New Species 13 Smiley (25 page)

Vanni released his thighs and one hand wrapped around the
base of his dick. She bent forward and he could see everything as she licked
her lips, opened her mouth and leaned closer until he watched her take a few
inches of his dick inside her mouth. He hissed with pleasure and fisted the
bedding in his hands.

Vanni was no longer timid. He threw his head back and
squeezed his eyes closed as she rode him with her mouth. She sucked, licked and
tormented him. He rumbled, his chest vibrating from the deep sound. Vanni did
things to him that turned him inside out.

Her gentle hands cupped his balls and that was it. She
rubbed them and he cried out, shooting his seed. The bed jerked under him as he
quaked from the force of it but the one thing he kept control of was his
ass—keeping it flat on the bed to avoid thrusting upward.

Vanni grinned and sat back on her calves. Smiley sprawled on
the bed, his chest rapidly rising and falling. Sweat coated his body, giving it
a sexy sheen. She’d done that to him. It made her feel a little proud. She
reached up and ran her fingertips over his lower belly. He shivered and made a
low, sexy sound. He didn’t bat her hands away while complaining about being too
sensitive.

She had wanted to give him head. It usually wasn’t something
she did or wanted to do but Smiley wasn’t just anyone. He was hers. She liked
the sound of that. Her gaze lifted to the overhead light and she regretfully
moved, climbing over his leg to get off the bed.

“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 it up some. He lay there, his big body
relaxed, legs still spread, totally comfortable being naked. She envied him
that. He had that incredible 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 then he appeared to be a little annoyed. “Damn humans.” He sat
up and rolled to his feet in one fluid motion.

Vanni froze. Had she made him angry? She should have just
waited until he went to sleep to turn off the light. He strode forward but
stopped just in front of her. She had to tilt her head back to look into his
eyes.

“What did I say? I didn’t mean to upset you.” She was afraid
she’d dinged his pride. Men didn’t like those things being pointed out to them.

“It’s not directed at you. I heard human males do that. It’s
true? We’re just starting. I’m not tired and I sure as hell wouldn’t sleep
while you’re turned-on.” His nose flared as he sniffed the air. “I can smell
your need, babe.”

He grabbed her. One arm wrapped around her rib cage and the
other around her waist. He just lifted, spun and threw her on the bed. She
bounced on the soft mattress, stunned. Smiley followed, putting his knee down
beside her, and grinned.

“My turn. Do I appear tired to you?” He dropped his chin to
look down at his cock.

She followed his gaze and couldn’t miss the fact that it was
rock-hard again.

“You’re mated to a Species. We have a fast recovery time. I
don’t wear out and I sure as hell won’t ever let you go to sleep aching for
sex. Roll over and get on your hands and knees. I’m going to take care of you.”

Vanni glanced at his cock again and moved. He waited until
she was on her stomach before he gripped her hips and jerked her up to her
knees. The bed dipped as he climbed onto it with her, putting his legs on the
outsides of hers. He released her hips and opened one hand under her belly to
keep hold of her as he leaned back to put a little space between them.

She moaned when he reached down and played with her clit
with his free hand. She was already wet but that didn’t seem to be enough for
him. He obviously wanted her really ready for sex. He stopped and she was
almost disappointed until she realized he’d only done it to help position
himself. The head of his cock slid against her pussy and he entered her slowly.

“Yes.” That panted moan came from her. She lowered her head,
closing her eyes. Smiley was definitely not sleepy, from the feel of him. He
bent forward to press his chest against her back and braced his weight with one
arm. The hand cupping her belly slid lower and two fingers pressed against her
clit.

He shifted a little, spreading his legs wider, and started
to move with deep, long thrusts. Vanni clawed the bed. “Faster.”

He leaned in, putting his lips by her ear. “No. Can you feel
how hard you make me? How much I want you?” He massaged her clit as he 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 her throat. His tongue wet her
shoulder and then he bit down. It wasn’t hard enough to break the skin but it
ramped up the excitement. Those fangs of his were hot and sent the good chills
throughout her body. He gripped her a little tighter, fucked her a little
harder and kept playing with her clit.

“Oh god,” she cried out.

“That’s me.” He drove into her deeper and faster. “Us. So
damn good, isn’t it?”

