New Species 12 Darkness (21 page)

Glass broke somewhere behind her and she spun, startled. Movement caught her eye and she jerked back. Darkness leapt, moving faster than her vision could track. He grabbed her and tore the gun out of her hand. It hit the floor and he lifted her off her feet, slamming her back against the wall.

“You son of a bitch.”

“I warned you I could do that. It’s not my fault if you forgot I didn’t have to walk up each step to reach you.”

“Put me down!” She grabbed his shoulders.

“I’m taking you to Homeland, Kat. It would make everything simpler if you just complied.”

“Nothing about you is simple, Darkness.”

“I know. I want to make sure you’re safe. I’m taking you in and keeping you there for as long as I feel it’s necessary.”

“Mason isn’t going to come after me. He’ll be too busy protecting his own ass if everything you’ve said is solid. I need to go to work on Monday.”

“You could work for the NSO.”

“Doing what?”

He shrugged. “We’ll figure something out.”

“You can’t replace the years I have already put in or my pension benefits. Do you even know what that is?”

He leaned in. “Stop.”

Her eyebrows arched. “Excuse me?”

“You’re being difficult and trying to piss me off.”

“You brought an assault team into my house.” She leaned closer until their noses almost touched. “I’m already pissed off.”

He growled and his lips parted. “Kat.” It was a warning.

She looked down, seeing his fangs. It was a reminder of the things they’d shared and how much she missed him. He could have sent someone else to pick her up but he’d come himself. That had to mean something. The feel of him against her couldn’t be ignored either. She totally understood a love/hate relationship at that moment. She hated how he’d gone about it but loved seeing him again.

Her gaze lifted. “Sex isn’t going to make me any more agreeable to go with you.”

He sucked in a sharp breath, not able to hide his surprised reaction at her words. “Who said I was trying to seduce you?”

“You’ve got me pinned to a wall and you’re making sexy sounds.” She lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. The holstered handgun strapped to his thigh dug into her skin so she adjusted that leg higher, hooking her ankles together behind his spine. “You could have just called if you wanted to fuck me again.” She released his shoulders and fisted one hand in his hair. She yanked, jerking his head up and to the side since he didn’t expect her to do it. She pressed her nose against his throat and inhaled. “What cologne do you wear? It smells good.”

He stiffened but didn’t jerk away. “It’s just me.”

Kat smiled at the sound of his voice deepening. “What was it you said to me? Oh yeah. You smell so good I could just eat you.”

His hands on her hips loosened their grip and slid to her ass, firmly cupping her there. He pushed her tighter against the wall and she could feel his erection against her pussy through the layers of clothing.

“Kat, don’t.”

“I thought you were going to never see me again?” She ran the tip of her tongue across his skin, paused right under his earlobe. “Did you bring handcuffs, Mr. Control?” She nibbled on his earlobe. “Control this.” Her hands started to roam his body wherever she could reach.

His chest started to vibrate and his fingers flexed. He made a deep rumbling sound and tried to move his head away. She gripped the other side of his face with her free hand and kept him there. She released his ear and went for his neck, kissing it and using her teeth to gently nip him. Her thighs squeezed his waist and she wiggled against him.

Darkness snarled low. “There’re fifteen males waiting for us to leave.”

“I rated a sixteen-man team? I’m flattered.”

“I didn’t know if we’d come across another team. I wanted enough males with me to assure that I could get you out. I think Mason will try to kill you.”

She stopped kissing him and leaned her head back, staring into his eyes. He really thought she was in danger. It sank in that it wasn’t just some ploy to see her again. Part of her was sad about that but the fact that he’d go to such lengths to make certain she was safe warmed her heart.

“You care about me.”

He closed his eyes. “Can we discuss this later?” He glanced down the hallway. “We need to go.”

“Darkness?”

His dark eyes narrowed. “What?”

“I’ll go with you on two conditions.”

“You don’t have a choice.”

“Two conditions,” she repeated.

“What do you want?”

“I get to stay at your place with you if I return to Homeland since I’m in such supposed danger.”

A muscle in his jaw clenched. “What is the second one?”

“You get to guard my back in the shower. In the stall with me.”

“No.”

“I might wash your back while we’re in there.”

He growled low. “I don’t do that.”

“I don’t let a bunch of guys kidnap me but I might allow it to go down if you agree.”

“No.”

She licked her lips and liked the way he noticed. She pressed the muzzle of his gun against his thigh. Her thumb assured her the safety was on. “I stole your gun, sweetheart. You were kind of distracted. Do you agree to my terms after all?”

“You won’t shoot me.” He looked furious.

“I won’t.” She moved the barrel away. “That’s beside the point. Don’t ever underestimate me, baby. Meet my terms or I’m not leaving with you.”

“I don’t live with others or shower with them.”

“I won’t be coming with you then.”

