“Sex isn’t the answer. Talking about your problems is.”
“I’ll talk while I fuck you. I’m sure I’ll have lots to say about how good you’ll feel.”
She forced her gaze down to his hands. They were big and she knew there were calluses on his fingertips, the pads of his thumbs, and his palms. Most of the survivors had that anomaly and she’d noticed in other sessions that he had it too. She wondered what his hands would feel like on her skin. Rough? Good? Or like sandpaper? It was tempting to find out.
“Please take your seat, 466.” She looked up to stare directly into his eyes. “I will call for the guard to return.”
He shook his head but straightened and returned to his seat. She breathed easier when he sat. He once again crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. “I’m not into threesomes. I know they are popular with humans but it sickens me. We get turned off by the scent of other males on females and I’d have to strangle him if he touched you.”
Her mouth dropped open. “That’s not why I’d call him!” She sealed her lips and frowned back at him. “You know that though. Are you having fun playing with me?”
He smiled. “You won’t allow me to play with you.” He licked his lips, purposely showing her his tongue. “Next time you engage in sex alone remember me because I’ll be doing the same.” Amusement flashed in his eyes. “As soon as I leave here I’m going to my room.” His legs spread a little and he adjusted his ass in the chair. “I’m already hard.”
Her gaze flicked downward before she could stop the reaction. The outline of his cock was clear inside the sweatpants he wore. Most New Species hated any form of underwear she’d been told, and without them it was obvious 466 wasn’t lying. She gasped at his large size and he laughed.
She glared at his face. “That’s totally inappropriate. I see you need to retake the class about what to say to people and what not to. Remember Manners 101?”
“I know the difference.” He kept the smile in place. “We speak the truth here according to you and that’s what I’m doing. I’m going to go to my room and—”
“I understand,” she cut him off. “I’m your therapist and there’s a thing called ethics. You can stop having those thoughts about me because we can’t ever have a physical relationship.”
That killed his amusement. “Why not?”
“I took an oath and you’re my client. You need my help and that means not being taken advantage of. You’re in a fragile state.”
He threw back his head and laughed then lowered his chin and spread his arms wide. “Do I appear weak to you? You couldn’t hurt me if you tried.” He dropped his hands and gripped the arms of the chair. “You could bite, scratch, wrestle with me, and get as rough as you want to during shared sex. I’d enjoy it. I’d be more worried about you getting hurt.”
“You can go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” The session wasn’t going to progress with sex as the topic.
He didn’t budge.
“I said you can leave, 466.”
He took a deep breath and blew it out. “Do you know how to be totally honest?”
“Yes.” She dreaded answering him, wondering what he was up to now.
“Would you let me mount you if you weren’t my shrink?”
“I don’t know you well enough to answer that. I’m also not a shrink. I’m a doctor. We prefer that title.”
“That’s avoidance.”
“It’s perfectly honest. I don’t engage in casual sex.” She shouldn’t be telling him anything personal but he wasn’t exactly a textbook client. Nowhere in school had they covered half-beast men who’d been created by a company with no ethics. “I’ve never engaged in sex with someone I wasn’t in love with.”
“You’ve never shared sex?” The disbelief on his face was nearly comical.
“I have. I’m not a virgin.”
“He died?”
“Who?”
“The man you loved. He was killed?”
“No.”
“I don’t understand.” He leaned forward, looking genuinely baffled.
“What confuses you?”
“You are telling me lies.”
“I’m not.”
“You said you only shared sex with a male you love.”
“That’s true.”
“You don’t carry his scent. Where is he?”
“I don’t know exactly where my ex-boyfriends are. I don’t talk to any of them anymore. It’s common to cease all communication when a relationship ends.”
His gaze widened and he shot to his feet. “Boyfriends?”
Something distressed him but she didn’t know how her answers had caused that reaction. “I’ve had four serious boyfriends in my life.”
He growled.
“What is wrong?”
“Love is forever.” He gave her a disgusted look. “You have no idea what real love is, Joy.”
She watched him storm out of her office with his hands clenched furiously at his sides. She could only stare at the open door long after he’d gone.
She stood and became aware that her body had reacted to him. Her breasts were hypersensitive to the movement within the cups of her bra and she needed to change her panties for drier ones.
“Damn,” she muttered and closed her eyes. That had to be the strangest session she’d ever had. She leaned over to grab her cell phone out of her top desk drawer, scrolled through the numbers, and pressed the one she wanted.
“Dr. Megan Green,” a cheerful voice answered.
“Hi, Meg, it’s Joy.”
“What’s wrong?” Concern instantly filled the woman’s voice.
“Do you have time for a phone session?”
“Always. Hang on and let me close the bedroom door. I’m at home and so is one of my roommates. What’s wrong?”
“I’m attracted to a client. The therapist needs to be counseled.” She laughed nervously at the poor joke. “Shit. You never think it can happen to you.”
“Hot, huh?”
“Massively. He just told me what he wanted to do to me and I have to admit, it’s not something I’m going to forget any time soon.”
“What did he want to do?”
“Never mind that. The point is, he’s very attractive and he’s severely damaged.”
