New Species 13 Smiley (18 page)

In less than twenty minutes?
She tried to hide her
dismay. It was a reminder though, that he was a man, New Species or not. That
amused her. He had no clue how long a woman could shop. She nodded. “Power
shopping. Got it.” She turned her head to stare at Flame. “You ready? Stay
close and I’ll just toss stuff in the cart.”

Flame gripped the cart handle. “You lead and I will follow.”

Vanni swept her gaze around the store, spotting the area
where they kept her size. Smiley stayed at her side as she walked purposefully
down the aisles. She even managed to make direct eye contact with other
customers. They continued to gawk but one woman dug her cell phone out of her
purse and lifted it.

Smiley gripped her arm and turned her in that direction. “Smile
for her, Vanni.”

She posed with him. The stranger approached cautiously and
took the photo. “Can I get a picture
with
one of you?”

Slash stepped forward. “I’d be honored.”

The woman beamed. “Thank you. You’re so tall.”

He chuckled and crouched down a bit next to her. “Say
cheese.”

Vanni was amused, watching the woman take a selfie with the
New Species. He made sure she liked the picture and then backed away.

“We appreciate your support,” Slash rasped.

“My daughter and sister are going to be so jealous,” the
woman gushed.

Slash beamed. “I’m glad.”

Smiley leaned down a little and whispered in her ear. “Let’s
shop. I hate to remind you but we have to rush this a little.”

Vanni nodded and headed toward the clothes racks. Flame
stayed right behind her with the cart. She just grabbed things that caught her
eye, quickly putting together about eight outfits.

“That will do it.”

“You need panties and bras,” Smiley reminded her.

She blushed, gazing up at him with dread.

He winked. “Not that I’d want you to wear them but Miles had
me memorize a list. People might talk about what you buy.”

She glanced away from him to the other New Species hovering
around her. “In front of them?”

“They aren’t shy about those things.” He chuckled. “Only you
are. I’ll help.”

She wasn’t sure if that made it better or worse as he
clasped her hand and led her to the intimate-apparel section of the store.
Vanni released his hand, located her size in bras and just grabbed a few that
looked pretty. She was usually pickier about fabric and comfort but just wanted
to get it over with.

She grabbed some boy-shorts-style panties but Smiley
chuckled, drawing her attention. He held up a bright-blue thong. “I like this.”

Vanni just spun around and grabbed a few more pairs of
underwear. “Done!” She turned and dumped them in the cart.

Smiley placed the thong in the cart, adding a few of the
same style in other colors. “You should see your face.” He looked amused. “You’re
so cute, my Vanni.”

She liked the way he called her that.

“You should never be shy about anything with me.”

It’s not just him though
, she reminded herself,
darting a look around. They had gathered a small crowd of customers who seemed
to have nothing better to do than follow them around taking pictures with their
cell phones. She quickly looked away from them and forced what she hoped was a
smile.

Smiley approached her and offered his arm. His other hand
brushed a few loose strands of her hair back from her cheek as he leaned in
closer. “It’s almost over. You’re so brave.”

She didn’t feel that way.

“You can do this, my Vanni. I’m right here. Now we just need
to get you some shoes. The ones you’re wearing make you a little unsteady on
your feet.”

The heels weren’t the problem. It was her nerves and feeling
as though she were on stage in some play. She refused to look at the other
people again but could sense their stares. She gratefully allowed Smiley to
lead her to the shoe department. One pair of flats, a pair of tennis shoes and
a pair of black two-inch pumps later and she was done.

“Can we go now?” She really wanted to leave.

“Yes.” Smiley led her to the front of the store.

She looked up and skidded to a halt. The sight in the
parking lot shocked her. The NSO team they’d left outside kept them back but at
least a hundred or more people were blocking the parking area along the front.

“It’s not bad yet,” Slash rasped. “It’s still manageable.
Only two news crews have set up. They demanded an interview but were told no.”
He reached up and tapped his ear, drawing her attention to the device he wore. “I’m
in contact with the team outside and Homeland is monitoring.”

Only two?
Vanni panicked but Smiley seemed to realize
she was about to lose it. He spun her to face him and lowered his head, staring
deeply into her eyes.

“It’s okay. I’m right here. Slow your breathing a little.”
He took a deep breath and blew it out, as if to show her how to do it. She
mimicked him. He grinned. “That’s my Vanni. They are just curious people. That’s
all. They mostly just want to observe us, if that helps. You’ll adjust to it.”

She doubted she ever would, not that she’d have to. She
silently vowed there would be no more outings. She really didn’t like being the
center of so much overzealous attention.

