“She’s Gift. What are you doing with her?”
“I can explain.” Shadow growled back.
“Really?” The other man glanced at Shadow’s waist. “I see what you were doing.”
Beauty realized what the men thought had occurred. Shadow was definitely aroused and the flag tied around his waist did nothing to hold down his erect cock. She tore her attention away from it and slowly uncurled her body to slide off the box and stand.
“It isn’t that way,” Shadow protested. “I found her running in the storm.”
“You thought you’d take advantage of her?” One of the men reached for the radio clipped to his belt, quickly using it to call in for help. “This is Book. Get a female officer to the park now. We have a Gift Female on scene with a Species male inside the sports equipment building. Code red.”
“No.” Shadow backed up, his hands raised, palms out. “It isn’t a code red.”
“Move away from the Gift Female,” the man ordered.
“Wait!” Beauty inched closer to Shadow’s side.
The two officers ignored her. “Walk forward, outside and do not resist. We are taking you to Security.”
“I said wait!” She spoke louder.
“Jericho, you know me,” Shadow hissed. “This isn’t what it appears. Inhale. I did not share sex with her.”
“It doesn’t matter. You were alone with her and neither of you are dressed. We located your abandoned cart and have been searching for you. You obviously spent the time with her. You need to explain this.”
“Stop!” Beauty yelled, actually stepping in front of Shadow to get between him and the officers. “This isn’t…he didn’t…just stop!”
“I’m trying to tell you what happened,” Shadow spoke at the same time.
One of the officers finally lowered his accusing gaze and it softened when he met hers. “You are safe. A female is on her way. Remain calm and please step away from the male.”
“No. I won’t.” She opened her arms wide and made sure no one would get around her to reach Shadow. “He didn’t do anything to me.”
“Beauty,” Shadow spoke behind her, “move out of the way. I’ll go outside with them.”
She turned her head to stare at him, more than a little upset that he seemed to be in trouble for spending the night alone with her. “No. You didn’t do anything.”
His expression became shuttered. “I broke rules when I didn’t immediately radio in the situation. You’re not helping me. Please step aside and wait for a female to arrive. It will be fine.”
She studied him closely but she couldn’t tell if he was being honest or not. Her arms dropped to her sides and she faced him, noting that he wasn’t aroused anymore since the flag draped smoothly over his thighs.
“It will be fine,” he assured her a second time. “It will make it worse if you don’t allow me to go.”
“Okay.”
She didn’t know what to do as he bent to retrieve his discarded clothing and boots. The officers stepped outside with him and the door closed after them, leaving her alone inside the equipment building. Beauty darted to her discarded nightgown but it was still wet. She released it and stared at the door, straining to pick up any conversation.
It was too quiet and she wanted to go outside to make sure Shadow wasn’t in trouble but hesitated. The other men had seemed really angry and they frightened her a little. She hated not having the courage to march out there and state again that she hadn’t been hurt.
Minutes passed before the door opened and dread gripped her when Kit entered, anger forming crinkles around her mouth and eyes. The tall Species woman wore her work uniform. She always intimidated Beauty a little.
The feline sniffed loudly before her gaze swept the room and halted on Beauty. “Are you harmed? Did that male do anything to you?”
“No.”
“How did he take you from the dorm?”
“He didn’t. I went for a run in the storm and he found me.”
“I bet he did.”
“He wanted to call for someone right away but I asked him to stay with me. He didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Sit.”
Beauty instantly sat on the edge of the box, the other Species’ tone so harsh it made her knees weak.
“I don’t smell sex but there are things a male can do to hide the scent. Did he force you to put your mouth on his dick?” She growled the words. “Did he ask you to touch him?”
“No.”
“Don’t lie for him!”
“I’m not.” Tears filled her eyes at the ugly accusations, a reaction she couldn’t help. “He didn’t do anything wrong. He just stayed with me the way I asked. The storm was bad and we slept here.”
Kit stomped closer and gripped Beauty’s arm. “Let’s go.”
Beauty was hauled to her feet and pulled to the door. The rain had stopped when they stepped out into the early morning sunshine. The grass was cold and squishy under her bare feet. It surprised her when she glanced around to find no one else nearby. Shadow and the two officers were gone.
“You need to be trained better,” Kit hissed. “Gifts are clueless children and I don’t enjoy babysitting you. I keep telling Ellie and Breeze you need to be toughened up and taught to fight but they coddle you. A male would never pull this shit on a female officer.” The hand tightened as she walked faster, pulling Beauty alongside her through the park.
“Do you know what he could have done to you? Anything. You’re weak and wouldn’t have been able to stop him. You even allowed him to spend the night with you. That’s stupid. Do you know anything about our males? He could have seduced you and you couldn’t handle that.” She snarled a curse under her breath. “Never mind. Just don’t talk at all. I’m furious.”
“Shadow is—”
“I said don’t talk.” Kit came to an abrupt halt and growled, showing fangs. “I was on my way to breakfast when I received the assistance code. I’m hungry and want to eat. Instead I’m taking you home. You’re grounded for a week. No privileges. You aren’t to leave your room.”
