New Species 13 Smiley (16 page)

She was nothing like Species females. Her blushing and
nervousness endeared her to him even more. She was shy and it made her
adorable. Her lack of sexual experience would be fun. He grinned, remembering
the way she’d responded to his mouth on her pussy. He looked forward to
teaching her all the ways he could give her pleasure. He just needed time to
show her he was the right male for her.

He formed a plan. He would get her addicted to him. She
wouldn’t want to leave if she became dependent upon him. Sharing sex was a
great way to cement their bond but he needed to connect with her on an
emotional level as well. He’d cook for her and show her how domestic he could
be. It wouldn’t hurt to talk to a few of the mates to ask their advice. He
would do that in the morning when he needed to go home to get clothing. It was
a given that he’d move to human housing since he doubted she’d feel comfortable
if he took her to the men’s dorms.

He lifted his hand and gently cupped her soft belly. It didn’t
disturb her sleep as he kept his palm there, wondering if life grew inside. She
couldn’t find out about the possible child until he’d had a chance to alleviate
all her fears and she’d want him as much as he did her. He would never forget
how Becca had believed Brawn only wanted her for the sake of their child.
Smiley wanted Vanni for who she was. Vanni should be certain she knew how he
felt about her before any symptoms appeared if she were pregnant. He’d make
sure of it.

He closed his eyes again and relaxed. He had slept poorly
since returning from the hotel but now his Vanni was safely curled up against
him. He drifted into sleep.

Vanni woke alone. She rolled over and stared at the clock on
the nightstand, startled to see it was six o’clock. She’d slept for a few hours
but it felt longer. The room was dark but faint light still shone in at the top
of the curtains. She sat up and heard paper crinkle. She located the note on
the pillow next to her and had to stretch over to turn on the bedside lamp to
read it.

Good
morning, Vanni. I turned off the ringer on the phone after you received a call
last night. You were very tired and didn’t stir. Your siblings are safe. I ran
home this morning to get clothes but I’ll be back soon in case you wake before
I return. You are beautiful when you sleep and it was an honor to hold you all
night. I can’t wait to do it again.

Smiley

She reread the note and looked at the clock. It sank in that
she’d been out for over fourteen hours. It wasn’t evening but morning. She’d
also missed talking to her sister and brother. She wasn’t really upset about
that. Her brother would raise hell and her sister would complain about how
Vanni had upset her perfect life.

She rose from the bed feeling refreshed and entered the
bathroom. The smile tugging at the corner of her mouth couldn’t be contained.
Smiley thought she was beautiful and his note left no doubt that it hadn’t been
a one-night stand. No guy had ever left her a note on a pillow before.

She turned on the shower and stood under the hot water. She
finished her shower and brushed her teeth. The towels were large so she just
wrapped one around her middle and stepped out of the bathroom, half expecting
to see Smiley in the bedroom. He wasn’t. She walked over to the dresser to get
another large shirt to wear. They were supposed to go shopping but nothing in
the dresser looked acceptable to wear outside the house.

“Hello?”

That wasn’t Smiley’s voice. She shoved on a shirt and a pair
of baggy cotton shorts then rushed out of the bedroom and down the hallway.
Wager stood in the living room holding a tray. He grinned when he saw her
peeking around the corner.

“Good morning, Vanni. I brought food.”

“Thank you.” She pushed her wet hair away from her face and
stepped into the room. It made her a little self-conscious to be wearing
something she’d normally sleep in. “Good morning to you.”

“Do you want this on the bar?”

“The coffee table is fine. I really appreciate you
delivering breakfast.”

“It’s something we do for special guests.” He put the tray
down and straightened. His nose crinkled and he grinned. “Smiley stayed.”

“How do you know that?” Her gaze darted around the floor by
the couch, looking for any evidence of what they’d done yesterday but the only
thing out of place was the coffee table, which Smiley had shoved a few feet
from its original spot. “Did you talk to him?”

“I can detect his scent. It’s strong.”

“Wow. Your sense of smell is that good?”

He smiled. “Yes. I can tell all kinds of things with my
nose.”

She believed him.

“I’m glad it was not just the breeding drug that drew you
both to share sex. I know this time your food and drinks were not tampered
with. I’ll be outside.” He crossed the room and the door closed behind him.