“I’ll knock you out and take you over my shoulder. You’ll wake at Homeland.”

“You’d deck me?” Her eyebrows arched in question. “Possibly break my jaw or cause a concussion?” She didn’t really believe it.

“I’ll handcuff you the way I did before.”

“I allowed that. That was just a token fight. One of us would get hurt if we really went at it. Agree to my terms or get out of my house.”

“You’re stubborn.”

“You are too. I think it might be why we’re attracted to each other. You want a woman with some give but not too much.”

“That’s not why.”

“Really? Then what do you like about me?”

“Everything
except
your stubbornness. Human females are supposed to be more passive.”

Kat chuckled. “You’d be so bored if I were.”

“You’re brave and you aren’t afraid of me.”

“I don’t believe you’d hurt me. You’re a good man, Darkness.”

His scowl returned.

“You are.” She shoved his gun back into the holster and reached up to caress his face. “Even if you don’t want to admit it. You want me to go with you? We sleep together and share showers. I don’t believe I’m in danger but if you want to cover my ass, it better be in the literal sense.” She winked.

He eased his hold on her and helped her stand. “Let’s go.”

“May I at least change out of my pajamas first and grab a few things?”

“Why? According to your terms, we won’t have a reason to wear clothing. I’ll have the team retrieve your pets and seal the broken window. I had them toss a rock to distract you.”

“Leave them. My roommate will come back in the morning. She can deal with the window too.” She didn’t want to involve Missy. She didn’t believe her boss was a threat, regardless of what Darkness alleged. “The pets are more hers than mine anyway. I’ll just push the table in front of my door so they can’t get in there. The dog can twist a handle with his mouth and I don’t want them having an accident on my floors if she runs late. Her pets, her piss.”

She walked over to the table hiding the entry into the attic and gripped it. It would allow Missy to get out. “I’ll go to Homeland with you. I know it’s going to be fine. I’ll just be there for a few days.” The walls were thin so she was certain Missy could hear her. She shoved the table in front her door. “Let’s go.” The faster they left, the less chance of Missy being found.

Darkness took the lead. “Stay close.”

“I plan to.”

“This isn’t the front entrance,” Kat announced, staring out the windows.

“No it’s not. We have a few hidden ways in.” Darkness sat next to her in the second row of seats. “This is a house we bought.”

The SUV pulled into the garage and the doors closed. No light came on. The driver switched on a flashlight and got out. In seconds the overhead light came on. It was an otherwise empty space. Darkness opened his door and slid out. “Follow me, Kat.”

She scooted across the seat, careful of her long sleepshirt, not exposing too much of her thighs. She stood and expected them to lead her inside the house. Darkness took her elbow, turning her toward an exterior door.

“We are going to the backyard and entering Homeland that way,” he informed her softly. “I could carry you. I told you to put on shoes.”

She’d wanted to leave her house fast. There was a long list of things she wished she could have packed. “I’m good.” The yard was dark and soft grass cushioned her feet. “So far.”

A low whistle sounded from one of the other three men. It was dark but she could make out shapes. A section of wall covered in what appeared to be vines opened, showing street behind it. The professional side of her didn’t like that they had hidden ways into Homeland.

“I thought thirty-foot walls surrounded all of Homeland.”

“They do.”

She exited the backyard and saw the road wasn’t wide and the massive wall stood across it. “That opens up too?”

“Nope. Not that section. We’re going up.”

“Great.”

Ropes dropped from the top, hitting the ground. She watched a male grab hold of each one and climb hand over hand. Kat clenched her teeth. She hated to admit it but it had been a long time since training and she hadn’t been in a nightgown the last time she’d had to scale a wall.

“I see a problem.”

“I don’t.” Darkness turned her. “Wrap around me.” He lifted her in front of him, chest to chest.

“You can’t climb and hold me.”

“I can. You’re a hundred forty pounds.”

“A hundred thirty-eight.”

“Close enough. Just hold on tight and don’t let go. The officers above us will grab you when I am within reach. They’ll lift you the rest of the way to prevent your skin being scratched by the brick.”

“Why couldn’t we just go through the front gates?”

“Mason could be having them watched. We don’t want him to know where you are. It’s safer that way.”

She hugged his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. “My underwear is going to show.”

“That’s why I’m waiting to climb last.”

“You’re so thoughtful.” She hoped he didn’t miss the sarcasm.

“Let’s just avoid talking right now.”

She buried her face against his warm neck. His uniform was bulky. “You drop me and I’m going to be pissed.”

“I’ll make sure you land on me if we fall.”

“That isn’t helping.”

“Trust me,” he rasped.

That was the hell of it. She did. Otherwise she wouldn’t have agreed to go with him. She’d wanted to see him again. “Okay.”

“They reached the top. Ready?”

It was on the tip of her tongue to say no. “Sure. This should be fun.”

“Don’t make me laugh.”