Smiley squeezed her hand. “Trust me?”

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate to answer because it was the
truth.

“We’re fine. This isn’t a large gathering yet. We’ve dealt
with much worse. We’ll pay for your things and leave. We’ll be back at Homeland
in ten minutes.”

She took another slow breath and turned, facing the front of
the store again. There were so many faces out there that it was weird. The NSO
officers had help blocking off the street that ran between the store and the
parking area. She noticed a few police officers had joined them along the sides
to keep people from entering the store. Her shopping trip had, in effect,
closed it down.

The cashier grinned when they reached the front. It seemed as
if they’d opened a line just for Vanni and the New Species. “Hello. Right here.
I’ll take you!” The woman waved them over.

Vanni was grateful for Smiley. He took charge, steered her
there and thanked the cashier. The woman beamed at him and it helped that her
attention seemed focused totally on Smiley.

“I never thought I’d see any New Species in here.” The
cashier started to scan the clothes.

Smiley pulled Vanni closer. “This is Vanni. She’s visiting
me at Homeland and didn’t pack enough clothing. I wanted to take her shopping.”

The cashier finally stared at Vanni. Her mouth popped open
and her eyes widened. She glanced at Smiley, then at Vanni. “Oh my gosh! You’re
that couple on TV!”

Vanni pressed against Smiley since he stood behind her. He
released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Yes. We are.”

“That’s so cool! You’re my first celebrities.” The cashier
resumed scanning the clothes but grinned. “You two are dating?”

“We are.” Smiley rubbed Vanni’s stomach with his palm. “I
met her and knew she was the one for me.”

Vanni knew she had to say something. “It was love at first
sight,” she blurted.

Regret came next. She shouldn’t have used the word love but
it beat mentioning being drugged. Smiley didn’t tighten his hold or seem to
mind her word when he agreed.

“It certainly was. She’s beautiful and sweet. I couldn’t
resist her.”

The cashier paused again and grinned at Vanni. “That’s so
romantic. I can’t even get my boyfriend to stop at the grocery store but yours
takes you clothes shopping. You’re a lucky woman.”

“He’s amazing,” Vanni added, meaning it.

“You’ve drawn a mob.” The cashier jerked her head toward the
front. “I’ve never seen that many people want to come in here before.”

“Sorry about that.” Smiley eased his hold around Vanni’s
waist. “It happens when we leave Homeland. People are curious.”

“Don’t apologize.” The woman laughed. “We need the business.
Stop in any time. I’m Donna. Just ask for me. I’ll get you right through the
lines. I’m the manager here.”

“We deeply appreciate that.” Smiley let Vanni go and
withdrew a wallet from his back pocket. “I have this, babe.”

Vanni nodded. “Thank you.”

“I’d do anything for you.” He winked.

The cashier told him a total that made Vanni flinch. She
hoped she hid it as he swiped his card and put in his pin number. Flame and
Slash took her bags and Smiley held out his hand. She gratefully took it. They
headed toward the exit and Vanni had to force her legs to keep moving.

The doors opened and some people shouted for them to look
their way. She squared her shoulders and peered at them. Cell phones were out
and they were either taking videos or pictures. She smiled and clasped Smiley’s
hand in a death grip. He waved with his free hand and kept her moving.

“Can we have an interview?” A woman with a microphone and
cameraman tried to rush at them but a police officer opened his arms,
preventing them from going forward.

Another news crew got around an officer but the NSO team was
able to keep them at a distance. “Not now. No interviews,” one of them announced.

Wager pulled the SUV up to the path cleared by the police
who had kept people back to give them an exit and Smiley yanked open the
passenger door. Vanni climbed inside, eager to be out of the spotlight. Smiley
slid in behind her and closed the door.

“Are you okay? You’re pale.”

“I don’t do well with crowds. There were so many people
staring and shouting at me.”

He surprised her by suddenly reaching out and lifting her
onto his lap. “It’s okay. The windows are tinted. They can’t see inside. You
did really well.”

She turned against him and enjoyed his arms wrapping around
her in a hug. “I never want to do that again.”

He massaged her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know this
would frighten you.”

“I’m not scared. I just…” She struggled for a word to describe
almost having a panic attack but none came.

“You’re just shy,” he finished for her and kissed the top of
her head. “No more outings.”

“Thank you.”

The other members of their group piled into the SUV. Slash
opened the hatch door, put the bags inside and then just climbed over the third
seat.

“Here we go,” Wager warned as he closed the hatch from the
driver’s seat. “I’ll drive slowly so we don’t hit anyone. We lost our backup
team but they’ll catch us soon.”

