New Species 12 Darkness (7 page)

“Only important ones.”

He studied the Species. “What is really going on?”

Snow hesitated. “I feel useless.”

“You aren’t.”

“There are Species who stand out and get special treatment. I want that.”

“I don’t stand out. I get no special treatment either. I live in the men’s dorms, as you do.”

“Our people fear you and you have special skills. You heard Justice. You can seduce a female prisoner and he doesn’t even question it. I’d be sent to Medical for evaluation if I did that. They’d worry about me having a meltdown.”

Frustration rose but he pushed it back. “I didn’t force any of that. She was the one to initiate my actions. We’ll discuss this later. Right now Justice is correct. We’re all stressed because of the attack. It’s normal to feel ineffective after such an ordeal. You wish to do something to help our people.”

He wasn’t good about dealing with males who were experiencing emotional upheaval but he liked Snow. The male was easygoing most of the time and had a quick wit. He also didn’t avoid direct eye contact, something Darkness appreciated.

“We’ll work out a solution. I need to go in there and act stupid. It will be difficult.” He smirked.

Snow nodded. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

“It hasn’t been a good day. Why don’t you work off some of your energy by helping with cleanup? The front of the security building is a mess. They’ll need to rebuild as fast as possible and that means removing the debris.”

“I’m on it.” Snow stalked away.

Darkness watched him go and took a few deep breaths. Kat, or whatever her real name was, worked for the FBI. It alleviated his fear that she was a hired killer sent by someone associated with their enemies but that didn’t make her a friend either. She’d come to Homeland for an undisclosed reason. He was going to figure out what it was. He just wouldn’t be doing it by keeping her on that table. Part of him regretted that, while part of him felt relieved. She was too tempting.

He opened the door and entered. She slid off the table and watched him. He closed the door behind him and approached her slowly.

“We need to talk.”

Wariness filled her eyes. “About what?”

“Someone in Security messed up. They are new. Some Species are learning their jobs and this one was in charge of running your background check.” She’d accept the excuse easily if he gauged her right. She desperately wanted them to believe her cover identity. “Another ran your information and everything came back just as you said. Your name is Kathryn Decker and you work for the Bakersfield Police Department as a crime technician.” He grimaced, hoping it passed for a show of regret. “I apologize.”

She blinked rapidly and he could almost see that information spinning in her mind. “Good.” She licked her lips and straightened, her shoulders going back. “Great. I told you that.”

“You did.” He reached in his pocket, located the key to her cuffs, leaned over and unlocked them. She withdrew her wrists and rubbed the skin. “I am sorry for what you suffered at my hands.”

Her cheeks colored and she broke eye contact. “You have nothing to apologize for, except for being a tease. I’ll survive.”

He could still smell her. His dick stirred but he quickly imagined the worst moments of his life. That killed his sexual desire. “I’m certain you’ll want to leave us now, rather than being escorted to guest quarters. Your car was damaged but we can provide your passage home. We’ll return the rental to the company you leased it from after repairs are done to it. It’s the least we could do.” He knew she wouldn’t go. She was formidable and didn’t disappoint.

“No. I came to teach classes. Shit happens. I’m good. I wouldn’t mind some clothes though.”

He admired her spirit. Some females wouldn’t recover quickly from facing a difficult situation to dealing with a new one. The only flaw in her armor was the slight trembling of her legs. He noticed everything about her.

“Of course. Stay here and I’ll retrieve your clothes. Would you prefer someone else bring them to you? I’m sure I’m not your favorite person.” He couldn’t resist baiting her.

Color rose in her cheeks again. “I don’t care who brings them.” Her chin lifted and she held his gaze with determination.

She was so appealing. He wanted to smile but kept the grimace in place. “Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?” He purposely lowered his gaze down her body. “I owe you.”

He caught the quick intake of her breath and the way her eyes widened. He’d shocked her with his subtle sexual offer. She didn’t answer immediately.

“It’s probably best for both of us if we leave it as is. Just get me some clothes. It’s cold in here. It would be nice to know if my suitcase survived so I have something to wear tomorrow. It was in the trunk of my car.”

