force team members openedthe doors but stayed outside. Theytook positions as if they planned toguard the entrance.

Customers and employees

turned to gawk at them. Vannistraightened her shoulders and feltgratitude that Smiley was besideher. His arm around her waist wascomforting.

Flame strolled over and yankeda cart free from a line of them andchuckled. “I love carts. I alwayswant to jump inside one and bepushed.”

“You’d break the thing. Noplaying,” Jericho said sternly.“Keep a sharp eye out but lookhappy about it.”

Vanni noticed one of their groupwas missing. “Where is Wager?”

“He’s staying with the SUVs. No

one will be able to tamper with thevehicles without him knowing.”

Smiley’s explanation killed someof her joy. She tried to hide herdistress. Are they paranoid or has ithappened before? She didn’t want toask. They were supposed to bethere to have a good time and beseen together in public to proveGregory Woods a liar. Thatreturned the smile to her face. Shereally hated him, his son and thatchurch.

“Just toss everything at me,”Flame offered. “I’ll follow behind.”

“You’re having too much fun,”Jericho said and sighed. “You

remind me of a hyper child.”“You remind me of a grumpy

father,” Flame shot back.Slash shook his head. “Humans

are watching. Behave!”Vanni laughed and looked up at

Smiley. “Are they always like this?”“Yes.” He eased his hold on her

and lowered his voice. “We havetwenty minutes before this couldget out of hand. We have to stay forat least ten to make sure enoughphotos are taken. Relax and buylots. You’ll need everything fromthe skin out.”

In less than twenty minutes? Shetried to hide her dismay. It was a

reminder though, that he was aman, New Species or not. Thatamused her. He had no clue howlong a woman could shop. Shenodded. “Power shopping. Got it.”She turned her head to stare atFlame. “You ready? Stay close andI’ll just toss stuff in the cart.”

Flame gripped the cart handle.“You lead and I will follow.”

Vanni swept her gaze aroundthe store, spotting the area wherethey kept her size. Smiley stayed ather side as she walked purposefullydown the aisles. She even managedto make direct eye contact withother customers. They continued to

gawk but one woman dug her cellphone out of her purse and lifted it.

Smiley gripped her arm andturned her in that direction. “Smilefor her, Vanni.”

She posed with him. Thestranger approached cautiously andtook the photo. “Can I get a picturewith one of you?”

Slash stepped forward. “I’d behonored.”

The woman beamed. “Thankyou. You’re so tall.”

He chuckled and croucheddown a bit next to her. “Saycheese.”

Vanni was amused, watchingthe woman take a selfie with theNew Species. He made sure sheliked the picture and then backedaway.

“We appreciate your support,”Slash rasped.

“My daughter and sister aregoing to be so jealous,” the womangushed.

Slash beamed. “I’m glad.”Smiley leaned down a little and

whispered in her ear. “Let’s shop. Ihate to remind you but we have torush this a little.”

Vanni nodded and headedtoward the clothes racks. Flame

stayed right behind her with thecart. She just grabbed things thatcaught her eye, quickly puttingtogether about eight outfits.

“That will do it.”“You need panties and bras,”

Smiley reminded her.She blushed, gazing up at him

with dread.He winked. “Not that I’d want

you to wear them but Miles had mememorize a list. People might talkabout what you buy.”

She glanced away from him tothe other New Species hoveringaround her. “In front of them?”

“They aren’t shy about thosethings.” He chuckled. “Only youare. I’ll help.”

She wasn’t sure if that made itbetter or worse as he clasped herhand and led her to the intimate-apparel section of the store. Vannireleased his hand, located her sizein bras and just grabbed a few thatlooked pretty. She was usuallypickier about fabric and comfortbut just wanted to get it over with.

She grabbed some boy-shorts-style panties but Smiley chuckled,drawing her attention. He held upa bright-blue thong. “I like this.”

Vanni just spun around and

grabbed a few more pairs ofunderwear. “Done!” She turnedand dumped them in the cart.

Smiley placed the thong in thecart, adding a few of the same stylein other colors. “You should seeyour face.” He looked amused.“You’re so cute, my Vanni.”

She liked the way he called herthat.

“You should never be shy aboutanything with me.”

It’s not just him though, shereminded herself, darting a lookaround. They had gathered a smallcrowd of customers who seemed tohave nothing better to do than

follow them around taking pictureswith their cell phones. She quicklylooked away from them and forcedwhat she hoped was a smile.

Smiley approached her andoffered his arm. His other handbrushed a few loose strands of herhair back from her cheek as heleaned in closer. “It’s almost over.You’re so brave.”

She didn’t feel that way.“You can do this, my Vanni. I’m

right here. Now we just need to getyou some shoes. The ones you’rewearing make you a little unsteadyon your feet.”

The heels weren’t the problem.

It was her nerves and feeling asthough she were on stage in someplay. She refused to look at theother people again but could sensetheir stares. She gratefully allowedSmiley to lead her to the shoedepartment. One pair of flats, a pairof tennis shoes and a pair of blacktwo-inch pumps later and she wasdone.

“Can we go now?” She reallywanted to leave.

“Yes.” Smiley led her to thefront of the store.

She looked up and skidded to ahalt. The sight in the parking lotshocked her. The NSO team they’d

left outside kept them back but atleast a hundred or more peoplewere blocking the parking areaalong the front.

“It’s not bad yet,” Slash rasped.“It’s still manageable. Only twonews crews have set up. Theydemanded an interview but weretold no.” He reached up and tappedhis ear, drawing her attention tothe device he wore. “I’m in contactwith the team outside andHomeland is monitoring.”

Only two? Vanni panicked butSmiley seemed to realize she wasabout to lose it. He spun her to facehim and lowered his head, staring

deeply into her eyes.“It’s okay. I’m right here. Slow

your breathing a little.” He took adeep breath and blew it out, as if toshow her how to do it. Shemimicked him. He grinned. “That’smy Vanni. They are just curiouspeople. That’s all. They mostly justwant to observe us, if that helps.You’ll adjust to it.”

She doubted she ever would, notthat she’d have to. She silentlyvowed there would be no moreoutings. She really didn’t like beingthe center of so much overzealousattention.

Smiley squeezed her hand.

“Trust me?”“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate to

answer because it was the truth.“We’re fine. This isn’t a large

gathering yet. We’ve dealt withmuch worse. We’ll pay for yourthings and leave. We’ll be back atHomeland in ten minutes.”

She took another slow breathand turned, facing the front of thestore again. There were so manyfaces out there that it was weird.The NSO officers had help blockingoff the street that ran between thestore and the parking area. Shenoticed a few police officers hadjoined them along the sides to keep

people from entering the store. Hershopping trip had, in effect, closedit down.

The cashier grinned when theyreached the front. It seemed as ifthey’d opened a line just for Vanniand the New Species. “Hello. Righthere. I’ll take you!” The womanwaved them over.

Vanni was grateful for Smiley.He took charge, steered her thereand thanked the cashier. Thewoman beamed at him and ithelped that her attention seemedfocused totally on Smiley.

“I never thought I’d see anyNew Species in here.” The cashier

started to scan the clothes.Smiley pulled Vanni closer.

“This is Vanni. She’s visiting me atHomeland and didn’t pack enoughclothing. I wanted to take hershopping.”

The cashier finally stared atVanni. Her mouth popped openand her eyes widened. She glancedat Smiley, then at Vanni. “Oh mygosh! You’re that couple on TV!”

Vanni pressed against Smileysince he stood behind her. Hereleased her hand and wrapped hisarm around her waist. “Yes. Weare.”

“That’s so cool! You’re my first

celebrities.” The cashier resumedscanning the clothes but grinned.“You two are dating?”

“We are.” Smiley rubbedVanni’s stomach with his palm. “Imet her and knew she was the onefor me.”

Vanni knew she had to saysomething. “It was love at firstsight,” she blurted.

Regret came next. She shouldn’thave used the word love but it beatmentioning being drugged. Smileydidn’t tighten his hold or seem tomind her word when he agreed.

“It certainly was. She’s beautifuland sweet. I couldn’t resist her.”

The cashier paused again andgrinned at Vanni. “That’s soromantic. I can’t even get myboyfriend to stop at the grocerystore but yours takes you clothesshopping. You’re a lucky woman.”

“He’s amazing,” Vanni added,meaning it.

“You’ve drawn a mob.” Thecashier jerked her head toward thefront. “I’ve never seen that manypeople want to come in herebefore.”

“Sorry about that.” Smiley easedhis hold around Vanni’s waist. “Ithappens when we leave Homeland.People are curious.”

“Don’t apologize.” The womanlaughed. “We need the business.Stop in any time. I’m Donna. Justask for me. I’ll get you rightthrough the lines. I’m the managerhere.”

“We deeply appreciate that.”Smiley let Vanni go and withdrewa wallet from his back pocket. “Ihave this, babe.”

Vanni nodded. “Thank you.”“I’d do anything for you.” He

winked.The cashier told him a total that

made Vanni flinch. She hoped shehid it as he swiped his card and putin his pin number. Flame and Slash

took her bags and Smiley held outhis hand. She gratefully took it.They headed toward the exit andVanni had to force her legs to keepmoving.

The doors opened and somepeople shouted for them to looktheir way. She squared hershoulders and peered at them. Cellphones were out and they wereeither taking videos or pictures. Shesmiled and clasped Smiley’s handin a death grip. He waved with hisfree hand and kept her moving.

“Can we have an interview?” Awoman with a microphone andcameraman tried to rush at them

but a police officer opened hisarms, preventing them from goingforward.

Another news crew got aroundan officer but the NSO team wasable to keep them at a distance.“Not now. No interviews,” one ofthem announced.

Wager pulled the SUV up to thepath cleared by the police who hadkept people back to give them anexit and Smiley yanked open thepassenger door. Vanni climbedinside, eager to be out of thespotlight. Smiley slid in behind herand closed the door.

“Are you okay? You’re pale.”

“I don’t do well with crowds.There were so many people staringand shouting at me.”

He surprised her by suddenlyreaching out and lifting her ontohis lap. “It’s okay. The windows aretinted. They can’t see inside. Youdid really well.”

She turned against him andenjoyed his arms wrapping aroundher in a hug. “I never want to dothat again.”

He massaged her shoulders.“I’m sorry. I didn’t know thiswould frighten you.”

“I’m not scared. I just…” Shestruggled for a word to describe

almost having a panic attack butnone came.

“You’re just shy,” he finished forher and kissed the top of her head.“No more outings.”

“Thank you.”The other members of their

group piled into the SUV. Slashopened the hatch door, put the bagsinside and then just climbed overthe third seat.

“Here we go,” Wager warned ashe closed the hatch from thedriver’s seat. “I’ll drive slowly sowe don’t hit anyone. We lost ourbackup team but they’ll catch ussoon.”

Vanni peered over Smiley’sshoulder to see out the backwindow. No second SUV trailedthem. She saw them still in front ofthe store though. They seemed tobe trying to get to their vehicle butthe news crews were keeping pacewith them. They took a turn andshe lost sight of them.

“That was crazy,” Vannimumbled.

“This is our life outsideHomeland.”

She shifted to stare into Smiley’seyes. “I never realized.”

He shrugged, keeping a firmhold around her waist. “We have

adapted. Those are the nice ones.No one threw anything at us orscreamed obscenities.”

“Some people suck,” Vannimuttered.

He grinned. “We try not to takeit personally. Relax, this will beover soon. I promised to help youget out of those clothes.” Heglanced down at the front of hershirt and made a soft noise.

“Wait for that until you gethome,” Jericho ordered from theseat next to them. “You’re notalone.”

Vanni tucked her head andrested it against Smiley’s chest. She

liked him holding her on his lap. Itwas illegal to be in a movingvehicle without a seatbelt but he’dsaid no one could see inside. Shehad no desire to scoot away andtake the middle seat.

Chapter Sixteen “We have trouble,” Wager

growled from the driver’s seat.Smiley tensed, lifting his chin

off the top of Vanni’s head. “Whatis it?”

“The front and back gates arepacked. They’ve had a significantincrease in traffic in the last fewminutes.” Wager met his gaze inthe rearview mirror. “Do you wantan earpiece?”

“Yes.”Flame twisted in the passenger

seat and held out one of their

communication devices. Smileygrabbed it and placed it on his ear.

“Four news crews at gate one,” aSpecies announced. “We also havesix unmarked vehicles lining up.They could be reporters.”

“There are two news vans atgate two and a lot of foot traffic. I’dguess four dozen humans. Theyaren’t holding signs but they don’tappear to be friendly.”

“This is Smiley,” he chimed in.“What about gate three? Can we goin that way?”

“Negative.” Smiley recognizedTrey Roberts’ voice. “There are toomany cars on that street and they’ll

see you enter. The businesses areopening so employees are arrivingat work.”

“What about four?” Gates threeand four were secret so one of themshould be clear. Smiley just wantedto get Vanni inside withoutincident.

“No,” a male growled. “We havechildren on the field. They arehaving some kind of outing in thepark across the street from mylocation at four. It’s too dangerous.”

“They are children,” Treyresponded. “How are they adanger? All they’d see is an SUVpulling into what they’ll assume is

someone’s home.”“We don’t risk children,” the

male responded. Smiley identifiedCreed’s voice. “What if they arebeing followed?”

“There are still two possible tailson us,” Slash responded.

Smiley turned to look out therear of the SUV. There were a lot ofcars on the street but he wasn’t surewhich two held Slash’s attention.

“Understood,” Trey announced.“We’ll go to backup plan B then. Goto that location and I’ll send thehelicopter to meet you.”

“Cancel that,” Tim O’bertodemanded. “I’m here now. Enter

gate two. It’s not critical. We canhandle the traffic.”

“I don’t want to take any risks.”Smiley turned his head to peer atVanni. She seemed to be handlingthe situation with grace but hewanted to be reassuring. “It’s goingto be fine,” he reassured to her.

“Exactly,” Tim muttered. “It’sgoing to be fine. I’m watching themonitors and the foot trafficdoesn’t appear aggressive. Justdrive in. We’ll be ready at the gates,right?”

“We are,” one of the officersresponded. “We’ll pull in the twonews crews to the holding area and

that way the SUV can just drivearound them.”

“Don’t do that,” Tim snapped.“Leave them outside. You don’thave time to search their vehiclesproperly before they reach you. Novans past the first gate sectionwithout an inspection. Order themedia to back out.”

“We tried that. They arerefusing.” The male soundedirritated. “Would you like us to pullthe drivers out and move theirvehicles ourselves?”

“Hell no,” Tim cursed. “I don’twant that on the evening news. Tellthose bastards someone will give

them a statement if they comply.That usually works.”

“We’ll try,” the irritated malegrumbled.

“Wager,” Tim instructed, “enterthrough gate two. We’re sendingextra officers that way now. Theyare on the move. You’re still twominutes out so they’ll beat youthere.”

“Understood.” Wager glanced inthe rearview mirror again andreached up, probably muting hisside of the coms. “I don’t like this.”

“Nor do I.” Smiley lifted Vanniand put her on the seat next to him.He leaned forward to peer out the

front.Wager turned down a few

streets and they neared the gates.Humans were milling around thesidewalks and two news vans stillblocked the entrance, parked sideby side in front of the gates.

“Fuck.” Smiley didn’t like it.“Keep calm,” Jericho demanded.

“You’re frightening your female.”Smiley looked back and saw

Vanni’s pale features. She huggedher waist and was pushed upagainst Jericho’s side. It was astressful situation. He masked hisfeatures. “It’s going to be fine.”

“I trust you,” she stated. “Don’t

worry about me.”“Engaging tamperproof locks,”

Wager called out. The snap of lockssounded. “I see one of our officerstalking to a driver. I think they aregoing to get out of the way and letus pass.”

The SUV stopped in the street toallow one of the news vans room tomaneuver. The driveway to thisgate was narrower than at the mainentrance. Smiley glanced up at thetop of the wall, grateful to see astrong presence of uniformedofficers. More joined them untilthey stood shoulder to shoulder,their weapons in view. Humans

would have to be stupid to attemptanything.

He glanced at the humansgathered on the sidewalks. A malecaught his attention when hereached around, going forsomething tucked in his waistband.Smiley tapped his com. “Possiblegun!”

He spun, grabbed Vanni andtwisted her sideways on the seatuntil his body shielded hers but nogunfire erupted.

“Camera phone.” Wager blewout a breath and continued, “He’staking pictures. Threat averted.”

Smiley eased some of his weight

off Vanni. “Sorry. I didn’t mean tocrush you.”

“I’m okay,” she mumbled.“Stay there,” he ordered, as if he

gave her a choice since he kept ontop of her to keep her in place. Hepeered out over the front seats. Themedia van hadn’t backed out toallow them to pass.

“What is the holdup?” He staredat the uniformed male—he waspretty sure it was Book—speakingto the driver of the van.

The male in question glanced hisway. “He refuses to leave unless hegets the statement. They are awareof who is visiting us.”

Smiley grimaced. The newsoutlets had already heard Vanniwas at Homeland and instead ofrushing to the shopping center,they’d come directly to the NSO.

“Traffic,” Slash hissed. “Lots ofit. We’re pinned in. They must havespotters on the ground.”

Smiley turned and saw morenews vans coming at them in thestreet from both directions. A fewcars were behind them. “Pull thedriver out and move that van,” heordered.

“Don’t you dare,” Tim argued.“Just stay put. I’ll handle thatasshole myself without causing a

shitstorm. Those pussies will bescreaming brutality if you lay afinger on them. You’re fine in theSUV. I’m on my way.”

Smiley couldn’t fault the taskforce leader for being worried.They weren’t allowed to physicallytouch anyone outside the NSOwalls. It was one thing to use waterhoses to disperse crowds or toss theoccasional smoke bomb when theprotestors stormed the gates buthumans might see it as abuse ifthey yanked someone out of avehicle.

Jericho finally spoke. “Let’s rushthe gates.”

Smiley snapped his head aroundto glare at his friend. “No.”

“More incoming,” Slash hissed.“Rush the gates,” Jericho

repeated in a deeper tone.Smiley didn’t like the idea of

taking Vanni out of the SUV soclose to all those humans. Theirintent was unclear but as he lookedat the road, his opinion changed.More cars and people were comingdown both sides of the street. Itseemed they knew Smiley andVanni were trapped outside thegates.

“Let’s do it.” Smiley admittedVanni would be in more danger if

they were completely surroundedby hundreds of humans instead ofjust a few dozen.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,”Tim reminded them.

“We don’t have time,” Slashanswered. “It’s getting out of hand.Scoot to the middle with her,Smiley. Let me by the door. I’ll runinterference and take downanything in front of you both.”

“Do it,” Tim agreed.Smiley straightened in the seat

and helped Vanni upright as he slidagainst Jericho, making room forSlash to climb over the seat. “It’sgoing to be fine. Stay by my side.

We’re going to get out of the SUVand walk to the gates. I will pickyou up if we have a problem. Justput your face against my neck andhold on tight.”

“I’ll be fine.”“Shit!” Flame hissed. “Brace!”Smiley looked up and saw the

humans rush at them. Bodies andhands slammed against thewindows and the SUV rocked. AllSmiley could do was hook his armaround Vanni to pull her close andgrab hold of the front seat headrest.The vehicle was heavy but twentyto thirty humans surrounded it. Hewas tempted go for the weapon

strapped at his ankle as the swayinggrew worse.

“Smoke bombs are beingdeployed,” warned one of theofficers along the wall. “Prepare.”

Smiley ground his teeth. “Holdyour breath when we open thatdoor and don’t let go of me,Vanni.”

He saw metal cans fly fromabove. They impacted around theSUV but didn’t hit the mass ofhumans. White smoke rose fast andthe humans next to the windowsbegan to choke and cough. In lessthan thirty seconds it was tough tosee out the windows with the thick,

blinding smoke. The rocking ceasedthough as their attackers fled.

“The gate is about sixty feetahead of us. Keep to the far left ofthe driveway,” Wager ordered.“Go!”

Both sets of locks released andSmiley followed Slash when heshoved open the door, hittingsomething. A male cried out inpain. He didn’t give a damn if ithad struck a human. He hoistedVanni into his arms, hugged hertightly against his chest and usedmemory to go forward. He didn’thave a mask so he held his breathand kept his eyes squeezed shut.

A hand gripped his shoulderand he figured it was Slash helpingsteer him in the right direction. Hepeeked once, regretted it as his eyesteared up from the acrid smoke buthe was able to make out the newsvan they passed. They were almostto the gates.

“This way,” a male snarled.“Keep coming. We have youcovered.”

Vanni’s arms wrapped aroundhis neck and her legs spread,hugging his hips. Her fingernailsdug into his shirt but he didn’t careif she scratched him. She wasprobably terrified. He peeked again

and realized the smoke wasclearing as they left the affectedarea. He saw the gate and a line ofmasked NSO officers with gunsdrawn, waiting for them. Tworushed forward and grabbedmembers of his team, leading theminside.

The gates closed and Smileysucked in air to his starved lungs.“It’s okay,” he whispered to Vanni.“You won’t choke.”

She gasped and coughed a little.He hugged her tighter and keptwalking to put more distancebetween them and the smoke. Helooked around, appreciating the

dozens of Species who’d rushed tothe second gate to help. He noddedat a few of them. He blinkedrapidly to clear the irritant from hiseyes.

“Are you okay?”Vanni nodded against his neck.

She kept her face buried there. Hestopped and just held her. He’dmade a mistake by taking her awayfrom Homeland. Luckily she hadn’tbeen harmed but the trauma ofwhat she’d just experienced mightsour her on becoming his mate. Itpissed him off that everything hadgone so badly. He tried to push thatanger back though, wanting to

soothe her.“Well, we sure know how to

make an entrance.”Vanni lifted her head and

peered at him. Her pretty eyeslooked haunted but she smiled. “Isthat what you call that?”

“They didn’t manage to flip theSUV and we’re safe at Homeland.”

“Why would they do that?”He hesitated. He didn’t want to

give her more bad news. “I don’tknow. Maybe they think it’s fun torush a stranded SUV and turn it onits side. It happened once before.They took videos and posted themas if it were a prank. The team

inside the SUV didn’t think it wasfunny.”

A Jeep came hauling ass arounda corner and he spotted TimO’berto in the driver’s seat. Headvanced when the male hit thebrakes and jumped out, leaving theengine running.

