“Do you have nightmares?”
He forced his gaze from hers. He dreamed but he wouldn’t admit about what. He inched back so space was between their bodies.
“You’re not sleeping well.” She patted his chest through his shirt. “I will help you tonight.”
He tensed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“You’ve avoided everyone since you were rescued.” Her chin lifted and her dark eyes narrowed with determination. “I owe you.”
“Not that.”
She cocked her head. “Just take me out to dinner and allow me to care for you. You need a friend and I’m a good one.”
“You are.”
“Stop talking and dance.”
He pushed his thoughts back and grabbed her hand, spun her and smiled at the way she giggled. To see her experience such joy at such a little thing brightened his day. She was one of his, from his testing facility, and it was his job to keep her happy.
Motion drew his attention as Flame waved his arms from across the room. He stood by the bar, staring directly into Brawn’s gaze. The male had a grim look on his face and he knew instantly that something was wrong. He stopped dancing and released Breeze. Flame walked in his direction, paused ten feet away and all doubt left that the male had something to say to him. Brawn glanced at Breeze.
“I’ll be back.”
“Doubtful,” Flame muttered.
Brawn heard him and shot him a confused look. “Has something bad happened? Has a council meeting been called?”
“No.” Flame backed up to the bar and waved to motion Hound over. “Give me two more please.”
Breeze fisted his shirt. “You will pick me up at six, Brawn. Don’t make me hunt for you.”
He forced a smile and nodded. She released him and he edged around dancers to reach the male. Flame lifted two small glasses that contained dark liquid from the bar where Hound had set them. He met Brawn’s gaze and jerked his head toward the door.
Whatever had happened was bad enough to need privacy. Brawn’s shoulders straightened and he hoped that no Species were hurt. He followed Flame out of the bar. The male kept going, led him through the lobby of the hotel and stayed far ahead of him until they reached the outside. Confusion at Flame’s odd behavior kept him trailing behind him until they walked a good hundred free from the hotel to the grassy area in front of it.
Flame spun and held out one of the glasses. “Drink this.”
Brawn tried to sniff to determine what it was but Flame stood upwind of him. He glanced at the murky drink, raised his gaze and frowned. “What is it?”
“Whiskey. I took two big gulps of it already before you saw me trying to get your attention.”
“I don’t drink that stuff.”
“I don’t usually either but today is the exception. Trust me. Swallow. You’re going to need it.” Flame drank his down fast, snarled softly and fisted the empty glass.
“Just tell me the bad news. I assume something horrible has happened.”
“You want the news?” Flame shoved the drink at him again. “Down that first and then I will tell you.”
Irritation flashed for a second before outright dread. Someone had died. It must be someone he knew. He accepted the tiny drink. He gave it a dirty look but lifted it to his parted lips, forced his hand to raise and the horrible taste plowed through his mouth as he swallowed.
“Ugh. That is terrible.” He wiped his mouth to glare at Flame. “Tell me.”
The male hesitated.
“Get it out. Don’t torture me with the unknown.”
“You should sit down on that bench to your right.”
Brawn growled at him. “Don’t give me orders and stop stalling.”
“Please, sit. We have a serious situation happening at Medical.”
Brawn sat, just to prevent the male from dragging it out anymore and didn’t want to beat the information from him. He was tempted though. “What is going on?”
Flame inched backward to put a few more feet between them. “We have a human female at medical who is pregnant with a Species baby. We had to track her and bring her in against her will. She refused to come on her own.”
“I heard something about that. I was told some human female had contacted Homeland saying she had gotten pregnant by one of our males but refused our protection. I’m glad she was located. Did you find the father?”
“That’s the problem.” Flame stared at Brawn. “The woman refused to tell him herself and hell, she said she doesn’t want to see him.”
Brawn didn’t like that news. “Do you want the council to hold a meeting and try to determine who the father is by asking our people? Do you have a photo of her? It would help. We’ll show her to the males and find the father if she won’t reveal his name.”
“Trisha recognized the female and knows who the father is. The pregnant female has requested he be kept away from her.”
“What is the problem? Keep him away. Hers and the baby’s welfare comes first. You bothered me for this? It sounds as if everything is already handled.”
“I’m glad you said that. It will make things easier.”
Brawn cocked his head, more than a little confused and irritated. Flame was speaking in riddles, not making sense. “I don’t understand.”
“The woman is Rebecca Oberto.” Flame stared at him sympathetically. “Ring any bells, daddy?”
The glass in Brawn’s finger slipped to the ground. He was glad he sat as shock ripped through his system. He stared at Flame, unable to even form words, as his brain tried to assimilate the information. Becca was the female? Pregnant? His heart exploded in a thunderous pounding and blood rushed to his ears.
