Possess you

Chapter One

“Stop embarrassing me.” Carl hissed the words, glancingaround to make sure he couldn’t be overheard by anyone except his target. “Myfather said you’re surly. It reflects badly on him. I just got my ass chewedout. Keep smiling and nod, Vanni. He also said you were rude to a journalist.”
“Did you hear what he preached up there?” She was angry too.“I agreed to put on this long skirt because your father has a problem withwomen wearing pants. I didn’t say I’d talk with reporters and repeat the hatredhe spews.”
“You’re not supposed to talk at all. I know he’s old schoolbut he is my father. We’re here to represent him.”
“Old school? I’d use way harsher words for what he is. No, Ionly came because I thought we were having a romantic weekend at a nice hotel.Instead, I discover you’re sharing a suite with your father and I’m stuckrooming with his insane assistant. You waited to spring this on me once wearrived because we both know I wouldn’t have come otherwise.”
He stepped closer and wrapped his fingers around her upperarm, glancing around again. “This is important to him. It’s two more days. Justsmile and keep your lips sealed. That’s all.”
“You told me you have nothing to do with your father’schurch. Why are we even here, Carl? I don’t understand.”
“He never asks me for anything but some of the press havebeen questioning his family values. He needed us here to show support. It’sonly two days. Please, Vanni. I know this is a lot to ask but he is my father.That makes him family to you.”
She was tempted to remind him they weren’t married yet. Hermind went over her options. She was two hours from home, without a car. Herroommate could come get her but she’d only ask a favor that big in anemergency. It hadn’t quite reached that point but it was getting close.
Carl softened his tone. “This is important to my father andhe really needs me to be here. He asks for so little, Vanni.”
She stared into his eyes and hated the way her resolve cavedunder that pleading look. “I don’t like his church members or what they standfor.”
“I don’t either but I couldn’t say no. You’re going to be mywife. I wanted you here with me.”
“They are bigots and I didn’t exactly wave that reporterdown or ask to have a microphone shoved in my face. I just said two words, Carl—nocomment. Be thankful I didn’t tell him that dinner was an hour of my life I’llnever get back and how pissed I was, hearing that bullshit.”
His normally handsome expression twisted into something lessappealing. “My father and his followers just have different views. You’re notbeing fair.”
“Fair?” Her temper flared again. “Don’t even say that wordto me. You swore we’d never have to deal with this church business and then youlied to get me here. That was underhanded and low.”
“It’s one damn weekend.” He hissed the words. “Don’t beselfish.”
“Who the hell are you and where did the man I know go? Youhate the things your father stands for as much as I do or was that justbullshit to get me to marry you?”
He glanced around and then stared at her. “He promised togive me fifty grand if I showed up. Your family isn’t exactly able to pay for anice wedding. I’m the one who has to eat the extra costs.”
She clenched her teeth, resenting the guilt trip and knowingthat was exactly what it was. “I wanted something small so don’t lay this onme. You’re the one who wanted four hundred guests.”
“They are clients. I couldn’t get married without invitingthem.”
“I want to leave.”
His hold tightened and he jerked her a little, looking awayonce again to scan the room. “Just stop it,” he snapped. “Go upstairs if youcan’t put on a happy face. Don’t embarrass my dad again. Do you understand?”
“I’m starting to.” She didn’t like the implications either. “Soyou want me to hide after you brought me here since I won’t get with theprogram?”
“You can’t embarrass him.”
“What about me? I’m embarrassed to be here with thatso-called church.” She yanked her arm, forcing him to release her and backedaway.
“You don’t have to agree with their beliefs but you willstand by my side so I can support my father. Someone has to pay for thiswedding.”
“Yes sir.” She raised her hand and smartly saluted. “I’ll begood and go hide upstairs so I don’t tell anyone that I was sickened by thehatred and stupidity your father preaches.”
“You’re being dramatic. It’s not flattering, Vanni.”
She bit back a nasty response.
“Don’t forget to show up at breakfast tomorrow. We’resupposed to pose for pictures with my dad right afterward. Wear the pink dresshis assistant bought you.”
She cringed. “It’s horrible. It reminds me of some nightmarebridesmaid dress where someone threw up carnations down the front of it.”
Carl shook his head. “Just wear the fucking dress. Smile forthe cameras and act like an adult. We’re doing this for our future and to payfor our wedding. Is that too difficult for you?”
She was tempted to say yes.
“Do it for me.” He reached out and took her hand, his thumbbrushing over her engagement ring. “For us. It will make me happy and it’s onlytwo days. That’s all. He’s trying to gain support for his church. There arereporters here and the coverage is just what he needs. We’ll get a nicerwedding out of it.”