“Is she okay? Hurt?”“She’s fine.”Tim looked relieved. “I should

have agreed to the chopper.”“I shouldn’t have agreed to let

her leave Homeland,” Smileyresponded. He stepped around Timand walked to the passenger side ofthe Jeep. “Get in, Vanni. We’re

going home.”Vanni slid down his front and he

helped her climb inside. Herounded the vehicle and climbedinto the driver’s seat. “I’m takingVanni home.”

“That’s my Jeep.” Tim scowled.“Get another and have Vanni’s

new things sent to her home.”Smiley threw the Jeep in reverseand backed up slowly since Vannihadn’t put on a seatbelt. Hestopped, shifted gears and pushedthe gas pedal. He just wanted to gether home and safe. She wouldn’t beleaving Homeland again.

Vanni was still a bit shakenwhen Smiley escorted her into thehouse. He closed and locked thedoor, leaning against it. His grimexpression told her he didn’t takewhat had happened as lightly ashe’d implied. She kicked off thehigh heels, happy to be out of them.

“No more shopping,” heannounced.

“I don’t really like it anyway. Ibuy a lot of my clothes online.”

He blinked a few times and tooka deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”“I shouldn’t have agreed to that

outing. I didn’t think you’d be in

danger. I failed you.”He was more than a little upset.

He seemed to blame himself andshe refused to let him. “That wasn’tyour fault. I’ve come to theconclusion that people are assholesand idiots. You got me back safeand sound.” She lifted her arms andglanced down. “In one piece.” Herchin rose and she smiled at him.“I’m okay. It was scary there for afew minutes but we’ll laugh aboutthis later.”

He pushed away from the doorand stalked toward her, stoppingjust inches away. “I will never findthat funny. They could have flipped

the SUV.”“They didn’t.”“They could have.”She liked the way he looked at

her. His beautiful eyes showedworry and concern, all of it directedat her. She reached out and placedher hand against his chest. “I’mokay. I’m more worried about youright now.”

His gaze widened. “Why?”“You’re more upset about what

happened than I am.”“I made a mistake.”Her heart rate increased. It

sounded as if he was about to dump

her. She wasn’t even sure that waspossible since they didn’t exactlyhave a relationship. “About what?”

“I never should have agreed totake you shopping. I don’t carewhat the out world thinks of me. Iknow it was for the NSO and toprove the Woods Churchstatements to be untrue but itwasn’t worth risking your life. Iwon’t agree to put you in any kindof danger again.”

“I was the one who agreed to goshopping.”

“You’re mine to protect. I couldhave overruled the decision.”

That surprised her. “What does

that mean?”“You’re my responsibility to

care for.”A horrible thought struck and

she stopped touching him. “Is thatwhy you’re with me? You feelresponsible?”

“No.” He frowned.“It’s not your fault that we were

drugged. You were their target butGregory and his messed-upfollowers did this to both of us.”

“I’m aware.” She stumbled backa step and almost tripped on herdiscarded shoes. She righted herselfbefore Smiley could reach out andhelp her, putting up her hands,

waving him off. It hurt to think hemight only be spending time withher out of some sense of duty. Hergaze locked with his.

“Do you even like me or is thisabout guilt?”

His lips parted and he lookedsurprised by her question.

“Seriously. Just tell me thetruth.”

He advanced. “I want you. Thisisn’t about guilt. We have a bond.”

“One that was forged becausewe went through a traumatic eventtogether.”

“It’s more than that. I feel things

with you.”That helped ease her hurt. “I

don’t want you here if it’s justbecause you think you owe mesomething.”

“I want to spend time withyou.” He frowned. “I was attractedto you before the drugs. I’m stillattracted to you.”

The tightness in her chest eased.“Okay.”

Smiley wrapped his fingersaround the curve of her hips,holding on to her. “How could youeven question my attraction?”

“I don’t know.”

“You do know or you wouldn’thave said something like that. Lookat me.”

She hated seeing the way hegazed at her in that moment, as ifshe’d hurt his feelings. It made herregret the rash assumption. “Mytrack record with men isn’t thatgreat.”

“You’re sweet, Vanni. You makeme laugh and you drive me a littlecrazy.”

“I know it’s a bit annoying thatI’m not more outgoing.”

“You don’t annoy me.”“You just said I drive you crazy.”

He smiled and the pained lookin his gaze vanished. “It’s becauseI’m so worried I’ll say or dosomething that will drive youaway. I don’t want that. We’re fromdissimilar backgrounds and I’mworried those differences will makeyou want to leave. I need you tostay.”

“You do?”“Very much so.” He released her

hip with one hand and cupped herface, dipping his head until hismouth hovered just inches from herlips. “I also would never call whatwe experienced traumatic. Itbrought us together. I can’t regret

that.”“Me neither,” she admitted.He caressed her cheek. “Let me

take you to bed. I want to prove toyou how strongly I feel. I’m notgood with words but I can showyou.” His fingertips trailed fromher cheek to her neck. “Say yes.”

She was tempted. “Do youunderstand that I don’t typicallyrush into a sexual relationship?”

“I do. What we share is special.”She wanted to believe that. “I

don’t know what you expect orwant from me. Is it just sex?” Sheneeded to express her concerns. “Idon’t want to be used. That’s how

I’ll feel later if you just walk away. Idon’t do casual sex.”

Smiley softly groaned. “I’dfrighten you if you knew howserious my feelings are.”

“Is that just a line?”His eyebrows arched and a

confused look filled his gaze. “Whatdoes that mean?”

“Men just say what they think awoman wants to hear to get her toagree to go to bed with them. Theydon’t mean it.”

“I’m nothing like your males,Vanni. I wouldn’t lie to you. Ourfemales wouldn’t want me to tellthem I have deep feelings. They

prefer males who keep anemotional distance. I don’t wantthat with you. I wouldn’t sharehow I feel if I was just saying what Ithink you want to hear from me. I’dkeep it hidden.”

“So you’re looking for agirlfriend? A serious relationship?”

“Yes.”“I don’t know how that could

work out between us. You live hereand I live about two hours away.”She wished she could see a way tomake it work but wanted to betotally honest. “You also spend a lotof time at that Reservation place.That’s up north. Long-distance

relationships never work. We can’teven date. You saw what happenedwhen we went shopping together.It’s not as if we can go out todinner.”

“You never have to leave myside. We could live together.”

Whoa! She swallowed hard.“That’s moving kind of fast.”

He let his hand drop away fromher throat. “Life is short, Vanni.”

She had learned that lesson.Gregory and his goon could havekilled her. She also could have diedfrom the drug. She peered up athim and wanted to say yes but itjust wasn’t that simple. She wished

it could be.“Give me some time.”“I’ll give you anything you

need.” He stepped back and urgedher to follow him.

They ended up in the bedroom.Smiley sat on the bed and bent toremove his boots. She enjoyedwatching him strip out of the shirt.He had a beautiful chest and his fitbody always took her breath away.He stood and cocked his head.

“Will you let me show you howI feel?”

She clumsily unbuttoned hershirt. He watched as she removed itand let it drop to the floor. His gaze

seemed fixated on her bra.“You’re so beautiful.”It encouraged her to reach back

and unzip the skirt then shove itdown her hips. It hit the floor andshe stood there in her bra andpanties. Smiley came closer andreached around her to unfasten thebra. He had it off in seconds. She’dnoticed the first time he’d so easilyunlatched her bra that he seemed tohave some experience at undressinga woman. He looked down as hebared her breasts, a soft, sexy noisecoming from his parted lips. Hewasn’t like any other man she’dknown. She decided he was so

much better. No one had everaffected her the way he did.

He lightly caressed her hipsbefore hooking his thumbs in thesides of her panties and surprisedher by dropping to his knees. Hetugged them down until they werearound her ankles. She used hisbroad shoulders to help keep herbalance as she stepped out of them.Smiley looked up at her, his darkeyes smoldering with passion.

“You should never wearclothing.”

“You either,” she admitted.“You’re a little overdressed.”

“Get on the bed.”

She moved out of his reach andsat on top of the covers. Smileyopened the front of his slacks andjust shoved them down, not evenbothering to remove them. Heclimbed up on the bed and she layback when he crawled over heruntil his face hovered just abovehers.

“Let me kiss you.”She wrapped her arms around

his neck, licking her lips to wetthem. “Please.”

His soft lips brushed hers. Thatchanged rapidly though when hedeepened the kiss and she met hispassion. He lowered more of his

weight onto her, pinning her downon the bed. She liked how hot hisskin was, pressed tightly to hers,and the way he shifted his hips,bumping against her thigh to lether know what he wanted. Vannispread her legs to make room forhim between them.

He broke the kiss and lifted upenough to stare into her eyes. “I’mgoing to roll us.”

She wanted to protest but it wasdone before she could speak. Sheended up sprawled on top of him.She tried to scoot down a little buthis stiff cock bumping against herpussy halted her. His hands splayed

on her rib cage as he bent his legs toraise her shoulders higher, allowinghim to cup her breasts.

Vanni closed her eyes at thesensation of his firm handskneading her. She bit her lower lip,enjoying the caress.

“So beautiful and soft.”Bracing her knees on the

mattress, she tried to lift her pussyaway from his lower belly, the achebetween her legs a telling sign thatshe was getting aroused. He wasmaking her hot and she didn’t wantto get him wet.

He let go of one breast to grabher hip and pull her down again.

She opened her eyes and stared athim. He shook his head. “Staywhere you are.”

He bent his legs up, kicking offhis pants as he did, and trapped herwhere she sat as the tops of histhighs pressed against her ass. Hisstiff cock was trapped betweenthem. There was no missing thethick, hard shaft. He slowly rolledhis hips. The erotic motion rubbedher clit against him. She braced herhands on his chest, just needingsomething to cling to.

“What are you doing?” Shehadn’t experienced anything quitelike it.

“I enjoy watching your face.”That made her blush. She broke

eye contact and stared at hisstomach. His well-defined absflexed as he continued to slowlyrock his hips as she sat on top ofhim. The aching increased, almost atease of what it would feel like ifhis cock was inside her. She grewwetter and knew he must be awareof it.

He released her hip and slid histhumb between her pussy and hislower belly. He traced her slit,played with the proof of herarousal and then pressed the pad ofhis thumb against her clit. She

moaned.“So beautiful,” he rasped.“Smiley!” She wanted him

inside her.“Not yet. I want you too much.

You need to come for me first soyou’re prepared.”

For what? She was already wetand ready to have sex. Hecontinued to play with her breast,using his thumb and forefinger topinch her nipple gently. She closedher eyes, the sharp jolt of pleasuremaking her pussy clench.

His cock felt harder as it rubbedher ass and the muscles of histhighs pressed tighter against her

too. He rolled his hips under her,the slow rocking driving her insane.She wanted him more than she’dever wanted anyone. His sexy,intense gaze seemed to see rightinto her soul as his thumb circledher clit in tight movements thatdrove her wild. She panted andmoaned but fought the urge to digher nails into his skin.

“Please,” she pleaded.“Fuck,” he groaned. “I could

never say no to you.” He jerked hishand away, stopping the torment ofher clit, lowered his legs and sat up.She almost fell backward now thathe wasn’t supporting her. He also

stopped massaging her breast.“I’ll try to be gentle.”He rolled her onto her side. She

hadn’t seen that coming and laythere a little stunned until he got tohis knees and bent forward,grabbing her hips. He flipped herover onto her stomach as if sheweighed nothing.

“Hands and knees,” he ordered.His voice came out in a deep raspand sent good chills down herspine.

She pushed up and did what hewanted, hurting for him to fuckher. She expected him to climbupward and pin her under him but

Smiley surprised her again when hegripped her inner thighs and urgedher to part them. She spread herknees until he let her go and satback on his heels.

Vanni gasped when he shovedboth hands between her partedlegs, flattened them on her lowerbelly and jerked her backward. Therapid movement lifted her off herknees and her chest hit the bedwhen her arms collapsed. The thickcrown of his cock pressed againsther pussy and he entered her. Shecried out when he suddenly droveinside. He eased his hands frombetween them so she was half on

his lap, facedown on the bed withhis bent knees under her stomach.He spread her legs farther and bentforward, coming down over her.

He fucked her deep and hard,one hand hooked around her hip tokeep her in place. She clawed at thebedding, not caring if her nailsdamaged it. His finger found herclit and with every thrust of hiships the friction drove her higher.She buried her face against thebedspread, moaning louder as heincreased the pace.

It was so good it nearly hurt.Her vaginal muscles clenched inanticipation of the impending

climax, along with about everyother muscle in her body. Smileyfucked her even faster, theheadboard banging loudly againstthe wall. She didn’t care. He was sohard and it was so good.

“Killing me, Vanni,” Smileygroaned.

She would have said the samebut the world exploded around herwhen she started to come. Ecstasyripped through her and she waspretty sure she screamed. Smileytore his hand from between themand grabbed her hips, driving intoher as deep as he could get andjerking with enough force to shake

them both as he came too, whilesnarling her name.

His dick pulsed inside her as if ithad a heartbeat. He slowed histight thrusts until he was still. Thefirm grip on her hips eased and heleaned forward, his chest pressingagainst her back. He didn’t crushher with his weight but hedefinitely had her pinned.

“No female makes me feel theway you do, Vanni,” he rasped, hisbreathing erratic. “Was that toorough?”

She just shook her head, lackingthe energy to turn her head to peerat him. “I loved that.”

He brushed a kiss on hershoulder and stroked her outerthigh. His big hand gentle as heexplored her from hip to knee thenback again. “Me too. We’re going todo this a lot. Often.”

He stopped playing with herhip, wrapped his arm around herwaist and stroked her lower belly.She moaned when he slipped hisfingers over her clit and caressedher there. Her vaginal musclestwitched and Smiley groaned.

“I’m going to fuck you again.”His words surprised her. He still

felt hard inside her. He rolled hiships, almost withdrew from her

pussy but then drove his dick backin deep. Two fingers captured herclit between them, lightly tugging.She moaned.

“So soon?”“I’m not like your males.”

Chapter Seventeen Their short nap had been

interrupted by a phone call. Smileyhad kissed Vanni’s cheek and toldher to go back to sleep. He’d beennotified of a meeting he had toattend. She’d gotten out of bed thesecond the front door closed andstood on unsteady feet. Everymuscle from the waist downseemed to hurt. She groaned andmade it to the bathroom to soak ina hot tub.

“What do you expect? You’redoing Mr. Fitness,” she mutteredwhen her legs trembled after she

climbed out. Her inner thighmuscles burned a bit and her lowerass wanted to go on strike witheach step. The bath alleviated herdiscomfort.

She bent at the waist to dry herhair and groaned. Her girl partswere fine but she might havestrained the muscles in her ass. Shefinished rubbing her hair and usedthe counter to help her straighten.

The image in the mirror madeher cringe. Her hair hung in wet,stringy strands and her lipsappeared swollen from Smiley’skisses. She turned away from herreflection and wrapped the towel

around her middle.“Must work out more,” she

muttered, limping to the bedroom.She made it to the bed and just fellover, happy to be off her feet. Shestared at the phone on the bedsidetable and wanted to call Beth. Herfriend would laugh at her dilemma.Beth would find it funny but all itdid was make Vanni wonder howshe was going to hide herdiscomfort from Smiley.

The phone rang and shegroaned, stretching out to get it incase it was Smiley calling to checkon her. “Hello?”

“Were you date-raped and

drugged?”She winced, identifying her

brother’s stern voice. “Hi, Count.No. It’s not true if you heard thatstory.”

“What the hell have you gottenus into then?”

She tried to think of what to say.“Answer the damn question,”

he demanded. “Mom and Dad areAWOL and we’re sequestered in ahotel. Of all the guys you had tofuck around with, you picked aNew Species? Couldn’t you havehad a last fling with a stripper atyour bachelorette party like anynormal person?”

She rolled onto her back,gripping the phone to her ear andstared at the ceiling. “Mom andDad went to the cabin but I’m sureyou already guessed that. It’s wherethey always go.”

“That’s all you have to say? Youwrecked our lives this week. I wantanswers. What the hell is going on?You’re lucky I didn’t shoot thesecurity team that arrived. Weheard something about you holdinga press conference and that you’dbeen victimized by the NSO andthen they showed up here, sayingwe were in danger. You should havewarned us what kind of hell was

about to rain down on our family.”She hated the tears that filled

her eyes. She was the baby of thefamily and had always tried reallyhard to fly under the radar. Counthad every right to be angry. “I’msorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t change the factthat you embarrassed this entirefamily and we’re all paying for it. Idon’t even know what to think.What kind of idiot goes to a bar andpicks up a stranger? Then you hadto do it with cameras rolling so itwas fodder for everyone to see. Weraised you better!” He cursed.“Knock that off, Mia. I’m talking to

her.”“You’re being a prick,” her sister

insisted from somewhere close tothe phone. “Let me talk to her.”

“I’m not done,” Count insisted.“Couldn’t she have made cookingvideos or something if she wantedto be an internet sensation? Fuckno. Our sister has to become aninterspecies porn star.”

“Goddamn it!” Mia yelled.“Give me the phone, barf breath.Did you brush your teeth? Yourpoor wife. Go find a toothbrush. DoI need to remind you of the shit youpulled in high school? Do your copbuddies know you used to smoke

weed? Don’t jump her ass.”“She’s not in high school. She’s

an adult.”Vanni winced. Her siblings were

fighting because of her. They wereclose in age and it could get uglyonce they started. The usuallymature pair turned into a set offive-year-olds occasionally whenthey argued. Mia must have wonthe wrestling match over the phonesince Count howled in pain andMia’s voice came over the receiver.

“Are you okay, Vanni? Ignoreour idiot brother. He didn’t meanany of that. We’ve just been reallyworried. We’ve heard a lot of

conflicting things.”Vanni blinked back the tears.

“Count meant it. He’s angry.”“Okay, so he did.” Mia paused

and a smacking sound could beheard. Count cursed. “Stop that.Try to take it again and I’ll scratchthe shit out of you,” Miathreatened. “I wasn’t kidding aboutyour breath. You smell like ass. Gobrush your teeth.”

“I’m getting your husband,”Count taunted.

“Go do that. He’s afraid of myfingernails too when I’m pissed.Try to grab the phone one moretime and you’re going to bleed,”

Mia warned. “And don’t breathe onmy husband. What the hell did youeat?”

“Please don’t fight,” Vanniurged.

“Hang on.” Mia slammed adoor. “Ha! It’s locked, jerk!” Hervoice lowered. “I’m in thebathroom. He wouldn’t dare kick itdown. You should see this placethey have us staying in. It’s ritzy ashell. The door probably costs morethan his beloved rusted piece-of-junk car he calls a classic.”

“I’m so sorry,” Vanni whispered.“It’s done. I just hate that we

couldn’t talk to you before. Why

were you avoiding our calls overthe weekend? What is really goingon, Vanni?”

“I didn’t mean for any of this tohappen.”

“It’s okay. Are you okay? That’sthe most important thing.”

“I am.”“How are you holding up? I

can’t imagine what you’re goingthrough.”

“I’m fine.” She wasn’t about toshare her sex injuries, which weremaking her ass and thighs ache.“It’s just been kind of a nightmarewith the press and with the WoodsChurch.”

“The security team said theWoods Church was a threat to usand that’s why we’re here. I knewthat family was shit once I foundout who the father was. They are abunch of lunatics. What did Carl doto you? Did he hit you? I didn’t likethat asshole. He was too smoothand controlling.”

That astonished Vanni. “Ithought you liked him as much asthe rest of the family did.”

“I was being nice. I’ve rackedmy brain thinking why you’d endup getting tanked in a bar andpicking up some guy you didn’tknow from Adam. I know you too

well. Carl either cheated on you orhit you. Which one was it?”

She couldn’t tell her sister theentire story so she hedged over themain parts but shared how he’dtricked her into going to theconvention and the way he’dtreated her. “I was done. I didn’tmean for that to happen in the barbut I don’t regret it.” That was thetruth. “Smiley is here with me. He’swonderful.”

The silence at the other end ofthe phone connection becameuncomfortable. Her sister finallyspoke. “Can he hear what I’msaying?”

“No. I’m alone right now.”“Are you being held there

against your will?”“No.” Vanni sat up and winced,

forgetting her soreness. “Smiley isamazing. The NSO is protecting mefrom Carl’s dad and his crazyworshipers. They are saying I wasdrugged and forced to, um, youknow.”

“I know. We heard. That’s whatI told Count after we watched thenews earlier today. You lookedhappy but scared. I like the waythat guy you’re with was soprotective of you.”

“Today?”

“When the NSO took youshopping. It was all over the news.”

Vanni’s gaze drifted to the TVon the dresser. She was tempted toturn it on to see if they wereplaying the footage but she resisted.“It turned kind of hairy when allthose people showed up but I’mfine. Really.”

“What kind of threat are youlooking at from the Woods Church?Do they want revenge because youdumped Carl? I remember that onereligious group who tried to burn awoman alive in front of the gates ofthe NSO for sleeping with a NewSpecies.” Mia’s voice quavered.

“Are they going to want to killyou?”

“Maybe. They are crazy, Mia.I’m safe here though.”

“Thank god. Don’t leave there.”“I won’t.”“This Smiley guy is treating you

well? He looked pretty concernedtoday.”

“Yes. He’s really sweet andwonderful.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Count is fitto be tied but don’t let him get toyou. You know how our brother is.It’s his twisted and controlling wayto be a big asshole when he’s

worried. He had a complex as a kidand now he has a badge so hethinks he knows everything. I don’thave to cook or clean so I’m lookingat this like a free vacation with a lotof security guards. I just wish theyhadn’t given us connecting suitesbecause two more days of listeningto our brother and I’m going toconsider tossing Count out awindow to see if he turns into a batand can fly.”

Vanni chuckled. It was an oldjoke. “Thanks, Mia. I was afraidyou’d be mad at me too.”

“I’m just worried. You do whatyour security team says. They seem

to know their stuff. They had uspacked and hustled out of ourhomes in short order and put us inthe penthouse suites of this hotel.We have the entire top floor sowe’re safe.”

“I was worried.”“We’re more worried about you.

You aren’t exactly tough.”“I’m not a wimp.” She resented

the implication.“No, you’re not, sweetie. You’re

just a bit sheltered and we’vealways been protective of you.”

“I’m no longer a child and I’vetold you to stop. I appreciate thatyou try, at least.”

“I need to go. Count, that ratbastard, blabbed to my husband.They are arguing outside the door. Idon’t want them to come to blows.”

“I love you.”“I love you too.”Mia suddenly yelled, “Knock it

off!”The call disconnected and Vanni

replaced the receiver in the cradle,grateful she wasn’t staying at thehotel with her family. Her siblings’families living together soundedlike a nightmare. They could neverbe under the same roof for morethan a few hours without it turninginto pandemonium.