“Shit.” She sniffed, unable to pick up anything but the
smell of bacon and coffee coming from the tray. It was a little disturbing to
know Wager could tell they’d had sex.

She sat, staring at the food—scrambled eggs, toast, bacon
and hash browns. The coffee was black but a few creamers and sugar packets had
been added to the tray. She unwrapped the silverware from a napkin and dug in.
Her stomach rumbled from having missed dinner.

The front door opened a few minutes later and Smiley stepped
in carrying a backpack slung over one shoulder and a thick black garment bag
held aloft. He grinned.

“You’re awake and you’ve already showered.”

“Hi.” She felt a little self-conscious but tried not to let
it show. They’d spent the night together and she needed to get over her shyness
with him. He’d made it pretty clear with that note that he planned to spend a
lot of time with her while she was at Homeland. There was no telling how long
that would be.

He dropped the backpack and laid the garment bag over a
chair by the door. Smiley wore a blue long-sleeved, button-down shirt with
black pants tucked into a pair of black biker boots. The style looked good on
him. Her gaze lifted to his.

“I’m sorry it took longer than expected. Justice wanted to
see me. Our public relations team brought this garment bag for you. I was told
it contains an entire outfit—ins to outs. I assume that means undergarments and
shoes too.”

“That was nice of them. I hope the sizes aren’t too off.”

He crossed the room and sat on the coffee table next to her
tray. “I have to confess something.”

Her fork froze on the way to her mouth. The last time she’d
heard a man say those words it had been her first boyfriend telling her he’d
gotten someone else pregnant. That’s how their relationship had ended and she’d
realized what a scumbag he’d been.

“The task force team kind of broke into your apartment and
scouted it. They relayed that information to our public relations humans so
they could buy you accurate-fitting clothing for today.”

“They broke in?”

“Yes. I’m sorry, Vanni. It had nothing to do with us not
trusting you. It’s just that you were sleeping so peacefully that I refused to
wake you. The clothing you brought with you obviously wasn’t to your shape. I
know you live with another female so I gave one of our males the shirt you wore
to enable him to recognize your scent. He identified your clothing for the team
and they recorded the sizes. A male who works with our public relations team
had a shop open afterhours and he picked out something for you. I hope it is to
your liking.”

Her gaze drifted to the bag across the room and then to
Smiley. He frowned.

“Are you angry? They secured your home afterward and did no
damage. Our public relations people wanted to buy you a new outfit to wear
today when we take you to buy new clothing. It gives us a reason to show
everyone we’re together. I saw no reason for them to take your possessions from
your home without your permission.”

“I’m just kind of surprised. That seems like a lot of work
when you could have just asked my size.”

“We get things done. You needed the sleep and I handled the
situation. I also ordered personal products for you, like the ones you keep in
your home. They will be delivered today.”

“Personal products?”

He smiled. “Your bathing products. Shampoo, conditioner,
body wash and even the deodorant and toothpaste you prefer.”

“Okay.” It seemed a bit much but she couldn’t really
complain since he’d said they hadn’t damaged anything. It was actually very
thoughtful. “Thank you.”

He grinned. “I chose the outfit from the ones they selected.
They brought a few. I hope you don’t mind. Someone will send the rest over
later if you wish but I’m taking you shopping today. I thought you’d like to
pick out your own style.”

“I don’t mind.” It had to beat anything Mable had chosen for
her when she’d been imprisoned at Gregory’s vacation home. “Have you eaten?”
She indicated that he could 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 to go to Security to collect your bag and pack my own things. I brought
enough to last a few days and I can get more when I run out.”

She managed to keep her mouth from dropping open. It did
sound as if he planned to stay with her the entire time she was at Homeland. It
wasn’t a bad thing in her mind. It was actually comforting and wonderful
knowing she wouldn’t be alone.

“Please eat your food, Vanni. You’ll need your strength.”

She was glad she didn’t have food in her mouth when his gaze
dropped to her breasts and a hungry look narrowed his beautiful eyes. His
implications were clear.

He glanced up and smiled. “Are you ready to go shopping
today and get harassed by humans with cameras?”

“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 backing us up. Justice didn’t notify
anyone of our plan so it will take the media some time to assemble wherever we
go.”

“Is that a good or bad thing?”