“Shit. A twofer. I want his number if he drives a motorcycle since he’s not one of mine.”
“Shut up. This isn’t something to joke about.” She leaned against her desk. “Worse, I think he’s a romantic. He believes love is forever.”
Meg was silent for a good five seconds. “Quit your job today. You can work here. There’s always an opening for a top-rated therapist.”
“That’s not funny.”
“I’m not joking. Run, babe. How many sessions a month do you have with him?”
Joy’s shoulders slumped. “I just changed his schedule to daily sessions. He went through a severe trauma.”
“I think I have a copy of your résumé. I’ll give it to my boss in the morning. You can have the vacant bedroom until you find a place to live. One of my roommates moved in with her boyfriend so it couldn’t be better timing. I’ll expect you in two weeks when your notice takes effect.”
“I can’t do that. I committed to this job for the long haul. It would traumatize more clients if I left.”
“They can hire someone else. You’re good but so are a lot of other professionals. You don’t want to mess with this. You could lose your license, face legal action even, and be fined at the very least.”
“I’m not going to act on it, damn it. That’s why I’m calling you.”
“You’re going to be screwed if you don’t get away from this guy and I mean that in the actual and metaphorical way. You want my advice? That’s it. Quit.”
Joy closed her eyes as her predicament settled in. “Great.”
Chapter One
The present
NSO Homeland
“What is going on?” Joy glanced at the New Species leading
her through the building and continued, “I received a call that there was some kind of emergency with someone I counseled in the past. They said it was urgent that I come.”
A snarl came from farther down the hallway and made her jump. Her escort bolted away, abandoning her to rush into a room. She hurried forward despite that terrifying sound. She paused at the entrance to the room to stare in absolute horror at the scene playing out.
“Hold him down!” The New Species male who had escorted her yelled the order and two more Species males threw their massive bodies over the guy restrained on the hospital bed. An earsplitting howl fractured the room and an arm snapped free from the restraints. The Species clawed at the body over his chest, fisted the material of the other man’s shirt, and tried to toss aside the one attempting to hold him down.
“He’s still out of control!” the pale, shaken human shouted. “Paul? Where is that tranquilizer?”
Someone shoved into Joy from behind, nearly causing her to bump into the doorjamb as he rushed into the chaos. His ID tag identified him as a nurse.
“I’m here, Doctor!” The nurse uncapped the syringe in his hand just as all hell broke loose.
The guy being restrained let out another fierce howl and broke his other wrist free of the thick bindings holding him flat. He threw off two bodies, sat up, and punched the third Species square in the face, sending him crashing to the floor.
The enraged Species tore at the restraints, the sound barely audible over the commotion of men struggling to their feet. Joy stared in shock at her former client—466. His features were hauntingly familiar as he tossed his long hair back, despite the fact that she hadn’t seen him in over two years.
He slid off the bed after freeing his legs, growled at the doctor, and sent the man scurrying backward until he huddled in a corner. Worry came in a close second to Joy’s fear. Seeing 466 that way brought tears to her eyes. What the hell has happened to him? She had no answers but she wanted them.
It was clear the distressed Species planned to attack the doctor. One of the other New Species launched himself onto 466’s back but he just ended up being slung to the floor. Joy had to refrain from barging into the room to go to her former client, wanting to calm him down. Common sense held her still. Self-preservation did too.
“Moon!” the one he’d punched in the face shouted. “Look at me. You want a piece of someone? Come at me, damn it.”
466 spun and snarled, showing off sharp fangs as rage twisted his normally handsome face into something terrifying. He looked like someone out of control and filled with such hatred that he wanted to kill. He crouched into a fighting stance.
The doctor slid along the wall to get away from him and rushed toward the doorway. Moon allowed him to go, intent on attacking his Species opponent instead. The male nurse backed into Joy and dropped the uncapped syringe on the floor in his haste to escape the danger. He turned his head toward her, his eyes panic-stricken.
“Go,” the man hissed. “He’s going to kill any human he comes into contact with if he gets past them. He’s out of his mind.”
She hugged the wall as both of the human medical staff fled. She wasn’t leaving. No way. 466—Moon—might need her. Her dazed mind accepted the name he’d obviously chosen.
“Moon,” the Species male growled. “Calm yourself. We are your brothers and friends. Think and remember us.”
A horrible howl tore from Moon’s mouth before he attacked. He hit the other male shoulder-first with enough force to slam his opponent into a wall. Plaster gave way. Another Species tried to grab him but Moon gripped his arm, his teeth savagely tearing into skin instead. The bitten male bled heavily as he spun away from Moon and stumbled to the door, holding his upper arm. Joy jumped out of his way as he staggered past.
“Run,” he demanded harshly. “The smell of blood will make him worse.”
The one who had been shoved against the wall hard enough to get his elbows trapped inside the plaster broke free and launched himself at Moon again as the other New Species guard picked himself up off the floor. It was horrifying to see Moon fighting them as his big body blocked the double assault by punching out with one fist while spinning to kick at the second Species. Both males grunted with pain as they were thrown away from him.