Defiance rose inside Beauty and she jerked hard to free her arm from Kit’s hold. “I’m not a child!”
Feline eyes narrowed and Kit growled. “You need a spanking and I might give you one if you don’t shut up.”
“Shadow didn’t do anything wrong and I’m not weak or stupid. I’m an adult and probably almost as old as you are. You can’t restrict my privileges and don’t threaten to hit me. You should have been a canine mix because you’re a bitch.”
“What did you say to me?” Kit took a threatening step forward.
Beauty refused to back down. “I don’t know what your problem is but you’re mean, Kit. I might not be as strong as you or as big but I have something you never will.”
“I’m dying to hear this. What would that be?”
“You have been given so much but you don’t appreciate it. You’re cruel to your own kind when we aren’t the enemy.”
“I am not.”
“I live next door to you.” Beauty walked away, determined to distance herself from the angry Species and return to the dorm on her own. She took five steps before a hand clamped down on her shoulder to make her stop. She stared at Kit.
“What does that mean?”
“You think Shadow forced me into that shed. You’re the naïve one if you believe I didn’t welcome spending time with him. I’d never treat him the way you do our males by using them and tossing them out your door the second you get what you want from them. Release me.”
Shock was evident on the feline’s features as her eyes widened. No words came from her lips but she did release her. Beauty faced forward and marched through the damp grass, avoiding the muddy puddles.
“Hey, Beauty?”
Her back stiffened but she kept going, refusing to verbally spar with Kit. She’d stood up for herself and said the words that had filled her head. It had felt good despite being terrified the woman would strike o
ut. The fight would be short and Beauty knew she couldn’t win if there was actual violence.
“You’re growing pretty brave for a primate. Too bad your fangs aren’t as sharp as your tongue. Words don’t hurt as much as physical pain. Remember that.”
Beauty halted and peered over her shoulder to see if Kit was still watching her, wondering if it was a threat. “I wouldn’t agree and that statement just proves who is more intelligent between us.” She opened her mouth, curled her upper lip back, and hissed at the feline. She had sharp teeth and didn’t hesitate to show them for once. “I’m not as weak as you think.”
Kit did the unexpected by suddenly grinning. “Get your ass home. I think I actually like you. Breeze is fit to be tied. Good luck with her. You better hope Ellie has arrived at the dorm to handle you instead.”
Beauty hurried through the park to the sidewalk. Carts and Jeeps passed her but she kept her head down, refused to glance at them to see if she was being stared at. It wasn’t normal for a Gift Female to walk alone. Escorts were usually assigned to them if they left the dorm. Her wearing a flag would also draw a lot of attention.
Dread made her stomach quiver when she reached the front doors and Breeze opened them. The tall Species wore an oversized T-shirt and it was obvious by her messy hair that she’d recently rolled out of bed.
“Are you all right?” Concern etched her features. “Should I take you to Medical?”
“I’m fine.” Beauty wanted to flee to her room but the canine had other ideas when she grabbed her hand, holding on to it. It made her stop to stare up at Breeze.
“Security wouldn’t tell me his name. I want it or I’m going to sniff you to find out.” Her voice deepened into a growl. “I’ll take care of him. He’ll pay for what he’s done.”
“He didn’t do anything.” Beauty hated the way everyone assumed Shadow had done something bad to her. She wiggled her hand free and crossed her arms over her chest. Worry for Shadow made her feel braver than normal. “Leave him alone. Better yet, mind your own business.”
Breeze gaped at her in astonishment. “What?”
“I appreciate your concern and the fact that you’d go after a man in retribution for whatever crime you assume he committed but leave him alone.”
“Are you running a fever? Feeling ill? Your immune system isn’t as tough as ours. Did you catch a cold?”
“No. There’s nothing wrong with me. That’s the problem. No one seems to be able to realize that. I’m not weak or stupid. I spent the night with a man who held me while I slept. That’s all he did and I’m grateful to him. Not grateful that he just held me without trying to have sex with me but that he was there at all. Shadow is wonderful.” She spun away and rushed to the stairs, longing to reach her room to get away from everyone.
Breeze caught up with her as she yanked open her apartment door and entered. She almost closed the door on the other Species before she saw her. The door was pushed open and her apartment invaded by a wary canine sporting a frown.
“Beauty? What the hell is going on?”
“Leave me alone.” She decided to retreat to her room since there was no way she could physically kick out Breeze.
The door slammed and she jumped, her head snapping around. Breeze hadn’t left but instead watched with her dark, intense gaze. “Talk to me. What has gotten into you? Why were you even outside last night? Did he come in here and get you? How did you even meet Shadow? He’s one of the newer males. He was assigned to the task force.”
Tears welled in her eyes and she hated them. “Why bother to talk? I’m a Gift Female. I know the rules.”
Breeze stalked her, moving on bare feet in a way that made her feel a little fear. She was an intimidating woman and had an odd expression on her face. She paused a few feet away.
“I can’t help you unless you tell me what is wrong.”
Beauty wiped at her tears. “You wouldn’t understand. No one does.”
“Make me. Talk. What does you being Gift have to do with this and what rules?”