“I’ll look into that. Relax, Kat. Welcome to Homeland.” He spun and stalked to the door, picking up his discarded tank top on the way. “Someone will be in shortly with your things. Stay here. There are a lot of males outside who would enjoy the view of you in so little.”

He walked out and closed the door behind him. He’d be keeping a close eye on that female and she’d be dealing with him often. First he’d have to change his current living arrangements. He looked forward to seeing her surprise when he became her neighbor.

Kat walked around the small home after her shower and appreciated how well the NSO accommodated guests though she wasn’t allowed to leave without picking up the phone and calling for an escort. Visitors weren’t permitted to roam Homeland without one.

The two-bedroom cottage had charming furnishings and a comfortable feel. Her suitcase had been searched and delivered. Some new damage showed on the plastic case but she was grateful it had survived the explosion. All her clothes had been put away in one of the bedrooms that faced the cute little patio area.

The doorbell rang and she tensed, not expecting anyone until morning. She opened it, though, feeling safe. NSO had security up the ass. A female stood there, one she hadn’t met before, and held out a covered tray.

“Darkness asked me to deliver your dinner. I know you’re stocked with food supplies but he told me this is his way of apologizing for being mean to you.”

Kat was surprised. “Thanks.”

“Move and I’ll bring it in.”

“I’m Kat, by the way.” She stepped aside and waved her arm. “Come on in.”

“I’m Sunshine.”

The tall feline New Species was pretty. “I love your hair.”

The woman turned and flashed a smile. “Thanks. It’s natural.”

That surprised Kat. The woman’s tresses had to be at least six different colors. She didn’t mention that it reminded her of her neighbor’s pet or that she could guess what breed of cat they’d gotten her DNA from. She’d never look at Calicos the same way again.

“I know the layout. Most of these cottages have the same floor plan.” Sunshine walked into the kitchen and placed the tray on the counter. “Are you okay? I figured Darkness must have done something really bad to ask me to deliver food. He’s frightening.”

“I’m great. There was just a little mix-up at the gate.”

The woman arched her eyebrows. “We were attacked and you made the bad guys go
kaboom
!” She grinned. “Everyone is talking about it.”

Kat had to admit she hadn’t thought about much else since she’d been shown to the cottage. Men had died. They had planned to do harm but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to have some issues to deal with. The report she’d have to write when she returned to her office would be a nightmare. She would also want to look up their backgrounds. It would probably help ease some of her distress about the incident when she checked their priors.

“Great.” She hoped her sarcasm didn’t come across.

“We got lucky. None of ours died, although my friend Breeze was trapped under part of the ceiling. It collapsed on top of her.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yes. Breeze is tough. The roof actually fell on top of the desks but she’d hit the floor first so it didn’t crush her. She just needed a shower once she got home. The males took over the only working showers so all the females on duty came to the dorm to get cleaned up. She was just angry that it happened.”

“It shouldn’t have.”

“The main gates are closed. They are going to have crews come in tonight to work on them but it’s going to take at least two days.”

“That’s fast.”

“Money talks, bullshit walks.” Sunshine beamed. “Is that the right saying? We pay out a lot of money by having contractors working around the clock when we need something done fast.”

“You nailed it.” Kat wanted to change the subject. “Do you know anything about the classes I’m supposed to start teaching tomorrow?”

“Of course. I’m signed up.”

“Where are they going to be held? No one said.”

“The bar. It’s big enough to house everyone who wants to come.”

That surprised her. “I’m holding class in a bar?”

Sunshine opened cupboards and removed a plate. “It’s not like the ones in your movies. We dance there and they mostly serve caffeine. That’s an amazing thing.”

“Dancing?”

“Caffeine.”

Kit grinned. “I’m partial to it myself.”

“Most of us don’t drink alcohol. It tastes horrible and with our metabolisms it’s tough to get and stay drunk.” She curled her lip and revealed her fangs. “I don’t see the draw in it. Alcohol makes you lightheaded and stupid. Where is the fun in that?”

“I’m not sure. I’m not much of a drinker myself.”

“Good. A lot of us signed up for your class. We rarely have human guests who hold classes. Everyone is excited but I should warn you that some of the males will be there because you’re female.”

Kat opened the fridge. “Do you want a soda?”

“No thank you. Do you want me to leave?”