Vanni inched off the bed andcursed. She needed a massage andmuscle relaxers. She settled ongoing to the kitchen for a sodainstead since the first two were notviable options. The bags from theirshopping expedition were on thecounter. She popped open the canand took a sip, deciding to getdressed. Moving around might helpease some of her soreness beforeSmiley returned.

She also remembered sheneeded to make some calls. GregoryWoods still had her wallet and allher credit cards. She needed tocancel them but she didn’t want to

go against Justice North’s ordersabout the phone restrictions. She’dasked Smiley and he’d said itwould be fine. Canceling andreplacing everything would be ahassle.

Smiley hated that everyone in

the room had overheard Vanni’sconversation with her sister andbrother. The meeting had come to ahalt when they’d received wordthat a phone call had come in forher. It had been patched throughJustice’s phone, their side muted.He’d disliked her brother instantlyafter he’d torn into Vanni. When

the phone call ended, he stood.“I’m going to check on her.”Justice frowned. “She sounded

fine. We’re not done.”“I don’t know why everyone

had to listen in on herconversation.” It wasn’t the firsttime Smiley had protested.

“I’m sorry about that.” Justicefrowned. “But we needed to knowwhat was said. We needed to knowif her family is unhappy about herbeing here and if they resent beingheld in a hotel. They have a historywith Carl Woods and he could usethat association to taint their viewof us by urging your female to leave

Homeland.”Smiley knew he was right. “That

didn’t happen. Her sister told herto stay here where she’s safe.”

“Good thing.”Smiley shot Jericho a glare.

“What does that mean?”“We just had the bartender

delivered to us. I thought you’dwant to be present for that insteadof tying Vanni to a bed to keep hersafe. I would do that if she were myfemale.”

Fury laughed. “It does work.”Justice growled low. “Don’t

remind me.” He narrowed his gaze

on Fury. “And I remember youhaving Ellie tied to your bed for adifferent reason.”

“I believe I was hired right afterthat,” Miles Eron muttered. “Youneeded a lot of help with yourpublic image.”

Fury’s humor faded. “Who getsthe pleasure of scaring the shit outof this human and making himtalk?”

“I do,” Smiley volunteered.Jericho stood. “No. I’ll do it.”“He drugged me and Vanni.”

Smiley faced him, ready to arguehis case.

“Exactly. It’s personal. He can’ttalk if you lose your temper andbreak his jaw. Take your feelingsout of this by answering myquestion with complete honesty.Who will terrify the human more?Me or you?”

Smiley hated it but conceded toJericho’s logic. “Fine but I get to bethere.”

“I wouldn’t expect anythingless.” Jericho nodded. “The sight ofyou will make him nervous.”

“I remember when I used to bein charge,” Justice mused. “I evenhave the nice office and desk.”

“Sorry.” Jericho didn’t look it

though.“I really don’t think this is a

good idea,” Miles protested. “Ithink the task force team is doing afine job.”

Justice stood. “Noted, Miles. Weappreciate your input but this isn’thappening outside the walls ofHomeland. Jericho has a good plan.Let’s go. They are holding thehuman in interview room two. Weall want to see this.”

“Are we going to record it?”Fury arched an eyebrowquestioningly.

Justice nodded. “We’ll leak it tothe press.” He glanced between

Smiley and Jericho. “Keep that inmind. Humans are squeamishabout things they perceive as tooviolent or frightening.”

“That’s why I think the taskforce should handle this.” Milesstood too. “It will appear youterrified this man into a confession.You pay me to tell you what mypeople will think. There it is.”

“Give it up,” Cindy muttered.“No one else agrees with you.”

Miles spun and glared at her.“What did you say?”

She raised her voice. “We don’twant the NSO to seem as if theyneed us to handle their security

matters. That’s worse thanreleasing a video of one of theminterrogating this bartender. Wewant people to fear New Speciesenough not to fuck with them inthe future.”

“The task force scareseveryone.” Miles glared at her.

“I think Jericho is way morefrightening.” She flashed theprimate male a smile. “I have totalfaith in you.”

“Thank you.” Jericho grinnedback.

“I still think it’s a mistake.”Miles faced Justice. “Why do youeven pay us to handle your press if

you refuse to listen to my advice?”“It’s not for your winning

personality,” Cindy muttered lowenough that her boss couldn’t hear.

Justice chuckled. “We neededyour help handling the shoppingexcursion. You’re the one whodecided to stick around. We’ve gotthis.”

“I still think it’s a mistake.”Miles shook his head.

Cindy rolled her eyes. “Hethinks that tie looks good. I rest mycase.” She turned in her chair,drawing everyone’s attention. “Justdon’t punch the living shit out ofthe jerk on camera before you get

him to talk. That would be overkill.People might view that as a forcedconfession. We don’t want anyonescreaming about his rights beingviolated.”

“As if that human gave a shitabout that when he drugged us,”Smiley hissed.

“I agree,” Cindy acknowledged.“My heart isn’t bleeding for thisdickhead but all I’m saying is, don’tinflict injures that are going toshow. The bartender might nothave been aware of the danger. Itdoesn’t excuse it but I’m just sayingyou must try to keep the camera inmind so we can use it in the media

war the Woods Church hasstarted.”

“They wanted someone tossedto their human authorities to beprosecuted. I think we have theirpound of flesh,” Justice said as herounded his desk.

Smiley was outraged. “You’regiving him to the humans?”

Justice stopped next to him. “Ihave a plan.”

“What would that be? Theirjustice system isn’t harsh enough.He deserves to be sent to FullerPrison, not to some human jail cellwith television and visitors.”Smiley fisted his hands, that angry.

Justice leaned in and held hisgaze. “If there’s anything we’velearned, it’s that our enemies try toflee the country when we’re afterthem. The human authorities andnews outlets know it too. I want toput enough pressure on GregoryWoods to make him attempt toescape. We’ll be waiting.”

“I can’t listen to this part.” Milesbacked toward the door. “I’m out ofhere. My legal advisors would tellme not to be part of thisconversation.” He exited the room.

Justice arched an eyebrow atCindy. “Are you leaving too?”

She leaned back in her chair. “I

have this condition I callimpromptu senility. I can’tremember a damn thing when Idon’t want to. Go on. I wouldn’tmiss this for the world.”

Some of Smiley’s angerdissipated. “You have a team inplace to grab him?”

Justice smiled but it didn’t reachhis eyes. “We’ll help him disappear.The out world will think he isgetting a decent tan on some beachbut there is no sunlight where he’sgoing. Fuller Prison is about to get alittle overcrowded though we haveno early release program. We’veordered new cages already.”

“You don’t legally have torelease the identities of whoeveryou imprison at Fuller.” Cindygrinned. “Score one for the goodguys.”

Fury chuckled. “I checked. Thestaff at Fuller Prison assembled thebunks and received new bedding.They are just waiting to issueclothing to the new prisoners.”

Smiley calmed. “You’re sure hewon’t get away?”

“Positive,” Justice swore. “He’stoo afraid to piss without a securityteam outside the door. He justhired two of our undercover taskforce members. He has no idea who

they really are.”“That’s totally true,” Cindy

nodded. “I’ve been researchingGregory Woods for over a year,since he hit the big-time-social-media level. He’s all mouth and nospine. Right now he’s got to beparanoid as hell and I’ve monitoredthe increase in his security detail inthe past few days. He used to keepthree suits around him but he’sdoubled that number.”

“Our team members have himwired and have cloned all hisdevices,” Fury announced. “He’svery dependent on his electronicsand has already done searches for

non-extradition countries to flee to.He also hired a private jet to bewaiting on standby. One of ourhumans is now wearing thatcompany’s pilot uniform. He’ll rushright to our pilot and be flown towhere our team will be waiting totake him into custody.”

“What about the son? I wanthim too.” Smiley wasn’t about toforget that Carl Woods had setVanni up for his father.

Justice nodded. “He and hisfather can share a cage. The fatherwon’t leave without the son.”

“By every indication I’ve found,Carl Woods is heavily dependent

upon his daddy’s money.” Cindywhipped out an electronic devicefrom her purse on the floor. “Hespends more than he makes and tobe honest, he’s not the best lawyer.His father paid to open his privatepractice and gives him the majorityof his business.”

She turned the screen to showJustice something. “This is hiscurrent debt. The doors to hispractice are only open becauseDaddy saves his ass every month.His home is mortgaged for morethan it’s worth and his ass would behomeless and jobless within threemonths if the money gets cut off.

Gregory Woods is a dickhead wholoves to keep everyone around himon strings. It’s that pathetic godcomplex he has. I’d bet the candybar in my purse that Carl Woodsrealizes the money gets cut if hedoesn’t stick close to his father’sass. I mean wallet. He’ll also know,if criminal charges are filed againstGregory, the first thing that wouldhappen is they’ll freeze his assetswhen he evades arrest. That meansthe money is cut off for sure.”

“What if he doesn’t leave withhis father?” Smiley wasn’t willingto risk it.

Fury drew his attention. “Then

we’ll pick him up a few weeks afterhis father disappears. Everyone willassume he just met up with himlater. They’ll be accurate.”

“Especially when they forecloseon his house and evict him from hisnice office suites,” Cindy added.“Even his car is a rental.”

“And Bruce? I want him themost. He Tasered Vanni and madethreats.” Smiley wasn’t about toallow that male to get away withhurting her.

Justice leaned back. “We did abackground check on him. Youwant to hit someone and makethem bleed? He’s all yours.”

Fury growled. “He enjoyshurting females. He’s been arrestedsix times for beating and terrifyingthem. The females dropped thecharges after the police suspectedhe made threats. Gregory Woodstold your Vanni we have agraveyard of our enemies. I thinkwe should start one.”

“Now, Fury.” Justice shot himan amused look. “He would makehorrible fertilizer. I wouldn’t wantto expose our vegetation to hisremains.”

“True. He is a piece of shitthough.”

Justice nodded and held

Smiley’s gaze. “Leave him aliveafter you teach him how it feels tobe hit. We’ll get him when theteams bring in Gregory. I thinkdeath would be too kind. Let himspend his life in a cage. He doesn’tlike to leave his boss’ side. We’llhelp him obtain that goal. Let’s go.”

Cindy stood. “I wish I couldcome with but Miles is probablywaiting in the car. He wanted toleave after the meeting and you canguess who is driving. It wouldn’t behim.” She walked over to Smiley.“I’m glad you got the girl.” Shewinked. “Hold on to that one. Sheseems like a keeper.”

Smiley nodded in agreementand followed the men out ofJustice’s office to Security. Heentered the holding cell first,recognizing the bartender from thehotel. The male’s eyes widenedupon seeing Smiley. He tensed inhis chair.

“You do remember me.” Smileykept away from the male andcrossed his arms over his chest. “Iremember you.”

Jericho entered the interrogationroom and slammed the door. “I’lldo the talking.”

Smiley showed fangs butstepped to the side. He glared at

the male who was handcuffed tothe chair but made sure he stoodout of the range of the camera setup in the corner. Jericho rumbledloudly as he stalked forward. It wasa sound meant to intimidate thehuman.

“I didn’t do anything!” Thehuman’s eyes were wide with fear.

Jericho crouched a few feet fromthe male, just glaring at him.Smiley noticed he’d tilted his headup enough that the lighting in theroom would catch the red hues ofhis eyes. The bartender tried toscoot the chair back but realized itwouldn’t move. He broke out in a

sweat.“I don’t like liars,” Jericho

rasped as the rumble emanatingfrom his chest deepened. “Do I lookamused? You’re wasting my time. Iwant to know what happened inthat bar.”

“I just served the drinks.”“Let me rephrase that. I know

what happened but I want you toadmit what you did.” Jericho took adeep breath, expanding his chestand nostrils. His expression showedhis anger. “Confession is good forthe soul, I’ve been told. So confess.”

A good minute ticked by. Thebartender tried to glance away but

his gaze kept going back toJericho’s intense glare. Hetrembled. “Okay. All right. Thisguy approached me before my shiftand paid me four hundred bucks toslip something into a pair of drinks.He said it was going to be a joke.”

“Really?” Jericho stood. Hecracked his knuckles. “What was sofunny? Share how this joke workedon my friend because I could reallyuse a laugh. I want specific details.”

“Um, maybe he didn’t say it wasmeant to be funny. He was withthat church group.”

“What church?”“I forgot their name. You know

the one with the heavyset preacherguy who has a whiney voice?”

“No.”“He’s always going on about

protecting the human race and howwrong it is that you weren’t sent tolive in zoos.” He blanched. “I don’tfeel that way though. I don’t! I’m socool with New Species and theentire NSO thing. My girlfriend hasa poster of Justice North on herfucking bedroom wall.”

“You resent that?”The human’s face reddened.

“No.”“I don’t believe that. Justice is a

handsome male.”

The human clenched his teeth.“She tells me I need to work outmore.”

Jericho snorted. “I bet that isn’tgood to hear.”

“She thinks he’s perfect.”“Perhaps he is.”“No guy is. And he’s a cat. She

named her kitten after him. It’s allkinds of fucked-up.”

Smiley winced and glancedtoward the camera, hoping Justicedidn’t take offense. His focusreturned to the male. It made himhappy he wasn’t feline or canine.Primates were harder for humansto own as pets so he doubted there

were many being named after him.Of course no one had known abouthim until the footage of him andVanni behind the hotel wasreleased. His name hadn’t gottenout until the shopping excursion.

“Get to the point. This maleapproached you to do what?”

“He handed me this little glassbottle with a liquid drug inside it. Iwas supposed to wait for a NewSpecies to come into the bar andwhen some chick came in and satnext to him I was told to split thedosage in half and put it theirdrinks.”

“What drug?”

“Hell if I know. He said it wouldbe entertaining. That’s the word heused.”

“What was his name?”The human shifted in his seat.

“I’m not sure. I didn’t ask. He was abig meathead. You know the type.”

“I don’t. Tell me.” Jerichocrouched again, balancing hisweight on the balls of his feet.

It seemed to frighten thehuman, having Jericho that closeagain. “A little over six feet tall.Dark crew-cut hairstyle. He didn’thave a neck.”

“Keep describing him.”

“He looked like he was onsteroids, okay? All muscles and notmuch of a talker. I didn’t pay toomuch attention to his looks. I didn’twant to date the asshole. I just tookthe cash and the drug from him. Idid what I was supposed to.” Hepaused. “I really needed themoney. My old lady is alwayscomplaining about how I don’t takeher to nice places and she’s beenhinting for me to buy her a ring.Diamonds aren’t cheap. It’s kind ofher fault if you really think aboutit.”

“Could you pick him out of alineup?”

The human hesitated andJericho rumbled deep within hischest.

“Yes!” The human nodded. “Icould. He was in the bar a fewtimes. He drinks bourbon with ice.”

The door opened and one of thetask force members entered with alarge envelope. He opened it andwithdrew some eight-by-tenphotographs. “Tell me when yousee him.”

The human chose the thirdphotograph. “That’s him.”

“You’re sure?” Jericho stood.“Yeah. He’s got a jagged scar on

the back of his left wrist. I saw it

when he was drinking at the bar. Itwas kind of hard to miss. He’s tanand it’s pretty stark in comparison.You notice that shit when you’rechatting up customers when it’sslow. He wasn’t a talker so Ithought he might be ex-military.They tend to be loners when theycome in and I knew he wasworking security detail forsomeone at the hotel.”

“How did you know that?”The human grimaced. “He had

one of those earpieces with the cordrunning down to his collar and hewas packing a gun. He had a left-side shoulder holster on. The suit

was expensive so I knew he wasn’tthere to rob the place. Could havebeen secret service because we’vehad them in the hotel before butthey never drink while on duty.This guy was in there often. Hekept talking to some guy namedGregory through his earpiece thing.The first time it happened, Ithought he was talking to me andcouldn’t read my nametag but thenhe said it was his boss.”

Smiley breathed easier. Theyhad linked the drugging to GregoryWoods. He turned and opened thedoor. He wanted to see Vanni.She’d be happy to know the

bartender had confessed and he’didentified Bruce’s photo.

Chapter Eighteen Vanni hung up, glad it was over.

She’d notified both credit cardcompanies and was relieved tolearn no charges had been made.Replacing her driver’s license andher medical insurance cards, alongwith some store discount cards,would have to wait. Those werethings she had to do in person onceshe left Homeland.

She called her office, getting herboss. Glen seemed happy to hearfrom her. “When are you comingback in?”

“I’m not sure.” She hated thesilence.

“I can’t afford to pay atemporary agency forever, Vanni.”

She translated that into what hewasn’t saying. She needed to gether life in order or he’d have to lether go. “I’m so sorry about this,Glen. You’re being veryunderstanding. I know I need thisweek for personal time for sure. Ido have some vacation timecoming. The wedding is off so therewon’t be a honeymoon.”

“I assumed that after I saw thenews. It’s kind of been the talk ofthe building. Carl hasn’t been seen

either. Are you all right?”“I’m better off without him. He

turned out to be an ass.”“Men rarely react gracefully

when they are cheated on.”She winced. “That’s not exactly

how it was. We’d kind of, well, it’sa long story.”

“You have two weeks. You’reexcellent at your job and until now,a prized employee, but this is abusiness.”

“I totally understand. Thankyou, Glen. I’ll call you again soon.”

She hung up just as the frontdoor opened and Smiley walked in.

She stood and forced a smile. “Howdid your meeting go?”

He approached. “What’swrong?”

It amazed her that he couldsense her moods so easily. “It’s notimportant.”

“Talk to me.” He sat on thecouch and patted the spot next tohim. She walked over and sat. Hesmelled good and looked evenbetter.

“My siblings called. Then I madesome calls about my credit cardsand another to my boss. My brotheris an ass but that’s nothing new. Mysister was surprisingly fantastic.

She’s usually not so understanding.My boss gave me two weeks to getback or I’m fired.” She paused. “Onan up note, no one messed with mycredit cards. I canceled them.”

He reached out and played witha lock of her hair. “You don’t needyour job. You could stay here withme.”

Vanni didn’t know what to sayto that. She changed the subject.“How did your meeting go? Was itabout us?”

Smiley released her hair andtook her hand. “They brought thebartender in. He identified Bruce asthe male who paid him to drug us.”

That information comforted her.“He’s under arrest?”

“For the moment. We’rereleasing footage of his confessionto the news outlets first. It willapply pressure to Gregory Woodsto flee to avoid your police. Wehope he will take Bruce and his sonwith him. That’s when they’ll pay.”

“By being arrested?”Smiley hesitated. “It’s not that

simple.”“They’ll get away with what

they did?” It angered her.“No. It’s just that our laws will

handle this instead of yours.”

“What does that mean?”“Your laws are less harsh.

Gregory and the males who workfor him will pay for drugging usand for keeping you against yourwill. I promise they won’t get awaywith it.”

“I’ll testify against them.”He smiled. “You don’t have to

go to your court. You told Justicewhat happened and that’s enough.You’re safe here, Vanni. They willnever get the opportunity to hurtyou again.”

“You’re confusing me,” sheadmitted.

“They are going to pay and will

never know freedom again.”“Even Carl?”He didn’t seem to like her

question, his body growing rigidand his expression stern. “Don’tfeel pity for that male. He luredyou into a trap and didn’t protectyou.”

Put that way, she nodded. She’dnever forget him walking out thatdoor and leaving her there with hisfather and Bruce. “I know. He’s ajerk.”

“You could have been seriouslyharmed or killed. I won’t everforget that. You shouldn’t either.”

“I won’t.”

“Good.” He studied her features.“I don’t want you to leave me,Vanni.”

Her heart raced a little. She’dmiss him if she left Homeland. Shecould visit him on weekends if hewas at Homeland but it would betough. A long-distance relationshipwould be difficult for any couple.She wanted to be with a man shegot to see on a regular basis. Carlhad been a weekend-only dater forthe most part and it had helpedhim hide his true flaws.

“I know this is fast but I’mwilling to marry you.”

She hadn’t expected that.

He slid off the couch to hisknees in front of her and adjustedhis body until he had her pinned.He took both her hands. “I’ll be agood mate. I’ll make sure you arehappy, Vanni.”

“I…” She was speechless.“You were willing to marry Carl

Woods.” He said the name as if itwere distasteful. “I’m a much bettermale than he could even dream ofachieving. I’d never hurt you. I’dnever allow anyone else to hurt youeither. I really would kill someoneto protect you. You would beeverything to me. Tell me yourconcerns.”

She licked her lips, trying tothink past the surprise of hisproposal. “We barely know eachother.”

“I’m Species. We don’t need alot of time to know our hearts.” Heleaned in closer. “I don’t havehuman relationship flaws.”

That made her smile. “Whichwould those be?”

“I don’t need to date manyfemales before I decide on onebecause I know what I want andneed. That would be you. You makeme happy. I feel all the things I’vealways dreamed of. I don’t fearcommitment. I welcome it. I won’t

take you for granted the way mosthumans do the females in theirlives. I’ve been alone my entire lifeand I’d cherish spending everymoment with you.”

Tears filled her eyes. She blinkedthem back. It was probably thesweetest, most open conversation aman had ever had with her. Mostmen hid their feelings but Smileyopened himself up wide. The lookin his soft brown eyes, theearnestness that shone there,expressed his level of honestly.

“We could be happy, Vanni.”“What if we get to know each

other better and that changes? This

is the honeymoon stage.”One eyebrow arched. “What is

that?”“Almost every relationship is

great at the start. Both people areon their best behavior but they lettheir guard down after a while.Then you get to see their flaws. Youmight not like me a month fromnow.”

“Are you deceiving me?” Hefrowned. “Are you pretending tobe someone else?”

“No.”A smile curved his lips. “I know

that. You are bad at hiding youremotions and have a very

expressive face.” He grew serious.“You’ve seen me at my worst,Vanni.”

He’d been wonderful to her. “Idon’t believe that.”

“I’ve been surly since you cameinto my life. I’m afraid a male isgoing to draw your interest. I feeljealousy and worry that you mightwant someone else. It’s why I’vebeen so angry when they are near. Itook the name Smiley because I washappy to be freed and swore toenjoy every day to the fullest.Jericho called me grumpy and hewas correct. I admitted that I’vekilled humans in the past and

would do so again if I had to. Idon’t imagine that’s a good trait,yet I want you to know me. Theseare the things I would have hiddenif I wanted to deceive you.”

He made really good points. “Iwould never think badly of you.You have to protect yourself andthe people you love. I appreciateyou trusting me enough to tell methe truth about what you’veendured.”

