Numbers

  He laughed. “You are the one panting.”

  She reached back and dug her fingers into his side, wiggling them. He laughed louder and rolled, pinning her under him. He tickled her instead. He finally stopped when he knew she’d had enough. He stared into her face, and knew without a doubt that it would destroy him inside if anything ever happened to his Candi. He wanted to protect her at all times, but Mercile made that impossible. He’d just do everything he could to make certain she was strong and could fight when he wasn’t with her.

  Chapter Nine

  Candi watched Breeze leave and felt a large burden lift from her shoulders. She’d told the female everything. The door opened a few minutes later and Hero entered. He looked furious.

  “Why was she carrying a video camera?”

  “She asked to film some of my answers and I agreed. They are going to play it for the humans.”

  “I don’t like that.”

  She stood and approached him. “You’re being overprotective.”

  “Humans could use your image in bad ways.”

  “There’s an active manhunt under way for me right now, and some photo the hospital took is being shown on the news. My image is already out there. I’d prefer they have the truth instead of thinking I killed Penny because I’m insane and dangerous.”

  His gaze traveled down her and he snorted. “Humans are idiots if they see you as a threat.”

  She grinned. “They aren’t like you.”

  He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the kitchen. “I’m feeding you.”

  “Okay.” It had been a few hours since they’d seen each other and she was a little hungry. “I’m fine though.”

  He stopped and lifted her up on the counter, gazing into her eyes. “I hate that you had to go through that.”

  “I’m grateful. Do you know how many years I wished someone, anyone would listen to me? Now the NSO will get my story out there. Everyone will know that Dr. C killed my mother and that Penny kept me locked up so I couldn’t expose Mercile after I was taken from there. The police will stop believing I’m a deranged murderer.”

  He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. “Did you have to agree to Breeze filming you?”

  “I didn’t want to wait for them to type out things and sign them. Breeze said humans are anal about paperwork and statements. The video can just be shown to them to prove they were my words. I don’t mind. Plus, Breeze said humans would see how puny I am and know I was abused.”

  He growled. “She didn’t have you strip naked, did she?”

  “No. How did it go for you?” She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, stroking him. “Was it difficult talking about the past?”

  “Yes. We went down to the conference room and more males showed up to write down what I said. They’ll only share what they feel the humans need to know to protect you. The legal team came too. They’ve been busy since you arrived with what information they had.”

  “What does that mean?”

  He paused.

  “Just tell me.”

  “They located the homicide file on your mother. It was unsolved. They feel the police are going to be happy to close it once they learn that you witnessed Dr. C kill her and that other male. They also discovered a missing-person report on you. Dr. C had to file one once the police notified him of the fire at your home and the deaths. Your body wasn’t located. They said it was standard procedure for a male to file one and it would have made him seem innocent of stealing you.”

  She let that sink in.

  “It also establishes that you were at the site of a double homicide as a young child and disappeared at that time. Dr. C’s alibi was Mercile Industries. They said he was working that night, but now everyone knows they lied. One of the humans working on our legal team seemed really happy about that. He feels it proves where you were taken.”

  “Good.”

  “No one is going to take you away from me.” He straightened. “Did you sign the mate papers? They had me sign them first.”

  “I did.”

  He smiled. “Good. You already were my mate but now the humans know it as well.” He backed away and opened the fridge. “I will make you a sandwich.”

  Someone knocked on the door and Hero slammed the fridge closed. He grumbled as he passed her. “Don’t get down.”

  She turned her head and watched as he unlocked the door and yanked it open. Two females stood there. He opened the door wider and they entered, carrying large bags.

  “We brought cakes, cookies and a fried chicken. We heard what was going on and figured you’d be hungry for dinner.” The tall female grinned at Candi. “I’m Bluebird and this is Sunshine. Welcome to Homeland.”

  Hero took the food from them and set it on the coffee table. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” The one with blue streaks in her black hair peered at Candi. “You poor thing. We’ll put weight on you really fast.” She turned to Hero. “You should move into the women’s dorm. We got permission from the Gifts. They see it’s more reasonable to have a mated couple under our roof. It will be easier for us to feed your female if she’s there, and we’ll keep her company while you’re on shift. They think she must be terrified, surrounded by so many males.”

  Candi almost laughed at his stunned expression. She slid off the counter and walked up to the females. “Thank you. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m not afraid to be here.”

  The one with the streaks in her hair arched her eyebrow. “Doesn’t the smell bother you?”

  “What smell?”

  The feline grinned. “I’m Sunshine. You don’t have the nose. I forgot. This building smells of a lot of males. It’s not a bad thing but you are the only female living here. We checked and Hero hasn’t asked to be moved to couples housing.” She shot him a curious look. “Why haven’t you done that?”

  “Um. I hadn’t thought of it. I should.”

  “No. We’re fine here.” Candi leaned against his side. “This is our home. I like being surrounded by males. I feel safe.”

