New Species 12 Darkness (24 page)

“Trisha called.”

Darkness snarled. “So much for confidentiality.”

“She just said we needed to speak. I’m the closest male to you. What does she know that I don’t? Did you lose your temper and harm your female in some way?”

Darkness shot to his feet, resisting the urge to punch him. “I’d never harm Kat.”

Fury stood. “I never thought you would do that with intent but you wouldn’t be the first male who worried they might have harmed one in the heat of passion. Trisha was worried and knew to contact me. You’re a difficult male who refuses to seek help from anyone. What is going on? Will you please tell me? Should we go outside and fight until you’re willing to open up to me again?”

Darkness sat. “I won’t fight with you.”

“Good. Ellie hates it when I mess up my hands. She likes to hold them and scabs aren’t her favorite texture.” He sat and turned his chair to face him. “Why is Trisha worried about you? Her intentions were good. She cares. We all do.”

Darkness grimaced. “It’s annoying.”

“I understand but we have to stick together. It’s all new. Are you attracted to Kat?”

“You’re playing shrink?”

“I’m being a friend and brother. It helps to discuss things with others who have experienced them. I fought emotions for Ellie. Is that what is happening to you? It may feel as if you’re losing your mind because love makes you question your sanity. It’s normal. You aren’t injured, Kat isn’t, so that means you must have contacted Trisha to evaluate you. You’re not suffering a meltdown.”

“That wasn’t it.”

Fury’s silence, as if he were waiting for an expanded explanation, calmed him a little. He took a deep breath and blew it out. “I lost control.”

“How? Did you lose your temper and throw things?”

He gripped the arms of the chair. “Sexual control.”

“Humans aren’t as fragile as we imagine. They aren’t made of glass. Ellie can handle me. She enjoys rough sex at times.”

“I came inside her before I completely pulled out.” He spoke softly, a bit humiliated to admit it. “It felt too good and she was biting me. I lost it.”

Fury paled. “She’s not on birth control?”

“No.”

“Shit. Do you want me to smell her? I could tell you if she’s ovulating.” He leaned forward and gave him a sympathetic look. “You’ll need to talk to her if she is.”

“She’s a smart female. I had a fit of temper afterward. I didn’t have to tell her. She figured it out.”

Anger twisted Fury’s features. “You should have informed me right away.”

“She’s not going to betray that information.”

“She works for the FBI. For Robert Mason.” Fury stood so fast it knocked the chair over. “You hardheaded asshole. You’re putting Salvation and every other child in danger. I’ll have her brought in. She needs to be put on lockdown until we can be certain.”

Darkness lunged out of the chair and tackled Fury. They both hit the top of the desk. He snarled in his face and barely resisted punching him. “No one goes after Kat. She isn’t going to put your son or others at risk.”

Shock whitened Fury’s features but he grabbed hold of Darkness’ shirt and shoved some of his weight off. “Get control of yourself.”

Darkness let him go and rolled away to stalk across the room, putting space between them. “She stays with me.”

Fury slid off the desk and glanced at the mess of papers that had ended up on the floor. He glowered at Darkness. “I wasn’t going to hurt her.”

“She does work for the FBI. That makes her very aware of the kind of dangers our children could face. She is willing to sign confidentiality papers to assure us of her silence. We spoke of it already. Have them drawn up but don’t send anyone after her. You do and they’ll end up in Medical.”

Fury fixed his shirt and kept his distance. His anger faded and he masked his features. “You trust her that much?”

“I do.” It sank in slowly to Darkness that he wasn’t just defending Kat to keep her safe. He believed she would keep her word. He really did trust her. “Fuck.” He moved forward and bent to pick up the scattered paperwork. He hadn’t meant to go after the male. “Sorry. I’m on edge.”

“It’s caused by fear.”

Darkness’ head snapped up. “You’re wrong.”

“That female might be carrying your son. You can’t just ignore it.”

“I’m not going to grow alarmed unless there’s a reason to be. It was one slip.”

Fury had the nerve to snort. It turned into an outright fit of laughter.

“What is funny?” Darkness straightened, dumping the rest of the files on the desktop.

“You are.”

“I resent that.”

Fury closed the distance between them and gripped his arms. “You can’t expect me to believe you just set that information aside and you’re not obsessing about what you’re going to do if she’s pregnant. You don’t want anyone to get close to you but you might have no choice. That will be your son. You’re terrified.”