Vanni cringed inside. She wouldn’t be heartbroken if hisfather’s church faded into oblivion and hoped no one took to heart the crap she’dheard during dinner. The speech Pastor Gregory Woods had given had made herlose her appetite. She would have walked out if it hadn’t been for Carl. She’dtried to avoid an argument but hadn’t succeeded since a reporter had attemptedto interview her right afterward. Her “no comment” remark had pissed Carl offand apparently his father as well.
“Shit,” Carl muttered. “Reporters at two o’clock. Get thehell out of here before they spot us.” He glanced down at her and his gazenarrowed. “Go upstairs and stay there until breakfast. We’ll discuss this inthe morning.”
She spun away, eager to leave the banquet hall. The Carl sheknew had radically changed once they’d arrived at the hotel and she wasn’tenjoying this new side of him. He’d been a first-rate dick. It made herseriously reconsider their future.
Pastor Gregory Woods’ personal assistant, Mable, was anothernightmare for Vanni. The woman was rude and snooty. The idea of returning tothe room they shared turned her away from the elevators. The bar sign beckoned.She strode toward it and entered the dimly lit area. The tables were occupiedbut she spotted an open barstool. She rarely drank and bars weren’t her scene.
The bartender caught her eye as he approached. He was in hismid-thirties and flashed a friendly smile. “What can I get you?”
Vanni smoothed the long skirt as she took a seat and shoveda hand inside her pocket, regretting leaving her purse in her room. She had atwenty-dollar bill and her room keycard though. Her license was in her walletso she couldn’t prove her age if asked to show ID. Could my luck get anyworse? “Just an iced tea but no lemon. Thanks.”
He nodded and turned away to fetch her drink. She kept herhead down until someone cleared his throat to the left of her. She hoped itwasn’t some drunk about to hit on her—the reason she hated bars. One deepbreath and she turned her head to face her fellow bar mate.
The gasp was automatic when she saw his features. It came asa shock to realize he wasn’t just any guy. He had the firm jawline, pronouncedcheekbones and generous lips that told her he was New Species. Her gaze loweredto his jeans jacket and the way the sleeves were tight in the shoulder andupper arms. He wasn’t sporting the black NSO uniform that she’d spotted a fewof them wearing from the brief glimpses she’d gotten of them in the lobby.
She lowered her gaze to glance at his jeans. They weremolded to muscular thighs. Her attention jerked upward to gawk a little at hisface again. I shouldn’t have asked. My luck can get worse. Panic struckher next. Carl would have a fit if someone spotted her sitting next to a NewSpecies and told him or his father.
This New Species possessed lovely brown eyes with long darkeyelashes. He had silky black hair that fell just past his shoulders. Heblinked before he spoke. “Are you all right? You’re really pale and your handsare shaking.”
His voice had a deep tone that sent chills down her spine.She wasn’t sure if it was from fear or because it was the kind of voice shefound sexy. It was gruff, masculine and pleasant at the same time. Shestruggled to come up with an answer but acknowledged being tongue-tied.
He leaned in a little closer. “I’m not dangerous if that’swhat you heard about my kind. I’d never attack you. Do you want me to go?” Hetensed as if to get up from the stool.
“No!” She managed to speak. It made her feel a little guiltythat he was ready to leave because of her deplorable reaction. “I was justsurprised, that’s all. You’re fine where you are.”
He leaned back on his barstool. The bartender distracted herwhen he brought her iced tea and dropped off a dark-colored drink to the NewSpecies. She withdrew the twenty. “I’ll pay for both of them. Keep the change.”It was the least she could do after making him uncomfortable.
“You don’t have to do that.”
The bartender fled and she faced the man with the whiskeyvoice. His nose was wider than most but his eyes were striking with the longdark eyelashes. Beautiful, even. “Call it my version of an apology. My mood hasnothing to do with you. I’ve been on edge all day.”
He lifted his drink and took a sip. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He put down his drink, ran his palm over his thigh thenoffered it to her. “I’m Smiley.”
Her still-stunned mind scrambled for the definition of theword. Rumors speculated they picked their names to reflect their personalities.It was a nice one. “Vanni.”
His hand was large and warm. He took hers very gently, shookit and released her. “Vanni is a pretty name.”
“It stands for Travanni. My mother had a thing for weirdnames. I hate it. All my life I’ve just gone by Vanni.” She sipped her tea,trying not to babble. She did that when she was nervous and speaking to a NewSpecies made her very much so. “My poor sister got stuck with Mortimia. Sheusually refuses to tell people her full name and just goes by Mia. We arecertain that my mom was obsessed with vampires.”
He appeared a little confused. “I don’t understand.”
She smiled. “Travanni reminds me of Transylvania, home ofDracula. Mortimia, well, Mort translates into dead. Mia translates into me.Dead me.”
He chuckled now. It was a nice sound. “I see. Are there anyother siblings with strange names?”
