New Species 12 Darkness (25 page)

She lay on his side of the bed, almost falling off the edge. He leaned against the doorframe, accepting that it was relief he felt. She was there, in his bed. He backed up, removed his vest and tossed it on the couch before removing his boots. His feet hurt from pulling so many extra shifts. It had kept him busy though, away from Kat. He stripped out of all his clothing and returned to the bedroom to stand at the end of the bed, his gaze locked on her form. She slept on her stomach, her bare arm and back revealed where the covers didn’t reach. She hadn’t put on one of his shirts as a barrier against his touch. Her hair was thrown above her head, spread out across his pillow. One of her hands curved into a loose fist inches from her face. Each slow, steady breath was proof that she slept peacefully.

He wondered if she’d drifted across the bed in her sleep or purposely taken his space to cause irritation. He grinned, guessing the second. Kat liked to push him when she was angry. Sometimes her rebellion was loud and obvious but she had a talent for small displays of defiance.

He inched closer until his thighs pressed against the bottom of the bed. He wanted to crawl toward her and flip her over. He needed to get his handcuffs. That’s what he’d done to her every other night.

He snapped them on her wrists and hooked them through one of the slats of the headboard. He hesitated, despite his dick stirring. He wanted Kat. The condoms were in the drawer next to the bed. He’d brought more in case he went through the box.

She straightened and her legs slid a few inches apart as she settled more firmly on her stomach. There was no change in her breathing. She slept on. He rounded the bed, crouched next to her and captured a lock of her hair on his fingertip. He leaned in and inhaled.

He’d ordered personal grooming products of her choice. The peach scent would forever remind him of her. The fruit fit her personality. Soft, sweet, delicate, with a hard core at the center. Mouthwatering to taste. He closed his eyes and admitted to himself that she’d changed him. Become a part of him. A tinge of resentment washed through him but when he opened his eyes again and stared at her peaceful features, the emotion changed to longing. He’d miss her when she was gone.

“Shit.”

She stirred and opened her eyes. He held still but released her hair. She frowned a little, blinking, but then he must have come into focus. “Hi.”

“You’re on my side of the bed.”

“I know.” She lifted her head and looked at the clock on the nightstand. “You’re later than usual. It’s after one.”

“I needed to do some thinking.”

She sat up, clutching the covers to her breasts. One hand reached out, searching for the lamp. He caught her it, held it. She had no choice but to sit still.

“Don’t. I like it this way.”

“I’m not surprised with that name. Darkness—I get it.”

He smiled. “That wasn’t why I chose it.”

“It should have been.”

She didn’t attempt to tug her hand free. He liked touching her. “I am sorry for earlier.”

She sighed. “Is it easier to admit you’re wrong when I can’t make out your features?”

“Yes.”

She scooted over. “At least come closer.”

He rose and sat on the edge of the mattress. “I haven’t been fair to you.”

“I know.” She surprised him when she leaned his way and rested her forehead against his chest, her other hand curling around his forearm. She stayed there, close. “It’s not easy for you to share anything with anyone.”

“I don’t mean to hurt or anger you.”

She turned her head and rubbed her cheek over his skin. “You mean to piss me off. I’m guilty of doing the same to you. It gets a reaction and that’s better than the silence. We need to work on our communication skills. We have only two volumes—high or mute.”

He let go of her hand and wrapped an arm around her waist. He liked her in his arms. He rested his chin on top of her head. It seemed to fit there. “I can’t change.”

“I’m not asking you to. I just want in.”

“No.”

She tensed in his hold. “No discussion about it, huh? No give and take?”

“I warned you from the start, Kat. You’re a temptation I couldn’t resist but I’ll never be the type of male you need. I can give you sex. That’s it. I want to be honest. I spoke to Justice today and we can find you a job with the NSO. Our people like you and enjoyed your classes. He’ll take you on as a full-time instructor.”

“Teaching them about security? You have a task force for that.”

“To teach them about humans overall. We owe you a debt for how you handled those humans in the van. You were correct. They could have inflicted a lot of damage before we took them out. We weren’t prepared for that kind of assault. We are now.”

“I, um…” She paused. “I have to think about it.”