Flame nodded. “She tried to run and hide. She told her father she was in Europe. She’s definitely pregnant and it’s Species. I smelled her myself.”
Brawn suddenly inhaled. He closed his eyes and a vicious growl tore from his throat. He lunged and grabbed Flame.
He couldn’t believe it. It had to be a lie. Becca couldn’t be pregnant. The doctor had given her pills. Surely she had to have been taking birth control. She would have told him if they’d created life. The male stumbled to get out of his way but he was faster. His fists gripped Flame’s shoulders, his face lowered and he took a deep breath. The scents assaulted his senses as he tried to take it all in.
“You touched her! You have her scent all over you and I smell her fear,” Brawn roared, totally losing all control.
Flame’s body flew airborne before he could leash his rage. The male cried out as he hit the grass on his back a good six feet away, rolled a little as he struck and came up on all fours when he stopped. Brawn’s body tensed, ready to attack and he crouched. Another roar tore from his throat.
“Easy, damn it!” Flame panted. “I didn’t hurt her, Brawn. She refused to come in. She was living in some cabin fifteen miles from here and I had to carry her onto the helicopter. Should I have left her there alone and unprotected? She’s at Medical and she’s safe!”
The words penetrated his haze of rage, but barely. He snarled.
“What is wrong?” Two officers rushed to the area, both putting themselves between the males. The one who spoke addressed Brawn.
Flame slowly rose to his feet. “Nothing. We’re fine. This is a private matter. I had to give Brawn some upsetting news. Please leave us. We won’t fight.”
Brawn gave a sharp jerk of his head, straightened up from the fighting position and clenched his teeth. The officers glanced between them before they left. Brawn watched the other male brush grass off his clothes and finally Flame met his gaze.
“How are you doing now? Calmer? I know this must be a shock. Hell, especially for you. I know how you feel about human females. The good news, I guess, is that she doesn’t want anything from you. She’s not demanding you mate and marry her. She actually requested that you stay away. She’s going to have to live with us so you’ll be able to see your son when you want to. I’m sure she’ll allow that.”
Brawn had to force his breathing to slow and got control of his unstable emotions. Becca is pregnant. Becca is here. He slowly stalked toward Flame. “I won’t attack you. I want a deeper scent.”
Flame didn’t look happy but held his ground. “Why?”
Brawn inched closer to him and inhaled. It wasn’t enough until he lowered his head and closed his eyes. His nose brushed Flame’s shirt and he sniffed. Becca. Her scent was something he’d never forget and he traced more of her, hating the sweet smell of her fear that he picked up.
“Dude,” Flame whispered softly. “Will you stop that? Someone is going to see and get the wrong idea about us. We’re drawing a crowd of onlookers after you tossed me on my ass.”
Brawn growled and lifted his head as he backed off. “She’s at Medical?”
“Yes. Don’t forget the part about her not wanting to see you. She said she didn’t want anything from you but for you to stay away.”
Brawn growled, his rage returned and so did confusion. Why would she refuse to see him? It didn’t make sense. They had created life together. “I’m going to go see her if she wants me to or not.”
Flame softly cursed. “I was afraid you were going to say that. They locked down Medical.”
“Why?”
“Her father. You. She thinks her father is going to try to kill you, Brawn. You’ve met the man. Will he try?”
Brawn shrugged. “Probably.” He turned. “I’m going to her.”
“She doesn’t want to see you.”
“I don’t care. I want to see her.” Brawn stormed away.
His ears picked up Flame’s vicious curse and then his voice as he warned someone that Brawn was headed that way. He picked up the pace, his long legs ate up the grass and he started to run. Becca was carrying his child, she was close, and he would get answers.
He ran, allowing his unanswered questions to push him into a burst of speed and reached Medical quickly. He had to slow when Tiger and Slade stood in front of the door and blocked his entrance. He stopped, out of breath, and glared at both males.
“Move.”
Slade watched Brawn warily. “She doesn’t want to see you, Brawn. Give her some time. She’s already upset because we forced her to come here. Trisha is with her trying to make her see reason. My mate will calm her.”
“Move,” Brawn ordered again. His body tensed as a growl burst from his throat over their interference.
Tiger softly cursed. “Let’s not fight, guys. Brawn, you’re upset right now and rightly so. You need to get a handle on your emotions. You look feral, my man. The female is pregnant. Don’t you think when you finally get to see her that you should be calm? I think that’s a good idea. Let’s take a vote. Who’s in favor of that?” He raised his hand.