“I have an older brother. He got stuck with Count. Againwith the vampire theme. Count Dracula. She said it means noble but we’re on toher.” Shut up, she ordered herself but then the New Species laughed. Sherelaxed. “She’s weird but we love her.”
“What did your father think about those names?”
She hesitated. “He was a workaholic. He was gone a lot, outof the country on business when most of us were born so I don’t think he hadmuch input. He pretty much got her pregnant and then flew away. We joke that weknow when he had vacation time by counting back nine months from our birthdays.He’s retired these days.”
“That must be nice that he’s home now.”
“Well, my parents haven’t killed each other yet so I guessit is.” Vanni took another drink of her tea. She was downing it fast. It mightsilence her before she over-shared too much about her family just to find atopic of conversation. “I take it you’re here for the thing?”
He blinked. “Thing?”
“You know. The conference thing.” The New SpeciesOrganization was promoting the expansion of the NSO Reservation to start awildlife sanctuary to take in more rescued animals. Gregory argued they werereally training them to attack people. He was nuts.
He nodded. “Yes. Are you as well?”
She wasn’t going to admit it or he might ask who she’d comewith. Pastor Gregory was one of New Species’ biggest adversaries. After hearingthe vicious things Carl’s father had said about people like Smiley she wasashamed to be associated with that church in any way. He seemed nice anddefinitely not deranged. “Vacation,” she lied.
He nodded. “It’s beautiful here in Los Angeles. I love thecity lights I see from my room. It’s like a different world from where I comefrom.”
“Do you live at Homeland or Reservation?”
“Homeland.” He drank more of his soda. “I’m here on securitydetail. I just finished my shift.”
She nodded, deciding to change the subject. “You’re drinkingRed Bull and vodka?” She glanced at the glass he held.
He shook his head. “Most of my kind don’t drink alcohol.This is just a soda.”
She’d heard so many rotten things from Carl’s father aboutNew Species but talking to Smiley proved him wrong, so far anyway. It wasn’t asurprise that the pastor was a gasbag. She cleared her throat, trying to thinkof a topic to talk about.
“Take my advice and just enjoy the city from your room. Thisneighborhood is nice but I wouldn’t want to venture a few blocks over. Thecrime rate is horrible.”
One dark eyebrow arched as he peered at her with curiosity.
“That older brother I mentioned is a cop. He made me swearnot to leave the hotel after doing a computer check of the area before Iarrived. I got a lecture about carjackings, muggings and rape complaints thathad been filed. He acted as though I’d take moonlight strolls down alleys orsomething.” She grinned. “I’m always going to be five years old to him, Iswear. I’m hoping that one day he realizes I’m an adult but I’m not holding mybreath.”
“He worries about you.”
She completely relaxed. “That’s what big brothers do all theway from New York. He moved there five years ago but Dad mentioned my trip so Igot ‘the phone call’. I know he loves me, even though he’s kind of a pain.”
“Thank you for the warning about crime but we aren’t allowedto leave the hotel.”
That surprised her. “Why not?”
“There are a lot of humans who wish us harm or death justbecause we exist.”
She thought she saw a flash of pain in his attractive browneyes but hoped he didn’t notice her guilty look. Pastor Gregory and his churchwere part of the problem. “They are idiots.”
“The hotel has good security so it’s safe for us as long aswe stay inside. We also have our own security teams in place but we’re underorders to stick together.”
She glanced around the bar then back at him. “I don’t seeany other New Species.”
He hesitated. “The two humans sitting at a table in the farcorner are on our task force. They are keeping an eye on me. We travel inteams. I just wanted some alone time.”
“I’m sorry. And here I am chatting away at you. I’ll go.”She started to slide off the barstool to give him privacy.
“Don’t. I didn’t mean that how it sounded. I wanted to getaway from them, not you. I’m enjoying our talk.”
Vanni settled back into her seat and drank some tea butcouldn’t resist glancing at the far corner. Two big, burly men regarded herfrom a table. They looked mean and she knew without a doubt they were part ofSmiley’s security team. She stared up at him. “I hope they don’t deem me athreat.”
Smiley chuckled. “I’ll deserve some pain if you attack andcause me harm. No offense.”
“None taken.” She laughed. “I know I’m intimidating at fivefoot three. This flower-print skirt really screams badass, doesn’t it?” Sheglanced at her lap. “God, I hate this thing.”
“Why are you wearing it?”
Because I was ordered to and thought it was easier to putit on rather than argue with Carl. “I had a dinner to attend earlier and itwas appropriate attire.” She didn’t offer more of an explanation, just sippedher tea and tugged at her shirt. She had begun to sweat. “Wow. It’s really hotin here.”
“I was just thinking the same thing. It must be ninetydegrees.”
“At least.” She bypassed the straw to take a gulp of herdrink, hoping the coolness would help.