“Does it frighten you, knowingthat I can be deadly to myenemies?”

She shook her head.His hold on her hands eased and

he let go of one to reach up andcaress her cheek with his thumb.“You could enrage me and I’d walkaway. Is that a fear? I can’t see meever getting angry with you but I’dnever turn it on you. We hear aboutdomestic violence in your world.”His hand stilled, just lightlytouching her. His voice harshened.“That would never happen. I’dnever touch you in anger. Ever.”

“I don’t think you would.”His expression relaxed. “Good.

Do you know what would happento a Species who abused his mate?”

She shook her head.“He wouldn’t survive long. I’d

take him out myself but I’d havetough competition to reach himfirst. Other males would hunt himdown too, along with our females.We don’t abide that kind of thing.”He took a few deep breathes. “I’menraged that Carl Woods put you indanger. I’ll make him bleed a lot if Iever get my hands on him. I knowthat isn’t something you’d like tohear but this is total honesty. I’mnot hiding that from you.”

Vanni smiled. “You’d totallykick his ass.”

“I would.” He smiled. “I’d enjoyit. I hope that doesn’t disturb you.”

“No. I wouldn’t mind taking a

swing at him myself.”He chuckled. “You, violent? I

can’t see it.”“Everyone has bad days. Bruce

and Gregory are monsters. I hitBruce with a bottle and hurt himbut I’d planned to attack Gregory.He wasn’t in the limo.”

All humor faded from Smiley’sfeatures. “I was informed of whatyou did. I don’t want you to reliveit, Vanni. You were smart and verybrave. You did what you had to inorder to survive. I’m very glad ofthat. I only wish you’d hit himharder or he’d have died from thebullet meant for you.”

“They threatened to kill Beth.”“You never need to excuse or

explain it.” He leaned in closeruntil their breaths mingled and hecaressed her cheek again with histhumb. “Stay with me. We will behappy. We can commit to making itwork. We’ll talk everything out.You only need to tell me if I dosomething that makes you unhappyand I’ll do everything in my powerto change it.”

“I want to say yes,” sheadmitted. “I’m just afraid of gettingmy heart broken.”

“Never,” he rasped. “I’ll be agood mate to you. What are your

fears? Tell me.”“I’ve been cheated on.”“It won’t happen. You’re the

only female for me. Did you knowmates get addicted to theirfemales?”

Her eyes widened, surprised.“How?”

“Other females will scent bad tome. I’ll only get hard smelling andseeing you.”

“Seriously?”He nodded. “Our bond will

grow every day and I’ll only wantyou. I already do.” He paused.“Another female offered to share

sex with me since we met. I turnedher down. The thought horrifiedme. I only want you, Vanni.”

Smiley regretted admitting that

immediately when he saw Vanni’sexpression. He’d gone too far withthe honesty. He felt her tense underhis touch. He stopped stroking hercheek and took her hands again,refusing to let her go.

“It was after I returned toHomeland with the drug still in mysystem. A female thought I wassuffering. I was but I didn’t wanther. Even in pain, I only want you.Please don’t get upset.”

“Was it Cindy?”He frowned. “No. Why do you

think that?”“You two seemed friendly. She’s

cute.”Was she jealous? It made him

happy. It meant she felt possessiveof him. That was good. “I’ve nevertouched Cindy in that way. Sheworks for the NSO and has showedno interest in me. She is attracted toa male who lives at Reservation.She watches him when he isn’tlooking. Some of us have noticed. Itwas a Species female who is afriend of mine.”

“You’ve had sex with her?”

He flinched. “It isn’t anythingserious. We’re not involved in arelationship. Species females hardlyever share sex with the same malewithin a short time span. It’scomplicated but there isn’t aromantic element involved.”

“But you’ve slept with her?”Vanni appeared confused and he

understood. She was unfamiliarwith his kind and very naïve. Heneeded to explain. “Sex can just befor pleasure and to feel linked toanother person for a short time. Inyour world I believe the term isbooty calls. Species females hookup with males when they wish to

share sex but they aren’t dating orinvolved the way humans haveromantic relationships. We havefriendships and also share sexsometimes. You and I have morethan that. I’ve never shared sexwith a female and wanted to mateher. Only you, Vanni. You’respecial to me. Please believe that. Iwon’t ever share sex with anyoneelse but you.”

She looked uncertain. “So youwon’t sleep with her again?”

“No. Never.”She stared into his eyes, seeming

to search for the truth. He kept eyecontact. “Okay.”

Relief spread through him. Heneeded to think before he spoke.“What are your other fears?”

“I don’t want to have a long-distance relationship.”

“Nor do I.”“What about when you are

working? Are you ever gone forweeks?”

“You go where I go. Mates staytogether. I’m sent to Reservationfrom time to time but I could refuseif you wish to stay here. It’s notmandatory for me to travelbetween both locations. We havethe option to say no. It’s respected.Species want other Species to be

happy. They will work around ourneeds. We just have to live at theNSO. It’s too dangerous in yourworld. We had a male who lived inthe out world and he waskidnapped with his female. Yourfamily and friends can visit.” Heglanced around at the living room.“They’d be comfortable here,wouldn’t they?” He held her gaze.

She nodded. “Yes.”“Being with me doesn’t mean

you have to give up the otherpeople you love. It just would besafer for them to spend time withyou here, behind our walls.” Hehesitated. “It could be an issue with

them though.”“They aren’t prejudiced.”“Our enemies are. You’ve

already been linked to me though.The damage has been done. We’lldo everything we can to protectthem.”

He hated the way worrycrinkled the corners of her eyes. “Iwill say that the few mates whohave family and friends in the outworld didn’t have too muchdifficulty after the first few weeks.The media coverage died down andthey have been left alone.”

“That’s good. Especially sinceeveryone I’m close to is already in

hiding from the Woods Church andthe media.”

“Very true.” He waited for herto express other objections. She wasthinking. He could almost see thewheels of her mind spinning. It wascute how easy she was to read. Shelocked on to something because shegripped his hands a little tighter,staring intently at him but saidnothing.

“What is it?”“I wanted to have kids one day.

Would you consider allowing me tocarry a baby? We could go to adoctor and set it up. They’d usedonated sperm from someone to

impregnate me in a surgical setting.I know it wouldn’t be biologicallyyour child since you can’t havethem but would you think about it?Is it possible that you could love ababy that is created that way? Iwould adopt a baby if I wasn’t ableto carry one of my own. I’d love itanyway. Could you?”

Her rushed words poured out,stunning Smiley. She gasped abreath before he could respond.

“I know it’s asking a lot but Ireally want to be a mother one day.It’s part of the reason I agreed tomarry Carl. I’m not saying we needto do it right away but I want that

option. I love my niece andnephews. I didn’t give birth tothem but I want that. Children. Afamily. With you.”

His gut tightened and emotionchoked him. She wanted babieswith him one day and to become afamily. It was a dream of his aswell.

“Too much to ask? I’m sorry. Iknow some men are weird aboutthat.” She tried to tug her handsaway, a resigned look on her face.

He clasped them tightly,refusing to let go. “Vanni, we canhave children.”

She blinked. “Are you just

saying that? It wouldn’t bother youraising a baby or two that is allhuman?”

He leaned in and brushed hislips over hers. He released herhands and rose to take a seat on thecouch next to her. She watchedhim. He just turned and lifted her,putting her across his lap. Sheallowed it but he could see he’dsurprised her. He held her closeand kept eye contact.

“I was hesitant to tell you thisafter what the Woods Church toldyou. We want to live in peace withhumans. We never want to takeover the world. Running the NSO is

difficult enough. Do you believethat?”

She nodded.“They fear us but there’s no

reason to. A lot of the ones whohate us are waiting for us to die.They think Species are a blight witha limited time on their Earth.Mercile attempted to breed us but itnever worked. We’re still trying tofigure out why but since we werefreed some children have beenborn.”

He could see her confusion.“We hide them from your

world. We fear for their safety. Themale I told you about who lived in

your world and who was takenwith his female were kidnapped fora reason. They wanted to use heragainst him to make him do as theydemanded. It seems there’s a blackmarket for Species babies—as exoticpets. Do you understand our fearsand horror? They want to enslaveour children the way we were.They stole the male to attempt tofigure out how to create more.”

“Oh god.”“They would steal our children

and sell them. Worse, some wouldwish them killed outright toprevent Species from multiplyingand having a future. Morons like

the members of Woods Churchwould spread their fear that we’lloverrun the humans. It’s not true.We just want to live in peace.”

Tears filled her eyes but sheblinked them back.

“I trust you with their lives bytelling you this, Vanni. You can’tshare this news with anyonewithout endangering the Specieschildren. There aren’t many, butsome. It’s possible for me to get youpregnant if we’re both in goodhealth and blessed. My genetics arestronger than yours. The questionisn’t whether I would be willing tobe father to a human child. More

importantly, would you be willingto mother a Species child? Hewould look like me, a primate. Allour children are born male. It’s theway we were created in Mercile’slaboratories.”

“I’ll never tell and I’d love tohave kids that are just like you.”

Warmth spread through hischest, as well as an overriding senseof relief when she smiled. No deceitshowed and he knew he could trusther words. “I want you to be mymate, Vanni. I want to spend therest of my life with you in my arms.I’ll marry you in an official humanceremony. I know you will want

that.”“That doesn’t matter to me.”He scowled. “It’s important to

all humans.”She wrapped her arms around

his neck and he liked the way sherested her head against hisshoulder. It proved she trusted himwhen she snuggled closer. “I gotkind of sick of making weddingplans. It burned me out. Would youelope with me?”

“What is that? I’ll do it but youneed to tell me what to do first.”

She chuckled. “You would do it,huh? What if it’s somethinghorrible?”

“I’ll still do it for you if it makesyou happy.”

She eased her hold on hisshoulders and cupped his face. Herkiss was welcome when sheplanted her lips on his. He tried todeepen it but she pulled backthough she stayed close.

“Elope means we run awaytogether and just get married.Sometimes you invite a few closefriends. I don’t want a big wedding.It would remind me of thenightmare with Carl.”

“Where would you like to elopeto? I’ll arrange it.” She was sayingyes. He’d make it happen. “We

have a helicopter and we’ll take asecurity detail.”

“We could do it here. I don’tcare where. It’s just supposed to besomewhere pretty and private sowe can enjoy doing it together.”

“Reservation,” he decided. “Iknow the exact spot. Would that beokay?”

“I need to take Beth. She’s mybest friend. She’d never forgive meotherwise. Who is your bestfriend?”

“I have a few.”“Invite them.”“What about your siblings and

parents?”She shook her head. “No way.”“You don’t want your family

there?” It concerned him. “Willthey be upset if you marry me?”

“Not you specifically but I’drather send them a video afterward.My brother is being a butt. Mysister already tried to take over mywedding once. She and Mom wereyelling at each other when we wentto pick out my dress. Beth got intoit with them when we were pickingout bridesmaid dresses. Theywanted to put her in purple. Shehates that color. You have no ideahow stressful and awful a big

wedding can be. Everyone wants toput in their two cents and theyfight. A wedding should be aboutthe bride and groom committing toeach other. Everyone seems toforget that.”

He arched his eyebrows. “Itsounds stressful.”

“We won’t have that.” Vannismiled. “We’ll keep it simple. You,me, Beth, your friends and aminister. That’s all we need.”

“That will make you happy?”“Yes.”“You’ll be my mate?” He

wanted to make sure before heallowed too much excitement to

hit.“Yes.” Her features grew

animated. “This is crazy, isn’t it?”“No. This is wonderful and

perfect. You’re perfect.” He slid hishand into her hair and cupped theback of her head gently, pulling herforward.

He loved to kiss Vanni. Her lipswere soft and she opened up tohim. He could easily get addicted toher taste and wanted to. He felt alittle guilty for not telling her it waspossible she might already becarrying his child. He wanted togive them a little more timetogether before he shared that

information. She wanted babies.That was the biggest hurdle down.She wanted them with him.

The doorbell rang. Smileyregretfully dragged his mouth fromhers. He wanted to take her intothe bedroom and make love to her.He groaned. “I need to get that orthey will come inside.”

“Okay.” She smiled at him, hercheeks flushed and rosy.

“You’re so beautiful.” He wouldnever stop telling her that. He liftedher off his lap and stood, having toadjust his stiff dick. It wasn’tcomfortable crossing the room witha hard-on. He unlocked the door

and jerked it open just enough topeer out, shielding his lower halffrom whoever had bad timing.

Jericho sighed when he sawhim. “Sorry. We need to speak.”

“Not now.”The male crossed his arms over

his chest. “Now.”Smiley lowered his voice. “She

just agreed to be my mate. Goaway.”

“You said you’d wait awhilebefore signing papers,” the malegrumbled.

“If they asked me to sign them. Iwant to do it. She’s mine. We are

going to elope.”“What the hell is that?”“Get married.”Jericho opened his mouth then

closed it. He shifted his stance. “Weknow who sold the drug to theWoods Church. There’s going to bea meeting about it in Security. Ithought you’d want to be there.”

“Who was it?”“Does the name Dean Polanitis

ring any bells?”“I could never forget that

bastard. He ran DrackwoodResearch.”

“His people turned on him

during interrogation at Fuller.”“Do we know how much of the

drug he sold?”Jericho hissed. “A few hundred

doses at least.”“Shit!”“We have to recover all of it.

We’ll have to worry every time weleave the NSO otherwise. Theycould dose us or the females nearus. Our enemies could also sell it orhire a chemist to figure out how tomake more to put into themainstream human population.Imagine that horror. The humanmales without honor could use itagainst their counterparts.”

Smiley was aware of Vanniwalking up behind him. Hiserection wasn’t an issue anymore.He opened the door wider andmade space for her to stand next tohim, putting his arm around her.“Did you hear all of that?” Onelook at her face assured him of theanswer. Her features appearedgrim.

“I heard. You should go to thismeeting. Jericho is right. You haveto find that drug and destroy it.”

“We have a wedding to attend.”She peered up at him. “It can

wait. This can’t. What if they drugsomeone else?” She clutched his

shirt. “I don’t want anyone to sufferthe way we did. It’s the worst painI’ve ever felt in my life.”

He knew she was right. “Theydon’t need me. You’re my priority.”

“You have no idea how muchthat means to me but this isimportant too.”

“She’s right,” Jerichoannounced.

“Fine.” Smiley rubbed her back.“I’ll return soon.”

“I’ll be waiting.”He lowered his head and placed

a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll hurry.”

Chapter Nineteen Security was a hive of activity

when Smiley and Jericho arrived.The human task force wasassembled and entered ahead ofthem. There was also a familiarvehicle parked nearby, a transportvan from Fuller Prison. Smileyfrowned.

“They brought a few of theprisoners here. Darkness and I wanta shot at them,” Jericho informedhim.

“We need Gregory Woods andthe male who works for him, the

one who Tasered my Vanni.”“We’ll get them,” Jericho

assured him. He jerked open thedoor and they entered the building.Loud voices led them to the mainoperations center. It was standingroom only.

Justice climbed up on a chairand snarled, commanding silenceand everyone’s attention. Hepaused until he had everyone’sattention before he spoke.

“We leaked the video of thebartender to the press. It hit everybroadcast about twenty minutesago. We need everyone herebecause shit is hitting the fan faster

than we believed it would.”Smiley clenched his fists. He

didn’t like hearing that. Hepreferred operations that ransmoothly. Justice seemed angry andfrustrated, never a good sign.

“Trey Roberts!”A male standing in the corner

responded, “Here.”Justice pinned him with a stare.

“You are in charge of the two teamstracking Gregory and Carl Woods.Report.”

“Gregory is freaking out. Hescrewed up by using one of thephones we cloned instead of a newdisposable one to call our pilot. He

ordered him to prepare the planeand to be on standby. He also calledhis attorney. He’s going to make arun for it.”

“His son?”Trey nodded. “Carl Woods is

packing right now. He’s at hishome. We’ll grab them after theyland. You wanted records of himflying away from the airport for theauthorities. Our pilot will fly lowunder the radar to make trackingthe small plane difficult. Wecleared a remote road nearReservation for him to land. Crewsare still there in preparation ofgiving him some light if it happens

after dark. The pilot is planning ontelling his passengers they arehaving engine trouble and need tomake an emergency landing. NewSpecies will be waiting to takethem into custody.”

“Good.” Justice turned, pointingat Tim. “Report.”

“We have small teams at eachresidence and at the church with afew of your canine males to helpthem execute a search. They are onstandby to toss each location. Saythe word and they go in.”

Justice nodded. “I think Gregorywill want to travel with the drug sowe’ll wait until they are in custody.

I don’t want to invade humanplaces unless we need to. It coulddraw too much attention. We wantto appear as if we had nothing todo with their disappearance, ifpossible.” Justice swept his gazearound the room. “We’re on highalert. Is that clear? The church maystage a distraction to keep us busy.We have no idea of their exactnumbers since he televises hisshow. Keep in close contact withyour teams. Move out!”

The room cleared of allnonessential officers. Justicejumped down and approachedDarkness. He stopped in front of

him.“We have four prisoners from

Fuller. I want to know everythingthey know about this drug and howmuch of it was sold. I wantverification of the numbers wewere told. I hate surprises. Makecertain there was only onepurchaser. We need to make surewe go after every dose.”

Darkness nodded. “Whatever ittakes.”

Justice turned toward Jerichoand Smiley. “Thank you forcoming. Help Darkness. Don’t killthem but I want answers. Medicalis on standby if they are needed.”

“Understood.” Jericho crackedhis knuckles. “Intimidate first thenbreak bones if that doesn’t work.”

“Whatever it takes,” Justicerepeated Darkness’ words. “I’ll behere. We’re keeping in constantcontact with Reservation. They areon high alert too. Gregory Woodshas a lot of supporters. They aren’tgoing to be happy that their leaderis about to flee the country. They’llblame us.” A cold smile curved hislips. “They would be correct, foronce.” He spun away, movingtoward the males and femalesmonitoring the cameras.

Jericho jerked his head,

motioning for them to move out,and Smiley followed Darkness.They entered the back part of thebuilding where the interrogationrooms were. A male was assignedto each door. The mood wasforbidding. Darkness turned. “I’lltake room one. You two team upfor room two.”

“I can handle a prisoner myself.”Smiley held Darkness’ gaze. “Iwon’t lose my temper.”

The male frowned. “You’re notknown for being overly aggressive,Smiley, but under thecircumstances you might be. I’drather not have to patch them up

and keep them in the basementuntil they are cleared for return toFuller. Intimidation is far betterthan violence.”

“I can be intimidating.” Heallowed his anger to show. “I won’tlose control and damage anyone.”

Darkness blew out a breath.“Take room three but I’ll be in tomonitor you shortly. I’ll scare theshit out of this one and give him alittle time to think I’m about to killhim.”

Smiley paused outside roomthree and allowed his emotions tosurface. Just thinking about thenight he and Vanni had been

drugged and all the things thatcould have gone wrong enragedhim. He threw open the door andstomped inside. The human malehandcuffed to a chair that wasbolted to the floor jumped, hiscomplexion already pale fromliving at Fuller Prison.

“Hello, human.” He slammedthe door behind him and crackedhis knuckles, making a show of it.“You can call me Pure Hell. That’swhat you’re going to experience ifyou don’t tell me exactly what Iwant to know.” He approached theprisoner, keeping that anger aliveinside. “I know we tend to be less

violent than the felines and caninesbut don’t relax because I’m aprimate. That would be a mistake.”He paused in front of the male andbent a little, glaring at him. “I havea mate. That makes me the mostdangerous Species you’ve evercome into contact with. She wasdrugged.”

“I had nothing to do with that.”The male had an annoying whineto his voice.

“Drackwood created a version ofthe breeding drug for humans.She’s human. You’re guilty. Yousold that shit to other humans.”

“It was Dean. He’s the one who

sold it. It was his brainchild toweaken the dosages until itwouldn’t kill women.”

Smiley moved fast, grabbing theguy’s jaw. He applied enoughpressure to bruise. “What did youdo at Drackwood?”

“I’m Dr. Kent Berter. I ranresearch trials.”

“So you were the one who hurtJeanie Shiver?”

His eyes widened. “No. Thatwas Dr. Brask. I was animalresearch only. I refused to dohuman trials. Dean asked me firstbut I said no way. It’s one thing tokill a rat but something else entirely

to watch a person suffer.”“You worked for Mercile.”“Drackwood. I never worked for

Mercile Industries. We had nothingto do with New Species until someof them were transferred to ourfacility after they were shut down.We only had some mutualshareholders. I told all this to themen who interviewed me after Iwas arrested.”

“Who was the drug sold to?”“I don’t know. That was above

my pay grade.”“What can you tell me?”“I know two hundred doses of it

were synthesized. I already toldyour people what I know. Deanauthorized it. It happened a weekbefore we were raided. Chrisbitched about the mass order andthe overtime he had to put in tomake it happen. He was ourchemist. He’s here. He was broughtwith me. You’ll have to ask him ifany more of it was made. He wasthe only one qualified to do it.”

Smiley wasn’t willing to call itquits. “You know more.”

“I saw a guy there around thattime. I thought he was the buyer.He looked like a professionalwrestler or something but he wore

a suit. All muscle and kind of scary.He was kind of a dick. I ran intohim in the break room and heglared at me. I was afraid of him.He bitched about our shitty coffee,as if it were my fault. I was afraidhe was going to punch me out. Hewasn’t in a good mood.”

“Did he tell you his name?”Smiley released his face.

The prisoner shook his head.“Dean came in though, and I thinkhe called him Bruce. I rememberedit because I have a brother-in-lawwith that same name and they arepolar opposites. I tend to take aninterest in traits of people with the

same names. I remember thinkinghe had nothing in common withmy sister’s husband.”

Smiley flashed his fangs. It wasprobably the same male who’dabused Vanni. It was the samedescription. “What else can you tellme?”

“I got the hell out of therebecause he complained to Dean thesecond he walked in that hethought his boss was being robbed.I got the impression he didn’t likethe price he was paying. Dean camein carrying one of the freezer caseswe use to transport liquid drugs.That’s all I know. As I said, I got the

hell out of there. Dean was never apleasant guy to be around in thefirst place and that Bruce guyseemed even worse and bigger. Ithought they might get into a fistfight or something. Dean nevertook shit from nobody. Look at me.Do I look like I’m into violence?”

Smiley ran his gaze over the thinmale. He didn’t appear very strongor aggressive. “No.”