Her arms collapsed under her and she buried her face against
the bed, trying to muffle some of the sounds she made.

“I could fuck you for hours. I could live here with you
under me,” he rasped. “You’re so sexy, so hot and so damn tight. You’re going
to come. I can feel your muscles squeezing me.”

She stopped clawing the bed and turned her head. His hand
was close to her face, flattened to support his weight. She frantically reached
out, needing to touch him. Her fingers covered his. He suddenly shifted,
dropping down so he was braced on his elbow and twisted his wrist. He took her
hand, clutching it tightly.

Vanni shouted his name as her world exploded in a haze of
white ecstasy. Smiley nipped her shoulder and groaned deeply. He slowed his
thrusts and she knew he was coming when he curled around her tighter, shaking
both them and the bed from the force of it.

She closed her eyes when he stopped moving. Their heavy
breathing was the only sound in the room. She knew a smile curved her lips. “Wow.”

He brushed a soft kiss on the spot where he’d gotten her
with his fangs. “Just warming up, my Vanni. It’s still early. Never forget that
I can go all night. We’ll try anything you want. Do you have any fantasies you
want to share? You can tell me anything. You’re mine and I’m yours. I want to
do everything with you.”

It sank in. He really meant it. “I’ve never had sex in a tub
before.” It was easier to admit that when she wasn’t staring into his eyes.

“You will by the time we go to sleep.”

“I have a bucket list.”

“What is that?”

“Things I’d like to try before I die. There are a few sex
ones on there. We already had sex in a car. That was one of them.”

Smiley released her clit and ran his hand along her belly.
He shifted his body and just fell to the side, taking her with him. She laughed
when they landed, still curled together with him inside her. He grabbed her
breast, squeezed.

“Tell me more. You have my full attention.”

She looked at him over her shoulder. He was smiling, his
eyes gleaming with amusement. It encouraged 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 I always thought it would be neat. Just
outside at night under the moon and stars.”

“We can do that too. We’ll wait until we’re at Reservation
though. A lot of Homeland is blanketed in cameras. I’d have to beat on any male
who saw you naked.” His expression changed to a serious one. “I hope this
bucket list doesn’t include sex with other males. I’d do anything for you but
that.”

She shook her head, stunned he’d even bring it up. “No!”

“Good. I know humans are into that sometimes but there would
be massive blood loss if you put two Species males in the same room as a female
in sexual need. We don’t share well and especially if one of them has feelings
for her. I wouldn’t just beat on another male. I’d kill him if he even
considered touching you. You’re mine.” He studied her. “Does that upset you?”

“No. I’m possessive too. I would never want to be with
someone who thought it was okay if we weren’t in a monogamous relationship.”

“Good.”

She twisted a little to get a better look at him. “That’s
what we have, right? Monogamy?”

“Yes.” He pulled her closer and hugged her tightly. “I’m not
addicted to your scent but it won’t matter. 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 to the scent of their females and other
ones smell distasteful to them—really bad.” He paused. “I haven’t experienced
that with you. I love how you smell but I don’t feel the need to breathe you in
constantly. I do want to hold you all the time and be close to you. I miss you
when you aren’t with me. You’re my 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 to always be honest with me.”

“That goes both ways. What are your fantasies? I want to
check things off your bucket list too.”

“You said yes to being my mate and you’re in my arms. I get
to spend the rest of my life with you at my side. That’s all I’ve ever dreamed
of. You make me happy and whole, Vanni.”

Tears filled her eyes.

“Don’t do that, my Vanni.” He nuzzled her head with his. “I
want you happy.”

“This is happy. Lately I just can’t seem to control it as
well as I usually do. I just seem to tear up for any reason.”

He tensed, his muscles tightening. “There’s something I need
to tell you. I was afraid to before now because I wanted you to be secure about
my feelings for you first. Do you know how much I love you?”

“I think I do.”

He buried his face in the curve of her shoulder, hugging her
tighter and drew his legs up to hold her even 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 it won’t change things between us?”

That scared her. “Are you sick?”
Oh god. Is he dying? Did
that horrible drug do something to his internal organs?
Vanni panicked. She’d
just found Smiley. She couldn’t lose him. It was too cruel.

