Beauty gently pushed at his broad chest, attempting to get him to step back. “Shadow! Stop it!”
He looked down then. “He isn’t allowed to touch you. He was!”
“This is the man who protected me from the sniper bullets the night I was freed.”
Shadow’s head snapped up and he snarled, trying to reach his target again. Beauty got dragged and might have fallen over if she hadn’t been gripping him so tightly. He stopped trying to walk forward when he couldn’t get free without hurting her. She knew Shadow remembered her shameful story about what she’d done to Shane that night. The angry Species seemed intent on beating Shane.
“Shadow!” She used her sternest voice.
“What?” he snarled, his eyes narrowing on her.
“Calm down.” Her tone softened. “We were talking until you rudely interrupted. I was apologizing for mistaking his intentions and he was graciously not allowing me to take any blame. He was just comforting me. It wasn’t how you think.”
Shadow blinked and some of the anger faded. “He shouldn’t touch you.”
Her hands loosened their death grip on him. “There was nothing inappropriate about it.”
He studied her carefully. “Fine. The helicopter is preparing for takeoff.” A warning glare was directed at Shane. “I will be right there.” He paused. “Watching you not touch her again.” His hands lifted to grip her wrists, his touch gentle as he tugged them free.
She let him go and he spun away, walked about ten feet and turned. Arms crossed across his massive chest as he glared at Shane. He was seriously going to watch them. She hesitated before turning. Shane had paled considerably over the confrontation and had retreated enough to put a lot of space between them.
“He’s protective.” She kept her voice low. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Maybe I should take the next flight.” He took another step back, darting a nervous look at Shadow. “I was going to ride back to Homeland on the helicopter with my unit but a drive sounds nice. I’m sure there’s a rental car place in town.”
“It’s fine. You shouldn’t have to go to that trouble.” She glanced back to find Shadow still regarding them angrily. “Stop it. Tell him he can share the helicopter.”
He hesitated but then shrugged. “Fine. You sit on the other side, not near her.”
“You got it, Shadow.” Shane rushed past. “Nice seeing you again, Beauty.”
Beauty watched the task force member scurry away, giving a wide berth to the angry Species. She wasn’t sure if she should be irritated or flattered that Shadow was so protective. It had distracted her from her embarrassment with Shane. Shadow uncrossed his arms, approaching her.
“Let’s go. I put our bags in the helicopter. Officers retrieved them from the cabin. They are ready to leave.”
“Are you okay?”
He blinked.
“Shadow? It was innocent.”
“I don’t like anyone touching you.”
He was a man. Male, she corrected. Species weren’t exactly typical of regular men. Breeze had warned her Species could be possessive. She was beginning to understand that now. Shadow really would have attacked Shane if she hadn’t gotten in his way.
“I understand. I’ll try to remember that if there’s a next time. It’s not as though too many men are around me.”
Another task force member joined them. Beauty recognized him and smiled. Trey Roberts grinned as he clasped Shadow’s shoulder. “I’m glad you’re still alive, buddy. I heard you did some serious ass kicking. I bet you don’t hate me now nearly as much for all that gun-range practice I put you through.”
Shadow’s attitude changed as he grinned. “No. I still resent the hours you yelled at me but I know I needed it.” He reached out, hooked a hand around Beauty’s waist and pulled her into a protective position against his side. “This is Beauty.”
Trey glanced between them. “We’ve met. It’s nice to see you again, Beauty.” He put his hands on his hips. “I was there when she was rescued. Are you ready to come back yet, Shadow? The team misses you. I know you said you’d be back by the end of next week but we sure could use you now.”
Beauty heard the words and pain jabbed at her heart. He’s going back to the task force? Her gaze jerked to Shadow’s face but he was still smiling at his friend. Tell him no, she silently urged. She couldn’t lose him. He’d lived off Homeland when he’d worked with the task force. It would mean she’d never get to see him, or very rarely.
“I promised Wrath I’d spend some time at Homeland.” Shadow shrugged. “He thinks we need to connect with our people. It’s been good getting to know them and living with my kind.”
More pain shot through her heart. He hadn’t mentioned her at all. Did that mean she wasn’t important to him? Her focus dropped to the ground in case he glanced at her. She didn’t want him to see how his words hurt.
“Well, we miss you.” Trey released his hold, stepping back. “We got some new toys that I think you’ll like. I bet you miss the action.”
“It is a slower pace at Homeland.”
Trey laughed. “I heard they put you on patrol in the interior. I bet that gets boring. Species don’t cause too much trouble. They should have you assigned to the gates where the action happens.”
“Fury decided I would appreciate not having to deal with humans after living amongst them.”
“Yeah, we’re annoying bastards, aren’t we?” Trey chuckled and patted Shadow’s shoulder again as Beauty glanced up. “Come back soon. We had some upgrades done to the living quarters. I think you’ll really love the new digs. The bedrooms were enlarged and so were the bathrooms. I want to move in, they look so good. Tim even added in new big-screen TVs and put in fridges next to them so you don’t have to walk to the kitchen to get your soda fix.”
“That sounds nice.”