“You could live at Homeland or drive to your own home at night. It would be your choice. It’s always dangerous working for Homeland. You’d have to be very aware of your surroundings to make certain no one followed you to your house. It’s less dangerous at Reservation. There’s a much smaller population of humans. The nearby residents like us there but I realize it probably wouldn’t be your preference to move so far away.” He ran his hand up and down her spine. “I’d prefer you live at Homeland. We could still see each other.”

“Are you asking me to keep living with you?”

“No. You’d be assigned your own home. I could visit you after my shifts sometimes.”

“I see.” She relaxed. “You’d be able to fuck me and then leave whenever you were in the mood.” Her wounded tone indicated that wasn’t an option.

“I can’t offer you more.”

She pushed him and he dropped his arm. She rolled away and scooted to the other side of the bed. “I’m tired.”

“Is that not enough for you?”

“You know the answer already. You’re a bright guy. Good night.”

She pulled up the covers, hiding her body from his view. The way she drew her knees up and kept her back to him left no doubt that she didn’t want to be touched. He was disappointed but not surprised. Kat wanted a male who could give her all the things she needed. That would never be him.

He stretched out on the opposite side of the bed, flat on his back and stared up at the ceiling as he’d done thousands of times before. The sound of her ragged breathing hurt him. She didn’t cry but her distress was clear. He’d let her down.

“I’m sorry.” They were tough words to say.

She sniffed. “Don’t be. I was the one who wanted to change things.”

He wanted to reach out and touch her. He didn’t. “You deserve better.”

“I agree.”

He shifted his focus back to the ceiling. Her breathing eventually slowed and he knew she slept. He couldn’t find that peace from his turbulent thoughts. It took awhile but he finally nodded off…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kat straddled his lap, grinning down at him. She was naked, her breasts bare. He reached up and palmed them. She arched her back, pressing against his touch more firmly. They were both bare. His dick was hard when Kat wrapped her fingers around the shaft. She lifted, adjusted the position of his dick and sank down on him.

He groaned at the feel of her hot, wet pussy. Tight. He stared at her face. She was stunning. Her cheeks were flushed with passion, her beautiful eyes half closed. She held his gaze and moved on him, taking more of his dick, lifting up, slamming down. The pleasure tore through him until he couldn’t remain still any longer. He trailed his hands down over her ribs, curved them around her hips and held her there while he thrust upward, fucking her harder and deeper. Moans tore from her parted lips, driving him on.

Kat leaned forward and her hand stroked his stomach then upward to play with one of his nipples. She pinched the tip between her forefinger and thumb. The sharp sensation almost made him come but she wasn’t there yet. He clenched his teeth, ignoring the way his nuts tightened and wanted to explode. He adjusted his hold on her and pressed his thumb against her clit, rubbing.

Kat moaned louder and her pussy tightened almost painfully around his shaft. She reached up near his head with her other hand. He thought she planned to grab hold of his shoulder for support but she clutched the pillow under his head instead. He closed his eyes, just enjoying the feel of being inside her, of having her ride him.

“Darkness?”

He opened his eyes at the sexy sound of her voice but it wasn’t Kat on top of him anymore—Galina straddled him. She held a knife in her hand and the blade reflected light as it arched downward. The tip of it buried deep in his chest. Agony ripped through him and he roared out from the force of it…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Darkness!”

Kat’s voice came from his right and she clutched his biceps. He was sitting upright in the dark, on his bed. He was breathing heavily and sweat soaked his body. He’d had a nightmare. It was fresh, crisp in his mind. It took every ounce of control not to strike out. He locked his body into position, only allowing the movement of his chest as he panted.

“Are you okay? I think you were having a nightmare.” She rubbed his arm.

“Don’t,” he managed to get out. He fought the urge to knock her away. “Stop touching me.”

It helped when Kat pulled her hand away but it could have resulted in tragedy. He might have attacked Kat. His chest was intact. His heart was not pierced by Galina’s blade. She was dead. He’d killed her. It wasn’t her in his bed.

“Try to slow your breathing,” Kat murmured. “It’s okay.”

He lunged to the left and stood. “I have to go.”