Vanni peered over Smiley’s shoulder to see out the back
window. No second SUV trailed them. She saw them still in front of the store
though. They seemed to be trying to get to their vehicle but the news crews
were keeping pace with them. They took a turn and she lost sight of them.

“That was crazy,” Vanni mumbled.

“This is our life outside Homeland.”

She shifted to stare into Smiley’s eyes. “I never realized.”

He shrugged, keeping a firm hold around her waist. “We have
adapted. Those are the nice ones. No one threw anything at us or screamed
obscenities.”

“Some people suck,” Vanni muttered.

He grinned. “We try not to take it personally. Relax, this
will be over soon. I promised to help you get out of those clothes.” He glanced
down at the front of her shirt and made a soft noise.

“Wait for that until you get home,” Jericho ordered from the
seat next to them. “You’re not alone.”

Vanni tucked her head and rested it against Smiley’s chest.
She liked him holding her on his lap. It was illegal to be in a moving vehicle
without a seatbelt but he’d said no one could see inside. She had no desire to
scoot away and take the middle seat.

“We have trouble,” Wager growled from the driver’s seat.

Smiley tensed, lifting his chin off the top of Vanni’s head.
“What is it?”

“The front and back gates are packed. They’ve had a
significant increase in traffic in the last few minutes.” Wager met his gaze in
the rearview mirror. “Do you want an earpiece?”

“Yes.”

Flame twisted in the passenger seat and held out one of
their communication devices. Smiley grabbed it and placed it on his ear.

“Four news crews at gate one,” a Species announced. “We also
have six unmarked vehicles lining up. They could be reporters.”

“There are two news vans at gate two and a lot of foot
traffic. I’d guess four dozen humans. They aren’t holding signs but they don’t
appear to be friendly.”

“This is Smiley,” he chimed in. “What about gate three? Can
we go in that way?”

“Negative.” Smiley recognized Trey Roberts’ voice. “There
are too many cars on that street and they’ll see you enter. The businesses are
opening so employees are arriving at work.”

“What about four?” Gates three and four were secret so one
of them should be clear. Smiley just wanted to get Vanni inside without
incident.

“No,” a male growled. “We have children on the field. They
are having some kind of outing in the park across the street from my location
at four. It’s too dangerous.”

“They are children,” Trey responded. “How are they a danger?
All they’d see is an SUV pulling into what they’ll assume is someone’s home.”

“We don’t risk children,” the male responded. Smiley
identified Creed’s voice. “What if they are being followed?”

“There are still two possible tails on us,” Slash responded.

Smiley turned to look out the rear of the SUV. There were a
lot of cars on the street but he wasn’t sure which two held Slash’s attention.

“Understood,” Trey announced. “We’ll go to backup plan B
then. Go to that location and I’ll send the helicopter to meet you.”

“Cancel that,” Tim O’berto demanded. “I’m here now. Enter gate
two. It’s not critical. We can handle the traffic.”

“I don’t want to take any risks.” Smiley turned his head to
peer at Vanni. She seemed to be handling the situation with grace but he wanted
to be reassuring. “It’s going to be fine,” he reassured to her.

“Exactly,” Tim muttered. “It’s going to be fine. I’m
watching the monitors and the foot traffic doesn’t appear aggressive. Just
drive in. We’ll be ready at the gates, right?”

“We are,” one of the officers responded. “We’ll pull in the
two news crews to the holding area and that way the SUV can just drive around
them.”

“Don’t do that,” Tim snapped. “Leave them outside. You don’t
have time to search their vehicles properly before they reach you. No vans past
the first gate section without an inspection. Order the media to back out.”

“We tried that. They are refusing.” The male sounded
irritated. “Would you like us to pull the drivers out and move their vehicles
ourselves?”

“Hell no,” Tim cursed. “I don’t want that on the evening
news. Tell those bastards someone will give them a statement if they comply.
That usually works.”

“We’ll try,” the irritated male grumbled.

“Wager,” Tim instructed, “enter through gate two. We’re
sending extra officers that way now. They are on the move. You’re still two
minutes out so they’ll beat you there.”

“Understood.” Wager glanced in the rearview mirror again and
reached up, probably muting his side of the coms. “I don’t like this.”

“Nor do I.” Smiley lifted Vanni and put her on the seat next
to him. He leaned forward to peer out the front.

Wager turned down a few streets and they neared the gates.
Humans were milling around the sidewalks and two news vans still blocked the
entrance, parked side by side in front of the gates.