She pondered speaking her mind. She didn’t see any anger on Breeze’s face though. “I’m not Halfpint or Tiny. They are terrified of men. I love both of them, they are my friends, but they need those rules to protect them. I don’t.”
Dark eyes widened and Breeze sidestepped to the couch and sat. “Go on.”
“I’m lonely. Do you know what it is like for me?”
“No.” Breeze’s voice softened to almost a whisper. “Tell me.”
“I just want what everyone else has.”
“We’re equal here.”
“No. We aren’t. Have you stayed out all night with a man before?”
“Of course.”
“Did angry security officers take him away? Were you called names and insulted as though you were somehow tricked into being with him? Were you followed to your room to have it invaded by someone who demands answers?”
“Who called you names and insulted you?”
“Kit. She thinks I’m a child and stupid because I wanted to know what it was like to be held by a man. He didn’t try to do anything to me sexually but I wish he had. He never will though. I’m Gift. He won’t even speak to me again and it’s not fair.”
“Oh shit,” Breeze muttered, understanding dawning. “You went in search of a male?”
“No. I wanted to feel free and alive. I don’t here. I ran into the rain to get away from this place and he found me. The hail started and Shadow took me to the small building to protect me from the storm. He tried leave right away to call for assistance but I just wanted to spend time with him.” Hot tears spilled down her cheeks. “Now he’s in trouble because I tricked him into staying with me and everyone seems to be angry at him. He did nothing wrong except believe me when I said I’d be terrified if he left me alone. I just wanted to get to know him.”
Breeze closed her eyes. Beauty didn’t know what the other woman was thinking but she guessed now she would be in trouble for admitting that she’d lied to Shadow. It was a bad trait Species detested, though it was sometimes necessary. Tricking a man into spending the night wasn’t for the good of anyone but Beauty. Brown eyes opened to fix on her face.
“I’m going to make some calls and make sure Shadow isn’t in trouble. Then you and I are going to talk. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.”
“I know. I’m restricted to my room. Kit grounded me.”
“She what?” Breeze rose to her feet with a snarl.
“That’s what Gifts are to all of you, right? Children? Why did you bother to save us? It’s a prison without abuse but it’s still captivity. Sunshine, nicer living conditions, and food aren’t enough.” Beauty fled to her bedroom and closed the door.
* * * * *
Shadow paced the room, hating that he’d been denied the opportunity to change into his clothing. The flag secured around his hips had made other males laugh when they’d seen him, more than a little amused, until they’d heard why he was being taken to Fury.
The male entered his office with a grim expression. “Shadow.”
“Fury.”
“That’s taking team spirit a bit far.”
Shadow bit back a snarl. “My uniform was soaked from the storm and this was all that was available. It was better than being naked. Book and Jericho refused to allow me to change.”
The corners of Fury’s mouth twitched. “It isn’t every day you see a male wearing a wolf head wrapped around his waist.”
“I didn’t do anything to the Gift Female. I spotted her running in the rain. I believed she was a human at first but quickly determined her origins. I only took her to that building to get her out of the hail but she was too terrified for me to leave her alone to radio for help. I only held her to keep her warm.”
“I’m aware.” All humor fled from Fury. “I just spoke to the males. They didn’t pick up the scent of sex.”
“She’s a Gift Female.”
“You know protocol.”
“
She refused to allow me to leave her alone. I had left my radio in the cart.”
The other male raised his hand to his chest. “What is she? This high? Do you expect me to believe she prevented you from doing the right thing?” His palm lowered. “Try again.”
Shadow adjusted his stance and crossed his arms over his chest. He felt ridiculous in the flag. “May I speak freely?”
“Always.”
“Something upset her enough to make her leave the safety of the dorm. I was concerned and she behaved fine until I intended to call a female officer for assistance. Have you ever looked into Beauty’s eyes? I couldn’t say no. She wanted to spend the night away from her home and asked me to stay with her. I hoped she’d tell me what was really going on but she didn’t.”
Fury leaned back against his desk. “Are you implying she’s being abused by someone there? That one of our females is harming her? Do you have proof of that?” Anger glinted in his eyes. “I want to get to the bottom of this immediately.”
Shadow hesitated. “I don’t know. She didn’t want to go back, Fury. She nearly panicked when I said I’d leave her to call for assistance.”
The door opened and Shadow’s mouth opened in astonishment as Breeze stormed into the room wearing just an oversized T-shirt that fell to her thighs, her hair a tangled mess.
Fury straightened. “Hello, Breeze. I would say good morning but it isn’t one. What is going on at the women’s dorm?”
Breeze studied Shadow from his bare feet upward to his attire and finally held his gaze. “Shadow.”
“I didn’t do anything to the Gift Female.”
She turned to stare at Fury. “We have a problem.”
“I’m aware. I left my mate and son at home to be here on my day off. Why was Beauty out in that storm instead of safely inside her apartment? Do you know? And before you tear into the male, I believe him—that he didn’t attempt to initiate shared sex with her.”
“I’m not here to castrate him. I just left Beauty.” Her gaze cut to Shadow. “She defended his actions.” Her hands gripped her hips as she focused back on Fury. “This is hard to say but we majorly screwed the pooch.”