Smiley shifted in his seat and peeled off the jacket,revealing a black tank top and tan, muscular arms. She tried not to stare butit was difficult. He was built. His biceps flexed as he twisted enough to drapethe jacket over the back of his chair. Somebody works out a lot. She hadto admire his broad shoulders too since so much of them showed. They were wideand thick, the kind she saw at her local gym on body builders. He smiled.
“That should help.”
Stop gawking at him before he notices! She forced hergaze away from his body to stare up at his face. “You’re really fit.” Oh mygod. I just said that aloud.
“I am Species.” He shrugged. “It’s genetics and I am inSecurity. What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a chair jockey.”
That eyebrow of his rose again. “What is that?”
“I work in an office sitting at a desk most days. My versionof exercise is running back to grab the phone if I left my desk to send offfaxes or use the copy machine. I get to deal with a ton of paperwork, for themost part. The technical term for my job is executive secretary but I preferchair jockey. It sounds more exciting than what it really is.”
“I wish that was my version of exercise. We run miles a dayand train all the time.”
“What do you train for? Like with guns and hitting what youaim at?”
“Fighting and yes, we know how to use guns but we want tokeep our reflexes at peak levels. Hand-to-hand-combat training is what wemostly do.”
She glanced at his thickly muscled arms and those wideshoulders again. Don’t drool. Smiley was the exact opposite of herfiancé. Carl was a lawyer. The only exercise he got was swinging golf clubs atthe country club. He was pasty white, just a few inches taller than she was andthey were about the same weight. Smiley had to be well over a hundred poundsheavier and he appeared tall, even sitting. He was very appealing and shedefinitely noticed. I’d have to be blind not to. Don’t forget you’reengaged.
She gulped more of her tea but not even the icy drink couldhelp her cool down. “Wow. It is really warm in here.” Vanni could feelperspiration trickling down her back and between her breasts. She shifted inher seat, wishing she wasn’t wearing a skirt nearly to her ankles. Her thighsfelt damp too, as if they were sweating. “Maybe I should hang out in this barmore often. It’s like a sauna. Who needs exercise?”
Smiley lifted his arm and waved to get the bartender’sattention. The man walked over but he didn’t look happy about it. He kept backfrom the counter. “What do you need?”
“The female is hot and so am I. Could you please turn up theair-conditioning?”
“Sure.” He spun and nearly ran to the opposite side of thebar.
“‘So much for giving good service after getting a big tip,”Vanni muttered.
“He appeared frightened.”
She glanced up at Smiley. “You think so?”
He nodded.
She glanced at his arms. “You took off your jacket.”
“So?”
She licked her lips and shifted in her seat. A dizzy spellstruck and she gripped the edge of the bar to keep steady until it passed. “You’rereally buff.”
“That’s terrifying?”
“He probably realized you could kick his ass.”
“Oh. I’d never attack someone without a good reason. ShouldI tell him that so I don’t frighten him? I’m no threat to the male.”
She shook her head. “Just ignore it. Some people areparanoid morons.”
Smiley took another sip of his soda. “You’d think Iterrified him just by being Species.”
“You don’t terrify me. You’re nice.”
“Thank you.” He lifted his wrist to glance at his watch.
“Do you have to leave?”
“No. I just can’t believe it’s ten at night. It doesn’t feelthat late. I guess I should finish my drink and go to my room. I have an earlyshift in the morning.”
“Yeah. I should go to my room soon but I think I’ll eatsomething first. I picked at my dinner earlier.”
He studied her. “It wasn’t good?”
“I had to eat dinner with some people who said things thatmade me feel sick. It kind of killed my appetite at the time. They are idiots.It seems to be going around tonight.”
“So why did you eat with them?”
“I had no choice. I was kind of pushed into it by someoneelse.”
He seemed to understand that. “They have good food here. Iate dinner at this bar yesterday. I’d recommend the steak.”
He looked like a meat eater to Vanni. Carl was a vegetarian.An image of a white onion with Carl’s face on it suddenly popped into her headand she burst out in giggles.
A firm hand gripped her upper arm. “Are you well?”
She stared up at Smiley and the humor faded. He was reallyhandsome and she noticed he smelled good. “What is that cologne you’re wearing?”She sniffed and wanted to be closer to get a better whiff. She leaned forwardand nearly fell off her barstool.
“Vanni?” Smiley gripped her other arm to keep her in place. “Whatis wrong? Your pupils are dilated and you’re almost panting.”
Am I? The dizzy spell had passed but she still feltlightheaded. She focused on her breathing and realized Smiley was right. “I’mhot and,” she glanced at what little was left of her iced tea, “feel drunk. Ithink the bartender gave me the wrong drink. I said iced tea, not a Long IslandIced Tea.”
“I don’t understand.”