Slade shot his friend a dirty look but raised his hand. “This isn’t a debate.”
“Humor,” Tiger muttered. “You remember that, don’t you? I’m hoping he does. Come on, Brawn. You look scary.”
“I’m not laughing.” Brawn’s hands fisted at his sides and he glared at Slade. “What would you do if someone told you that you couldn’t see Trisha? Move away from the door and let me pass.”
“That’s different. I’m in love with Trisha and she’s my mate. You and Rebecca don’t have that bonding.” Slade didn’t budge. “Let’s go for a walk and talk about this.”
* * * * *
Becca got dressed and smiled at Trisha. “He looked perfect, didn’t he?”
Trisha grinned back. “Yes. Your baby is healthy and well. I told you it would be a boy. He looks great, Rebecca.”
“Please call me Becca. Other than strangers, no one but my father calls me that.”
“We’ve arranged housing for you. You need to stay here for your child’s sake. There are a lot more ex-Mercile employees out there trying to avoid being arrested. Most of the testing facilities were hit at night since they were afraid the staff would try to kill Species since they tried that at the first one. I can share this information with you because you need to know. The damn news had it plastered on every station and they got to watch their places of work being busted on live TV. Only about twenty percent of the staff were arrested and maybe another thirty percent have either turned themselves in or have been caught. That leaves a lot of desperate, crazy idiots out there who are like the group that kidnapped you. Some of them might think if they had hostages, they could force the NSO to give them immunity. That’s the nice version. You know the group who took you planned to sell the Species they had when their use was up. You are going to have a baby. Can you imagine?”
“Cha-ching.” Becca winced. “Major money to those pricks. I get it.” Horror washed through her. “You think I haven’t had nightmares about that? I have.”
“I know.” Trisha looked grim. “There’s also the jerks who hate Species and believe they are nothing more than rabid animals to be put down. It’s why we haven’t told the world they can have children. It’s a horrible situation. My son is the only second generation Species baby born so far but we have two more women who are pregnant. Maybe in the near future it will be safer for the world to know but right now we need to protect them. This baby will look like Species and there won’t be a doubt of that if anyone sees him. The only thing you can do is stay here or at Homeland where he’ll be safe from discovery. We’ll restrict any humans besides myself and the other mates. You won’t be alone. You’ll have the four of us to support you emotionally.”
He forced his gaze from hers. He dreamed but he wouldn’t admit about what. He inched back so space was between their bodies.
“You’re not sleeping well.” She patted his chest through his shirt. “I will help you tonight.”
He tensed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“You’ve avoided everyone since you were rescued.” Her chin lifted and her dark eyes narrowed with determination. “I owe you.”
“Not that.”
She cocked her head. “Just take me out to dinner and allow me to care for you. You need a friend and I’m a good one.”
“You are.”
“Stop talking and dance.”
He pushed his thoughts back and grabbed her hand, spun her and smiled at the way she giggled. To see her experience such joy at such a little thing brightened his day. She was one of his, from his testing facility, and it was his job to keep her happy.
Motion drew his attention as Flame waved his arms from across the room. He stood by the bar, staring directly into Brawn’s gaze. The male had a grim look on his face and he knew instantly that something was wrong. He stopped dancing and released Breeze. Flame walked in his direction, paused ten feet away and all doubt left that the male had something to say to him. Brawn glanced at Breeze.
“I’ll be back.”
“Doubtful,” Flame muttered.
Brawn heard him and shot him a confused look. “Has something bad happened? Has a council meeting been called?”
“No.” Flame backed up to the bar and waved to motion Hound over. “Give me two more please.”
Breeze fisted his shirt. “You will pick me up at six, Brawn. Don’t make me hunt for you.”
He forced a smile and nodded. She released him and he edged around dancers to reach the male. Flame lifted two small glasses that contained dark liquid from the bar where Hound had set them. He met Brawn’s gaze and jerked his head toward the door.
Whatever had happened was bad enough to need privacy. Brawn’s shoulders straightened and he hoped that no Species were hurt. He followed Flame out of the bar. The male kept going, led him through the lobby of the hotel and stayed far ahead of him until they reached the outside. Confusion at Flame’s odd behavior kept him trailing behind him until they walked a good hundred free from the hotel to the grassy area in front of it.
Flame spun and held out one of the glasses. “Drink this.”
Brawn tried to sniff to determine what it was but Flame stood upwind of him. He glanced at the murky drink, raised his gaze and frowned. “What is it?”
“Whiskey. I took two big gulps of it already before you saw me trying to get your attention.”
“I don’t drink that stuff.”