Darkness tore away from his hold and considered slamming him on the desk again. “No. I frighten others. I don’t experience fear.”

The male got in his face. “You’re not so different after all. Denial is the first step to falling in love with a female. I know the signs. I saw it in my mirror after Ellie came into my life again.” He backed off fast, getting out of punching range. “You trust her when you don’t even trust me and I’m blood.”

Darkness spun. “Send the paperwork to my home. I’m done here.”

“Mate papers?”

He halted at the door and turned, his look deadly. “Confidentiality agreement. You knew what I meant. Don’t fuck with me, brother.”

Fury leaned his hip against the side of the desk. “Tell your female I said hello. We’ll be sure to invite her to dinner too, with you.”

“Fuck you.” Darkness stormed out and slammed the door.

His keen hearing didn’t miss the sound of more laughter from the male. His hands fisted and he wanted to hit something.

Kat knew when she was being avoided. Darkness definitely stayed away from his apartment as much as possible. An officer had been posted outside in the hallway. She’d been instructed to stay inside or a New Species would stop her.

Boredom was a terrible thing. She flipped channels and almost threw the remote at the television. Nothing was on that she wanted to watch or that could distract her. For the past three days Darkness had left early, stayed away and only came home late at night. They had sex but it involved handcuffs. He kept her facing away from him, restrained so she couldn’t touch him. She couldn’t say it hadn’t been fantastic, just controlled and a bit cold. He didn’t want to talk, just went right to sleep afterward. He would hug the edge of the bed, his back to her.

The door opened and she turned her head, surprised to see him while it was still daylight. She hit the mute button and stood. “Hi.”

He slammed the door. “Hello. I need to change my uniform. It’s unusually hot today and I sweat while on patrol.” He strode across the living room toward the bedroom.

Her temper boiled. “I’m done.”

He swung around, pausing. “Excuse me?”

“That’s the most you’ve said to me since the morning after you brought me here. You’re gone all the time. I’m losing my mind.”

“You wanted to live with me.” His mouth tensed into a grimace. “I work long hours.”

She closed her eyes and counted to ten. He was gone when they opened. Kat stormed into the bedroom and caught him stripping out of his uniform. A fresh one lay across the bed.

“I want to be escorted to the gates. I’m going to need some money to get home. You didn’t let me grab my purse.”

“You’re not leaving.” He sat on the bed, removing his boots. “We’re still working on getting Robert Mason taken care of.”

“What does that mean?”

“Justice decided to go through proper channels since it’s the FBI. We don’t like to make enemies and we need to stay on good terms with them. We’ve been assured they are investigating him and he’s been suspended for the time being. They took his passport away too, preventing him from leaving the States.”

“I’m no longer in danger then. Even you can see that. I’m going home.”

He rose to his full height. “You can’t.”

“I can. I only came here to spend time with you. That’s not happening.”

He frowned. “Mason could still be a danger to you.”

“While he’s under investigation? He’s an asshole but not a complete moron. I told you he’s not going to kill me. I bet the other agents he sent to Homeland are fine too, right?”

His lack of response was a good enough answer. He’d have smugly informed her if something had happened to the other agents just to prove his point. Silence spoke volumes.

“I want access to a phone then. I’ll call Missy and have her come get me.”

He made a point of staring at her stomach. “It hasn’t been five days.” He looked into her eyes then. “You aren’t leaving until you take that test and it comes back negative.”

“Fine.” She tried to be reasonable. “Understood. Will you escort me to guest housing or should I ask the guy in the hallway?”

He removed his boots, stood and unfastened his pants. “Your cottage was assigned to someone else. We have visitors. You’ll stay here.”

“Find me another cottage then.”

He removed the pants and put on the clean pair. “There is no guest housing available. This is it.”

Kat wanted to call him a liar but with the way he’d been acting, he seemed as if he wanted to be rid of her. It also could explain his foul mood. He was stuck with her. “Great. Wonderful.” She spun away, marching back into the living room. Two minutes later Darkness exited the bedroom.

“I’ll see you later.”

“Right.” She refused to look at him. “Don’t bother waking me when you come in. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Why?” His tone came out gruff.

She glared at him then. “I’m done just being screwed by you.”

His nostrils flared and he advanced a step. “You wanted to share quarters with me.”