She lifted her head and stared into his eyes again. Theywere gorgeous. “One has alcohol and one doesn’t. I, um, think he gave me onewith booze. You have bedroom eyes.” She realized she’d said that last partaloud. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to tell you that.”
He leaned in closer until their faces were inches apart. Shecouldn’t help but stare at his lips. They looked kissable and soft, despite himbeing so masculine.
“Vanni? What can I do? Should I call someone? Do you have afriend here at the hotel who can escort you safely to your room? I could callhotel security. I’d take you myself but that might be inappropriate.”
She cringed, imagining her roommate tattling instantly toCarl if she showed up two sheets to the wind. He’d ordered her to go upstairsand wouldn’t be happy that she’d gone to the bar instead. He’d lose his mind ifSmiley walked her to the door and Mable got a look at him.
“I’m not going to take advantage of you. You’re safe.”
“It’s not that.” She shook her head and regretted it whenthe room spun. “It’s my roommate. Crap. That would be so bad.”
He helped her sit upright in her chair and released herarms. “You should eat. I’ll order food.”
Her stomach muscles clenched and it almost hurt. “No.” Shegripped the edge of the bar and tried to figure out what was wrong with her.She was lightheaded, sweating, and the pain in her stomach intensified andtraveled lower to between her legs. Her eyes widened when her clit began tothrob as though it had a heartbeat. “Oh shit.”
“Vanni?” Smiley’s voice softened. “What can I do? I want tohelp you.”
She closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing. Insteadit made her aware of her breasts. They started to ache and she was pretty sureher nipples grew taut. Something was definitely wrong. Another hot flash struckand she fought the urge to tear off her clothes since it felt as if her skinwas on fire. It passed and relief swept through her for a few seconds until thechills began. She’d gone from hot to cold in a flash.
“Vanni?” Smiley leaned in, his voice almost against her ear.“Do you need a doctor? I could see if one is staying at the hotel.”
She opened her eyes and turned her head. Her teeth startedto chatter and she trembled all over. “I’m so cold,” she admitted.
He frowned and called to his team, “We need help over here.”He raised his voice. “Ned!”
It seemed as though the two men were instantly next to them.“What is it, Smiley?”
“You have medic training, right?” Smiley addressed thedark-haired one. “Take a look at her.”
The man moved to her other side and leaned between thebarstools, forcing her to turn toward him when he gripped her shoulders. Shestared into light-blue eyes. He studied her then released her shoulder to gripher wrist. Seconds ticked by. He frowned and glanced at someone behind her.
“I think she’s on drugs.”
“I don’t do drugs.” She was horrified at the implication.
Ned frowned and held her gaze. “What did you take?”
“I didn’t. I swear. I would never—” A blast of pain shotthrough her belly and jolted lower to her clit. The chills left and she startedto sweat again.
“Shit.” Smiley’s voice sounded strangely deep and almostinhuman. “Clear the bar. Now. Alert Security that we have an emergencysituation.”
“We need to call an ambulance,” Ned argued. “She’s as highas a kite.”
“Do as I say,” Smiley snarled. “Clear the bar and alert ourpeople. Let her go.”
Ned cursed and released her, stepping away to yank out hiscell phone. He jerked his head at the second man. “Clear the bar. I’ll make thecall.”
Vanni turned her head to look at Smiley as he slid off hisbarstool and yanked his jacket off the back of it. He draped it over hershoulders and then grabbed the sides of her seat, twisting it to face him. Heleaned in and his nostrils flared as he sniffed at her. She watched his tanface pale before his gaze lifted to meet hers.
“What did you do?”
“Nothing.”
His lips flattened into a tight line and a muscle in his jawjerked. He made a low rumbling sound, blinked a few times and his Adam’s appleshowed that he swallowed hard before he spoke. “I can smell you. We were warnedabout the drug, Vanni. Where did you get it? Why would you take it?”
She tried not to panic but failed. “I don’t know what you’retalking about. What’s happening to me?”
The harsh set of his features and the way his eyes narrowedwere scary. “Did they at least warn you about how dangerous it is?”
She was distracted when people started to complain loudly.She turned her head and watched the blond security guy force patrons to leaveas he cleared the bar. Men in black uniforms rushed inside to help him.
“Vanni?”
She looked at Smiley. “What’s going on?”
“That’s what I’d like to know,” a deep voice stated.
She turned and stared at the New Species who wore a black,well-tailored suit. It was designer quality. She knew that face. Some of herfear eased as she stared at Justice North. He was on television all the timeand she’d seen plenty of interviews with him. He barely spared her a glancebefore focusing on Smiley.
“Inhale,” Smiley whispered.
Justice took a deep breath and his full attention snapped toher. His catlike eyes narrowed. “Shit.”