Too nice, she concluded. Worry nagged at her that their relationship was over before it had really gotten started. They were having sex together. Didn’t that mean something to Shadow? It was a commitment to her but he might not see it that way. It would break her heart if he just walked away.
“Tim felt bad about Lauren having to live in such rough quarters. You know his daughter is mated to a Species.” Trey glanced away and waved to someone. “It’s time to go. Load up and call me tomorrow to tell me when you’re coming back. It can’t be soon enough. Your replacement is kind of driving me nuts. Thank God it’s only temporary. He growls too often, not understanding I’m riding his ass for his own good.”
“Feline? They don’t take orders well.”
“Nope. He’s canine.” Trey walked away.
“Let’s go.” Shadow tugged on her waist.
She willingly went with him, her mind in a tailspin. What would it mean if he went back to work for the task force? The end of them seeing each other? Would he possibly invite her to live with him off Homeland? The concept left her feeling cold inside. There was no way she could live around a bunch of humans and feel safe after the life she’d led. She trusted Species men but could she ever relax around the men Shadow worked with? She highly doubted it. One of them had already betrayed the NSO.
Shadow would leave her alone inside his quarters while he worked. Fear gripped her just considering how anyone on the team would have access to her at the task force headquarters. They could be similar to the guards who’d once tormented her. Shadow would end up killing someone if that happened. He hadn’t even liked Shane touching her arm. He’d really go insane if someone approached her for sex.
There would be no other women around to keep her company. There would be no protective Species to make certain no one bothered her. As much as it sometimes annoyed her, those women were also comforting. She’d lose access to her friends. It wouldn’t just be a short trip to Reservation to stay in a cabin if she lived with Shadow. Her uneasiness increased. There was no way possible that she could leave NSO lands.
The helicopter was loud and a bit scary as Shadow swept her i
nto his arms and settled her inside. Some of the team was already seated but they kept to one side of the interior. Shadow followed her in, had to duck his head, and guided her to a seat. She allowed him to belt her in while he settled down next to her until they were hip to hip, thigh to thigh. One arm hooked around her, drawing her close.
She felt safe within the circle of his hold. Shadow always had a way of settling her fear. They’d need to talk about what he planned to do about the task force. It was impossible to discuss the subject in the helicopter. She’d have to wait until they were alone. Beauty decided it was probably going to be the longest ride of her life. Her eyes closed as she leaned against Shadow, holding on to him, afraid their time together might come to an end soon.
I love Shadow and losing him is going to rip me apart, she admitted, fighting back tears.
Shadow knew something was wrong. Beauty’s fingers dug into his arm through the shirt he’d tugged on after Trey had tossed him a spare. He held her tighter when she turned into him. Flying might terrify her, something he could relate to since he didn’t enjoy it either. He’d had to adjust while working with the task force as flights were part of the job.
His friends on the team seemed threatening suddenly. They wouldn’t harm Beauty. The reasonable part of his mind knew that but his protective instincts were kicking him in the ass. The men were too close and the scent of her fear drove him a little insane. He resisted glaring and snarling at them. A few smiled when he caught their gazes while making sure they didn’t pose any danger to Beauty. He forced his lips to curve but kept them closed, hiding his sharp canines. It wasn’t their fault she was afraid of males.
He hadn’t liked Shane touching Beauty but believed it had been innocent. Of course it had taken him time to control his anger. His teammate was easygoing and spoke well of females. He had a lot of sisters he talked about often. Shadow had viewed hundreds of photos of them—the male was proud of his family. Shane wasn’t a threat to Beauty.
He inhaled, the sweetness of her fear a little diluted. Trey caught his attention, a reminder that he was expected to return to the task force. That would mean leaving the female he held. They hadn’t known each other long but he couldn’t imagine just walking away. They’d agreed to share sex and she only wanted him but he wasn’t certain how long she wanted him around. He’d hate to lose his position with the task force if she planned to tell him to get lost soon. He was feeling deep emotions where she was concerned and they were only growing stronger. They needed to talk.
First though, he’d have to meet with Justice and the other Species males. Douglas Miller still posed a threat to Beauty. It wasn’t acceptable, having him out there plotting more attempts to harm Species while the son of a bitch tried to recapture Beauty.
She’d be safest inside the women’s dorm while he attended those meetings. It was situated almost in the center of Homeland and they’d corrected flaws in the building design after a previous attack. He’d demand a team of females be assigned to guard her around the clock too.
As much as he didn’t want to leave Beauty, he needed to. He wanted a say in what was going to happen to keep her safe. He could be of more use working with the task force to eliminate the threat than holding Beauty’s hand. He’d even have to sideline his plans to go after the member of the team who’d given the mercenaries his location to help them get to the Gift. The male would die for his betrayal and for putting Beauty at risk of being returned to her abuser.
They’d have to work out their relationship after the danger passed. He only hoped she’d want him to be part of her life. Giving her up would be nearly impossible. Everything inside him ached in a bad way at the prospect of saying goodbye. Their time together had been short so far but he hoped to change that into something permanent.