“I won’t talk again.”

“Good.”

He released her and walked forward, paused and then a rope bumped her back. She clung tighter. His arms tensed and she squeezed her eyes closed. No way did she want to peek. It was insane for anyone to hold the weight of another while they climbed. They weren’t even clipped together. He kind of jumped and she locked her thighs tighter around him, also being careful not to choke him in her fear. His arms tensed as he used his strength to pull them higher, hand over hand.

It went too fast. He stopped. “Reach up one arm.”

“Fuck.”

She lifted her head and peered up. Two dark figures were above her at the top of the wall. One bent and reached for her. She had to let go of Darkness and trust strangers. It wasn’t her first choice but it was the only way to get up there. It took courage to ease her hold and reach out. A firm, gloved hand wrapped around her wrist.

“I have her.”

“Give them your other arm and then let go of me with your legs,” Darkness urged.

“I’m going to get even with you for this,” she muttered

Darkness bent his legs, forming a kind of seat for her ass when she let go of him. Another gloved hand got a firm hold on her wrist. She eased the grip of her thighs on Darkness and the men pulled her up.

A third man suddenly appeared. He moved between the two when they brought her to the top of the wall. He gripped her hips and just lifted her the rest of the way. They released her the second she was on her feet. She tried to step back out of the way. One of the men growled and turned, hooking an arm around her waist.

“Careful.”

She turned her head and gasped. There was a waist-high lip on the outside wall but there wasn’t anything but emptiness behind her. A few steps more and she’d have pitched off the wall and fallen to whatever lay below.

“Thanks.”

Darkness made it the rest of the way up and lunged, tearing her out of the grasp of the man keeping her immobile. “What are you doing, Book?”

“She almost backed off the wall.”

“Thanks.” Darkness suddenly bent and Kat gasped when his shoulder hit her hip. He rose with her secured there. One gloved hand yanked her shirt and held it in place high on the back of her thighs.

“Put me down.” Kat didn’t fight but she did frantically grab for some part of him to hold on to. It ended up being the lower edge of his vest. She was too afraid he’d drop her off the wall.

“Shut up, Kat. We’re going to the stairs. It’s the safest way to get you down.”

She closed her eyes and hung there. It wasn’t dignified and she mentally went over ways for payback. “I can walk.”

“This isn’t a well-lit section,” another male informed her. “You almost fell once. We can see.”

And I can’t.
She quieted and knew when they reached the stairs. From the sound Darkness’ boots made when they descended, they were metal and felt a little rickety. She imagined the flimsy ones she’d once used to board a plane. She was grateful she couldn’t see. He finally stopped going down and paused.

“Thank you.”

“It was good to have an adventure,” the guy who’d spoken before responded. “Are you taking her to a holding cell, Darkness?”

“She’s not a prisoner. This was for her safety. I’m taking her to my place. Will you let Security know, Book?”

“Of course. I’ll also inform Supply that you’ll need things for the female.”

“I’ll handle it.” Darkness didn’t put her down but spun fast enough to make her dizzy. He moved fast. He probably considered it walking but she’d have been jogging at that pace.

“Can you please put me down?”

“You’re barefoot. We’re not too far from the men’s dorms.”

“Great. You can walk me past a bunch of guys so they can see my bare legs and ass too.”

“You’re covered.”

“How far are we from your house?” He kept walking and didn’t answer. “Hello?”

He wrapped his other arm around the back of her knees, covering more of her skin. “The cottage next to the one you stayed wasn’t my home. It’s where I stayed to be close to you. I live in the dorms.”

“Fantastic. Don’t a bunch of New Species guys live there?” She pictured a fraternity house in her mind. “This just keeps getting better and better.”

“I’m taking you through the backdoor. We shouldn’t come into contact with anyone else this late. They are either on shift or sleeping.”

He stopped and released her with one arm. A beep could be heard and she knew he had opened a door with his ID card. They entered a well-lit, tiled hallway.

“Put me down,” she ordered again.

“You’re testing my patience, Kat. I’m not in the best of moods. You demanded we share quarters so that’s what you’re getting.”

He had a point. She’d thought they’d go to his house though, not a building full of other men. Kat winced, hoping he didn’t have a roommate. That would be awkward. It would be worse if he didn’t even have his own bedroom. They entered an elevator but it was empty. That was a relief. It opened and he stepped out onto a carpeted floor and strode down a hallway before pausing in front of a door.

Another beep sounded and the door opened. He carried her inside and bent, putting her on her feet. She stood and shoved her hair out of her face. The door closed and she turned, studying the small living room. A kitchen area was to the left and an open door was across the room.

“This is it. Welcome to my home.” Darkness didn’t sound happy. “It’s a one-bedroom and considerably smaller than the guest cottages. The bathroom is through the bedroom. There’s food in the fridge if you’re hungry and drinks are there too if you get thirsty.”