“That’s all I know. I swear. Idon’t even understand why I’mserving time in prison. I mean, sure,I should have called someone whenthey brought New Species into ourfacility but I was afraid. They told

us they’d kill our families. I justkept my nose to the ground andtried to ignore it all.”

“That’s why you’re at Fuller.You admit you could have made acall to the NSO, yet didn’t. Wewould have protected you and yourfamily. Instead you chose to donothing while our people suffered.”

The door opened and Jerichostuck his head in. “Let’s go.”

Smiley followed him into thehallway, closing the door behindhim. “What is going on?”

“Woods and his son are on themove. They have left for theairport. I thought you’d want to

monitor it all from Security.”Smiley increased his pace. He

wanted to make sure Bruce waswith Gregory and Carl Woods. Thatwould mean all the males who hadharmed Vanni would be brought tothe NSO, to him. He couldn’t waitto get a little payback on her behalfby watching them suffer.

* * * * *Vanni showered and put on an

oversized T-shirt to be comfortable.It was just after seven. Smiley hadbeen gone for a long time. Shewished she dared call and check onhim. She resisted. She’d told him to

go to that meeting but she hadn’texpected it to last all day and intothe evening.

She finished her sandwich andeyed the clock over the stove. Shesighed and started washing the fewdishes she’d used.

The front door swung open andhit the wall. She spun toward theliving room. Smiley looked okay ashe entered. He slammed the doorand strode to her. She opened hermouth to ask him what hadhappened but never got the chanceto speak.

He hooked an arm around herwaist and jerked her against his

body. His other hand tangled in herhair as he lowered his head. Sheclosed her eyes when his lips camedown over hers, his tongueinvading her mouth in a passionatekiss that left her breathless.

She gripped his forearms just forsomething to cling to. His armaround her waist lifted her off herfeet. She thought he was going totake her to the bedroom but theydidn’t make it that far. The back ofher legs hit the cabinets and he sether on top of the island. His hungrymouth played hell on her senses.She no longer cared what hadhappened as Smiley wiggled his

hips to get between her thighs. Sheparted them wide to make room.

A moan tore from her when herubbed the front of his pantsagainst her panties. He was hardand it felt good to have the rigidlength of his trapped dick incontact with her clit, despite thematerial between them. Hereleased her hair and reached downto shove up her shirt to get it out ofhis way. He pulled it over her headand tossed it aside then hooked hisfingers in the top edge of herpanties. The thin fabric tore.

Smiley pulled his mouth awayand went for her throat next. The

feel of his fangs and hot tongue onthe sensitive skin just under her earinspired her to wrap her armsaround his neck. He reachedbetween them and cupped herpussy. She moaned louder when heused his thumb to massage her clit.Vanni hooked her legs behind hisknees, holding him close.

“I missed you,” he raspedbetween kisses.

“I can tell.”“I have to have you. Say yes.”“Yes.”He made a soft, sexy sound and

stopped playing with her clit. Shewanted to protest but he nipped

her hard with his fangs. A jolt ofawareness shot throughout herbody. She loved when he did that.It was not hard enough to hurt butit sure put her in the mood.

Smiley shifted his hips andopened his pants. The sound wasalmost drowned out by their heavybreathing. He returned in secondsand he pressed the thick crown ofhis cock against her pussy, rubbingit through her slit to her clit. Shemoaned louder and clawed at hisshirt, wishing she could feel skin.

He entered her in one longthrust and Vanni cried out. It feltamazing having him inside her. He

froze, buried deep. He stoppedkissing her and lifted his head. Sheopened her eyes and stared into hisbeautiful soft brown gaze. Shenoted the concern reflected there.

“Don’t stop.”“Lie back and use your arms to

cushion your head,” he urged.She didn’t want to let him go

but did as he demanded. Thegranite countertop wasn’t exactlycomfortable but she didn’t carewhen Smiley reached down,gripped her behind her knees andhiked them up. Her ankles restedon the tops of his shoulders and helet go to grip her hips. He dragged

her to the edge of the counter andhooked one arm over the top of herthighs to keep them pressed againsthis chest. He started to fuck herslowly, moving in and out.

Vanni closed her eyes andmoaned. She used one arm topillow her head and reached down,wanting to touch him, finding bareskin at the side of his hip. His handslid along her belly and he pressedhis thumb against her clit, movingit in rhythm with his hips.

“Oh god.”“That’s it, babe. Let me make

you feel as good as you do me. Ilove being inside you, touching

you, looking at you.”She forced her eyes open to stare

up at him. She could understandwhy he wanted to watch herduring sex. Smiley looked fierce inthe heat of the moment—mouthslightly open, fangs showing. Hisgaze was fixed on her and hischeeks were flushed. He bit hislower lip as he picked up the pace,fucking her faster. The friction fromhis large cock caused pleasure tocourse through her with everythrust into her body.

“You’re so damn beautiful.” Hisvoice deepened. “I could come justlooking at you.”

She gripped his hip where shecould touch his skin, trying to avoidgetting him with her nails. Thetension in the arm holding herthighs eased a little and he shiftedhis chest, spreading her legs fartherto give him better access to herpussy. She looked down, a littleembarrassed at the way her breastsjiggled. Smiley rumbled and sheglanced up, noting that he wasstaring at them too.

“Beautiful,” he murmured,fucking her even faster. “Come forme, my Vanni.”

She closed her eyes,concentrating on what he was

doing to her body. Her vaginalmuscles clenched in eagerness andthen she was crying out his name.Ecstasy robbed her of words quicklythough.

She was barely aware of himpulling his thumb away from herclit but she did open her eyes whenhe released her thighs so they wereno longer pinned to his chest. Hebent them upward, spread themwider and leaned over her. Shethought he was going to kiss herbut he latched on to one of hernipples instead. He groaned loudlyand his cock pulsed inside her. Sheliked the way she could tell when

he came. The warmth of his semenseeped into her as his hips stilled.

Vanni wrapped an arm aroundhis shoulder and played with hishair. Her other hand opened up onhis back, exploring the wideexpanse of it. He was hot, a littlesweaty, but she didn’t care. Hisweight pinned her to the hardsurface of the countertop but sheliked it. They felt connected at thatmoment.

He released her nipple andlicked the tip. She shivered a littleunder him, a bit sensitive. He ranhis tongue over the curve of herbreast to her chest and then to her

neck.“I love the way you taste.”“I love the way you feel.”“Do you want me to move?”“No. I like you right here, like

this.”“Me too.” He nuzzled her neck,

breathing softly against her skin.“But I’m being a bad mate. I betthat counter isn’t too comfortable.”

He said mate. Her heart melted alittle. “I don’t care.” She wrappedher legs around his hips to keephim in place.

“Hold tight.”She hesitated before releasing

his hair and locking both armsaround his neck. He wiggled hisfingers next to her side and shegiggled, arching away from them.He slid his hand between her backand the counter. His strength neverceased to amaze her when he liftedher. She gasped, locking her legstighter around him.

“I could walk.”He grinned and hooked his arm

under her ass. He was still insideher. “You could but this is going tobe more fun.” He took a small stepand his dick moved inside her. Italso rubbed her swollen clit againsthis lower belly.

Vanni gasped. “Sensitive.”“I just hope I don’t trip over my

pants. That would be bad.”She recovered and laughed.

“Just put me down.”He shook his head, taking

another step. “I’ll twist if I fall soyou land on top of me. This is a skillI want to learn.”

“Walking with your pantsaround your ankles or having mefall on top of you if we go down?”She laughed again.

“Walking, for sure. Think of allthe times I could come home fromwork and nail you in the kitchenthen continue it down the hallway

until we reach our bed. Tell me thatdoesn’t sound appealing.”

“It does.” She suddenly hadimages of waiting by the door forhim in sexy lingerie—a concept thatappealed to her.

He took another step, thenanother, until they reached thehallway. He suddenly pressed herass against the cool wall and startedto move inside her in shallowthrusts. Vanni closed her eyes andmoaned, loving the sensation hiscock created.

“See?” His voice deepened andhis lips brushed hers. “Stillsensitive?”

“I’ll survive.”He chuckled and pulled her

away from the wall when he took astep back. “We’ll wait until wereach the bed.”

She tightened her hold on himand opened her eyes. “That wasmean.”

“I plan to follow through. I justdon’t want to really fall. I’m notrisking you getting hurt, Vanni. Mypants are hooked on my boots.”

She twisted enough to lookdown. She couldn’t see his feet forall the material covering them. Hewalked in small steps, his ankleshobbled. He stumbled a little but

recovered. She giggled, amused.“Smooth.”“That’s me, babe.”She lifted her chin and stared

into his eyes, seeing the amusedlook in them. “I love that you havea sense of humor.”

They entered the bedroom andshe gasped when he suddenlyturned, hurling them both towardthe bed. They hit with a bounce.The soft mattress cushioned theirfall and he rolled, pinning her flatunder him.

“That’s good. I like to laugh andI have the best time with you, myVanni.”

She liked him calling her that. “Ihave the best time with you too, mySmiley.”

His grin faded and a seriousexpression wiped out all traces ofhumor. Vanni sobered too.

“Did I say something wrong?”“You called me yours.”“Sorry.”“Don’t be. I am yours. You’re

mine. We’re getting married. Ialready consider you my mate. Isthat okay with you?” He reachedup and caressed her cheek. “Don’tbreak my heart. It will if you denywhat is between us.”

“I’d never do that,” she swore.“I have so many feelings for

you.” He played with her hair,wrapping locks of it around hisfingers. “Tell me I’m important toyou.”

“You are.” She took a deepbreath, deciding to be totallyhonest. “I’m falling in love withyou.”

He smiled, all the tensionleaving his face. “I’m already inlove with you. I have been since webonded in the back of that SUV.You trusted me to care for you andput your faith in me. You’ll neverknow what that meant. I went

insane when I woke up and learnedyou’d run away from the task forcemembers. I couldn’t eat or sleep. Iworried that you were out thereafraid and alone. That someonewould hurt you. I want to protectyou and keep you safe. I want youin my arms, in my home and withme all the time. I hate being apartfrom you. You’re all I think about.”

“You’re all I think about too.”“I’m going to make you happy,

Vanni. Trust that. I’ll never hurtyou or let you down. It is a goodthing that I’m not human becauseI’ll never cheat on you. I knowhumans do that. Species don’t. I

won’t. You’re all I’m ever going towant. I’ll never allow anyone toharm you. I’d kill them if theytried. You are my first priority. Youare the most important thing in mylife. That means I place you beforeall other Species, if you wereworried about that. You won’t bean outsider here. As my mate, youare Species.”

“That’s so sweet.” She was a bitoverwhelmed.

“It’s not sweet. It’s a fact.”“Are you sure you want to

marry me this fast? We could waituntil—”

“Don’t,” Smiley rasped. “I am

certain. Forget logic and whateveryou were taught in the out world.Your rules of dating don’t applyhere. We can be happy. We will be.There’s no need for us to date formonths to know we’re right foreach other. This is just you and me.See how well we fit together?” Headjusted his hips, his cock still hardinside her. “It’s not about the sexthough. I don’t want you to thinkthat’s all there is to ourrelationship. We’re so much more.”

“I know that.”“Do you?” He studied her

closely, peering deeply into hereyes. “We can get through anything

together if we just talk and arehonest. You could ask me anything,tell me anything, and I’m going tokeep loving you. I want to havefaith that you will do that withme.”

“You’re such a good man,Smiley.”

“I’m yours, Vanni. Say you’remine. Let’s just do this. I know itmight frighten you to take a matethis fast but trust me to be here foryou. Take a leap. I’ll catch you.Always.”

She believed him. “Okay.”“You’ll be happy. I’ll make sure

of it.”

“I need to get a job.”“We don’t live in a money-based

system. You can find something todo if you get bored but you can stayhome if you wish. I just want youhappy, Vanni.”

The idea of being a housewifewas appealing. “And we can try tohave babies. I’d really like that.”

“I’d love to have children withyou.”

“So it’s all decided. We aregoing to elope. We’ll do somethingsimple and fun.”

“With your friend Beth and myfriends. We need to find aminister.”

“Exactly. Stress free and it’sgoing to be about us.”

“It’s always going to be aboutus.” He released her and lifted off,separating their bodies.

“Where are you going?”“To remove these boots and

pants.” He got to his feet but thencollapsed onto the floor.

Vanni sat up and laughed,watching him tear off his boots. Hejust tossed them toward the closetand shoved his pants all the way offonce his feet were bare. He rose tohis knees and braced his hands onthe end of the bed.

“I have some calls to make.

Don’t move. Stay in that bed.”“You’re going to arrange it right

now?”“Yes.” Smiley rushed out of the

room. “I’m not going to give youtime to second-guess us again. Weare going to seal our bond in yourworld and mine.”

Vanni chuckled, the sight of hismuscular bare ass the last thing shesaw before he disappeared downthe hall. Human guys usuallydragged their feet about makingserious commitments but Smileydidn’t have that problem. He’d saidsex wasn’t the only thing they hadand she believed him. He was still

sporting a hard-on but was makingcalls instead of staying in bed withher.

Chapter Twenty Smiley returned to the bedroom

ten minutes later and grinned atthe sight of Vanni sitting on the bedwaiting for him. “It’s arranged. Wecan do it as soon as tomorrowevening.”

Her eyes widened and he frozein his tracks, hoping she wouldn’tchange her mind. Humans were sodifferent and unpredictable. “Isthat okay?”

“That is fast. I have to contactBeth. I really want her there.”

“Contact her first thing in the

morning. We can have her pickedup and flown to Reservation.There’s something we need to dofirst once we reach Reservationthough.” He took a seat on the sideof the bed and reached out, takingher hand. “I planned to tell you thiswhen I got home but seeing howhappy you looked when I came inthe door distracted me. I don’twant to dampen your mood butthere’s something we must discuss.It’s serious.”

“More so than getting married?”“No, but it is important.”She inched closer and gripped

his hand tightly. “Okay. Just tell

me.”“Gregory Woods attempted to

flee the country with his son andsecurity team.”

She said nothing. He wishedshe’d express her feelings but thesilence lengthened. She stared athim, appearing a little stunned. Hetried to think of her concerns.

“He didn’t get away. You’resafe, Vanni. He won’t be able tohurt you or your family. He won’thave access to a phone and thatmeans he can’t order anyone whoworks for him to do anything inretaliation. We had a task forcemember pose as his pilot for the

private plane he hired. Theyboarded and were flown directly towhere the NSO took them intocustody. They are being held atReservation. We’re going to gothere tomorrow at noon. I wouldlike to have words with a few ofthem. You may view them througha wall of glass, if you wish. I’dprefer you didn’t have any directcontact with them.” He might killanyone who threatened Vanniagain. “But it’s your choice. I knowsometimes it helps to be able toconfront your fears or in this case,the males who caused you suchdistress.”

“You said his son. Carl tried toleave with him?”

“Does that upset you?” Itangered Smiley that she askedabout her ex-fiancé. “He put you ina lot of danger, Vanni.”

“It’s not that. I’m just surprisedhe was willing to leave his practiceand his house behind. I can’t seehim giving up his lifestyle for hisdad. He kept telling me theyweren’t close. I guess that was alie.”

“He had financial problems. Hewas about to lose everything heowned.”

“I didn’t know.” She frowned. “I

guess that makes sense now why hewas so pushy about going to thehotel with his father. He said it wasto earn money for the wedding butmaybe it was to get him out ofdebt.”

“Either way, he’s been arrestedby the NSO. Does that upset you?”

She chewed on her bottom lip.“He just walked out and left mewith Bruce and his father. He hadto know what they were planning.He wasn’t even surprised about thedrugging. He was angrier that I’dgone into the bar instead ofreturning to my room the way he’dtold me to do. He’s not a nice

person.”It was a relief to Smiley. “That’s

right. He’s not. There’s more.”She shifted on the bed and he

was pleasantly surprised when shecurled into him, resting her faceagainst his chest. He released herhand and pulled her closer. It feltright having her in his arms andthat she seemed to understand hisneed to touch her as often aspossible. He played with her hair.

“What else?”The information had infuriated

him when he’d been told what theinvestigation had revealed. “Didyou agree to let Carl purchase a life

insurance policy on you?”“Sure. We discussed it when we

got engaged. He wanted us bothprotected in case somethinghappened to one of us. We weregoing to do it after the wedding.”

“He bought a policy two monthsago and insured you for a milliondollars, Vanni.”

She tensed in his arms and herchin lifted. “He said it would beabout a hundred grand on each ofus. Just enough to cover the costs ofa funeral and pay off what he saidhe still owed on his house so Iwouldn’t be left in debt.”

“He only got a policy on you.

There wasn’t one for him. I feel hemay have planned to harm youonce you were married.”

She paled and her fingers curledaround his forearm. He brushed akiss on her forehead. “You’re safenow. I just don’t want you to feelbad for him, Vanni. He’s not adecent human. He deserves to belocked up.”

“Beth always said he was asnake. I guess now I know why hedidn’t care if his father ended uphurting or killing me. It would havesaved him the trouble of getting ridof me himself. Why didn’t I see it?”

“Humans can be deceiving. You

are the type to want to see good inpeople. That’s not a flaw. It’s agood trait.”

“I’m an idiot.”“No.” He leaned in and stared

into her eyes. “You’re sweet and Idon’t want that to change aboutyou. He fooled you. That’s hisshame, not yours.”

“He’s really an ass.”“Exactly. I don’t want you to

forget that. He doesn’t deserveyour sympathy or compassion. I’mgoing to ask him about ittomorrow. I’ll get the truth.”

She nodded. “Are you going tohit him?”

He was torn on how to answer.When he’d heard about that lifeinsurance policy and Tim’sassumption that Carl planned tokill Vanni for profit it had madehim see red—Carl’s blood, to beexact. She might not appreciate himbeating on a male she’d once caredabout though.

“It would be okay.” She caressedhis arm. “I even want to hit him.”

He grinned. “You’re my female.I’m certain I’ll lose my temper andpunch him a few times. You canwatch, if you wish.”

She shook her head. “I’ll pass.Just don’t get arrested for assault

and I’m fine with whatever youwant to do to him. As you said, Iwon’t feel bad for him.”

She wasn’t into violence. Heappreciated that about her. Vannihad a gentle, tender soul. It was oneof the things he loved about her.She also seemed to accept him justas he was.

“They captured Bruce as well.”He tried to keep the anger out ofhis voice but that was a male hewanted to harm. “He will pay forthe threats he made and forTasering you.”

She shivered at just the mentionof the male. “I’m glad he’s off the

streets. I think he could potentiallyturn into a serial killer orsomething equally as bad, if he’snot already. I’ll sleep better at nightknowing he can’t hurt anyone.”

Her words brought a gruffrumble from deep within his chest.Vanni’s eyes widened but shedidn’t pull away.

“That’s my pissed-off-I’m-going-to-hurt-him noise,” he explained.“It’s not directed at you.”

“I know. That sound is kind ofsexy.”

That surprised him. “You thinkso?”

“Yes. I like how protective you

are. You’re totally going to kick hisass, aren’t you?”

“I am.”She released his arm and

flattened her palm on his chest,exploring it. He tightened his absand lowered his gaze, watchingher. His dick hardened furtherwhen she gently pushed againsthim. He leaned back, giving heraccess. Her chin rose and a slightblush tinged her cheeks.

“Is it okay to touch you?”“Anywhere, anytime,” he

rasped. “I encourage it.” The phonerang and Smiley muffled a groan. “Ihave to get that.”

He regretted pulling away fromher to reach across the bed. He justwanted to make love to his Vanni.His frustration sounded in hisvoice. “What?”

“Is this a bad time?” Jerichoasked. “Were you sharing sex?”

“We were about to.”“Don’t answer the phone when

you’re naked, Smiley. Here’s a tip.You can always return calls laterwhen you’re done bonding withyour mate.”

“That’s why you called? To giveme obvious advice?”

“No. The helicopter is leaving atnine in the morning. They moved

up the flight. Gregory Woods fakeda heart attack, hoping Medicalwould send him to a humanhospital. It was a pathetic attempton his part to escape. He’s irritatingeveryone at Reservation to thepoint that they want to hand himover to Fuller Prison as soon aspossible. I spoke to Torrent and he’sready to shoot the male himself. Hesaid the human is wailing andwhining constantly and it’s hurtinghis ears.”

“Thank you for letting usknow.”

“Go bond with your mate.” Thephone disconnected.

Vanni gave him a curious lookafter he returned the phone to thecradle and faced her. “Is everythingokay?”

It was a reminder that she washuman. Jericho had a voice thatcarried and a Species would haveoverheard the conversation, sittingso close to him.

“Fine.” He stretched out next toher. “You can touch me.” He washopeful she still wanted to. “Thatwas my friend Jericho. Gregory isannoying everyone at Reservation.We’re flying there earlier in themorning than planned.”

She lay on her side against him

and placed her palm on hisstomach. He tried to keep hisbreathing slow and steady but hisheart raced. Her touch excited himas her fingertips stroked over hislower ribs.

“Why?”“They want to transfer him to

Fuller Prison. That’s where we sendhumans who commit crimesagainst Species. It’s run byhumans.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”“It’s a secret location that

humans don’t know about. Wedidn’t want to put our people inthe position of being jailors to the

ones who harmed them. It didn’tseem fair or right to punish themby suffering their presence afterthey were sent away.”

Her gaze lifted and she smiled.“That sounds really smart.”

“We try.” He caught his breathwhen her fingers played lower, justunder his bellybutton. She turnedher head a little and grinned at thestate of his lower half.

“I told you that I really enjoyyour touch.”

“I see.”“I get hard for you.”“I see that too.” She lifted her

hand away and he muffled a groanof protest.

Vanni sat up and climbed downthe bed a bit, putting her closer tohis hips. She rolled over onto herknees, a position that made himwish he were behind her. Colorflooded her cheeks but she smiled.

“So we’re like married, right?”“Yes.”“I’m not real forward but I

would like you to do something. Isthat okay?”

“Anything.”She laughed. “I didn’t even tell

you what I want you to do. You

really should ask before agreeing toit or I could take advantage of that.What if I said I wanted you to takeout the trash?”

“You’re not mean. I’m hopefulthat it’s something sexual.”

Her laughter was the best soundever. Her hand came down on histhigh, the touch gentle when shegripped him just inches away fromhis dick. It jerked in response,hopeful too.

“You’d do anything for me?”“Yes. Name it.”Her humor faded to a sincere

expression. “You’re amazing.”