“My sense of smell isn’t as good as yours but I’m right,aren’t I?” Smiley queried.
“Yes.”
Vanni shivered, suddenly cold again, despite the jacketdraped around her and she grabbed at the edges, holding it tightly against hermiddle. She wanted to draw her knees up and curl into a ball just to try to getwarm.
“Who are you working for?” Justice North glared at her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“It’s worse,” Smiley whispered. “I think she dosed my drinktoo.”
A terrifying snarl came from Justice North and he flashed somescary, sharp fangs, never taking his eyes off her while he spoke to Smiley. “Youthink or you know you were dosed?”
“I’m pretty sure I was. I’m sweating, my heart rate is upand I’m feeling it in my jeans. She’s attractive and I’m starting to hurt. I didn’tdrink enough to lose control but I’m in for some hell.”
“What is the emergency?” A New Species arrived, sporting theNSO uniform, his black hair pulled into a ponytail. He was huge. He sniffed andgrowled. “Breeding drug. I can smell it.”
“It’s coming from her,” Smiley informed him. “She drank itand dosed me too, Brass.”

Chapter Two

“I want to go now.” Vanni was afraid and confused. They weretalking about her as if she’d drugged both Smiley and herself. She tried toslide off the barstool to escape but Smiley prevented her from leaving when hegrabbed her hips and pushed her back against the seat.
“Stay.”
His hands were warm where he held her and she noticed againhow really good he smelled. She couldn’t believe she noticed that witheverything going on but she did. “What’s happening to me?”
She stared into Smiley’s eyes, hoping he’d tell her. Someemotion flashed in them but she couldn’t identify it. He turned his head awaybut kept hold of her as he looked at Justice North.
“I don’t think they warned her what would happen. She’sscared. No one could act this well.”
“We need to get both of you out of here.” Justice withdrew aphone from his pocket. “I’ll order two SUVs to drive around the hotel and we’lltake you out a back door rather than asking the hotel for permission to usetheir heliport. It’s the least suspicious way. There are too many reporters onscene. Medical will be on standby when you reach Homeland. You’ll be taken inseparate vehicles.”
“No.” Smiley shook his head. “The trip will take about twohours and she’ll attack the males if her symptoms worsen.”
“They can restrain her.” Justice turned and strode a fewfeet away to talk on the phone. He kept his voice low so she couldn’t hear whatwas said.
She looked around the room and was terrified to see the barhad been cleared of everyone except New Species and men wearing NSO uniforms.She counted over a dozen.
“Vanni?” She looked up at Smiley. “It’s going to get farworse. How much pain are you in?”
“A lot,” she admitted. Her stomach hurt and she was veryaware of the area between her thighs. “What’s wrong with me? Is it poison?”
“Worse.” He bent down until their faces were close. “Thatdrug you put in our drinks is a breeding drug.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about but I didn’t do it.”
“You sat next to me. You’re the only one I let down my guardaround.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
His expression softened. “I want to believe you.” He glancedaround then spoke to the guy with the ponytail. “Brass, she said she didn’t doit. Perhaps it was someone else.”
The male stepped forward and visually examined Vanni. “Whereis your purse?” He patted her down, removing the hotel key card from her skirtpocket then frowned, staring at her. “Where is your identification?”
Vanni fought to form words. “I don’t have any. I left it inmy room.”
Brass scowled. “That’s suspicious. Humans always carrycertain things and she doesn’t have any of them. No purse. No driver’s license.Did any other hotel guests come near you, Smiley?”
“No. Just her and the bartender.”
“We cleared him, for now. All the humans who work here hadthorough background checks. She appears to be the guilty one.”
“What’s going to happen to me? Are they going to call anambulance?” Vanni’s unease was spiraling into fear.
“A human hospital can’t help us. We need to go to Homeland.That drug was invented for New Species. Our doctors have more knowledge thanyours would.” Smiley leaned in closer, holding her gaze.
A hot flash struck and she groaned as her skin started tofeel as if it were on fire. She released the lapels of the jacket and latchedon to Smiley’s upper arms. A sharp stabbing sensation pierced her stomach andjolted lower to her vagina. She cried out and clung to Smiley. It felt as ifsomeone was tearing her apart with a sword.
“Does anyone have a stun gun on them? We need to put herout.”
It alarmed Vanni when someone said that. They were going tohurt her? She whimpered and leaned forward, pressing her face against Smiley’sshoulder. He stepped closer and allowed it.
“No,” a voice responded. “One of us could punch her hardenough to knock her out.”
“No.” Smiley glowered. “No one is going to hit her.”
“It’s going to get worse,” another man with a deep voiceresponded. “It would be a kindness. She’s human. To give her a sedative withthe breeding drug could send her into cardiac arrest.”
“She might die anyway,” someone else stated.