“No.” He took a deep breath. “I recently learned that the
breeding drug can make birth control pills ineffective. You could be pregnant,
Vanni. I’d be thrilled. I want a child with you. I would also be fine if you
weren’t. I want you either way. Don’t think otherwise. I knew I wanted to spend
my life with you and I wanted you to know that before I was told about it. I
was afraid you’d push me away and not give us a chance if you found out before
right now.”

Was that the reason she seemed to be more emotional than
usual? She could be carrying Smiley’s child. She expected unease to set in but
it didn’t come. The timing wasn’t perfect. Their relationship had just begun
but the idea of starting a family with Smiley was appealing. She’d always
wanted to be a mom. It reminded her that she’d almost settled for Carl to
accomplish that. She’d never loved him. She was certain of that. Smiley was a
whole other story. She did love him.

Smiley held her tightly and started to stroke her thigh. “Are
you okay? Talk to me.”

“I bet we’d have cute babies together.”

His hand stilled. “That’s all you have to say? You don’t
sound angry.”

She turned her head and he leaned back so she could look at
him. “I’m not.”

“You have no idea how much I love you, Vanni.”

She stared into his soulful brown eyes and believed him. “I
love you too. We’ll deal with whatever happens together. I’d be totally fine if
I am pregnant. Are you going to be? The truth.”

He grinned. “I want babies with you. 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 want to hold you for a little
longer though. I don’t want you just to share sex with. We’ll cuddle and then
figure out if we enjoy sex in water. Sound like a plan?”

“Yes.”

Vanni gripped Smiley’s hand, feeling a little disorientated
by the trip. He’d had her sit on his lap to soften the helicopter ride but she
didn’t believe she’d ever enjoy flying in them. He helped her out, gently
placing her on the ground, then hunched over and kept her in his protective
embrace until they cleared the blades.

She peered around in curiosity. It was vastly different from
Homeland. They were in an open area with only a single building within view.
Trees and hillsides surrounded them. As they neared it, her attention focused
on what was obviously a hotel. New Species exited the building. Most of them
wore casual attire. Plenty of them sported grins and a few waved. Smiley
responded. It was clear they were happy to see him and he them.

“I want you to meet everyone but I don’t want you to feel
overwhelmed.” He maneuvered her toward the doors, speaking loudly enough for
everyone around them to hear. They nodded greetings as she passed, not making
any comments.

They entered the double doors that slid open without a key
card. The lobby was large and a New Species female greeted them. She was a
tall, dark-haired beauty.

“Hello.” She offered her hand to Vanni. “I’m Creek. It is so
nice to meet you, Vanni. I’ve made all the arrangements for this evening.” She
released her after a quick handshake, reached inside the pocket of her pants
and withdrew a key card, which she handed to Smiley. “I had them prepare the
third floor honeymoon suite, Smiley. Second one on the right. You can’t miss
it.” She winked. “Food is waiting. Just call the desk if you need anything at
all.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Vanni got out.

Creek stepped back. “Welcome to the family. You’re Species
now that you’re Smiley’s mate. We are so happy you said yes. He raved about you
on the phone.”

Vanni liked hearing that but she also wondered if Smiley and
the woman had any kind of past. That idea was quickly quelled when Smiley
spoke. Creek’s reaction wasn’t one of a woman who’d ever dated him.

“Creek, smell Vanni. She might be pregnant. We didn’t have
time to go to Medical this morning for her to take a test.” Excitement laced
his voice. “We’d be happy about that.” He turned his head, grinning at Vanni. “Canines
have the best sense of smell. She might detect it.”

Creek stepped closer and sniffed. She bent a little and
sniffed again. She straightened. “All I smell on her is you, Smiley. She’s
covered in your scent.” The woman chuckled. “I could try again later after she
showers and before you touch her. Just call me and I’ll come up. That would be
exciting news.”

“It would.”

Creek glanced between them. “I really enjoy seeing a couple
in love.” She winked at Vanni. “It won’t be difficult to call Medical here and
have them send someone to draw blood from you if you really want to know.”

“That would be great,” Vanni admitted.

“After we go to Security but before the wedding,” Smiley
added.

“I’ll make it happen.” Creek spun away and walked back to
the desk. She picked up the phone.