“That was before I knew the only interaction we’d have was you waking me up by snapping handcuffs on my wrists and fucking me. You don’t even talk during. I’d rather just skip it.”

“You enjoy it.”

“I also enjoy talking, spending time with someone and not being avoided. You don’t give a damn about my needs. You seem to be punishing me, Darkness. I’ve had enough. You get the bedroom and I’ll take the couch. Make sure you set up that appointment for me to get a blood test the day after tomorrow. I’m out of here the moment we’re in the clear.”

“I’m not punishing you.”

Some of her anger faded. “That’s how it feels. I didn’t come here to be driven out of my head. I haven’t left your apartment since you brought me here. The only outside time I’ve seen is standing on your balcony. I’m not big on television but it’s the only entertainment I have. I’m going stir-crazy. I thought we’d be able to get to know each other better.”

“I know every inch of you.” His expression was ruthless when he jerked his focus up to stare into her eyes. “I’ve learned everything you like.”

“I want more than just sex. I’m pretty sure I made that clear.”

“I told you I don’t have anything else to give.”

It hurt. She didn’t want to fight with him anymore. He was stubborn and determined to keep her at arm’s length. “You win. I give up. I thought there was something more between us but I see you’re never going to allow that to happen. You can sleep alone from now on. That should thrill you.” She spun, entered the kitchen.

He lingered for a few moments but then the door opened and closed after him. She fixed a sandwich and took a seat on the couch again. The dull ache in her chest was disappointment and sadness. She’d given it a shot at least, knew she couldn’t regret making the effort. Darkness wouldn’t meet her halfway.

Her appetite fled and she cursed. She dumped her food in the trash, walked to the door, opened it and leaned out. A New Species sat in a chair about ten feet away holding an electronic device. He peered at her curiously.

“Do you need something?”

“I’m not allowed to leave the building, right?”

He stiffened in his chair. “Correct.”

“Does this building have roof access?”

He hesitated. “Yes. Why?”

“I need to stretch my legs. That balcony isn’t big enough to do that. I’d like to see some sunshine and breathe fresh air. Can you take me up there? That technically wouldn’t be breaking the rules, right? Don’t make me beg. It wouldn’t be pretty.”

He hesitated a moment then closed the device and laid it against the wall. He stood. “Just promise you won’t try anything.”

“I don’t have wings to fly and I sure as hell wouldn’t jump because of Darkness.”

The guy grinned. “I’m Field.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” She stepped out and closed the door. “Call me Kat. It’s short for Katrina.”

He indicated the direction and fished out his identification badge from his front pocket, swiped the lock and opened a door. The stairwell led up. He went first and she followed. He had to swipe the card again at the top and push a flat ceiling panel up.

“We don’t use it often. Just stay away from the edges. It’s a long fall down and the sides are sloped. They didn’t install safety walls to enclose the space.”

Kat sucked in a deep breath as she stepped out into the sunshine. It was a warm day, just as Darkness had said. The view from the roof showed her more of Homeland. She could even spot the tall walls that enclosed it from the outside world. The park showed to the left, in the distance.

“Thank you.” She flashed him a smile.

“I understand feeling closed in and needing an open space. I could contact Darkness to see if he’ll allow me to take you somewhere else.”

“Don’t bother. This is great.” She walked a few feet away from the door and stretched, turning her face into the sun, eyes closed. She just stood there. A light breeze stirred. It felt great to be out of the apartment.

“Have you left his home at all?”

“Nope. He’s gone all the time.” She turned to look at him. “Is he friendly to everyone?”

The guy’s expression showed his surprise. “Um…”

“That was a poor joke.”

He smiled. “Darkness is Darkness.”

“That’s a polite way to put it.” She turned to enjoy the view.

“He’s a good male. Just…not very outgoing.”

She nodded.

“He’s respected by all.”

“I’m sure he is.”

“May I ask you something?”

She faced him. “Sure.”

“Are you going to teach more classes? I enjoyed the one I was able to attend.”

She didn’t remember him. There had been a lot of faces though. “I don’t think so. I’m going home in a few days and doubt I’ll be back.”

“That’s a shame. I don’t work in Security but everyone who does liked your classes.”

“What do you usually do or are you not allowed to say?”

“I’m a nurse.” He grinned. “Darkness asked me to be one of your guards. I’m well acquainted with human females. He knew I wouldn’t be a threat to you in any way.”

“A threat?” That piqued her interest.