Mate. That one word did odd things to his heart. It beat erratically and he realized how much he wanted her to always be his. They’d sleep together every night and he’d wake to her in his arms. No uncertainty was present as he searched his feelings. He wanted that, with her. They would grow closer and he’d experience the happiness Wrath had discovered with Lauren.
Beauty snuggled tighter against his chest and he adjusted his body to make her more comfortable. She felt right in his arms and perfectly fit there. It was where she belonged. He smiled, his gaze studying the males again for any sign of threat.
Trey winked, smiling but Shadow recognized the longing reflected in the male’s eyes. He’d felt it himself when he’d watched Wrath with Lauren. It was the heartfelt desire to have a deep bond with a female. Wrath had been lucky to find that and now Shadow had Beauty. He wasn’t going to push her away ever again because of fear caused by the damage he’d once suffered. He wouldn’t allow his past to ruin his chance at having a future.
He would have to speak to Slade, Fury and Justice about living arrangements if Beauty agreed to be his mate. They couldn’t very well live in the dorms. They’d need their own space. Perhaps they could be assigned to a house next to Wrath and Lauren. He really liked that idea. It would give Beauty a female friend nearby and it would be more secure if both he and his best friend were in close proximity to guard each other’s mates.
The concept took hold as the miles passed. Lauren and Beauty were both soft natured and should get along well. He stroked his hand down Beauty’s back absently, enjoying the freedom of touching her. He couldn’t get enough of how wonderful it felt to have her so close. He just wished they were alone. A kiss would be better…or freeing her of her clothes. The need to inspect every inch of her body was deep rooted, just to make certain she wasn’t harmed. He would love to kiss every bruise or scratch he discovered then make love to her.
His dick filled with blood and he shifted his ass on the bench seat to close his legs, keeping his erection trapped down. The sweats were lousy for that and he wore no underwear. Regret came for not taking the time to shower and change into other clothing while they’d been at Medical.
He’d hunt down Douglas Miller quickly and efficiently to take out the threat to Beauty. There was no other option. As long as the male remained alive and free, he would use his vast resources to keep sending mercenaries after her and paying Mercile doctors to recreate drugs to hurt their people.
It would also feel good to destroy the male who’d harmed his Beauty. He growled low in his throat, unable to hold back the anger. Beauty must have felt the vibration it caused inside his chest because her head rose and her beautiful brown eyes peered up at him questioningly.
He smiled, assuring her he was fine. He stroked down her spine and arched his back a little to indicate she should rest while the flight was in progress. They couldn’t talk. It was too loud without headsets. The entire team would hear each word if they spoke through those.
She got his silent message and relaxed against him. Shadow closed his eyes, content to just hold her while he made plans. Once he made sure Beauty was safe, he could ask her to be his mate. If she said no, he’d just have to convince her. He wasn’t above using seduction. All those damn videos he’d been forced to watch while his semen was stolen had taught him a thing or two about what females enjoyed.
One way or another, he’d convince Beauty to stay with him forever.
Chapter Twenty
Beauty watched Shadow with a sense of fear and dread as he leaned down and brushed a kiss on her forehead. He was leaving her at the dorm to go to a meeting. While he didn’t seem happy, he wasn’t expressing a lot of regret either.
“You’ll be safe here. You’re home.”
She wanted him to stay but kept silent.
“The females are going to guard you.”
“I’m safe at Homeland.” She wasn’t sure why two women had dragged chairs out of their apartments to sit in the hallway to watch her door.
“You are.” He straightened. “I’ll just feel better knowing they are there.”
“The security is tight. No one can get inside the dorms. There are locks, the windows are bulletproof and
no one can smash their way inside. There are even cameras. Officers would be all over anyone unauthorized if they even approached the building.”
He hesitated. “Some of the females have male visitors.”
“They couldn’t get inside unless someone walked them through the doors. Do you think any of the Species men are a danger to me?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Is there something I don’t know?”
“No.”
They watched each other. Beauty suddenly touched him, her fingertips resting on his biceps. She stepped closer, having to raise her chin. He was really tall, something she tended to forget when they were seated, especially when she was on his lap and it made them about the same height.
“Shadow, you’re being overprotective. I understand. You almost died protecting me earlier. I appreciate that but I’m in no danger. This is my home.”
He lowered his head to bring them closer and his hands encased her hips. “Humor me.”
The tension dissipated as she smiled, amused. “There are a lot of things I’d do for you.” It was fun to tease him. “Or to you. Are you sure that’s what you want?”
She grew a little brazen, her gaze slowly raking down his body to the front of his sweatpants. There was no missing how he physically reacted to her attention when the outline of his cock became noticeable, growing thicker and larger. He wanted her as much as she did him.
A soft growl made her glance up. Shadow’s eyes had gone sexy, that passionate look in them something she identified immediately. His hold on her tightened and he lowered his face more.
“You’re purposely being troublesome.”
“I don’t want you to go.” It might seem needy to admit it but it was the truth.
“Keep looking at me there and I won’t go.” He suddenly released her though and stepped back enough to break the physical contact. “I have to go. They are waiting for me.”