“I don’t usually either but today is the exception. Trust me. Swallow. You’re going to need it.” Flame drank his down fast, snarled softly and fisted the empty glass.
“Just tell me the bad news. I assume something horrible has happened.”
“You want the news?” Flame shoved the drink at him again. “Down that first and then I will tell you.”
Irritation flashed for a second before outright dread. Someone had died. It must be someone he knew. He accepted the tiny drink. He gave it a dirty look but lifted it to his parted lips, forced his hand to raise and the horrible taste plowed through his mouth as he swallowed.
“Ugh. That is terrible.” He wiped his mouth to glare at Flame. “Tell me.”
The male hesitated.
“Get it out. Don’t torture me with the unknown.”
“You should sit down on that bench to your right.”
Brawn growled at him. “Don’t give me orders and stop stalling.”
“Please, sit. We have a serious situation happening at Medical.”
Brawn sat, just to prevent the male from dragging it out anymore and didn’t want to beat the information from him. He was tempted though. “What is going on?”
Flame inched backward to put a few more feet between them. “We have a human female at medical who is pregnant with a Species baby. We had to track her and bring her in against her will. She refused to come on her own.”
“I heard something about that. I was told some human female had contacted Homeland saying she had gotten pregnant by one of our males but refused our protection. I’m glad she was located. Did you find the father?”
“That’s the problem.” Flame stared at Brawn. “The woman refused to tell him herself and hell, she said she doesn’t want to see him.”
Brawn didn’t like that news. “Do you want the council to hold a meeting and try to determine who the father is by asking our people? Do you have a photo of her? It would help. We’ll show her to the males and find the father if she won’t reveal his name.”
“Trisha recognized the female and knows who the father is. The pregnant female has requested he be kept away from her.”
“What is the problem? Keep him away. Hers and the baby’s welfare comes first. You bothered me for this? It sounds as if everything is already handled.”
“I’m glad you said that. It will make things easier.”
Brawn cocked his head, more than a little confused and irritated. Flame was speaking in riddles, not making sense. “I don’t understand.”
“The woman is Rebecca Oberto.” Flame stared at him sympathetically. “Ring any bells, daddy?”
The glass in Brawn’s finger slipped to the ground. He was glad he sat as shock ripped through his system. He stared at Flame, unable to even form words, as his brain tried to assimilate the information. Becca was the female? Pregnant? His heart exploded in a thunderous pounding and blood rushed to his ears.
Flame nodded. “She tried to run and hide. She told her father she was in Europe. She’s definitely pregnant and it’s Species. I smelled her myself.”
Brawn suddenly inhaled. He closed his eyes and a vicious growl tore from his throat. He lunged and grabbed Flame.
He couldn’t believe it. It had to be a lie. Becca couldn’t be pregnant. The doctor had given her pills. Surely she had to have been taking birth control. She would have told him if they’d created life. The male stumbled to get out of his way but he was faster. His fists gripped Flame’s shoulders, his face lowered and he took a deep breath. The scents assaulted his senses as he tried to take it all in.
“You touched her! You have her scent all over you and I smell her fear,” Brawn roared, totally losing all control.
Flame’s body flew airborne before he could leash his rage. The male cried out as he hit the grass on his back a good six feet away, rolled a little as he struck and came up on all fours when he stopped. Brawn’s body tensed, ready to attack and he crouched. Another roar tore from his throat.
“Easy, damn it!” Flame panted. “I didn’t hurt her, Brawn. She refused to come in. She was living in some cabin fifteen miles from here and I had to carry her onto the helicopter. Should I have left her there alone and unprotected? She’s at Medical and she’s safe!”
The words penetrated his haze of rage, but barely. He snarled.
“What is wrong?” Two officers rushed to the area, both putting themselves between the males. The one who spoke addressed Brawn.
Flame slowly rose to his feet. “Nothing. We’re fine. This is a private matter. I had to give Brawn some upsetting news. Please leave us. We won’t fight.”
Brawn gave a sharp jerk of his head, straightened up from the fighting position and clenched his teeth. The officers glanced between them before they left. Brawn watched the other male brush grass off his clothes and finally Flame met his gaze.
“How are you doing now? Calmer? I know this must be a shock. Hell, especially for you. I know how you feel about human females. The good news, I guess, is that she doesn’t want anything from you. She’s not demanding you mate and marry her. She actually requested that you stay away. She’s going to have to live with us so you’ll be able to see your son when you want to. I’m sure she’ll allow that.”
Brawn had to force his breathing to slow and got control of his unstable emotions. Becca is pregnant. Becca is here. He slowly stalked toward Flame. “I won’t attack you. I want a deeper scent.”