“Good. Humans use social networks when they see us and
upload photos. The press arrives soon afterward. We’ll be in and out before
they can get too many vans out there and set up to shoot video. We do this all
the time.”

“You have to face that every time you go shopping?”

“We don’t usually buy our clothing in the out world. It’s
mostly online but we do have outings we can’t avoid sometimes. It’s not as bad
up at Reservation because there aren’t a lot of hotels or motels to house the
reporters who hound our people. The humans who live in the nearby town aren’t
too welcoming of the press so there’s less to deal with. Here at Homeland it
can get pretty bad, fast.”

She finished most of her breakfast though her appetite was
gone. Her brief dealings with the media circus outside her apartment wasn’t a
fond memory. “I don’t think anyone really likes reporters.”

“The humans who live by Reservation are friends of ours.
They won’t tolerate protestors either.” He grinned. “I like Sheriff Cooper. He
asks for our help often and arrests anyone who causes Species trouble.”

The NSO compound known as Reservation was located up north and
it would be a long drive to visit it. “Do you go there often?” The heavy
feeling in her chest at the concept of him being gone for months was
unpleasant. It would mean she couldn’t see him if she wanted.

“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
hide the way that bit of news affected her. Long-distance relationships never
worked, at least none that she knew of.

“Vanni?”

She stood. “I should get changed. I hope the sizes are right.”
She crossed the room and lifted the garment bag. “Wow. It’s heavier than I
expected.”

Smiley stood in her path when she turned and she almost
stepped into him.

“What’s wrong?” He frowned.

“Nothing.” She schooled her features.

“Tell me the truth. What did I say that made you shut down
that way?”

“I’m just nervous about the shopping trip.”

He leaned down a little. “You’re a bad liar.”

“I am nervous about leaving Homeland.” She held his gaze.

“What else is wrong?” He studied her closely. “You asked about
Reservation. Does it frighten you? What have you heard about the Wild Zone? We
don’t really feed 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
were stating that.”

“I didn’t pay them any attention. That’s awful. I think it’s
great that you guys have taken in animals other places would have killed. I
read that story last year about the two grizzly bears some jerk had abused that
were found half starved in cages on his property. The humane society had
nowhere to house them since no zoos had room for them but the NSO offered to
take them.”

“Gus and Pete.” He grinned. “They are doing well.”

She suddenly feared for his safety. “The story said they
were in pretty bad shape.”

“They were mistreated. They took to freedom well. I was
there when they arrived. Both have put on weight and are doing great.”

“That’s so cool.” Her admiration for him notched higher. “Isn’t
it a bit dangerous though? I mean, I read they aren’t in cages anymore.”

“They don’t belong in them. Nothing can be happy locked
behind bars. They’ve made friends with some of our residents and are pretty
playful. Species take care of them.”

“You’ve played with them?”

He grinned. “You just have to watch the claws and teeth when
they’re hungry. Pete loves to have his belly rubbed and Gus enjoys swimming in
the river. I helped him learn how to fish.”

Her mouth hung open. Smiley chuckled and reached out,
pushing it closed with his fingertip under her chin.

“I’ll introduce you to them if you want. I promise I’ll keep
you safe. The Wild Zone residents have really done wonders to socialize them.
They are learning to trust us.”

She recovered. “How do you teach a grizzly how to fish and
why would you want to?”

“They were born in captivity so their instincts were denied.
Bears are smart and they pick up what they see. It was just a matter of taking
them to the river and showing them how to fish. They caught on quickly. The
residents of the Wild Zone spend plenty of time with them.” He dropped his hand
away from her. “You should get dressed. The store we plan to go to opens at
eight and we need to assemble at Security to go over basics before we leave
Homeland.”

“Basics?”

“Go over safety measures and timetables so we can control
the situation. I believe our public relations team wants to speak to us too.”

“Okay. I’ll go get ready.”

“I’ll do the dishes.”

She stopped and watched him pick up her tray and stride to
the kitchen. He was actually going to wash her plate and mug. It was sweet and
reminded her again of how much he differed from the guys she’d dated. They
would have expected her to do the chores.

She entered the bedroom and dropped the garment bag on the
bed, still thinking about what he’d said regarding the bears. She pictured him
standing half naked next to a river with two ferocious beasts, showing them how
to fish.

“I’m apparently dating the bear whisperer,” she muttered,
stunned but impressed.