He bent, grabbed his discarded clothing and fled the bedroom. He just put on his pants, carrying his shirt out of the apartment. He needed to distance himself from Kat. He could have killed her. He wasn’t fit for a relationship with a female.

Kat’s mood was grim as she waited for the blonde doctor to enter the exam room. She glanced at the clock on the wall. The minutes ticked by slowly and she was certain that had been the longest twenty minutes of her life. The door opened and she tensed. It wasn’t Doc Alli, as she had introduced herself, who entered. Darkness stepped inside the room.

He looked handsome in his uniform. His features were harsh though, and his dark gaze pinned her where she sat on the padded exam table. “Hello.”

That’s all he has to say to me?
She hadn’t seen him since he’d rushed out of his bedroom the night before last. Later Field had shown up, looking apologetic and regretful, to inform her that he’d been instructed to move her to guest housing.

Darkness no longer wanted her in his home. It had hurt but she hadn’t been that surprised. “Should I thank you for showing up to get the results?”

“Have you found out yet?”

She shook her head. “Still waiting.”

He leaned against the wall and crossed one boot over the other. His silence pissed her off. She managed to remain seated but was tempted to stroll the five-foot distance between them and smack him. It might have felt good but in the end, she used words instead.

“Next time have the balls to kick a woman out of your place yourself.”

He frowned.

“You heard me.”

“I felt it was best to have a clean break.”

“What are you going to do if I’m pregnant?” She arched an eyebrow.

He growled and looked away. “I don’t know.”

“Me neither. We agree on something else.”

“You and the child would be taken care of.”

“That had better not be a threat.”

His dark skin paled slightly and he glared at her. “You know I’d never harm you or allow anyone else to. I meant the NSO and I would make sure you were both provided for and protected.”

“From a distance.”

“You would stay at Homeland or Reservation.”

“I take it that, wherever I chose, you’d be in the other location?”

He said nothing. It answered her question. She’d pegged it right. The door opened and Doc Alli entered. “The pregnancy test is negative.” She folded her hands as if she were nervous, glancing between the two of them. “I’ll leave now.” She turned to go.

“Are you sure?” Darkness pushed away from the wall.

“Yes.” The blonde paused. “I’m certain. The hormone levels would have been spiked if she were carrying a Species baby. I could do an ultrasound but it’s not necessary.”

“Thank you.” Darkness allowed her to leave.

The door closed and Kat slid off the edge of the table, her legs feeling a bit shaky. She hated the disappointment she felt at the news. It would have been the worst circumstances to have a baby but part of her had started to warm to the idea. Another part of her was thankful. Darkness would get his wish. They had a clean break. There was nothing to bind them together.

“That’s good.”

She peered up at him.
Is he trying to convince me or himself?
“I won’t keep you from your celebration. I have a taxi to catch.” She walked to the door and gripped the handle.

Darkness suddenly stepped behind her and flattened his hand on the door to keep it shut. She could feel him close. If she turned, they would have touched. It kept her still, wondering why he wasn’t opening the door for her.

“Kat,” he rasped.

Tears filled her eyes. She hoped he’d say he was willing to try to have a real relationship with her, that he’d changed his mind. She wasn’t going to hold her breath. “What?”

“Have you considered the job with the NSO?”

She refused to face him. “I have. I appreciate the offer, but no. I’ll either stay with the FBI if they allow it or find work somewhere else after the investigation is complete. I’m going in later today to speak to the supervisor in charge. I plan to go home first and get some real clothes.” She glanced down at the NSO-issued T-shirt and sweatpants, minus their logo. “This isn’t my best dress-to-impress look.”

“Do you need anything?”

A long list formed in her head, starting with him dropping to his knees and begging her to stay. “Nope. The NSO assured me they’d pay for a taxi to take me home. That’s all I need. My escort is going to take me from here right to one of the side gates. They wanted to avoid anyone seeing me leave.”

“I…”

She blinked back tears and turned. He was so tall and big. She’d always remember that about him. And the way he always smelled so good. “You what?”

Pain flashed in his eyes or maybe that was wishful thinking on her part. “I wish you well, Kat.”

“You too.” She spun. “I have to go if that’s all you want to say.”