“I’m grateful you think so. Whatwould you like me to do, myVanni?” His gaze lowered to herthighs and he remembered she wasshy. “Would you like my mouth onyou?”

She sucked in a sharp breath,drawing his attention. The blushreturned and he grinned. He couldtell by her reaction that she wasn’topposed to it. He sat up a little,prepared to do it, but she shook herhead. He froze.

“I’d like to know if you’ll lie realstill and let me, um…” Sheswallowed hard and shot a quickglance at his dick. “Um, you know.

On you. I don’t think I’m reallygood at it but practice, right? I wantto. Would you mind?”

“You want to put your mouthon me?” He winced a little at thegruff tone of his voice. He clearedhis throat. “That’s a yes.”

She was adorable when sheblushed even more and ducked herhead. Her hair created a curtain,obstructing his view of his dickwhen she leaned over him. He slidflat and fisted his hands to avoidtouching her. The soft strands ofhair tickled his belly but hesuppressed it. He was afraid he’dstartle her or make her change her

mind if he moved it. Hot breathfanned the crown of his dick and heclosed his eyes.

“You can do anything,” hemanaged to get out. “I’m all yours.”

Her hot, wet mouth wrappedaround the head of his dick andevery muscle in his body grewrigid. The feel of her tonguehesitantly licking at him, tastinghim, made his nuts ache. He easedhis legs apart very slightly, hopingshe wouldn’t notice. She took alittle more of his shaft and movedup and down, stroking him in away that made everything aroundthem fade into nothingness. It was

just Vanni and the pleasure sheinflicted upon him. He clenched histeeth to avoid making sounds.

She stopped, releasing him.“Am I doing okay?”

Sweat beaded on his foreheadand he opened his eyes. “Yes.”

“You’re sure? You’re really tenseand you are kind of breathingweird.”

“I’m trying not to scare you.”She twisted her head and lifted

it, tossing her hair out of the way.Their gazes met and her eyeswidened. “Your face is red. I ambad at this, aren’t I?”

“You’re perfect. I swear. I justam afraid I’ll startle you if I makenoises and I don’t want you to stop.It is so amazing when you do that.”

She didn’t seem convinced.“Remember my mouth on you?

It’s that good.”“It’s so good it almost hurts but

in the best way?”“Yes.”She surprised him when she

suddenly moved and pushedagainst his inner thigh with herhand. He spread wider and sheclimbed between his legs, facinghim on her hands and knees. Sheopened her hands on him just

above his knees and gently pushed.He spread more, having no ideawhat she was doing, but he’d lether do anything.

“Okay. Make noises. They turnme on, remember? Just don’t grabmy hair to keep me in place andchoke me by forcing me to take allof you, okay?”

He was stunned and horrified.“Why would I do that?”

She grinned. “Here we go. Youdon’t have to warn me before youcome. Just do it.”

Vanni released his thighs andone hand wrapped around the baseof his dick. She bent forward and

he could see everything as shelicked her lips, opened her mouthand leaned closer until he watchedher take a few inches of his dickinside her mouth. He hissed withpleasure and fisted the bedding inhis hands.

Vanni was no longer timid. Hethrew his head back and squeezedhis eyes closed as she rode him withher mouth. She sucked, licked andtormented him. He rumbled, hischest vibrating from the deepsound. Vanni did things to him thatturned him inside out.

Her gentle hands cupped hisballs and that was it. She rubbed

them and he cried out, shooting hisseed. The bed jerked under him ashe quaked from the force of it butthe one thing he kept control ofwas his ass—keeping it flat on thebed to avoid thrusting upward.

Vanni grinned and sat back on

her calves. Smiley sprawled on thebed, his chest rapidly rising andfalling. Sweat coated his body,giving it a sexy sheen. She’d donethat to him. It made her feel a littleproud. She reached up and ran herfingertips over his lower belly. Heshivered and made a low, sexysound. He didn’t bat her hands

away while complaining aboutbeing too sensitive.

She had wanted to give himhead. It usually wasn’t somethingshe did or wanted to do but Smileywasn’t just anyone. He was hers.She liked the sound of that. Hergaze lifted to the overhead lightand she regretfully moved,climbing over his leg to get off thebed.

“Where are you going?”“To kill the light.”“Why? I like looking at you,

Vanni. Please allow it.”She turned, seeing that he’d

shifted on the bed. He lifted one

arm to cushion his head, tilting itup some. He lay there, his big bodyrelaxed, legs still spread, totallycomfortable being naked. Sheenvied him that. He had thatincredible body though.

“I thought you’d want to sleep.”One eyebrow arched.He was going to make her spell

it out. She hesitated.“What is it?”“I just did that for you so now I

know you’ll want to sleep.”She couldn’t read his expression.

It came close to bafflement but thenhe appeared to be a little annoyed.

“Damn humans.” He sat up androlled to his feet in one fluidmotion.

Vanni froze. Had she made himangry? She should have just waiteduntil he went to sleep to turn offthe light. He strode forward butstopped just in front of her. She hadto tilt her head back to look into hiseyes.

“What did I say? I didn’t meanto upset you.” She was afraid she’ddinged his pride. Men didn’t likethose things being pointed out tothem.

“It’s not directed at you. I heardhuman males do that. It’s true?

We’re just starting. I’m not tiredand I sure as hell wouldn’t sleepwhile you’re turned-on.” His noseflared as he sniffed the air. “I cansmell your need, babe.”

He grabbed her. One armwrapped around her rib cage andthe other around her waist. He justlifted, spun and threw her on thebed. She bounced on the softmattress, stunned. Smiley followed,putting his knee down beside her,and grinned.

“My turn. Do I appear tired toyou?” He dropped his chin to lookdown at his cock.

She followed his gaze and

couldn’t miss the fact that it wasrock-hard again.

“You’re mated to a Species. Wehave a fast recovery time. I don’twear out and I sure as hell won’tever let you go to sleep aching forsex. Roll over and get on yourhands and knees. I’m going to takecare of you.”

Vanni glanced at his cock againand moved. He waited until shewas on her stomach before hegripped her hips and jerked her upto her knees. The bed dipped as heclimbed onto it with her, puttinghis legs on the outsides of hers. Hereleased her hips and opened one

hand under her belly to keep holdof her as he leaned back to put alittle space between them.

She moaned when he reacheddown and played with her clit withhis free hand. She was already wetbut that didn’t seem to be enoughfor him. He obviously wanted herreally ready for sex. He stoppedand she was almost disappointeduntil she realized he’d only done itto help position himself. The headof his cock slid against her pussyand he entered her slowly.

“Yes.” That panted moan camefrom her. She lowered her head,closing her eyes. Smiley was

definitely not sleepy, from the feelof him. He bent forward to presshis chest against her back andbraced his weight with one arm.The hand cupping her belly slidlower and two fingers pressedagainst her clit.

He shifted a little, spreading hislegs wider, and started to movewith deep, long thrusts. Vanniclawed the bed. “Faster.”

He leaned in, putting his lips byher ear. “No. Can you feel howhard you make me? How much Iwant you?” He massaged her clit ashe rode her.

“That’s so good.”

“Toss your hair out of the way.Give me your neck.”

She did it but he didn’t kiss herthroat. His tongue wet her shoulderand then he bit down. It wasn’thard enough to break the skin but itramped up the excitement. Thosefangs of his were hot and sent thegood chills throughout her body.He gripped her a little tighter,fucked her a little harder and keptplaying with her clit.

“Oh god,” she cried out.“That’s me.” He drove into her

deeper and faster. “Us. So damngood, isn’t it?”

Her arms collapsed under her

and she buried her face against thebed, trying to muffle some of thesounds she made.

“I could fuck you for hours. Icould live here with you underme,” he rasped. “You’re so sexy, sohot and so damn tight. You’regoing to come. I can feel yourmuscles squeezing me.”

She stopped clawing the bedand turned her head. His hand wasclose to her face, flattened tosupport his weight. She franticallyreached out, needing to touch him.Her fingers covered his. Hesuddenly shifted, dropping downso he was braced on his elbow and

twisted his wrist. He took her hand,clutching it tightly.

Vanni shouted his name as herworld exploded in a haze of whiteecstasy. Smiley nipped her shoulderand groaned deeply. He slowed histhrusts and she knew he wascoming when he curled around hertighter, shaking both them and thebed from the force of it.

She closed her eyes when hestopped moving. Their heavybreathing was the only sound in theroom. She knew a smile curved herlips. “Wow.”

He brushed a soft kiss on thespot where he’d gotten her with his

fangs. “Just warming up, my Vanni.It’s still early. Never forget that Ican go all night. We’ll try anythingyou want. Do you have anyfantasies you want to share? Youcan tell me anything. You’re mineand I’m yours. I want to doeverything with you.”

It sank in. He really meant it.“I’ve never had sex in a tub before.”It was easier to admit that whenshe wasn’t staring into his eyes.

“You will by the time we go tosleep.”

“I have a bucket list.”“What is that?”“Things I’d like to try before I

die. There are a few sex ones onthere. We already had sex in a car.That was one of them.”

Smiley released her clit and ranhis hand along her belly. He shiftedhis body and just fell to the side,taking her with him. She laughedwhen they landed, still curledtogether with him inside her. Hegrabbed her breast, squeezed.

“Tell me more. You have my fullattention.”

She looked at him over hershoulder. He was smiling, his eyesgleaming with amusement. Itencouraged her to do just that.

“I want to have sex outside at

night. Not in front of anyone.Public sex isn’t my thing but Ialways thought it would be neat.Just outside at night under themoon and stars.”

“We can do that too. We’ll waituntil we’re at Reservation though.A lot of Homeland is blanketed incameras. I’d have to beat on anymale who saw you naked.” Hisexpression changed to a seriousone. “I hope this bucket list doesn’tinclude sex with other males. I’d doanything for you but that.”

She shook her head, stunnedhe’d even bring it up. “No!”

“Good. I know humans are into

that sometimes but there would bemassive blood loss if you put twoSpecies males in the same room as afemale in sexual need. We don’tshare well and especially if one ofthem has feelings for her. Iwouldn’t just beat on another male.I’d kill him if he even consideredtouching you. You’re mine.” Hestudied her. “Does that upset you?”

“No. I’m possessive too. I wouldnever want to be with someonewho thought it was okay if weweren’t in a monogamousrelationship.”

“Good.”She twisted a little to get a

better look at him. “That’s what wehave, right? Monogamy?”

“Yes.” He pulled her closer andhugged her tightly. “I’m notaddicted to your scent but it won’tmatter. You’re all I want.”

“Addicted to my scent?”“Remember when I told you I

would get addicted to your scent?Canines and felines get addicted tothe scent of their females and otherones smell distasteful to them—really bad.” He paused. “I haven’texperienced that with you. I lovehow you smell but I don’t feel theneed to breathe you in constantly. Ido want to hold you all the time

and be close to you. I miss youwhen you aren’t with me. You’remy mate, Vanni. You can trust me.”

“Thank you.”“For what?”“You’re perfect.”“I’m not but I’ll try to be the

best mate ever. You just need toalways be honest with me.”

“That goes both ways. What areyour fantasies? I want to checkthings off your bucket list too.”

“You said yes to being my mateand you’re in my arms. I get tospend the rest of my life with youat my side. That’s all I’ve ever

dreamed of. You make me happyand whole, Vanni.”

Tears filled her eyes.“Don’t do that, my Vanni.” He

nuzzled her head with his. “I wantyou happy.”

“This is happy. Lately I just can’tseem to control it as well as Iusually do. I just seem to tear up forany reason.”

He tensed, his musclestightening. “There’s something Ineed to tell you. I was afraid tobefore now because I wanted youto be secure about my feelings foryou first. Do you know how much Ilove you?”

“I think I do.”He buried his face in the curve

of her shoulder, hugging her tighterand drew his legs up to hold hereven closer. It kind of scared her.

“What is it?”He nuzzled her cheek with his

and put his lips next to her ear.“Will you please promise me itwon’t change things between us?”

That scared her. “Are you sick?”Oh god. Is he dying? Did that horribledrug do something to his internalorgans? Vanni panicked. She’d justfound Smiley. She couldn’t losehim. It was too cruel.

“No.” He took a deep breath. “Irecently learned that the breedingdrug can make birth control pillsineffective. You could be pregnant,Vanni. I’d be thrilled. I want a childwith you. I would also be fine ifyou weren’t. I want you either way.Don’t think otherwise. I knew Iwanted to spend my life with youand I wanted you to know thatbefore I was told about it. I wasafraid you’d push me away and notgive us a chance if you found outbefore right now.”

Was that the reason she seemedto be more emotional than usual?She could be carrying Smiley’s

child. She expected unease to set inbut it didn’t come. The timingwasn’t perfect. Their relationshiphad just begun but the idea ofstarting a family with Smiley wasappealing. She’d always wanted tobe a mom. It reminded her thatshe’d almost settled for Carl toaccomplish that. She’d never lovedhim. She was certain of that. Smileywas a whole other story. She didlove him.

Smiley held her tightly andstarted to stroke her thigh. “Areyou okay? Talk to me.”

“I bet we’d have cute babiestogether.”

His hand stilled. “That’s all youhave to say? You don’t soundangry.”

She turned her head and heleaned back so she could look athim. “I’m not.”

“You have no idea how much Ilove you, Vanni.”

She stared into his soulfulbrown eyes and believed him. “Ilove you too. We’ll deal withwhatever happens together. I’d betotally fine if I am pregnant. Areyou going to be? The truth.”

He grinned. “I want babies withyou. I want everything with you.”

“We’re okay then.” She smiled

at him. “We’re both a little sweaty.How does a bath sound?”

He chuckled. “Good. I just wantto hold you for a little longerthough. I don’t want you just toshare sex with. We’ll cuddle andthen figure out if we enjoy sex inwater. Sound like a plan?”

“Yes.”

Chapter Twenty-One Vanni gripped Smiley’s hand,

feeling a little disorientated by thetrip. He’d had her sit on his lap tosoften the helicopter ride but shedidn’t believe she’d ever enjoyflying in them. He helped her out,gently placing her on the ground,then hunched over and kept her inhis protective embrace until theycleared the blades.

She peered around in curiosity.It was vastly different fromHomeland. They were in an openarea with only a single buildingwithin view. Trees and hillsides

surrounded them. As they nearedit, her attention focused on whatwas obviously a hotel. New Speciesexited the building. Most of themwore casual attire. Plenty of themsported grins and a few waved.Smiley responded. It was clear theywere happy to see him and hethem.

“I want you to meet everyonebut I don’t want you to feeloverwhelmed.” He maneuveredher toward the doors, speakingloudly enough for everyone aroundthem to hear. They noddedgreetings as she passed, not makingany comments.

They entered the double doorsthat slid open without a key card.The lobby was large and a NewSpecies female greeted them. Shewas a tall, dark-haired beauty.

“Hello.” She offered her hand toVanni. “I’m Creek. It is so nice tomeet you, Vanni. I’ve made all thearrangements for this evening.” Shereleased her after a quickhandshake, reached inside thepocket of her pants and withdrew akey card, which she handed toSmiley. “I had them prepare thethird floor honeymoon suite,Smiley. Second one on the right.You can’t miss it.” She winked.

“Food is waiting. Just call the deskif you need anything at all.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,”Vanni got out.

Creek stepped back. “Welcometo the family. You’re Species nowthat you’re Smiley’s mate. We areso happy you said yes. He ravedabout you on the phone.”

Vanni liked hearing that but shealso wondered if Smiley and thewoman had any kind of past. Thatidea was quickly quelled whenSmiley spoke. Creek’s reactionwasn’t one of a woman who’d everdated him.

“Creek, smell Vanni. She might

be pregnant. We didn’t have timeto go to Medical this morning forher to take a test.” Excitement lacedhis voice. “We’d be happy aboutthat.” He turned his head, grinningat Vanni. “Canines have the bestsense of smell. She might detect it.”

Creek stepped closer andsniffed. She bent a little and sniffedagain. She straightened. “All I smellon her is you, Smiley. She’s coveredin your scent.” The womanchuckled. “I could try again laterafter she showers and before youtouch her. Just call me and I’ll comeup. That would be exciting news.”

“It would.”

Creek glanced between them. “Ireally enjoy seeing a couple inlove.” She winked at Vanni. “Itwon’t be difficult to call Medicalhere and have them send someoneto draw blood from you if youreally want to know.”

“That would be great,” Vanniadmitted.

“After we go to Security butbefore the wedding,” Smileyadded.

“I’ll make it happen.” Creekspun away and walked back to thedesk. She picked up the phone.

Smiley tugged on Vanni’s arm,steering her toward the elevators.

They entered it alone, rode to thethird floor, stepped out and turnedright. A white banner had beenstrung across the door with a redheart. Someone had used a blackmarker to write S & V.

“That is so nice!” Vanni wastouched.

Smiley swiped the card. “I toldyou everyone was happy wemated.” He pushed the door openbut stopped her when she tried toenter.

She looked up at him as he usedhis foot to hold the door ajar. Hebent and scooped her into his arms,shouldering the door open to carry

her over the threshold. He kickedthe door closed.

“This is going to be our home forthe next few days.”

The room was large andtastefully furnished. It was one ofthe nicer hotels she’d ever seen.Balcony doors across the room hadbeen left wide open to allow thebreeze inside. There was a beautifulview of the trees. A river glistenedin the distance.

“Where’s the bed?” She didn’tsee one. The area was set up as aliving room and even boasted afireplace along one wall. Onecorner contained a cozy dining

table with two chairs. Two coveredsilver dishes sat on top, taking upmost of the space, and a bottle ofwine chilled in a bucket of ice withtwo glasses next to it.

Smiley turned. “It’s down thehallway. This really is thehoneymoon suite. There are two ofthem in the hotel. Most of the suiteshave two bedrooms. I requestedthis one specifically because it facesthe back of the hotel and has abalcony.” He strode down a shorthallway and passed through opendouble doors. He paused there.

“Wow.” Vanni stared at thehuge bed but the Jacuzzi bathtub

and second fireplace quicklydistracted her. It was a massive tub,big enough to fit four people atleast.

“That’s for later. You fell asleeplast night so we are going to findout if we enjoy sex in water.”

“Sorry. You might have megastamina but I guess I was tired. Itold you that you could havewoken me up.”

He chuckled. “You were toodamn cute sleeping in my arms.Let’s eat.” He spun and headedback to the living room. “Wemissed breakfast and I want you torelax a little before we go to

Security.”She wasn’t sure if she could eat.

Her nerves were on edge. “I’m notsure about seeing Carl, his dad andBruce.”

“You don’t have to go.” He sether on her feet next to the table andpulled back a chair. “No one wouldblame you. I would actually preferthat you didn’t.”

She sat, grateful for his mannersas he pushed her chair in and took aseat across from her. “I need to.”

He lifted both lids and just putthem on the floor. There was a fullspread of scrambled eggs, bacon,hash browns and toast. The

tantalizing smell revived herappetite. She unwrapped thesilverware and carefully placed thenapkin on her lap.

“There’s a cafeteria on the firstfloor. They serve good food. I hopethis is okay. I could ordersomething else. They always have abuffet open but I thought it wouldbe best to eat in private.”

“This is fantastic. Thank you.You think of everything.”

“Good.”“Speaking of which—any word

on how we’re going to get Bethhere today?”

“They are going to send a team

to pick her up at the address yougave us, after confirming a timewith her. The task force will driveher to Homeland and fly her to us.How did she take the news?”

Vanni grinned, rememberingthe crack-of-dawn phone call she’dplaced right after Smiley had left.“She was surprised but took itpretty well.”

“She isn’t upset that you aremating a Species and will live at theNSO?”

Vanni wasn’t sure if Smileywould appreciate Beth’s sense ofhumor but risked it. “She said, andI quote, ‘thank god it’s not Carl’.”

His eyebrows rose.“That’s Beth-speak for she’s

okay with it.”“Beth-speak?”“She is someone you have to get

used to. We’re opposites. She’s veryoutgoing and kind of has a twistedsense of humor. She soundedexcited though, and promised tojump through whatever hoops ittook to get here. I told her to expecta call from Homeland. I also sworeher to secrecy. Thankfully, Elviswasn’t there. I was surprised since Iwoke her up but she didn’t go intodetails. She seemed irritated withhim. I think she was kind of

relieved to be coming here insteadof staying there any longer.”

“Isn’t the male her boyfriend?”“It’s complicated.”Smiley arched an eyebrow.Vanni struggled for a way to

explain it. “She really likesspending time with him but she’snot in love. I know they weresleeping together last year and Ithought it was getting serious butthen she called it quits. She said hewanted more than she was willingto give. Now they go out everyonce in a while but she doesn’twant to hurt him by leading himon.”

“To what?”Vanni grinned. “To thinking

she’s serious about building afuture with him when she isn’t.”

“Oh.” He ate some of his food.“She just wants to share sex withhim without bonding.”

“Yes.”“I’m glad you’re not like her. I’d

never be able to give you up.”“I’m glad too.”They smiled at each other before

finishing breakfast. Smiley rose tohis feet. “I’m going to make a fewcalls to make certain everything isarranged at Security and that they

are ready for us to visit.” He heldher gaze. “You know you don’thave to go with me.”

She placed her napkin on thetable and stood. “I’ll regret it if Idon’t. I’ll feel like a coward. I needclosure.”

“I just don’t want you upset.”He glanced down at her stomach,then up.

“In case I’m pregnant?”“It crossed my mind. I won’t

deny that. I want to protect youeither way.”

“It’s not like I’m going to getinto a physical altercation withanyone.”

Smiley made that deeprumbling sound and his handsfisted at his sides. She inched closerto him.

“You’re so hot in a sexy waywhen you get angry.”

He relaxed. “I am?”“I think it’s so romantic that you

want to kick someone’s ass overme.”

He reached up and brushed herhair away from her cheek, caressingthe side of her face with his thumb.“I’d do anything for you.”

Her belly quivered and hernipples tightened. “Now you’re justturning me on.”

He turned his head and lookedat the clock on the wall. “They areexpecting me to call.” He appearedundecided. “We could stay hererather than go.”

“You have your heart set onkicking a little ass.”

“You’re more important.”“I know, but this is too. We both

have some questions that need tobe answered.”

“Exactly.” He reached down andtook her hand. “And I want topunch them.” He smiled. “A lot.”

She laughed. “Make your calls.I’m going to use the bathroom.We’ll leave in a few minutes.”