“Fuck.” Smiley didn’t like it.

“Keep calm,” Jericho demanded. “You’re frightening your
female.”

Smiley looked back and saw Vanni’s pale features. She hugged
her waist and was pushed up against Jericho’s side. It was a stressful
situation. He masked his features. “It’s going to be fine.”

“I trust you,” she stated. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Engaging tamperproof locks,” Wager called out. The snap of
locks sounded. “I see one of our officers talking to a driver. I think they are
going to get out of the way and let us pass.”

The SUV stopped in the street to allow one of the news vans
room to maneuver. The driveway to this gate was narrower than at the main
entrance. Smiley glanced up at the top of the wall, grateful to see a strong
presence of uniformed officers. More joined them until they stood shoulder to
shoulder, their weapons in view. Humans would have to be stupid to attempt
anything.

He glanced at the humans gathered on the sidewalks. A male
caught his attention when he reached around, going for something tucked in his
waistband. Smiley tapped his com. “Possible gun!”

He spun, grabbed Vanni and twisted her sideways on the seat
until his body shielded hers but no gunfire erupted.

“Camera phone.” Wager blew out a breath and continued, “He’s
taking pictures. Threat averted.”

Smiley eased some of his weight off Vanni. “Sorry. I didn’t
mean to crush you.”

“I’m okay,” she mumbled.

“Stay there,” he ordered, as if he gave her a choice since
he kept on top of her to keep her in place. He peered out over the front seats.
The media van hadn’t backed out to allow them to pass.

“What is the holdup?” He stared at the uniformed male—he was
pretty sure it was Book—speaking to the driver of the van.

The male in question glanced his way. “He refuses to leave
unless he gets the statement. They are aware of who is visiting us.”

Smiley grimaced. The news outlets had already heard Vanni
was at Homeland and instead of rushing to the shopping center, they’d come
directly to the NSO.

“Traffic,” Slash hissed. “Lots of it. We’re pinned in. They
must have spotters on the ground.”

Smiley turned and saw more news vans coming at them in the
street from both directions. A few cars were behind them. “Pull the driver out
and move that van,” he ordered.

“Don’t you dare,” Tim argued. “Just stay put. I’ll handle
that asshole myself without causing a shitstorm. Those pussies will be
screaming brutality if you lay a finger on them. You’re fine in the SUV. I’m on
my way.”

Smiley couldn’t fault the task force leader for being
worried. They weren’t allowed to physically touch anyone outside the NSO walls.
It was one thing to use water hoses to disperse crowds or toss the occasional
smoke bomb when the protestors stormed the gates but humans might see it as
abuse if they yanked someone out of a vehicle.

Jericho finally spoke. “Let’s rush the gates.”

Smiley snapped his head around to glare at his friend. “No.”

“More incoming,” Slash hissed.

“Rush the gates,” Jericho repeated in a deeper tone.

Smiley didn’t like the idea of taking Vanni out of the SUV
so close to all those humans. Their intent was unclear but as he looked at the
road, his opinion changed. More cars and people were coming down both sides of
the street. It seemed they knew Smiley and Vanni were trapped outside the
gates.

“Let’s do it.” Smiley admitted Vanni would be in more danger
if they were completely surrounded by hundreds of humans instead of just a few
dozen.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Tim reminded them.

“We don’t have time,” Slash answered. “It’s getting out of
hand. Scoot to the middle with her, Smiley. Let me by the door. I’ll run
interference and take down anything in front of you both.”

“Do it,” Tim agreed.

Smiley straightened in the seat and helped Vanni upright as
he slid against Jericho, making room for Slash to climb over the seat. “It’s
going to be fine. Stay by my side. We’re going to get out of the SUV and walk
to the gates. I will pick you up if we have a problem. Just put your face
against my neck and hold on tight.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Shit!” Flame hissed. “Brace!”

Smiley looked up and saw the humans rush at them. Bodies and
hands slammed against the windows and the SUV rocked. All Smiley could do was
hook his arm around Vanni to pull her close and grab hold of the front seat
headrest. The vehicle was heavy but twenty to thirty humans surrounded it. He
was tempted go for the weapon strapped at his ankle as the swaying grew worse.

“Smoke bombs are being deployed,” warned one of the officers
along the wall. “Prepare.”

Smiley ground his teeth. “Hold your breath when we open that
door and don’t let go of me, Vanni.”

He saw metal cans fly from above. They impacted around the
SUV but didn’t hit the mass of humans. White smoke rose fast and the humans
next to the windows began to choke and cough. In less than thirty seconds it
was tough to see out the windows with the thick, blinding smoke. The rocking
ceased though as their attackers fled.