He released the door and stepped back. She twisted the handle, jerked the door open and strode down the hall at a rapid pace.
Don’t fall apart. Don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he hurt you.
She repeated it in her head until she located her escort near the front door.

“Let’s go.”

The male nodded and led her out to a waiting Jeep. She was leaving Homeland and never coming back. That should make Darkness happy. She’d be miserable but that wasn’t his concern. It hardened her heart a little. The gate turned out to be a door in the wall with a single New Species officer manning it. There were three heavily armed ones on the walkway atop the wall.

“Just walk through the alleyway and through the gate to the house directly across. A taxi is waiting in front of that house. He’ll believe you’re a resident there. He’s already been paid.” The officer forced a smile. “Please don’t reveal the location of the house to anyone. Both gates to the back and front have been unlocked for you.”

“Thank you. I won’t tell anyone.” She meant it.

The instructions were clear. She left Homeland, crossed the alley and walked through a nice, landscaped yard to the front gate, avoiding the house altogether. A taxi was parked in the street. The woman driver grinned as she took a seat in the back.

The driver rattled off Kat’s address. “That’s correct, right? Your mom said you had a fight with your boyfriend when she called. She already paid by credit card so I don’t mind to wait while you get more of your things.”

“I’ll come back later.” Kat leaned back. It was a good cover. “He needs time to cool off.”

The driver put the car in gear. “I’m sorry, hon. Men can be such assholes.”

“Yes they can.” Kat thought of Darkness. She had no one to blame but herself for hoping for more with Darkness. It didn’t ease the heartbreak any. “I don’t feel like talking.”

“Sure. I get it.” The woman turned up her radio—a country tune.

Kat touched her stomach. It should have been fantastic news that she’d avoided an unplanned pregnancy. The idea of having a little mini-me Darkness had been on her mind often and she’d started to like the concept. He had to be feeling the exact opposite.

The taxi stopped in front of her house and Kat thanked the driver and got out. It was nice to be home. The paint was chipping and the windows needed to be replaced, but it was home. Missy would be happy to see her. She had to ring the bell since she didn’t have keys.

Missy answered and instantly grinned. “You’re home!” She hugged her hard. “I missed you.”

“I meant to call but wasn’t able to.” Darkness had made sure of that. “Are you okay?”

Missy released her and tugged her inside, closing and locking the door. “I’m great. It’s clear, guys. It’s just Kat.”

A uniformed man stepped into the hallway from the living room. He held a handgun and the white NSO lettering on his vest indicated who he was. His features revealed he wasn’t a New Species. The second guy who stepped into the hallway from the kitchen was. He was a tall, white-haired male with unusually light-blue eyes.

The sight of them pissed Kat off. “What are you still doing here?” She addressed the nearest officer, avoiding looking at the New Species again.

“We were assigned to guard the house in case anyone showed up.”

Kat’s temper snapped. Darkness wanted a clean break and so did she. “Get out of my house.”

“We’re under orders,” the man argued, holstering his weapon.

“Kat,” Missy whispered, “it’s okay. There’re four of them. Two are sleeping right now, while these are on duty. They are here to protect me.”

“I can do that.” She got in the uniformed man’s face. “Get out of my house. Don’t make me pick up the phone and call the police. I will. Get your team and go. I’m home. Did you take my guns?”

“No.”

“Then get out. You have five minutes.” She inched around him, grabbed Missy’s wrist and yanked her toward the kitchen. “I’m going to fix myself a sandwich and you’d better be gone by the time I’m done eating. Go back to the NSO.”

“Kat,” Missy protested.

She halted when the New Species blocked her path. He growled low and his strange eyes narrowed. “We are under orders to remain, Miss Perkins.”

Kat released Missy and shoved her finger into the center of his vest. “You tell Darkness to go to hell. He wanted me out of his life and I am. That means you guys are out of my house.”

Confusion flitted across his face.

“Be gone in five minutes or you can explain to the police department and probably the news hounds with their ears to their scanners about why you are here. I don’t want or need NSO protection. You don’t want to draw attention that you’re here. I would call that a fair trade. Get lost!” She shoved him to the wall and stormed into the kitchen.