“Hurry.” He released her.Vanni used the bathroom and

washed her hands. She stared at herreflection in the mirror over thesink while taking a few deepbreathes. She wasn’t sure howshe’d hold up to facing Carl, hisfather or that horrible Bruce. Part ofher was tempted just to stay at thehotel but she stiffened her spine.The other part of her knew sheneeded to be there with Smiley.The Woods Church and her ex-fiancé had thrown them together.She wanted the satisfaction oftelling them how that had workedout.

Some of the queasy feelingpassed. She reached down andtouched her stomach. A littleexcitement rose at the prospect ofbeing pregnant. The idea wasgrowing on her. It was a long shotbut there was always next month orthe one after. She had stoppedtaking her pills since she’d beenkidnapped. She hadn’t evenremembered that until Smiley hadtold her she might be pregnant. Alittle guilt surfaced. She shouldhave told him about it when sherealized.

“Tell him later. After thisordeal,” she muttered and exited

the bathroom.

* * * * *Smiley positioned Vanni in a

chair facing the glass wall. Theoccupants about to be led into thenext room wouldn’t be able to seeher. He’d made her aware of thatfact so she felt totally at ease. Hecrouched down, studying her eyes.

“Are you sure you want to dothis?”

“Yes.”She was brave. He knew the

next moments weren’t going to beeasy on her. His gaze drifted to

Jericho. The male nodded grimly.He’d promised to stay with Vanniand tend to her if she becameemotionally distressed. Smileytrusted the male with his mate. Helooked at Vanni and leaned incloser, taking her hand.

“You can leave at any time.Jericho will be here with you. Youjust tell him whatever you want orneed and he’ll make sure ithappens.”

She held his gaze and tried tosmile. “I know. You told me. I’mgood. Stop worrying about me.”

“I might hit them.” He wantedher prepared. “I know you are

tenderhearted about violence.”“Not as much as you think. I’ve

grown as a person since this hashappened.”

He wasn’t sure what that meant.She seemed to understand hisconfusion.

“I bashed Bruce over the headwith a glass bottle after assaultinghim with makeup products. It feltgood. I’m not as fragile as you seemto think.”

She amused him. “Okay. Just tellJericho if it becomes too much.” Heglanced at the male again.

“I’ll take care of her,” Jerichopromised.

Smiley brushed a kiss on theback of her hand and released her.He stood and left her there,allowing his temper to build assoon as the door closed. The firstmale was being led into the roomwhen he reached it. The sight ofCarl Woods in person stunned him.The male really was puny. Hewasn’t very tall and had almost nomuscle.

Torrent shoved the male into achair but there were no restraintsplaced on him. Smiley closed thedoor, glaring at the thin blondhuman. He stared back but showedno fear. It irritated Smiley.

“I’m a lawyer,” Carl stated. “I’vemade a mental list of every one ofmy civil rights the NSO hasviolated.” He crossed his arms overhis chest and his chin rose instubborn defiance. “I can’t wait toget you assholes in a court of law.You can kiss your asses goodbye.”

Torrent flashed his fangs in agrimace and his leather glovesmade a slight noise as he fisted bothhands and then flexed his fingers.“Believe it or not, this is the leastannoying of the bunch. He’s notwailing or pretending he’sSpecies.”

Smiley knew his eyebrows shot

up.Torrent nodded. “A few of their

security staff wanted to have asnarling contest. Literally. I thinkthey figured the one with theloudest growl got to play alpha. Itwas so pitiful it wasn’t evenhumorous.” He glared at Carl.“This one just makes threats withhuman laws no matter how oftenhe’s been corrected.”

“This asshole isn’t listening. Iassume you’re in charge.” Carladdressed Smiley. “I demand tospeak to my lawyer or to arepresentative of the USgovernment.”

Torrent sighed. “Again, thereisn’t one inside the NSO.” He fixedhis gaze on Smiley. “Make it stop.Please? I’m not allowed to hit himunless he strikes me first.”

“I’m not in charge.” Smileydrew closer to the human. “Youshould be familiar with me though.You had to have seen me ontelevision with Vanni.”

It gave him satisfaction whenthe human paled. His eyes widenedtoo and he sat up straighter in thechair.

“That’s right. I’m the one whowas drugged with her in that hotelbar.” He lunged and grabbed the

male, hauling him out of his seat.He strode to the nearest wall, closeto the glass, and slammed himagainst it. Carl grunted but didn’ttry to fight. He was docile for amale. It disgusted Smiley and heglared down at him.

“Finally,” Torrent sighed.Smiley ignored him and lifted

Carl a few inches off the floor. Themale appeared terrified but hehung limply, not even struggling.He’d wanted the male to fight buthe didn’t even grab at him. Hisarms stayed at his sides.

“Hit me,” Smiley taunted.“No. You’re a bully.” Carl

whispered the words.Smiley dropped him on his feet

and stepped back. “It would be likehitting a female.”

“I’d still do it if I were allowed,”Torrent muttered. “Just wait andlisten to him. You’ll change yourmind.”

Carl smoothed out some of thewrinkles from his shirt but stayedagainst the wall. He stared up atSmiley. “That’s another violation.Brutality.”

“You want to accuse me ofbrutality? What about what youand your father did to Vanni? Iknow everything.”

“I’m not accountable for myfather’s alleged actions.”

“You lured her to his home andknew they’d set a trap for her.”

Carl crossed his arms over hischest again. “I did no such thing. Ideny that charge.”

“See?” Torrent walked over tothe table and sat. “He appears lessfemale every time he opens hismouth.”

Smiley returned his focus toCarl. “Forget your laws. They don’tapply here.”

“I demand to speak to arepresentative of the USgovernment.”

“Like a damn parrot bird,”Torrent growled. “Stop saying that,human. Fuck. I want to break yourjaw. I’ve heard it two dozen timesin the last hour alone.”

Smiley reached out and grabbedthe human by his throat. He didn’tapply enough force to do damagebut it was to make a point. Hesqueezed just enough to make themale aware of his strength.

“Let me tell you a few thingsbefore you open your mouth again.Vanni is mine now and I don’t givea damn about your court of law.You’ve already been judged andfound guilty. You lured her to that

home and I know about the lifeinsurance policy you took out onher. I believe you planned to marryand murder her for money. Youdidn’t care what was done to her aslong as there was a dead body toshow to that insurance company toget your check.”

He leaned in and put his lipsnext to the male’s ear. “I’d kill youbut I don’t want Vanni to see it.You’re a piece of shit and you’renever going to see daylight again.You never deserved her. She will behappy while you learn what hellis.” He lowered his voice evenmore. “That doesn’t mean she will

always be on the other side of theglass. I can visit you at any time.Let’s give you six months of livingin a cage and I bet you will want tohit me then. We are going to fightat some point. Know that.”

Smiley leaned back and saw fearin the male’s eyes. He let him goand put space between them. “Isuggest you start doing pushups inyour cell and pull-ups from the barsabove your head. Get in shape.You’re going to need to be.”

Torrent chuckled.“You can take him away now.”

Smiley glanced at the glass, hopingVanni wasn’t upset with him.

Torrent slid off the table,grabbed Carl by the arm and ledhim out of the room. Smiley didn’thave long to wait. The big malewho was brought in next needed nointroduction. He had a bandage onhis neck that extended upward tothe crown of his head. He wasn’t aweak human. Torrent stayed at thedoor, his body tense.

“This one throws suckerpunches,” Torrent warned. “I havehit him. He’s a decent fighter for ahuman.”

“Fuck you,” Bruce spat. “I have aconcussion or I would have beatyou like a bitch.” He turned and

glared at Smiley. Somethingflickered in his eyes and he snorted.“Ah. I know who you are.” He gavehim a once-over. “Youdisappointed me.”

“What do you mean by that?”Smiley already hated the male.

“I would have messed that bitchup if I’d been you. Do you knowhow hot it is to make them screamand bleed while you’re fuckingthem? Hell, I got wood justthinking about drugging her againand stringing her up to use butGregory said to wait until we weredone with her. When I get out ofhere, and I will, I’ll video me giving

it to that whore good and send youa copy so you can learn something.”

Smiley was on him before hecould consider what Vanni wouldthink. It felt good, slamming his fistinto the human’s face. The maletried to block it but wasn’t fastenough. The punch threw himtoward Torrent whose reflexeswere better. He lunged out of theway and Bruce slammed into thedoor. It groaned from the force ofhis weight. Smiley advanced.

Bruce took a swing at him. Itwent wide. Smiley plowed hisother fist into the male’s gut. Hemade a loud sound of pain and

doubled over from the blow.Smiley backed off and rumbled.

“Come at me.”Bruce straightened. His face was

red with anger and the blood thatpoured from his busted nose. Hebellowed and pushed away fromthe door. He was slow for his size.Smiley easily ducked the fistdirected at his face and plowed intothe human’s center, taking him tothe floor. He straddled the maleand pummeled his face until strongarms wrapped around his waist andhauled him off.

“Enough,” Torrent snarled.“Don’t kill him. It’s what he wants.

No one is that stupid unless theyare suicidal.”

The door flew open and Vannistood there. Jericho stopped behindher. Smiley quickly stood andstepped away, realizing what he’ddone. Bruce groaned and rolledonto his side. Blood spread acrossthe floor. Smiley nodded, lettingTorrent know he was in controlagain.

“I’m sorry.” Smiley stared atVanni.

She entered the room, keepingfar from Bruce. “Don’t be. Are youokay?”

His hands hurt. He didn’t even

glance at them. “I didn’t mean tolose it.”

She approached him.“Don’t,” he cautioned her. There

was blood on his hands. “I don’twant you contaminated.”

Her lips parted but Torrentspoke first. “That is one humanwho probably is diseased. Smileyneeds to wash all that blood offbefore you touch him. We’reimmune to disease but you’re not.”

Bruce sat up and Smiley moved,putting his body between her andthe human. Bruce spit blood on thefloor and glared at him as more of itran down his lower face to his neck

and shirt. One eye was alreadyswelling shut due to the cut overhis eyebrow. He snorted.

“Fucking pussy-whipped.You’re pathetic.” Bruce tilted hishead, trying to get a look at Vanni.“Why don’t you come over here,you bitch? I’ll show you what a realman can do to you. You’ll like it.”

Smiley would have attacked himagain but Torrent gripped his arm.“No. I told you. He’s trying to makeyou kill him. It would be over toofast. He deserves to suffer foryears.”

Torrent was probably right. Henodded again, too angry to speak.

Torrent’s hold eased. Smiley lookedat Vanni. She was close enough totouch if he reached out but hedidn’t. He cleared his throat andtried to calm.

“Go wait for me outside thisroom. It’s not safe.” He caughtmovement in his peripheral visionand tensed. He watched Brucestruggle to get to his feet. “Now,Vanni.”

“Okay.”He didn’t dare look away from

Bruce. The male might try to getaround him to reach Vanni beforeshe left. He heard Jericho gasp.Movement to his right startled him

and shock held him still for asecond. Vanni stopped next to himand lifted Jericho’s weapon.

“Do you like this, dickhead?”She fired. The Taser dart shot outand embedded in Bruce’s gut.

The way the human’s eyesrolled up into his head as his bodystiffened from the electric currentthat pulsed through him assuredSmiley the slight noise came fromVanni, who was holding down thetrigger. Smiley gawked a little. Hedidn’t try to stop her, aware of theblood on his hands. She actuallysmiled, watching Bruce finally fallover. She released the trigger and

turned her head, holding his gaze.“That hurts like a son of a bitch.

I figured he should experience itfirsthand. Don’t you dare feel badfor hitting him. I wish I couldhave.” She broke eye contact andlooked at Torrent, offering theweapon to him. “Do you want this?It’s heavier than I thought it wouldbe.”

Torrent grinned and accepted it.“Good shot.”

“Not really. I was aiming for hisballs.”

The male laughed outright. “Doyou want another try? We couldwait for him to recover and ask to

borrow another officer’s weapon. Idon’t have one since we’re notallowed to carry while transportingprisoners from room to room. Theymight attempt to take it.”

Vanni bit her lip, seeming toconsider it.

“No, she doesn’t.” Smiley wasstill stunned. “Vanni?”

She looked at him. He sawuncertainty there.

“Are you angry at me? I just sawJericho’s sidearm and realized whatit was. Bruce shot me with one so Iwanted to return the favor.”

He never wanted to see thatlook from her again. “I’m never

angry at you.” He lowered hisvoice. “I’ll teach you how to shootbetter. I really want you out of thisroom though. His blood iseverywhere and Torrent is right.He probably is diseased. He’sinsane too. I don’t want you indanger.”

“Okay.” She turned and walkedcalmly out of the room.

He watched her go and Jerichoshrugged, as if to say he hadn’texpected that. He grabbed the doorhandle and closed it, staying withVanni on the other side.

“I like her,” Torrent admitted.Smiley whipped around, glaring

at him.“Not that way. She’s your mate.

I just like what she did. That’s all.Want to help me pick him up anddrag him back to his cage? He’s outcold.”

“I still want to speak to GregoryWoods.”

“Let’s deal with this one firstand do a little cleanup before webring him in here. That male crieslike a little girl. He’ll see the bloodon the floor and will probablyscream like one too. He’s alreadypretended to have a heart attack.This might bring on the real thing.He’ll believe we murdered

someone.”

Chapter Twenty-Two Vanni sipped the orange juice

Jericho handed her. He hadn’t saida word about her grabbing hisweapon or using it. They’d watchedSmiley and Torrent drag theunconscious Bruce out of the room.Another New Species had enteredto clean up all the blood. She finallyworked up the nerve to speak toSmiley’s friend.

“I apologize. I just didn’t wantto spend my honeymoon sitting onthe other side of the bars withSmiley. I thought he was going tokill Bruce and get arrested.”

“It would have been justified ifhe had. The male threatened hismate.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that.”“Our laws aren’t the same as

yours. Ours always make sense.”She wasn’t sure what to make of

that but he explained.“We do get human news in here.

It’s depressing. We don’t believe inmurder but some just shouldn’t beallowed to live.” He glanced at theglass. “That male is one of them.You heard what he said. Any malecapable of harming a female thatway deserves death.”

“Then why didn’t you stop me

from rushing in there if you reallybelieved that? You could havestopped me if you’d tried.”

“I knew you going in therewould stop Smiley. I didn’t wanthim to suffer for his actions, despitehow much that male deserved it.”

“He said he’s killed before.”“He has. A lot of us had to at

Mercile and we probably will againto defend each other if we’reattacked. This time though, itwould have made him fear losingyou and feel insecure.” Jericholeaned against the wall. “It’s a realfear when mating a human thatthey’ll see violence and believe

we’re a danger to them. Smileyalready worries that you’ll changeyour mind and leave here. Youhave become a huge part of him.”

“I love Smiley.”His features softened. “Good.

Keep telling him that often. Heneeds those assurances.”

“He does?”“Yes.” Jericho glanced at the

glass wall, then back at her. “Wefeel deeply but try to hide it. It’s aflaw.”

“Why?”He scowled. “Call it instinct or

genetics but we’re more

emotionally vulnerable comparedto the canines and felines. Don’tever forget that, Vanni. You coulddestroy him from the inside out.”

“I’d never do that.”“Even better. Touch him often

and tell him how much he means toyou if you really love him. He’llalways take everything you say toheart. Don’t forget that if you arguewith him. Think before you speak.”

She appreciated the advice.“Thank you.”

He shrugged. “I want both ofyou to be happy. I can’t standseeing Smiley depressed. It wasn’teasy watching him endure misery

before and I never want to see itagain.”

“You were locked up with himwhen you were kept at MercileIndustries?”

“I meant when you escapedfrom the task force membersassigned to bring you to Medicaland he feared you were either deador hurt in the out world. It tore meup seeing him that way. I fearedhe’d go over our walls and searchfor you on his own. It could havegotten him killed. We have a lot ofenemies. All he could think of wasyou and making sure you werewell. He bonded with you right

from the start.”Vanni blinked back tears.

“Thank you for telling me that. I dolove Smiley. I um, bonded with himright from the start too. He’severything to me.”

“Good. Keep telling him that.I’m not joking. He’s going to worryfor a long time that he’ll do or saysomething that will make yourethink being his mate.”

“He’s stuck with me.” Shesmiled, cheering up. “I’d neverleave him.”

Jericho tensed, his gaze focusingon the glass wall. “Here we go.Remember that. I have no idea how

Smiley is going to act with thisone.”

Vanni turned in her seat andwatched Torrent bring in GregoryWoods. He looked unkempt andcompletely different from histelevision persona. His clothing waswrinkled, he needed a shave andhis eyes were red.

“Has he been crying?”Jericho snorted. “You heard

Torrent. That would be a yes.”Gregory took a seat and hugged

his chest. “I really need a doctor. Ihave a specialist that takes care ofme. You don’t want me to die. Doyou know who I am? You can’t get

away with this. I am a celebrity andrich. I—”

“Stop,” Torrent demanded.“You aren’t being transferred to ahuman hospital and no one evenknows you’re here.”

The door opened again andSmiley entered. He’d changed intoone of the NSO uniforms and hishands were bandaged. He closedthe door and stayed by it. Gregorywhimpered, staring at him withobvious horror.

“What’s wrong, human? Neverthought you’d have to face themale you drugged and tried to setup?”

“It wasn’t my idea. It was Bruce.I was afraid of him. You’ve seenhim. He has a criminal record. I’minnocent.”

“Shut up.” Torrent backed up.“We aren’t idiots. There weretwenty missing doses of thebreeding drug when you weretaken into custody. Dean confessedto selling you two hundred doses.”He growled and shot Smiley adisgusted look before continuing.“This one swore he used them onprostitutes he paid to have sex withhim. You saw firsthand what thatdrug did to your female. He felt nosympathy for those females he

drugged and kept doing it over andover. He’s a cruel son of a bitch.”Torrent flashed his fangs. “Are yougoing to blame that on someoneelse too? Save it, asshole.”

Smiley made a harsh, rumblingnoise. “We should dose you and letyou suffer. You deserve it. Bruceworks for you and by the way,Dean Polanitis was veryinformative when we spoke tohim.” Smiley crouched, keeping hisback to the door. “He confessed tohow you contacted him andthreatened to expose theconnection between Drackwoodand Mercile that your investigators

found. He called it blackmail andadmitted you asked him forsomething to use against the NSO.You bought drugs from him andpaid a bartender to add them to myand Vanni’s drinks at the hotel.”

“It’s all a lie!” Gregory clutchedat his chest. “That was all Bruce.”

“He used money that you gavehim to do your bidding. You’recaught and you will pay for yourcrimes, Pastor Woods.”

“I think I’m having a heartattack.”

“Okay.” Smiley didn’t move.“Have one. I wouldn’t mindwatching you take your last

breath.”“You can’t let me die. I have

followers, damn it. They’ll stormyour gates and kill everyone.”

“They believe you fled thecountry and abandoned them. Noone will even know if you die.We’ll just bury you in thatgraveyard you say we have.”Torrent looked amused. “He couldbe the first body we put in it.”

Smiley grinned. “Sounds like aplan.”

Big tears rolled down Gregory’scheeks. “You can’t do this to me.I’m important.” He glancedbetween them. “I’m also rich. I’ll

pay you to get me out of here. Howmuch do you want? Name theamount.”

“We don’t care about money.”Smiley cocked his head. “I justwanted to look you in the eyesbefore you were sent to FullerPrison. Vanni is safe and you’llnever have the opportunity to harmher again. You’ll pay for everythingyou’ve done. I’m not angry withyou for what was done to me butyou tried to harm the female I love.Big mistake. I just wish I enjoyedthis more but you’re too…” Heseemed to struggle to find a word.

Torrent helped. “Pitiful.”

Smiley flashed him a grin.“Yes.”

Gregory’s face reddened and hesputtered. “You’re barbaric!”

“What do you expect? Youattacked us.” Smiley straightened.“You should have learned moreabout your enemy before youstruck out at us.” All trace of humorfaded from his features. “You’regoing to be the one living theremainder of your life in a cage.Isn’t that what you wanted for us?You’ll learn what it’s like not to feelthe sun on your face or experiencethe simple act of kindness fromyour guards. It’s a fate you wished

for us. Fuller Prison will be yourzoo. You just shouldn’t expect anyvisitors.”

“You creatures aren’t going toget away with this.” Gregory shotout of his chair. “I’m GregoryWoods. Everyone will be lookingfor me and they won’t ever stop.You’re going to pay for this. Peoplewill wise up and realize whatyou’re really up to.”

“What is that? Taking over theworld? We just want peace. You’dhave learned that if you’d reallydone your research. We just wanthumans like you to leave us alone.You couldn’t do that.” Smiley

moved to the side and opened thedoor. “I’m done, Torrent. You canhave them transferred now.”

“Thank you.” Torrent grinned.“I can’t wait to put them in thevan.”

Smiley peered at the glass thenglanced into the empty hallway.Vanni thought he might besearching for her and stood but hadno real desire to speak to Gregory.Torrent was right. He was patheticbut she didn’t pity him. Hedeserved to be locked up but seeinghim in that room had helped herfind closure.

She walked to the door and

opened it. “Let’s go,” she said loudenough that Smiley would hearher.

He turned toward her and mether gaze. “We’re done here?”

She nodded.Smiley closed the door to the

interrogation room behind him andcame to her. He reached out andshe clasped his hand. “Are youokay?”

“I am now.”“Do you want to Taser him?” A

gleam of amusement lit up his eyes.“It might be fun.”

“I don’t think Torrent wants to

hear him cry again,” Vanni teased.“True.” Smiley looked over her

head. “We’re ready to go, Jericho.Will you give us a ride to thehotel?”

“Let’s get out of here.”The door to the interrogation

room opened and Vanni stepped tothe side a little to stare beyondSmiley. Gregory was led out of theroom. He turned his head and sawher. Their gazes met and hestopped walking.

“This is all your fault, Travanni.I always hated you.”

Smiley rumbled and spun.Vanni clutched him tighter and

grabbed his arm too, hoping hewouldn’t go after Gregory.

“He’s not worth it,” she insisted.Smiley rumbled again but he

relaxed in her hold. Gregory turnedfarther to face her and pointed ather. “You’re going to pay for this.”

Vanni released Smiley’s arm andflipped Gregory off. “I alwayswanted to do that. Screw you,Gregory. Smiley and I are gettingmarried. He’s the best thing thatever happened to me and I wantedyou to know it. You did me thebiggest favor of my life. Choke onthat the next time you open yourmouth and spew your hate.”

Torrent shoved him, forcing himforward. “Move, crybaby. I see youare braver when you’re confrontinga small female. Why am I notsurprised? You’re truly pathetic.”