“Stay. I enjoy the company. Why are guys coming just because I’m a woman?”

“Some of them are looking for mates. Justice strongly discourages them from talking to the protestors or the mate hunters at the gates.”

“Mate hunters? What are those?”

Sunshine took a seat at the counter. “Females who show up looking for one of our males to mate them. Most of them are a bit…what is that saying? One nut shy of a full bag of peanuts?”

Kit laughed. She opened the lid on the tray and stared at the biggest steak she’d ever seen. It had to be over twenty ounces. “Wow.”

“You don’t like meat?”

“It’s enough for two. I can’t possibly eat all that.”

“Good! I’m hungry.” Sunshine slid out of her seat and took out another plate. “That is if you don’t mind.”

“Nope.”

Sunshine found silverware, cut the steak in half and passed one of the plates to her. “Here you go.”

Kat sat at the counter and opened her soda. “Thanks. So tell me more about these mate hunters. I’m curious.”

“They flash their breasts at us. I walk the wall by the gates and they can’t tell which of us are male or female. I’m tired of seeing boobs.”

It was funny. “I bet.”

“As if a little breast flashing would be enough to drive our males into a sexual frenzy. Maybe if they tried that at the Wild Zone. Some of our males there would go for it. Those humans would be so sorry if they lured one of those males into taking them home.”

“Why?”

Sunshine paused. “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say.”

The implied secret piqued Kat’s suspicious nature. Where they hiding something?

“Well, I guess it would be okay to say it’s called the Wild Zone for a reason. Some of us aren’t as civilized as others. They were badly mistreated at Mercile so humans aren’t their friends. They live there to avoid running into any except for mates. Ta…” She stopped. “A mate lives there year-round. Of course her mate is very protective so she’s safe from anyone being mean to her.”

“She’s human?” It was a calculated guess.

“Yes. There’s no harm in telling you that.”

“So why would a woman be sorry to end up with a Wild Zone mate? I am curious.”

Sunshine cut into her meat and glanced at her. “Wild. Get it? They aren’t so polite. Your females see Justice on television and assume all have his manners. They would be wrong. The Wild Zone males wouldn’t use polite words and conversation with a female. They’d just want to seduce a female. They aren’t into extended discussions first, if you know what I mean. They like sex and can get a little carried away. A male would get a woman to say yes and then go right for the good spots. I know human females are used to human males taking things much slower. Species love burying their faces between a female’s thighs. Often.”

“Oh.” Kat took a bite of her steak. It was delicious. She thought about what she’d learned. “They just go for it, huh?”

Sunshine grinned. “It makes for hot sex but they are a little rough. I don’t know if a human could handle it. They wouldn’t hurt them or force the issue but it would be a wild ride.”

Darkness flashed in her mind. He’d implied he liked rough sex. “How rough?”

“Our males are strong. I haven’t shared sex with one of yours but I’ve seen porn videos on the internet.” She hissed. “I don’t want to share sex with one of your males. I’d break his jaw if he called me some of the things I’ve heard them say to their partners and they seem very selfish.” She snorted. “Ever see the massage videos? They play with the female but don’t get her off, then shove their dicks at them. How is that mutual pleasure? They find it but the female gets the shaft. Did you notice my innuendo there?”

Kat laughed.

“Most of them don’t know what to do when they go down on a female either. How is it satisfying to have them lick around your clit? It looks annoying.”

“Those videos are pretty sad.”

Sunshine peered at her curiously. “How are human males in reality?”

“Not like those videos or they wouldn’t have sex often. I’d never have sex if even half of that shit is what really goes on in a bedroom. Those things turn my stomach.”

“Do you have a mate? I don’t smell a male on you but you’ve recently showered.”

“No. I’m single.”

“You’re an attractive female. I thought all of you wanted mates. I assume you chose not to have one.”

Kat shifted in her seat, reminded of her last conversation with her mother. It had been more of a lecture. She wasn’t giving the woman grandkids and that apparently was a disappointment. “I work a lot. Some men are intimidated by my job and don’t appreciate knowing they come second on my list of priorities.”

“You solve crimes. That’s important. They should be proud.”

“I think they mostly feel irritated or neglected because I love what I do. I admit my last relationship ended because of a case I worked. I missed his birthday party and then stood him up a week later at his best friend’s wedding because of work. He gave me an ultimatum and didn’t like my answer.”