He blushed. “Some of our males wouldn’t understand what you living inside his quarters means. Darkness didn’t want any males to make the mistake of believing you were available for them to approach since you’re not his mate. He has earned a reputation of not being the type to grow attached to others. Our males are used to our females sharing sex with other males. Our females don’t have monogamous relationships. Some males would be confused about your status.”

She let that information settle. “I’m not anything to him but an annoyance.”

Field shifted his stance. “He threatened to rip off any body parts we touched you with. He cares about you. He also handpicked every male assigned to stay outside the door. Medical is short-staffed today because I’m here instead.”

That surprised her. “Why would he do that?”

The guy swallowed and glanced away, looking uncomfortable. “You live with him. May I speak freely?”

“Sure.”

“You’re the first female Darkness has shared sex with since we were liberated. He avoided them to the point that others believed he might be interested in males.” His cheeks flushed. “Please don’t tell him I said that. He has a temper. I’m not a good fighter. It’s why I chose nursing as a profession. He’d pull me into the training room to get even.”

It confirmed what Darkness had told her. “I won’t repeat anything you say. I swear.”

Field stepped closer and lowered his voice. “I was also ordered to tell you that there is no guest housing available if you asked.” He licked his lips and glanced back at the open door, then gave her an intense stare. “That is a lie.”

Her mind reeled a little.

“He wants you to stay with him. I assume from those orders he gave me when he left that you might ask to be moved. He doesn’t talk much but it’s clear that you matter. He’s a good male. He’s just difficult to relate to. He keeps everything inside.”

She approached him and kept her voice low. “He asked you to lie to me?”

He nodded. “He is known for his honesty. I was surprised by the order. My take on it is that he’s desperate to keep you inside his home. He might not feel comfortable admitting that to you or even know how.”

“He’s never there. Don’t you think he’d spend more time with me if that were the case?”

“He’s Darkness. I’m telling you this because I’d hate for him to lose the one thing he’s shown interest in. I would tell a female she was important to me, but him?” Field sighed. “He’d assign you officers he knew would be too afraid to touch his female and ask them to lie so she believes there are no other options but staying in his bed. Do you understand? He’s proud and stubborn. He might be afraid of rejection. I know you care about him. I am friends with Book. You demanded to live with Darkness. He overheard your conversation in your home when they went to bring you to Homeland. Species hearing is excellent. Don’t give up on Darkness. I believe he’s worth the frustration and anger he must make you feel.”

“He keeps pushing me away.”

“Push back. He won’t harm you. I’d bet my life on it. He needs a very strong female to handle him. I know what your job in the out world is. A weak female wouldn’t have chosen to work for the FBI. I do have human female friends who also chose male-dominated careers. You’re used to facing adversity. The male is worth it. You obviously couldn’t find a male worthy of you until now. Darkness would be.”

She studied his pretty eyes. “Thank you for telling me all that. I won’t rat you out. I appreciate it.”

“We all should come with instruction manuals.” He grinned. “It would be so much easier to relate to each other, wouldn’t it? I have an advantage since I spend a good amount of time with human medical staff. Darkness isn’t typical and he’s lost a lot more than most. It makes him extra stubborn about allowing anyone to get too close.”

“I know that too well.”

“His heart is larger than he’d like anyone to know. I’ve seen such thoughtfulness in some of his actions. You just have to push past his resistance.”

“I needed that pep talk. I was about to throw in the towel. Let’s go back to his apartment. I have to think up a new game plan.”

“You might want to reword that in the future. Species would believe you mean that in a literal sense, that you’re playing with his heart, but I understand.” He grinned. “Keep your eye on the ball and knock that sucker right out of the park. He cares about you.”

Kat laughed.

* * * * *

“All is well?” Darkness studied Field. The male stood, nodded and tucked his ebook reader under his arm. “Thank you.”

He strode to his door but paused before entering. He liked coming home to her in his bed but Kat would be sleeping on the couch. It was his own fault. He couldn’t blame her for being resentful of his treatment. She was stuck in the small space and that would irritate anyone. He waited for Field to pass him in the hallway before he opened the door.

His vision adjusted to the dim room. She hadn’t left on any lights for him, another sign she still resented him. He closed the door and crept across the room to stare down at the couch. Kat wasn’t sleeping there. He frowned and approached the bedroom. The door stood open and no light showed. He hesitated at the entry.