Flame didn’t look happy but held his ground. “Why?”
Brawn inched closer to him and inhaled. It wasn’t enough until he lowered his head and closed his eyes. His nose brushed Flame’s shirt and he sniffed. Becca. Her scent was something he’d never forget and he traced more of her, hating the sweet smell of her fear that he picked up.
“Dude,” Flame whispered softly. “Will you stop that? Someone is going to see and get the wrong idea about us. We’re drawing a crowd of onlookers after you tossed me on my ass.”
Brawn growled and lifted his head as he backed off. “She’s at Medical?”
“Yes. Don’t forget the part about her not wanting to see you. She said she didn’t want anything from you but for you to stay away.”
Brawn growled, his rage returned and so did confusion. Why would she refuse to see him? It didn’t make sense. They had created life together. “I’m going to go see her if she wants me to or not.”
Flame softly cursed. “I was afraid you were going to say that. They locked down Medical.”
“Why?”
“Her father. You. She thinks her father is going to try to kill you, Brawn. You’ve met the man. Will he try?”
Brawn shrugged. “Probably.” He turned. “I’m going to her.”
“She doesn’t want to see you.”
“I don’t care. I want to see her.” Brawn stormed away.
His ears picked up Flame’s vicious curse and then his voice as he warned someone that Brawn was headed that way. He picked up the pace, his long legs ate up the grass and he started to run. Becca was carrying his child, she was close, and he would get answers.
He ran, allowing his unanswered questions to push him into a burst of speed and reached Medical quickly. He had to slow when Tiger and Slade stood in front of the door and blocked his entrance. He stopped, out of breath, and glared at both males.
“Move.”
Slade watched Brawn warily. “She doesn’t want to see you, Brawn. Give her some time. She’s already upset because we forced her to come here. Trisha is with her trying to make her see reason. My mate will calm her.”
“Move,” Brawn ordered again. His body tensed as a growl burst from his throat over their interference.
Tiger softly cursed. “Let’s not fight, guys. Brawn, you’re upset right now and rightly so. You need to get a handle on your emotions. You look feral, my man. The female is pregnant. Don’t you think when you finally get to see her that you should be calm? I think that’s a good idea. Let’s take a vote. Who’s in favor of that?” He raised his hand.
Slade shot his friend a dirty look but raised his hand. “This isn’t a debate.”
“Humor,” Tiger muttered. “You remember that, don’t you? I’m hoping he does. Come on, Brawn. You look scary.”
“I’m not laughing.” Brawn’s hands fisted at his sides and he glared at Slade. “What would you do if someone told you that you couldn’t see Trisha? Move away from the door and let me pass.”
“That’s different. I’m in love with Trisha and she’s my mate. You and Rebecca don’t have that bonding.” Slade didn’t budge. “Let’s go for a walk and talk about this.”
* * * * *
Becca got dressed and smiled at Trisha. “He looked perfect, didn’t he?”
Trisha grinned back. “Yes. Your baby is healthy and well. I told you it would be a boy. He looks great, Rebecca.”
“Please call me Becca. Other than strangers, no one but my father calls me that.”
“We’ve arranged housing for you. You need to stay here for your child’s sake. There are a lot more ex-Mercile employees out there trying to avoid being arrested. Most of the testing facilities were hit at night since they were afraid the staff would try to kill Species since they tried that at the first one. I can share this information with you because you need to know. The damn news had it plastered on every station and they got to watch their places of work being busted on live TV. Only about twenty percent of the staff were arrested and maybe another thirty percent have either turned themselves in or have been caught. That leaves a lot of desperate, crazy idiots out there who are like the group that kidnapped you. Some of them might think if they had hostages, they could force the NSO to give them immunity. That’s the nice version. You know the group who took you planned to sell the Species they had when their use was up. You are going to have a baby. Can you imagine?”
“Cha-ching.” Becca winced. “Major money to those pricks. I get it.” Horror washed through her. “You think I haven’t had nightmares about that? I have.”
“I know.” Trisha looked grim. “There’s also the jerks who hate Species and believe they are nothing more than rabid animals to be put down. It’s why we haven’t told the world they can have children. It’s a horrible situation. My son is the only second generation Species baby born so far but we have two more women who are pregnant. Maybe in the near future it will be safer for the world to know but right now we need to protect them. This baby will look like Species and there won’t be a doubt of that if anyone sees him. The only thing you can do is stay here or at Homeland where he’ll be safe from discovery. We’ll restrict any humans besides myself and the other mates. You won’t be alone. You’ll have the four of us to support you emotionally.”