“The gate is about sixty feet ahead of us. Keep to the far
left of the driveway,” Wager ordered. “Go!”

Both sets of locks released and Smiley followed Slash when
he shoved open the door, hitting something. A male cried out in pain. He didn’t
give a damn if it had struck a human. He hoisted Vanni into his arms, hugged
her tightly against his chest and used memory to go forward. He didn’t have a
mask so he held his breath and kept his eyes squeezed shut.

A hand gripped his shoulder and he figured it was Slash
helping steer him in the right direction. He peeked once, regretted it as his
eyes teared up from the acrid smoke but he was able to make out the news van
they passed. They were almost to the gates.

“This way,” a male snarled. “Keep coming. We have you
covered.”

Vanni’s arms wrapped around his neck and her legs spread,
hugging his hips. Her fingernails dug into his shirt but he didn’t care if she
scratched him. She was probably terrified. He peeked again and realized the
smoke was clearing as they left the affected area. He saw the gate and a line
of masked NSO officers with guns drawn, waiting for them. Two rushed forward
and grabbed members of his team, leading them inside.

The gates closed and Smiley sucked in air to his starved
lungs. “It’s okay,” he whispered to Vanni. “You won’t choke.”

She gasped and coughed a little. He hugged her tighter and
kept walking to put more distance between them and the smoke. He looked around,
appreciating the dozens of Species who’d rushed to the second gate to help. He
nodded at a few of them. He blinked rapidly to clear the irritant from his
eyes.

“Are you okay?”

Vanni nodded against his neck. She kept her face buried
there. He stopped and just held her. He’d made a mistake by taking her away
from Homeland. Luckily she hadn’t been harmed but the trauma of what she’d just
experienced might sour her on becoming his mate. It pissed him off that
everything had gone so badly. He tried to push that anger back though, wanting
to soothe her.

“Well, we sure know how to make an entrance.”

Vanni lifted her head and peered at him. Her pretty eyes
looked haunted but she smiled. “Is that what you call
that
?”

“They didn’t manage to flip the SUV and we’re safe at
Homeland.”

“Why would they do that?”

He hesitated. He didn’t want to give her more bad news. “I
don’t know. Maybe they think it’s fun to rush a stranded SUV and turn it on its
side. It happened once before. They took videos and posted them as if it were a
prank. The team inside the SUV didn’t think it was funny.”

A Jeep came hauling ass around a corner and he spotted Tim O’berto
in the driver’s seat. He advanced when the male hit the brakes and jumped out,
leaving the engine running.

“Is she okay? Hurt?”

“She’s fine.”

Tim looked relieved. “I should have agreed to the chopper.”

“I shouldn’t have agreed to let her leave Homeland,” Smiley
responded. He stepped around Tim and walked to the passenger side of the Jeep. “Get
in, Vanni. We’re going home.”

Vanni slid down his front and he helped her climb inside. He
rounded the vehicle and climbed into the driver’s seat. “I’m taking Vanni home.”

“That’s my Jeep.” Tim scowled.

“Get another and have Vanni’s new things sent to her home.”
Smiley threw the Jeep in reverse and backed up slowly since Vanni hadn’t put on
a seatbelt. He stopped, shifted gears and pushed the gas pedal. He just wanted
to get her home and safe. She wouldn’t be leaving Homeland again.

Vanni was still a bit shaken when Smiley escorted her into
the house. He closed and locked the door, leaning against it. His grim
expression told her he didn’t take what had happened as lightly as he’d
implied. She kicked off the high heels, happy to be out of them.

“No more shopping,” he announced.

“I don’t really like it anyway. I buy a lot of my clothes
online.”

He blinked a few times and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“I shouldn’t have agreed to that outing. I didn’t think you’d
be in danger. I failed you.”

He was more than a little upset. He seemed to blame himself
and she refused to let him. “That wasn’t your fault. I’ve come to the
conclusion that people are assholes and idiots. You got me back safe and sound.”
She lifted her arms and glanced down. “In one piece.” Her chin rose and she
smiled at him. “I’m okay. It was scary there for a few minutes but we’ll laugh
about this later.”

He pushed away from the door and stalked toward her,
stopping just inches away. “I will never find that funny. They could have
flipped the SUV.”

“They didn’t.”

“They could have.”

She liked the way he looked at her. His beautiful eyes
showed worry and concern, all of it directed at her. She reached out and placed
her hand against his chest. “I’m okay. I’m more worried about you right now.”