Smiley tugged on Vanni’s arm, steering her toward the
elevators. They entered it alone, rode to the third floor, stepped out and
turned right. A white banner had been strung across the door with a red heart.
Someone had used a black marker to write S & V.

“That is so nice!” Vanni was touched.

Smiley swiped the card. “I told you everyone was happy we
mated.” He pushed the door open but stopped her when she tried to enter.

She looked up at him as he used his foot to hold the door ajar.
He bent and scooped her into his arms, shouldering the door open to carry her
over the threshold. He kicked the door closed.

“This is going to be our home for the next few days.”

The room was large and tastefully furnished. It was one of
the nicer hotels she’d ever seen. Balcony doors across the room had been left
wide open to allow the breeze inside. There was a beautiful view of the trees.
A river glistened in the distance.

“Where’s the bed?” She didn’t see one. The area was set up
as a living room and even boasted a fireplace along one wall. One corner
contained a cozy dining table with two chairs. Two covered silver dishes sat on
top, taking up most of the space, and a bottle of wine chilled in a bucket of
ice with two glasses next to it.

Smiley turned. “It’s down the hallway. This really is the
honeymoon suite. There are two of them in the hotel. Most of the suites have
two bedrooms. I requested this one specifically because it faces the back of
the hotel and has a balcony.” He strode down a short hallway and passed through
open double doors. He paused there.

“Wow.” Vanni stared at the huge bed but the Jacuzzi bathtub
and second fireplace quickly distracted her. It was a massive tub, big enough
to fit four people at least.

“That’s for later. You fell asleep last night so we are
going to find out if we enjoy sex in water.”

“Sorry. You might have mega stamina but I guess I was tired.
I told you that you could have woken me up.”

He chuckled. “You were too damn cute sleeping in my arms.
Let’s eat.” He spun and headed back to the living room. “We missed breakfast
and I want you to relax a little before we go to Security.”

She wasn’t sure if she could eat. Her nerves were on edge. “I’m
not sure about seeing Carl, his dad and Bruce.”

“You don’t have to go.” He set her on her feet next to the
table and pulled back a chair. “No one would blame you. I would actually prefer
that you didn’t.”

She sat, grateful for his manners as he pushed her chair in
and took a seat across from her. “I need to.”

He lifted both lids and just put them on the floor. There
was a full spread of scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast. The
tantalizing smell revived her appetite. She unwrapped the silverware and
carefully placed the napkin on her lap.

“There’s a cafeteria on the first floor. They serve good
food. I hope this is okay. I could order something else. They always have a
buffet open but I thought it would be 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 Beth
here today?”

“They are going to send a team to pick her up at the address
you gave us, after confirming a time with her. The task force will drive her to
Homeland and fly her to us. How did she take the news?”

Vanni grinned, remembering the crack-of-dawn phone call she’d
placed right after Smiley had left. “She was surprised but took it pretty well.”

“She isn’t upset that you are mating a Species and will live
at the NSO?”

Vanni wasn’t sure if Smiley would appreciate Beth’s sense of
humor but risked it. “She said, and I 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 very outgoing and kind of has a twisted sense of humor. She sounded
excited though, and promised to jump through whatever hoops it took to get
here. I told her to expect a call from Homeland. I also swore her to secrecy.
Thankfully, Elvis wasn’t there. I was surprised since I woke her up but she
didn’t go into details. She seemed irritated with him. I think she was kind of
relieved to be coming here instead of 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 likes
spending time with him but she’s not in love. I know they were sleeping
together last year and I thought it was getting serious but then she called it
quits. She said he wanted more than she was willing to give. Now they go out
every once in a while but she doesn’t want to hurt him by leading him on.”

“To what?”

Vanni grinned. “To thinking she’s serious about building a
future with him when she isn’t.”

“Oh.” He ate some of his food. “She just wants to share sex
with him 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 to his feet. “I’m going to make a few calls to make certain everything is
arranged at Security and that they are ready for us to visit.” He held her
gaze. “You know you don’t have to go with me.”

She placed her napkin on the table and stood. “I’ll regret
it if I don’t. I’ll feel like a coward. I need closure.”

“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
you either way.”

“It’s not like I’m going to get into a physical altercation
with anyone.”