Joy had a horrible suspicion that Moon was under the influence of what some of her clients had referred to as a breeding drug. Mercile Industries had created an experimental concoction that sent the males into a nearly violent desire to have sex. The company had used it to force them to have intercourse in an attempt to impregnate the Species females. While under the influence of the drug, the Species males could become dangerous to anyone who got in their way.
The men still attempting to subdue Moon were both injured. It dawned on Joy that they might have to seriously hurt him in order to restrain him. Memories surfaced of the things she’d learned during their sessions.
The last weeks at site four flashed through her mind. The male she’d gotten to know so well wouldn’t hurt a female unless he deemed her dangerous. They’d spent every afternoon together, sometimes expanding the hour she’d required him to be there. He’d relaxed enough to talk to her after a few days. The sexual tension between them had grown with each passing day.
Seeing him as he was now, wild and fighting other males, wasn’t how she’d fantasized their reunion would go if they ever crossed paths again. He’d wanted her once and she hoped that hadn’t changed. She had to put a stop to the violence. Her main concern was for him. She instantly kicked off her shoes. She tore out the clip that kept her hair in a bun, shaking it free to fall down her back. She clutched the front of her shirt as she stepped into the room. Nothing could distract the male she’d known back then more than the flash of her skin.
A savage face turned her way as Moon sniffed loudly, his attention fixed on her now that he was aware of her presence. Her heart raced with fear. Every fiber of her being wanted to flee but she couldn’t take the chance that the other men in the room would possibly have to kill Moon to stop his rampage.
“Easy,” she crooned. Her hands trembled as her fingers slipped between the folds of fabric and tore. Buttons landed on the floor as air hit the skin she revealed. He’d see her black lacy bra but that was the point. His gaze lowered to her cleavage as she inched into the room, keeping her back against the wall.
“Get out!” one of the other Species snarled. “Run.”
It would only make Moon go into hunt mode. The predator side of him was too close to the surface to believe any other outcome would be possible. She knew Species and was betting her life on it at the moment. She released the destroyed shirt and opened her arms wide at her sides, showing Moon her palms to prove she held no weapons.
“I’ve got this,” she stated to the other Species. “Stay back.” Her voice came out shaky at best but it didn’t crack as she battled to keep her fright under control, knowing her plan could go tragically wrong.
She focused on Moon as she slid along the wall. He watched her, seeming to forget everyone else around them. His nostrils flared as he sniffed again and advanced, stalking her.
“Easy,” she whispered. “That’s right. I’m female.”
One of the Species staggered between them, trying to prevent Moon from reaching her. “Get out of here. He’ll kill you. He’s insane and doesn’t know any of us.”
Moon grabbed the male’s shirt, easily tossing him aside, where he landed on his ass.
“His instincts are in control,” Joy surmised. She studied Moon’s dark eyes and didn’t see any signs of recognition. It scared the shit out of her. Any sense of calm she had felt vanished. He could kill her but it was too late to change her course of action. “He’s less likely to kill me than you.”
He will probably want to fuck me. She silently admitted she wouldn’t mind if he did. She’d made a mistake by running away from her feelings for him when she’d quit her job. It had hurt deeply but she’d been certain it was her only option. It h
ad been a huge error to choose it over him but there had been no way they could be together even if she had been willing to risk everything. She’d thought a lot about Moon, almost to the point of obsession. The therapist had fallen for her client. It was inexcusable and unforgivable, but truth nonetheless.
Moon advanced as she pressed her back to the wall and turned her head to the side, expecting pain, but he didn’t hurt her when his body hit. Solid male pressed tightly against her and strong hands gripped her. He reached through the opening of her shirt to go for skin. His fingers and palms were hot, firm, as he slid them lower to dig inside the waistband of her skirt. The elastic gave and he grabbed hold of her hipbones.
She gasped when he lifted her off her feet but kept her pinned between him and the wall until his mouth hovered at the side of her throat. Hot breath fanned her skin as he panted. She was terrified as she helplessly hung there but he didn’t bite into her with his sharp fangs. His wet, raspy tongue surprised her when it licked the sensitive area of her throat underneath her ear.
He’s tasting me. Kill or sex? That’s what is going through his mind right now. She prayed he’d decide she was for the latter. Her mind scrambled to remember if she’d worn perfume that morning. She was certain she hadn’t. Nothing he would be able to smell should offend him. His lower body wedged tighter against hers and the feel of something hard nudging against the vee of her thighs reassured her somewhat. He was aroused. The stiff outline of his cock couldn’t be mistaken for anything else.
Their bellies were skin to skin since he wore only pants. She inhaled sharply when his mouth opened and clamped down over her carotid artery. He didn’t tear into her but he still could. His teeth paused there while her life was in his hands. She opened her eyes to stare at the New Species who were inching up behind Moon.
She lifted a hand to stop them and mouthed one word, “Sedative.” One of them nodded sharply, spun, and rushed out of the room. The syringe on the floor had been crushed during the fight. It had been uncapped and contaminated anyway, making it useless. She tentatively touched Moon’s biceps. They were thick and left no doubt about his impressive strength. Her fingers surfed his warm skin, rubbing.