“Kat, they are nice. They’re worried about Robert Mason. They came here to keep us safe in case he shows up.”

She spun, trying to cool her temper. “He’s not going to. I’m the least of that asshole’s problems. He’s been suspended and is under investigation. He abused his position, wasted money and agents’ time and I never want to hear anything about New Species ever again. Am I clear?”

Missy studied her. “Oh, Kat.” Pity showed in her expression. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t,” she warned. “Not another word.” Her tone softened. “I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to talk about him. I just want to eat and get on with my life, okay?”

“Sure.” Missy nodded. “I’m going to thank them and say goodbye.”

“You do that.” Kat yanked open the fridge, glancing at the clock over the stove. “Five minutes, Missy. I mean it. I want them gone.”

“Okay, Kat.” Missy left her alone.

Kat withdrew a soda and one of the packaged salads Missy liked so much. The heartache would fade eventually. He hadn’t left her with any other options. Pining away over a man who would never allow himself to get close to her would be a waste of time. She’d taken a risk, fought for him, but it was a losing battle.

“Damn,” she whispered. It wasn’t going to be easy to get over him. Not one bit.

* * * * *

“What would you have preferred I’d done? Hog-tied and gagged her to keep her from calling the police department?” Snow crossed his arms over his chest. “She was angry at you. That was apparent.”

Darkness snarled. “You shouldn’t have left.”

“They had no choice.” Fury took Snow’s side. “They were dismissed. We don’t have jurisdiction to stay inside a home without the owner’s consent. We have eyes on Robert Mason. He’s been to his attorney’s office and home. He’s made no move to retaliate against your Kat.”

“She’s not mine,” he hissed.

Fury stepped in front of him. “You’re right. She’s not. You sent her away. She’s a trained officer. You saw firsthand how well she can handle herself at our front gate.” He glanced at Snow. “Did she have weapons at her home?”

“Two handguns and a shotgun in her closet.” Snow took a seat. “We left them there.”

Fury turned his head to stare pointedly at Darkness. “She’s armed. She can handle a single human male if the need arises.”

“The security at her home was a joke.” Darkness wasn’t willing to concede. “At least allow me to send a team out to install a system.”

“No.” Justice’s chair creaked. “I was willing to place a team on site but Katrina Perkins has made it clear she wouldn’t welcome more assistance from us. We must respect her decision.”

“I’ll pay for it myself.” Darkness held the feline male’s calm stare.

“No,” Justice repeated. “Snow, you’re excused.”

The male left, closing the door behind him. Justice sighed loudly and leaned back. “You should have asked her to stay if you are so worried about that female, Darkness.”

“I didn’t think she’d kick out our team.”

Fury snorted. “You wanted her out of your life. Let her go.”

“She is at risk,” Darkness argued.

Fury took a seat and shook his head. “You can’t have it both ways, brother. She’s not some defenseless human. You were drawn to her because she’s tough. Mason has made no indication he’s a danger to her. The FBI has him closely monitored as well. They shared their findings so far. His relation to Jerry Boris might have been the only reason he searched for him. They haven’t found anything so far to indicate he knew or was a part of what Boris did to the NSO. Humans can be fiercely loyal to family. Do you know what I think?”

“I don’t want to know.” Darkness shot him a dirty look. “I’m leaving now.” He spun and marched to the door.

It came as a surprise when Snow waited just outside the building. The male approached with a grim expression. “You care about that female.”

“I don’t want harm to come to her.” He refused to admit more.

Snow licked his lips and glanced around, before slipping his hand inside his vest. He offered a card. “Here.”

Darkness glanced at the numbers written on it. “What is this?”

“The access code to the camera feeds we set up outside Katrina Perkins’ house. I didn’t remove them. The interior cameras were stripped but you’ll have a full view of the front and back of the property.”

Darkness pocketed the card. “Why did you leave them?”

Snow hesitated. “I liked Missy. She was sweet and I wanted to keep an eye on her. I think it matters more to you than me. I frightened her too much to pique her interest.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Snow looked as if he wanted to say more.

“What?”

“You had a female. Why give her up? Was it due to all she’d lose coming to be a part of our world?”