Smiley made that deep rumbling sound and his hands fisted at
his sides. She inched closer to him.

“You’re so hot in a sexy way when you get angry.”

He relaxed. “I am?”

“I think it’s so romantic that you want to kick someone’s
ass over me.”

He reached up and brushed her hair away from her cheek,
caressing the side of her face with his thumb. “I’d do anything for you.”

Her belly quivered and her nipples tightened. “Now you’re
just turning me on.”

He turned his head and looked at the clock on the wall. “They
are expecting me to call.” He appeared undecided. “We could stay here rather
than go.”

“You have your heart set on kicking a little ass.”

“You’re more important.”

“I know, but this is too. We both have some questions that
need to be answered.”

“Exactly.” He reached down and took her hand. “And I want to
punch 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
her reflection in the mirror over the sink while taking a few deep breathes.
She wasn’t sure how she’d hold up to facing Carl, his father or that horrible
Bruce. Part of her was tempted just to stay at the hotel but she stiffened her
spine. The other part of her knew she needed to be there with Smiley. The Woods
Church and her ex-fiancé had thrown them together. She wanted the satisfaction
of telling them how that had worked out.

Some of the queasy feeling passed. She reached down and
touched her stomach. A little excitement rose at the prospect of being
pregnant. The idea was growing on her. It was a long shot but there was always
next month or the one after. She had stopped taking her pills since she’d been
kidnapped. She hadn’t even remembered that until Smiley had told her she might
be pregnant. A little guilt surfaced. She should have told him about it when
she realized.

“Tell him later. After this ordeal,” she muttered and exited
the bathroom.

* * * * *

Smiley positioned Vanni in a chair facing the glass wall.
The occupants about to be led into the next room wouldn’t be able to see her.
He’d made her aware of that fact so she felt totally at ease. He crouched down,
studying her eyes.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes.”

She was brave. He knew the next moments weren’t going to be
easy on her. His gaze drifted to Jericho. The male nodded grimly. He’d promised
to stay with Vanni and tend to her if she became emotionally distressed. Smiley
trusted the male with his mate. He looked at Vanni and leaned in closer, taking
her hand.

“You can leave at any time. Jericho will be here with you.
You just tell him whatever you want or need and he’ll make sure it happens.”

She held his gaze and tried to smile. “I know. You told me.
I’m good. Stop worrying about me.”

“I might hit them.” He wanted her prepared. “I know you are
tenderhearted about violence.”

“Not as much as you think. I’ve grown as a person since this
has happened.”

He wasn’t sure what that meant. She seemed to understand his
confusion.

“I bashed Bruce over the head with a glass bottle after
assaulting him with makeup products. It felt good. I’m not as fragile as you
seem to think.”

She amused him. “Okay. Just tell Jericho if it becomes too
much.” He glanced at the male again.

“I’ll take care of her,” Jericho promised.

Smiley brushed a kiss on the back of her hand and released
her. He stood and left her there, allowing his temper to build as soon as the
door closed. The first male was being led into the room when he reached it. The
sight of Carl Woods in person stunned him. The male really was puny. He wasn’t
very tall and had almost no muscle.

Torrent shoved the male into a chair but there were no
restraints placed on him. Smiley closed the door, glaring at the thin blond
human. He stared back but showed no fear. It irritated Smiley.

“I’m a lawyer,” Carl stated. “I’ve made a mental list of
every one of my civil rights the NSO has violated.” He crossed his arms over
his chest and his chin rose in stubborn defiance. “I can’t wait to get you
assholes in a court of law. You can kiss your asses goodbye.”

Torrent flashed his fangs in a grimace and his leather
gloves made a slight noise as he fisted both hands and then flexed his fingers.
“Believe it or not, this is the least annoying of the bunch. He’s not wailing
or pretending he’s Species.”

Smiley knew his eyebrows shot up.

Torrent nodded. “A few of their security staff wanted to
have a snarling contest. Literally. I think they figured the one with the
loudest growl got to play alpha. It was so pitiful it wasn’t even humorous.” He
glared at Carl. “This one just makes threats with human laws no matter how
often he’s been corrected.”

“This asshole isn’t listening. I assume you’re in charge.”
Carl addressed Smiley. “I demand to speak to my lawyer or to a representative
of the US government.”