  Bluebird smiled. “You’d be safe at the women’s dorm too. Hero works shifts, and he’ll have to leave you alone while he’s on duty. Wouldn’t you like to hang out with us when he’s gone? We can teach you how to cook and work everything inside your home.” She lowered her voice. “Make him vacuum. It’s this scary machine that cleans the floors and sucks everything up. It’s loud and you have to watch it closely. It tries to take things you don’t want it to and then you have to wrestle with it to get your shirts back.”

  Sunshine laughed. “I told you to pick up your clothes before you run the vacuum.” She rolled her eyes and smiled at Candi. “We all had a difficult time when we were first freed, but we’ll help you adjust. We’re your family.”

  Candi was touched. “Thank you.”

  Bluebird looked at Hero. “Consider moving into the women’s dorm. It’s probably best if you don’t request couples housing. Most of the males who transferred into single homes did so with humans. Your Candi doesn’t know how to cook or how to use the appliances. She needs the assistance to learn, and no offense, but you males grumble too much when you teach…and learn. She’d have more fun being taught by females.”

  “I’ll think about it. Thank you.”

  Sunshine hesitated, her gaze on Hero. “I’m glad you’re doing better. I was worried, but now I understand why you were so upset. Be happy.”

  Both females left and Hero locked the door. He looked a bit grim when he stared at her. “Do you want us to move to be with the females?”

  “You don’t want to move into the women’s dorm, do you?”

  “I would if you wanted.”

  “I like your home.”

  “Our home.”

  “I could visit the females when you have to work.” The relief on his face was almost comical, but she managed not to laugh. It helped her make a decision. “I don’t want to move.”

  He smiled. “Let me feed you.”
He rushed into the kitchen to get plates.

  She helped by sitting on the couch and removing containers from the bags. They’d brought her a cake, cookies and lots of fried chicken. There were also side dishes. Hero settled next to her and grinned.

  “We never saw the rest of the movie. I’ll find where we left off and replay it.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Just be certain to eat lots.”

  “I will.” She wanted him to stop viewing her as too thin and fragile.

  * * * * *

  Candi woke and smiled. She lay sprawled over Hero’s chest. The blue screen from the television provided enough light for her to study his features while he slept. His peaceful expression matched her mood. His arms were loosely wrapped around her waist to keep her from falling off him.

  They’d finished their movie and dinner, and he’d put the rest of the food away. They’d watched a second movie and been halfway through a third when she must have dozed off. He had stretched out and pulled her on top of him to get them into that position.

  Tears filled her eyes, and she didn’t try to stop them. Her pup was with her, alive and well. It seemed too good to be true, but she no longer feared waking up inside her room at the asylum. It wasn’t a drug-induced dream. He was really with her, and they had a future together.

  She laid her head against his chest and just listened to his heartbeat under her ear. They’d lost a lot of time but every day would be precious from that moment on. Part of her was tempted to wake him and lead him into the bedroom. He seemed too peaceful though. She just lay there and enjoyed being close.

  A slight noise came from the hallway. The body under hers tensed and Hero locked his arms tightly around her as he tried to sit up. She lifted her head. “Easy.”

  “I heard something.”

  A door closed down the hallway. “It’s just one of your neighbors.”

  He glanced around but seemed to accept that. “Security is changing shifts about now.”

  “Do you always get jumpy at every sound?”

  He stared into her eyes. “No.”

  “You’re worried about me. I’m not going to leave.”

  “I keep thinking about how the humans might want to take you from me.”

  “Breeze swore they can’t come into Homeland to take me, and the NSO will never hand me over. I’m not a criminal. I’m a survivor, and I’m not really one of them. The humans will understand all that once they learn what was done to me and why I killed Penny.”

  “I just don’t trust them to be reasonable.”

  “Breeze isn’t worried. Were the males you spoke to?”

  He sat up, shifting her onto his lap. “No. They assured me this would be resolved quickly.”

  “See?” She smiled. “I’m all yours and no one is going to take us away from each other ever again. You are stuck with me.”

  He slid one arm under the back of her knees, his other one hooking around her back. He stood. “My mind knows it, but I still feel uneasy.”

  “I understand.” She did. Them being together again seemed almost too good to be true.

  He carried her into the bedroom and flipped on the light, taking her to the bed. “I’ll be right back.”

  She watched him enter the bathroom and close the door. It gave her enough time to strip out of the clothes she wore. She’d just climbed onto the bed when he returned. She smiled when he softly growled.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Aren’t we going back to sleep?”

  “You’re naked.”

  “I don’t want anything between us. Take off your clothes.”

  “This is a bad idea.”

  “I ate and I slept.” She grinned. “Get the box.”

  She expected an argument, some kind of resistance, but he surprised her. He picked up the box off the nightstand, tore it open, and laid a strip of condoms on the corner of the bed. He removed his clothes and she bit her lip, enjoying every inch of his body as he revealed it.

  “I wish we could stay naked. I love to look at you.”

  “We can inside our home.” He put one knee on the bed, bent over and braced his arms near her. “Lie flat on your back and put your feet my way.”

  She followed his orders. He grinned and she loved seeing him happy.