“The SUVs will be here soon.” Justice North was back. “Theyhave to inspect them first to make sure they weren’t tampered with in theparking structure. How is she doing?”
“Not well.” Smiley released her hips and rubbed her back. “She’sin a lot of pain.”
“I bet she is. Back away, Smiley. I can smell her need fromfour feet away. Brass, do you think you could hit her and knock her unconsciouswithout causing damage?”
“I don’t know. They are more fragile than our females.”
Ned, the medic, spoke. “I could place her in a choke holduntil she loses consciousness. I know how to do it without causing permanentdamage but she wouldn’t stay down long.”
“No one is going to hurt her.” Smiley sounded pissed.
“The alternative is restraining her and allowing her to bein agony until you reach Homeland.” Justice sighed. “Which would be crueler?”
Vanni released Smiley’s arms and clutched at his tank top. “Helpme.” He’d been nice and had said he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. She wasscared, surrounded by strangers and she hurt worse than she could everremember. Sweat poured off her and she shrugged, trying to rid herself of hisjacket.
Smiley seemed to understand and removed it. It didn’t help.She was burning up and lightheaded. “I have a fever.”
“It’s the drug.” Smiley adjusted his stance andstraightened. He didn’t step away though, keeping her on the stool, his bodyblocking her from the others.
She pressed her face against his chest. He smelledincredible. She lifted her chin and when her lips brushed across hot skin atthe top of his tank top, the urge to lick him gripped her. She resisted but shebet he’d taste good too. What the hell am I thinking? What is wrong with me?She felt panic rising. “Smiley!” He needed to help her or get her to ahospital.
He cleared his throat. “Leave us alone.”
“No.” Justice sounded closer. “You’re both going toHomeland.”
“We’re both suffering. I won’t lose control. Clear the roomand give us privacy.”
“That’s not happening. It’s what whoever planned this wants,”Justice stated, his voice grim. “I’m sure they believed you’d kill her. Youwere dosed inside a bar full of humans. You would have snapped if you hadn’tfigured out what was going on and we got to you in time to prevent a tragedy.”
Smiley reached between them and curled his hands over hers. “Letgo, Vanni.”
She didn’t want to and shook her head. He stepped away andgently pried her fingers off the thin material. She missed the security hisbody provided and whimpered, staring into his eyes. He surprised her bycrouching down to put them at face level.
“Vanni, do you know what the breeding drug does?”
“It doesn’t sound good.”
“Enough,” the tall, ponytailed New Species ordered. “We’llquestion her at Homeland.”
Smiley ignored him. “It’s a drug Mercile Industry inventedto force Species into an overriding desire to have sex. We heard they weretrying to create a human version and it smells as though you took it. You’resweating the scent out through your pores.”
Distracted by the pain she suffered, Vanni had to fight tokeep up with what he was saying. “Like GHB?” She’d heard of date-rape drugs. “Ithought that just made someone pass out.”
“Smiley,” Justice interrupted, “you said she’s the one whodosed you.”
“She said she didn’t.”
“You believe her?”
“I don’t know but I’m certain, if she did, whoever gave herthe drug didn’t tell her what it would do. Either way, she should have optionsand know what she faces. She should decide.”
Justice North cursed softly. “Do it.”
Smiley took a deep breath and explained, “You’re not goingto pass out. The pain will grow worse, at best guess. With Species it’sexcruciating and can cause us to go insane. The only relief is not fighting thedrug.”
“I still don’t understand.” She whimpered as the throbbingbetween her legs intensified. It felt as if her clit were being pinched. Itwasn’t pleasant.
“You can either agree to have sex with me to make the painstop or you can suffer. It’s that simple.”
She was horrified and it must have shown in her expressionbecause he frowned.
“You’ve made your choice. We’ll restrain you so you don’tattack anyone or hurt yourself. Just hang on, Vanni. They’ll get us to Homelandas quickly as possible and to our doctors. They’ll help you.” He stood,releasing her, and addressed Justice North.
“Let’s go. You’ll want to restrain me too as a precautionbut I’m handling the drug well so far.”
“The SUVs just pulled up to the exit,” one of the NSOsecurity men stated. “They’re waiting. Let’s move out.”
Smiley backed away and two of the human NSO-uniformed mensurged forward and gripped Vanni by her upper arms. They weren’t rough but theypulled her to her feet. The second she put weight on her legs she cried out.Her knees gave way and she would have collapsed on the floor if they hadn’tbeen holding her. Sharp stabbing pain stung her from head to foot.
“Move! Let her go.” Smiley was there suddenly, shoving themen aside and scooping her into his arms.
Vanni clung to him. Some of the pain eased and she breathedin his wonderful scent. She buried her face against his warm throat. He sat,putting her ass on his lap, and stroked her back.
“Focus on my voice. I’m right here. I have you,” he raspedagainst her ear.