“What was the ultimatum?”

“Him or my job.”

“Oh. That’s sad.” Sunshine took a bite.

That summed up Kat’s life. The job came first and everything else second.

“I have recently considered taking a mate.”

Sunshine’s announcement brought her out of her thoughts. “Really? What is he like?”

“I haven’t chosen one yet. It would be difficult. The males I share sex with all have their good qualities and flaws.”

“How many are you sleeping with?”

“I don’t allow them to sleep in my bed. That would imply a commitment I’m not willing to make yet. Our males tend to get possessive fast if you don’t set boundaries. They respect those. Your world is different from mine. Sharing sex with many males is considered bad where you come from. Here?” Sunshine smiled. “Have you seen our males? I am a female with a healthy sex drive. We don’t have to worry about sexual diseases or pregnancies. It would be strange not to share sex often with different males unless we wanted a mate.”

Kat wasn’t one to judge. “I was just curious. I don’t know much about New Species.”

“To allow a male to spend the night in your bed would give him the idea that he could just sleep there every night. There’s a saying you’d know. Give them an inch and they will take a mile. They are aggressive so you have to be just as aggressive. Remember that while you’re here because some of the males will come after you. They view humans as more submissive and easier to dominate.”

“Okay. I’ll remember that.”

“Kick the male out of your bed if you allow one to share sex with you. Tell him to leave afterward. Don’t cuddle with him. Well, unless he’s a primate. They tend to need that or their feelings get hurt but cut it off after about five minutes. Otherwise they’ll try to press you to stay. They can be persuasive.”

Persuasive was an understatement. She would have begged Darkness to fuck her if he hadn’t been called away from that interrogation room. She’d come dangerously close to breaking a few times. He had been that good at tormenting her body until she’d been physically hurting to come.

“They see the mated pairs and wish to have someone depend on them that way.”

Mason’s accusation popped up. He thought the women were addicted to the men. “How are they dependant?”

Sunshine finished her half of the steak and frowned. “Your females enjoy the constant cuddling and the way the males are protective of them. We call it annoying but your females seem to think it’s endearing when they snarl at other males who get too close to them. The males really seem to crave a female to love them.” She paused. “We never had that. They also enjoy feeling needed by a female. Does that make sense? To be the most important person to another after we were just numbers is a remarkable thing.”

It broke Kat’s heart a little. “I see.”

Sunshine’s mood brightened. “Your females also seem to appreciate the sex and I don’t blame them. Our males are not anything like your males in those porn videos. No Species would ever call a female bad names or strike them. Our males have a high sex drive but aren’t selfish. They will do whatever it takes to give pleasure over and over.”

Not Darkness.
He’d tormented the hell out of her. She’d never gotten turned-on so fast or experienced sexual frustration at that level before. Sunshine’s words did blow Mason’s theory out of the water. Great sex and a guy who paid them a lot of attention would be reasons enough for women to want to live with a New Species. As for the men, it probably would be desirable to have someone to share their lives with after all the hell they’d survived.

“I should go. I’m assigned to a shift tonight. We’ve doubled our patrols and increased security to handle the human workers coming in. I’ll see you at the bar tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to learning.” Sunshine offered her hand. “It was good to meet you and thank you for sharing your meal.”

Kat shook her hand. “Thanks for bringing it to me and for the talk.”

“Thank Darkness. You never answered my question. What did he do to you?”

She wasn’t going to answer that. “We just got off on the wrong foot when I entered Homeland. It’s nothing worth talking about.”
Fat liar.
She forced a smile. “Have a good night. I hope nothing else happens.”

“I do as well. We’ve had enough trouble to last us a month.”

Kat led her to the door and waved goodbye. She spotted the Jeep parked down the street with a guard inside. He was probably there to keep an eye on her. She closed and locked the door.

She wasn’t used to down time. Her job kept her busy and when she was home she and Missy were working on the house. They were about to start their remodel on the outdated kitchen. She longed to call her friend but couldn’t risk it. The NSO had access to her new cell phone when she’d been in that interrogation room and might keep tabs on any calls she made. It would lead them to her true identity.