She turned to face him. “It’s cozy though a bit sparse.”

“All I needed was a couch, TV and bed. I don’t spend much time here.”

She swallowed, feeling nervous. “You don’t need more than that. I get it. I’m not home much either.”

He frowned and reached for the front of his vest and removed it. He just tossed it on the floor next to the door. “You would be more comfortable at your cottage. Tell me when you’re ready to go there.” He walked across the room and into the bedroom.

She followed. He flipped on the light and took a seat on a big bed. She watched him remove his gloves then his boots. He stood and pulled his shirt over his head, revealing his bare stomach and chest. His dark gaze pinned her where she stood.

“I’m going to shower. I’m sweaty after climbing the wall. I sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door and don’t open my nightstand drawer. That’s a rule.”

“Dirty magazines?” She wanted him to smile. He looked angry.

“Weapons. Don’t touch my guns, Kat. Am I clear?”

She nodded. “Why are you so angry? You’re the one who forced me to come here.”

“I wanted you at Homeland, not living with me.”

He spun, stalked into the bathroom and firmly closed the door. Kat walked over to the bed and sat down. So much for him coming after her because she hoped he’d missed her. He got credit for keeping his word. He could have just dropped her at guest housing and left. Just because she was in his apartment didn’t mean she was welcome in his personal space or that he’d be happy to have her there. He obviously wasn’t.

The water came on in the other room and she stared at the door. She could imagine how the rest of the night would go. He’d come out and probably turn off the lights, ignore her. It was stupid. Mason wasn’t a danger to her so she didn’t need to be there. Darkness was just being paranoid.

She stood and walked over to the bathroom door. Her temper flared. She tested the knob and it turned in her hand. One deep breath and she shoved it open, stepping into the quickly steaming room. The door to the shower stall was glass and Darkness stood totally naked under the hot spray of water. He turned his head and his eyes narrowed.

She grabbed the bottom of her nightshirt, yanked it over her head and dropped it on the counter. Her thumbs hooked her panties and she bent, shoving them down. “I’ll be damned if you ignore me.”

He appeared shocked when she straightened and crossed the small room. She jerked open the door and stepped inside with him. He had to move to make room. A soft growl came from him but his cock stiffened and he kept glancing down her body.

She saw body wash on the shelf built into the tile wall and grabbed it. She dumped a handful on her palm and lifted her chin. “Turn around. I promised to wash your back, remember?”

He didn’t move, seemingly frozen to the spot.

“Fine. I’ll wash your front.”

“Kat,” he snarled and flashed fangs.

She went right for the good spot. She stepped forward and wrapped a soapy hand around his dick. He gasped and jerked, his back hitting the tile. She pressed up against him and rubbed his shaft.

“I want to make sure you’re really clean.” His shaft became more rigid in her hand, growing larger and thicker. Harder. Her hand trailed to the base and then to the tip. “You don’t want to talk? Fine.” She looked down between them and adjusted her stance until the head of his cock brushed her stomach. Water ran between them.

He didn’t touch her but just stood there allowing her to play with him. She used her other hand to admire his abs. It was something she’d wanted to do forever and the lighting allowed her to see the way those muscles tensed and quivered at her light exploration.

He had a perfect cock. It reddened as it grew really hard. Some of the soap washed away, making her reach for the bottle again. She noticed the way he breathed faster. He kept his hands fisted at his sides, spine and ass pressed firmly against the tile. She poured out more soap and ran some of it over his stomach, trailing it upward to his ribs. She massaged his shaft again, even slipping her hand lower.

He snarled when she gently cupped his balls and he spread his legs to allow it. Kat felt victory and looked up at his face. His eyes were closed, his lips parted in an almost grimace. She lifted his dick higher and got even closer so the head and underside of his shaft rubbed against her stomach. Her attention focused on his nipples. She couldn’t resist and went for one with her mouth.

“Fuck,” he hissed.

She released that nipple and went for the other. It was about time he knew what it felt like to be tortured a little. He’d done it to her many times. She curled her fingers around his shaft and gripped him with enough pressure that she knew it would feel good. She stroked him up and down.

He wrapped his arm around her, one hand cupped her ass and his fingers dug into her skin. He shifted his hips, forcing his dick against her skin. She sucked on his nipple harder, raking her teeth over the pebbled tip.

His other hand fisted in her hair and he tugged. It wasn’t enough to hurt but she released him with her mouth and looked up. He lowered his chin and stared at her. Passion harshened his features but hunger showed in his eyes.

“Damn you.”

He closed his eyes and threw back his head. Hot semen shot across her belly. She looked down, watching him come. His stomach quaked, muscles rolling under the skin a little, but the sight of his cock held her attention the most. He came a lot. He released her ass and gently closed his hand over hers, urging her to let go of his shaft. She opened her fingers.