They turned at the end of thehall and walked out of sight. Vannilooked up and waited for Smiley toturn his head. He did and she sawhis anger.

“Let it go. I plan to.” Shestepped closer to him and placedher hand on his chest. “Let’s leaveit in the past and never think aboutthem again. They really aren’tworth it.”

“You’re right.”

She winked. “I like hearingthat.”

Smiley wrapped his arm aroundher waist. “You’re also very sexywhen you’re giving someone thebird.”

“Am I?”Jericho cleared his throat. “I’m

here. So are cameras. I wouldn’tsuggest getting too friendly witheach other in the hallway.”

They all turned when theyheard the sound of booted feet andstared at the tall black-haired malewho walked toward them. He wasa feline with bright-green eyes,dressed in jeans and a black shirt

under a leather biker jacket.“Hello, Jaded.” Smiley looked

pleased to see the male. “This isVanni, my mate.”

The guy nodded at her butdidn’t offer his hand. “I waschecking in at Security before I leftfor a charity event and was told totell you that the helicopter isarriving in ten minutes. It seemsneither of you are wearing coms. Ialso heard about your mating andwanted to congratulate you both.”

“Thank you.” Smiley drewVanni’s attention. “That would bethe one Beth is on.” He glanced atboth men. “We should go meet her

at the heliport.”“Let’s go.” Jericho paused next

to Jaded. “Nice outfit. Did youborrow it from Harley?”

“As a matter of fact,” Jadedchuckled, “I did call him and askwhere he obtains his clothes. Alocal motorcycle club is hosting abarbeque fundraiser to buy someland for the preservation of acampground they use everysummer. A logging company wantsto purchase it and cut down all thetrees.”

“I thought you only gotinvolved if animals were in themix.” Jericho frowned.

Jaded shrugged. “There’s a lot ofwildlife living in those woods. It’sfor a good cause and they sent mean invitation. I thought it might befun.”

Smiley removed his arm fromVanni but kept hold of her hand.“We have to go.”

She was really excited aboutseeing Beth. She just hoped her bestfriend would behave and not acttoo outrageous when she metSmiley. It was a real concern.

* * * * *“Relax,” Beth ordered. “I like

Smiley.”Vanni shifted nervously on her

seat. “It’s not that. I knew youwould. I’m getting married. Myhands are shaking.”

“Are you having secondthoughts or is this just bridejitters?”

“Jitters. I really want to marrySmiley.”

“Close your eyes.” Beth appliedeye shadow. “He’s a hunk, Vanni. Ialso notice the way he looks at you.I see love and the guy has the hotsfor you too. He totally stares atyour ass when you walk in front ofhim. Is he as muscular under those

clothes as he looks in them?”“Yes.”“Lucky bitch.” Beth stopped.

“Open.”Vanni peered up at her friend.

“Thank you for doing my makeup.How do I look?”

“Good. I kept it light. It givesyou the natural look with a littleextra help.”

“Thank you. Smiley said heprefers me without makeup but it’smy wedding. I need to look mybest. He promised that someonewill take pictures.”

“I’m going to take some with

my phone too.”“You can’t post them

anywhere,” Vanni reminded her.“Nobody can know we got marriedjust yet. He said it could causeproblems.”

“Have you told the family yet?”“No. I know they’d want to be

here and I just…”“Say no more. Your sister is a

prude. Your brother is a jackass andpushy. Your parents—I love thembut your mom is a control freak andit kind of weirds me out how yourdad just does everything she says.My parents are the opposite. Mydad is the controller and my mom

does everything he says.”“I know. I think Dad just doesn’t

want to argue. Mom became prettybossy, having to raise three kidswhile he was traveling. He’smellow.”

“You get that from him. You’rethe quiet sibling and you let themboss you around. I’m glad youdecided to elope. That fiasco of anengagement to Carl about killedme. I really hated him and thenyour family was messing up theplans you had left and right. I gotupset for you.”

“That’s why we’re keeping itsimple. This is just about Smiley

and me.”“I’m just glad I got to be here,

even if it was kind of a nightmare.”“The helicopter ride is horrible.”“I meant the big-ass fight I had

with Elvis. I kind of liked the rideand the company wasn’t too badeither. Do you think you couldintroduce me to a hottie?”

“What about Elvis? I kind ofhoped staying with him wouldmake you closer. On the phone itsounded like it was going well.”

“We were starting to fight. Hewas pissed that I was leaving andespecially when he saw a bunch ofguys pick me up. He thought it was

payback.”“For what?”Beth bent at the waist and

grinned at her. “No depressing shiton the day my best friend hooks upwith Mr. Hottie. I did have themmake a stop on the way. Rememberthat outlet mall right next to thefreeway? I got you a surprise.”

Beth straightened, spun awayand walked over to the suitcaselying on her bed. She opened it andremoved a bag from a name-brandstore. “This is for you. It’s that dresswe saw a few weeks ago when wewent shoe shopping. They still hadit.”

Vanni gaped at her. “The prettyoff-white one with the lace?”

“Yeah.”“It was a hundred and fifty

bucks, Beth. It was too expensive.”“I don’t know what you bought

during your shopping spree butyou can’t get married in everydayclothes. Come on.” Beth held outthe bag. “It’s not too fancy and it’sreally pretty. I’d call it the perfectsummer wedding dress for anelopement. It’s the first thing Ithought of when you gave me thenews. I just wish I’d had time tobuy you matching shoes but whenthose NSO guys say five minutes,

they mean it. I’ve never hustledthrough a mall so damn fast.”

Beth accepted it, fighting tears.“Thank you so much. I’ll pay youback.”

“Shut up. It’s a gift. Hell, Iwould have paid three times thatmuch just to see you happy. Youjust light up when you look atSmiley and I really like him.” Shepaused. “He is the total opposite ofCarl.” She grimaced. “You knowwhat I’m going to say.”

“You really hated him.”“Big time.” Beth smiled again. “I

wish I’d gotten here before theysent him away. I would have liked

a few minutes alone with him. Iwould have kneed him in theballs.”

“You can’t tell anyone aboutthat either. Everyone thinks theyfled the country.”

Beth crossed a finger over herheart. “You know you can trustme.”

“That’s why I told youeverything.”

Beth glanced at her stomach andlaughed. “If it’s a girl, you bettername it after me.”

“I don’t know if I’m pregnant ornot. We never got a blood test. Youcame and Smiley put it off.”

“You better tell me when youdo.” Beth took the bag. “Let’s getyou dressed. You totally know I’mgoing to hit every damn baby storeif you’re expecting. How cute arebabies and if it comes out lookinglike Smiley then I’m going to haveto give up wearing lipstick. Yourchild would be covered from mekissing all that cuteness. The kidwill run screaming from AuntieBeth once he or she is old enough towalk. I’ll be that kissing lady whodrives them nuts.”

“Top secret, Beth.”Beth held her gaze and grew

serious. “I read the news. I also

listened to some of Gregory Wood’sasinine rants. I’d murder someonefor you and go bury the body. Noone will ever get any informationout of me. They could hang me bymy nipples and beat me withsticks.”

Vanni laughed. “By yournipples?”

Beth nodded. “Ouch, right?That’s the worst thing I could thinkof unless it’s by my nether lips. Canyou imagine? Oh my god, ouchie. Iwill never understand how somepeople get pierced down there. Iwas going to have sex with a guyonce and he had a piercing through

his dick. I said no way and got thehell out of there.”

“I remember that. You said itlooked horrible.”

“Scary is the word I used. Itlooked like a rounded barbell justhanging off the end of his dick.Who wants to have that insidethem and did he honestly thinkhe’d ever get head again? Chokinghazard.”

Vanni laughed. “I’m lessworried about my wedding now.Smiley doesn’t have any piercings.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Now get outof those clothes and into this dress.We don’t have too much time. Your

groom looked nervous and nodamn way do we want to give himtime to get cold feet. He lookspretty damn fit. He’d be hell tocatch if he makes a run for it.Neither one of us are joggers.”

“Smiley wouldn’t do that.”“Even better. I’d hate to have to

steal one of those Jeeps on my firstday at Reservation to go after himand get busted by their cops. Iwouldn’t mind being strip-searchedthough by that big hulk of a guywho came with you to pick me up.”

“Jericho?”“Yeah. Did you see his chest and

those matching arms? He’s like a

mountain of muscle on two legs. Ibet he could sweep me off my feetand wouldn’t bitch about meneeding to lose a few poundsbecause I’m hurting his lowerback.”

“He’s kind of scary looking.”“Not to me. That’s the right kind

of danger and I’d run to it.” Bethwinked.

“Don’t hit on him. He’s going tobe at the wedding.”

“Come on. I’m the maid ofhonor. It’s tradition to get drunkand nail one of the groomsmen.”

“Beth!”

“Fine.” She sighed. “I won’tdrink.”

“No nailing Smiley’s best friend.He’s going to be like family. I don’twant you to hurt him.”

“Me hurt him? Are we talkingabout the same guy?”

“He’s really a sweet soul whenyou get to know him.”

“Enough.” Beth rolled her eyes.“You make me sound like a one-woman destruction crew. I won’ttry to nail anyone. I get it. I’m notgoing to have sex. Big surprise.”

“What does that mean?”Beth opened her mouth but then

closed it. She shifted the bag,holding it out again. “My arms aregetting tired. Strip. Wedding,remember?”

“Thank you, Beth.” Vanni kickedoff her shoes and started to undress.

“That’s what best friends slashsisters are for. I’m way better thanyour blood sister.”

Vanni laughed.“I’m not going to lecture you for

having sex before the ceremony. Doyou want me to pretend to beMia?” She took on a snooty tone.“First, you firmly grip the man’spenis and ask him if he has anysexual diseases. That’s so he can be

assured that you’ll rip it off if helies.”

“Stop.” Vanni giggled. “That’sso wrong but so accurate. I loveyou, Beth. Thank you for beingyou.”

“I bet she’s fun at parties. Nowthat you’re no longer nervous, let’sget this show on the road. I loveyou too but we’re talking aboutpermanently hooking you up witha guy who makes you walkbowlegged. Girl talk is over. I bethe’s pacing and anxiously waitingto see his bride.”

Smiley kept his eyes closed and

regulated his breathing. He triednot to sweat.

“The female loves you. Shewon’t back out. You’re alreadymated.”

He opened his eyes and stared atJericho. They’d changed clothesand sat in the lobby, a tablebetween them. They both tensedevery time the elevator doorsopened, waiting for Vanni to comedown.

“Did I forget anything?”Jericho shook his head. “It’s

handled. Creek and I went overeverything. We won’t let youdown. We have a minister who is

Species friendly and happy to dothe ceremony. We’ve used him inthe past and he’s good at keepingsecrets. The task force team askedBeth what ring size Vanni is and wegot matching gold bands for theceremony. A team went out thereon that hilltop overlooking theriver and made it look pretty. Wehave four officers there just out ofsight to make certain nothing goeswrong. It will just be words andrings exchanged at a prettylocation. I have a camera in mypocket so there will be pictures foryou to frame in your home. Theysaid the weather is perfect and the

sun will be going down during theceremony. They even have lightingif we run late but we won’t.”

“We still haven’t really decidedwhere we’re going to live full-time.”

“There’s no hurry. Now you’rejust grasping at things to worryabout. Close your eyes andconcentrate on your breathingagain.”

“Should I have put off the bloodtest? I was just afraid Vanni mightget upset, depending on theoutcome.”

“You said she wasn’t angrywhen you told her she could be

pregnant.”“She wasn’t.”“Stop worrying. You’re making

me edgy.”“Sorry.”“It’s just a human wedding. You

got her to agree to be your mate.The tough part is over. Relax.”

“You’re right. She’s here andshe’s mine.”

“Exactly.”The doors dinged for the

elevator and Smiley held his breath.Beth stepped out first. He stood sofast his knee slammed into the edgeof the table. He grimaced but

ignored the pain. He rushedforward but came to a halt whenVanni stepped out. He swayed alittle on his feet. A firm handgripped his elbow to steady him.

Vanni’s hair was down and shewore a lacy dress that he hadn’tseen before. It accentuated hercurves and made his dick hard. Shewas a vision of beauty. Her headturned and she spotted him. Hersmile broke him out of his frozenmoment.

“I love you,” he blurted.“Fuck,” Jericho muttered. The

male released him. He seemed tofix his attention on Beth. “Is she as

nervous as he is?”“Like a virgin on prom night,”

Beth stated. “Yes. I forgot. Youprobably don’t know what thatmeans, do you? She’s good to go.”

Smiley closed the distancebetween him and Vanni. Hereached out and hoped she didn’tnotice the way his hands trembled.He liked the way her cheeks turnedslightly pink and how her tonguedarted out to wet her lips. “Youtake my breath away.”

“I hope you don’t mind that Iput on a little makeup. I wanted tolook my best.”

“I’d have to throw you over my

shoulder and carry you to our roomto avoid taking you on the floor ifyou looked any better.”

“Smooth,” Jericho muttered.“Hot.” Beth sighed.Smiley cringed a little inside. “I

mean, you’re beautiful.”Vanni ducked her head shyly

before lifting her gaze and givinghim a dazzling smile. “I’m ready.Are you?”

“Since the first moment I heldyou in my arms.” He offered her hishand. She took it and he transferredit to his forearm, moving to herside. “Let’s go. They brought us anSUV so your hair doesn’t get

windblown.”“That’s so thoughtful.”“I’m trying to be,” he admitted.Vanni leaned against him,

holding his gaze. “Just be you.That’s who I love.”

His chest hurt but he knew why.She was his mate, accepted him forwho he was and he’d neverthought he’d have that. “We’re inthis together. Always.”

“We are.” She gripped him alittle tighter. “Let’s do this.”

He loved his Vanni.

Epilogue He tore his shirt over his head

and tossed it on the grass. His gazedarted around the woods. “Whatdo you think of the Wild Zone?”

“It’s beautiful. Are we going tomeet any of the New Species wholive here?”

“Not today. I asked them to stayout of sight but they are close. Ididn’t want you to be frightened.”

“You explained that they look alittle more animalistic than normalbut they are New Species. I knowI’m safe.”

“Are you sure you’re feeling upto this?” Smiley studied her eyes, afrown marring his handsome face.

“Yes. I’m sure.”“Just stay close to me. I’d never

allow anything to happen to you.”He glanced down at her belly. “Toeither of you.”

“I know. Stop worrying. It’skind of hot but so am I. Are wegoing swimming or not?”

He nodded. “Okay. Justremember that and try not to showfear. They can sense it. I talked toLeo this morning and he said theywere hanging out in this spot. Thefishing is great. Some of the

residents are on standby in casethey are needed. You’re totallysafe.”

“I really want to meet them.”Vanni felt excited. “This is so cool.”

He grinned. “It is.” He claspedher hand and led her toward theedge of the river.

Vanni peered around but didn’tspot them at first. The wideexpanse of river distracted herthough. Heavy trees lined the otherside and the sight of unspoilednatural beauty never ceased toamaze her. It’s why she’d chosen tolive at Reservation. She loved theircabin in the woods. She’d even put

out bird feeders and dozens ofthem visited their porch every day.

Smiley paused and drew her to ahalt. “There they are.” He raised hisfree hand and pointed.

She followed the line of hisfinger and caught a glimpse ofsomething light brown moving inthe tall grass. It emerged at theedge of the river and she smiled.“He’s so big.”

“That’s Gus.”“I thought they’d be dark

brown.”“Only when their coats are

wet.”

A second one, slightly largerthan the first, came out of the grass.Smiley released her hand andhugged her around her waist. Heabsently rubbed her slightlyextended belly. It was something hedid often since they’d learned shewas pregnant. It hadn’t happenedright away but six months of tryinghad accomplished it. They’d justfound out four weeks before.

“That’s Pete. He’s a lazy thing.He’s also a good hundred poundslarger. He loves to sleep.”

“They hibernate in the winter,right?”

“Yes. They just came out of it

not too long ago. They are actuallymuch bigger at the end of summer.I’m going to go say hello and letyou see how friendly they are. Stayhere.”

She clutched at him. “Are yousure it’s safe?”

“They are my friends.” He gaveher a reassuring look. “You trustme.”

“You know it.”She hated to let him go but he

never left her for long. He’d evencut his work hours to spend moretime with her. He’d become morethan her lover and her mate. Hewas her best friend. She hugged her

middle and watched him slowlyapproach the pair of grizzlies. Theyeither smelled or saw him, bothturning their heads.

“Your daddy is really brave,”she whispered.

“I heard that,” Smiley called outbut he didn’t glance over hisshoulder to look her way. “Yourmother is incredibly beautiful. I’dtell him you’re sexy but he won’tunderstand that term until he’s oldenough to notice females.”

Vanni smiled. “Just be careful.”“Always.”She was nervous when he

walked right up to the pair. One of

them opened his mouth and shetensed, expecting the bear to bitehim. He didn’t. He actually turnedhis head and she watched inamazement as Smiley reached out,roughly rubbing the top of hishead. The other one swaggeredcloser and bumped into his side.Smiley laughed and rubbed hishead too.

“Good boys,” she heard him say.“How have you been?”

Pride and a little awe sweptthrough Vanni. Her mate wasamazing. He turned his head andgrinned at her. “See? They’ve reallyadjusted to life at Reservation and

accept us. They are downrightfriendly.”

She was glad they didn’t attackhim.

He left the bears and returned toher side. “They are fine with youthis close to them.” He locked gazeswith her. “You know I’d neverallow anything to hurt you. Yourscent is all over me. I made sure ofit. They like it.”

“Not in the I-want-to-eat-you-for-dinner way, right?”

“That’s how I feel.” He winked.“I like to eat you all the time.”

She didn’t blush anymore whenhe said things like that. “I like that

too.”The bears just stared at her from

a distance but didn’t seem to mindher presence. Smiley moved to puthis body between her and them. Healways took a protective stancewhen he thought she might be indanger and she appreciated it. He’dnever let anything bad happen toher. She had faith.

The bears turned away andmoved closer to the river. Smileyshifted his position and steppedbehind her, wrapping his armsloosely around her waist.

She relaxed against him. “Thankyou for bringing me here and

sharing this.”He rested his chin on top of her

head. “I want to share everythingwith you, babe. Life wouldn’t havemeaning without you.”

She blinked back tears. “If youtell me how much you love me, I’mgoing to sob. Damn hormones.”

He made that soft rumblingsound she found so sexy. “I’ll showyou later instead. You never shedtears when I strip you naked.”

“I’m getting hot.”“We’ll go swimming a ways

down the river, away from them.There’s this little spot I knowwhere a pool has formed in the

rocks and it’s not deep. The waterwon’t be as cold.”

“I think we should skip that andjust go home.” She turned her headand looked up at him. “And getnaked in our tub.”

“We do love water.” His handaround her waist inched lower, histhumb teasing the area just underthe waist of her shorts. “And beingtogether.”

“We can watch the bears later.”“I’m much rather watch you.”“Now I’m really getting hot.”He chuckled. “We’ll see you

tomorrow, boys. My mate needs me

more. It’s all about priorities. Oneday we’ll hopefully find females forand you’ll understand. They areeverything.”

About Laurann Dohner I’m a full-time “in-house

supervisor” (sounds much betterthan plain ol’ housewife), motherand writer. I’m addicted to carameliced coffee, the occasional candybar (or two) and trying to get atleast five hours of sleep at night.

I love to write all kinds ofstories. I think the best part aboutwriting is the fact that real life isalways uncertain, always tossingthings at us that we have no controlover, but when you write, you canmake sure there’s always a happy

ending. I love that about writing. Ilove to sit down at my computerdesk, put on my headphones andlisten to loud music to block out theworld around me, so I can createworlds in front of me.

Laurann welcomes comments

from readers. You can find herwebsite and email addresses on herauthor bio page atwww.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You ThinkWe appreciate hearing reader

opinions about our books. You canemail the author directly or you canemail us at Service@ellorascave.com(when contacting CustomerService, be sure to state the booktitle and author).

Also by Laurann Dohner Cyborg Seduction 1: Burning Up

FlintCyborg Seduction 2: Kissing SteelCyborg Seduction 3: Melting IronCyborg Seduction 4: Touching IceCyborg Seduction 5: Stealing Coal

Cyborg Seduction 6: RedeemingZorus

Cyborg Seduction 7: Taunting KrellCyborg Seduction 8: Haunting

BlackieLacey and LethalMating Heat 1: Mate SetMating Heat 2: His Purrfect MateMating Heat 3: Mating BrandMine to ChaseNew Species 1: FuryNew Species 2: SladeNew Species 3: ValiantNew Species 4: JusticeNew Species 5: BrawnNew Species 6: Wrath

New Species 7: TigerNew Species 8: ObsidianNew Species 9: ShadowNew Species 10: MoonNew Species 11: TrueNew Species 12: DarknessRiding the Raines 1: Propositioning

Mr. RaineRiding the Raines 2: Raine on MeSomething Wicked This Way Comes,

Volume 1 anthologySomething Wicked This Way Comes,

Volume 2 anthologyZorn Warriors 1: Ral’s WomanZorn Warriors 2: Kidnapping CaseyZorn Warriors 3: Tempting Rever

Zorn Warriors 4: Berrr’s Vow

Print books by LaurannDohner

Claws And FangsCyborg Seduction 1: Burning Up

FlintCyborg Seduction 2: Kissing SteelCyborg Seduction 3: Melting IronCyborg Seduction 4: Touching IceCyborg Seduction 5: Stealing CoalCyborg Seduction 6: Redeeming

Zorus

Cyborg Seduction 7: Taunting KrellCyborg Seduction 8: Haunting

BlackieMating Heat 1: Mate SetMating Heat 2: His Purrfect MateNew Species 1: FuryNew Species 2: SladeNew Species 3: ValiantNew Species 4: JusticeNew Species 5: BrawnNew Species 6: WrathNew Species 7: TigerNew Species 8: ObsidianNew Species 9: ShadowNew Species 10: MoonNew Species 11: True

Riding the Raines 1: PropositioningMr. Raine

Riding the Raines 2: Raine on MeSomething Wicked This Way Comes,

Volume 1 anthologySomething Wicked This Way Comes,

Volume 2 anthologyZorn Warriors 1 & 2: Loving ZornZorn Warriors 3: Tempting ReverZorn Warriors 4: Berrr’s Vow

Ellora’s Cave Publishing

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Smiley ISBN 9781419993619ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDSmiley Copyright © 2014 Laurann Dohner Cover design by DarCover photography by 123rf.com Electronic book publication October 2014 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® areregistered trademarks of Ellora’s CavePublishing.

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