  “Put your heels against each side of my shoulders.”

  She wasn’t sure why he wanted her to do that, but she didn’t hesitate. It meant her legs were almost straight up in the air since he was so close to her. He surprised her when he unlocked his arms and lowered his upper body. Her heels ended up on his back instead of resting against his shoulders. He grabbed her inner thighs and shoved them apart. She stared at him, not concerned that he wanted to take a look at her sex. She loved to examine him.

  “Do you know what I’m going to do to you?”

  “Look at me. It’s okay.”

  He licked his lips. “Remember what I did to you with my hand? I’m going to do that with my mouth. It will feel really good. Let me hear how you enjoy it, Candi. You’re a little different than Species so I want to make certain I’m doing it right for you.”

  It seemed a little surprising, but she was willing to allow her pup to do anything to her. “Are you sure about this?”

  He chuckled. “Yes.” He spread her open, gripping her thighs tighter. “I want to taste you.”

  She nodded. “Anything.”

  “I appreciate you trusting me.”

  “I know I can.”

  “Ready?”

  “Yes.”

  She tried to relax when he leaned his head lower and his hot breath fanned her intimately. When his tongue touched her she jerked, but she was just surprised. He hesitated and licked her again, his tongue hot and wet. Using just the tip to apply a little pressure, he focused on one part.

  Her breath caught. It felt strange but good. He used his lips, and she clawed at the bed. That felt really good. It was sweet pleasure. He grew a little more aggressive and Candi moaned.

  “Oh!”

  Hero growled and had to pin Candi’s thighs against the bed when she tried to wiggle her hips away from his mouth. Her moans encouraged him and assured that she enjoyed oral sex. He loved the taste of her, and how the little bud he played with stiffened. His dick could relate. She was addictive to him.

  He wanted to use his fingers to fuck her while he tongued her clit, but she kept trying to twist away. She was close to coming. He opened his eyes, staring up at her. The sight of her clutching her own breasts, kneading them, made him snarl. It sent her over the edge and she climaxed hard.

  He pulled his mouth away as she panted, her body relaxing. It was difficult to rip open one of the packages and get a condom on. He hated the things, but her safety came first. He tore a little hole in it with his fingernail in his haste to fit it over the head of his dick. He tossed it aside and opened a new one. Slow down, he demanded.

  The confining condom felt unnatural, but he couldn’t risk Candi getting pregnant. He rose and crawled up her body, making certain he kept his weight off her. She smiled at him, looking sexy and sated.

  “You’re so beautiful.”

  “So are you.” She reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  He glanced down, almost feeling guilt since he wanted to be inside her. He should just go into the bathroom and handle his own needs. Candi seemed to read his mind though when he looked at her again. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She squeezed, trying to pull his lower half against hers.

  “We don’t have to. This was about pleasing you.”

  She bit her lip and adjusted her leg, digging her heel into his ass cheek. “I want you inside me. I like when we’re one.”

  That was a perfect way to put it. He lowered and adjusted his hips until his cock brushed against the vee of her sex. He found the right spot and pushed, slowly entering her. He had to close his eyes, the sensation too intense to do anything but enjoy how good it was to mount his female. r />
  Candi raked her fingernails over his skin, along his back, causing him to growl. He sank into her deeper, loving the way her body held him, fit him. Her lips brushed his throat and she moaned.

  “My pup. I love you so much.”

  He forced his eyes open to stare down at her. He didn’t care that she called him that. It had once been a source of pain, but now, once again, it was the endearment that it had always been. “My funny-faced human.”

  She chuckled. “You love my tiny nose, and that I can’t hurt you with my flat teeth.”

  He grinned back. “I do.”

  She moved her arms from his shoulders to hug him around his ribs. Her fingernails raked down his spine, all the way down to the curve of his ass. He growled, driving his dick into her deeper. Candi moaned in response. He moved slowly, gently, taking his time.

  He kissed her throat, arched his back and lightly bit her shoulder. He used his lips, tongue, and fangs to bring her pleasure. She finally grabbed his face, pulling it toward hers. He kissed her lips, deepening it when she opened up to him.

  He taught her how to kiss. She was a fast learner, and he couldn’t hold back anymore. He pounded in and out of her, pinning her in place. He realized he should remain gentle but she encouraged him with verbal moans and choppy words. Her pussy clamped tightly around his driving shaft and he broke the kiss to clench his teeth together, fighting not to come until she did. He pressed his lower belly against her sex, making sure to rub up against her clit.

  “Yes!” she yelled, her body shaking.

  Hero gave in to the desire and had enough presence of mind to roll them onto their sides as he let go of his control. He held his Candi close, his body trembling and shaking from the aftermath of spilling his semen into the condom. She nuzzled her face against his chest and he smiled when she chuckled.

  “I love sex.”

  “I do too. Am I hurting you? I am locked inside you from the swelling that happens at the base of my shaft. I told you about that.”

  “You feel amazing, and there’s no pain. Sex is so good because it’s us having it together, isn’t it?”