“Smiley,” Justice North urged. “Hand her to Brass. He’llcarry her out to the SUV.”
“Vanni, we need to go. You need medical attention and thatcan’t happen here.”
She lifted her head and stared up at Smiley. “Don’t leave me.”She was terrified of strangers taking her anywhere.
“I can’t ride with you because I’m drugged too. It’s best ifthey separate us.”
The ponytailed guy drew her attention as he stepped closerand held out his arms. “Give her to me.”
She let go of Smiley and was passed over to the big NewSpecies. The stabbing pain to her stomach returned and she cried out. He turnedwith her, walking toward the back of the bar. She writhed in his arms,clutching his protective vest. They passed through a door that was held open byNSO Security. Cold air touched her when they stepped outside.
“Stop!” Vanni couldn’t take the pain. “Take me back.”
He halted and looked at her. It was dim in the alley but afew lights helped her see. He was a handsome man, albeit scary looking.
“We’ll get you to Homeland as fast as possible. There willbe a helicopter on standby if you worsen on the way. We can pull off and havethem land nearby then transfer you for transport. We just have to get out ofthe city first.”
“I can’t take this.” Tears filled her eyes. “Was Smileytelling me the truth?”
“You reek of a breeding drug.”
“Is there a way to counteract it?”
“No. You’ll have to ride it out or once you’re in Medicalthey can attempt to help you. We can’t risk giving you other drugs until then.Species have died that way in the past. Their hearts stopped beating. You’llwant to be with our doctors so they can save you.”
The seriousness of the situation hit home. “Am I going todie?”
He frowned. “I don’t know. This might be a different versionof the drug we heard was being tested. It smells the same but your reactionsare milder than what we felt.”
“Mild? I feel as though I’m being ripped to shreds from theinside out.” She panted. “This has got to be worse than labor.”
“You’re not screaming and going into convulsions. That’swhat happens when Species fight the drug by refusing to share sex.”
“Sex really does stop the pain? Are you serious?”
“The drug is designed to create uncontrollable sexual urgesso sex overrides the pain sensors from what we understand. Most of us have nomemory of what happens after being dosed when the pain becomes too strong.”
“Move,” someone behind them ordered. “Let’s get them on theroad.”
Brass carried her to the closest black SUV and one of theNSO guards opened the door. Brass addressed him. “Get the soft restraints. Sheneeds to be bound so she doesn’t hurt herself. One of you will need to sit inthe back with her to keep her from slamming her head into the glass if she getsthat urge.”
That was the last straw for Vanni. How much more pain did hethink she was going to suffer if trying to bash her head into a window was areal concern? “Just hit me. Knock me out.”
Brass frowned.
She sucked in a deep breath and yelled to get her pointacross. She meant it. “HIT ME!”
He bent and set her on her unsteady feet. “I’m afraid I’lldamage you.”
“I’m already in agony, damn it. Just do it.” She lifted herchin and closed her eyes, hoping it wouldn’t hurt too much.
The punch never came. Strong arms wrapped around her waistand her back pressed against the side of the SUV. A big firm body pinned herthere. She opened her eyes and was stunned to realize Smiley had her.
“No one is going to hit you. It could break bones. You’retoo fragile. You can take the pain.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I can’t.”
“Smiley,” Brass urged, “I’ll be careful.”
“Bullshit. You can’t guarantee you won’t break her jaw.”Smiley’s face bore an angry expression and he suddenly lifted her off her feet,putting her at his face level. “I swore no one would hurt you and I keep myword. I’m going to kiss you. It will distract you from the pain.”
Vanni forgot how to breathe when he leaned in and loweredhis gaze to her mouth. She could have turned away but didn’t. She’d like tohave blamed it on the drug, the pain, but had to admit she wanted him to. Itseemed more than likely that she’d die and she’d been attracted to him sincethey met. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the first light brush of his softlips touching hers.
He pressed tighter against her and released her hip totangle his fingers in her hair as he deepened the kiss. He tasted ofcherry—probably what had flavored his soda. The pain faded to be replaced byneed. She wanted Smiley more than she’d ever wanted any man. Her breasts achedand the desire to rub against him, feel him inside her became so intense shemoaned from the need.
“Let her go,” a deep voice demanded. “Smiley!”
Smiley broke the kiss and turned away to shoot a fierce lookat Brass. “You’re not hitting her.” Smiley faced her again. It was too dark inthe alleyway to really see his eyes. “Let me take care of you. I can keep awaythe pain with pleasure.”
“It’s a bad idea.” Brass lowered his voice. “Don’t forgetthat she might be the one who dosed your drink.”
Smiley held her gaze. “It doesn’t matter. I can’t stand tosee her suffer, knowing the pain she’ll face.”
He freed his hand from her hair and gripped her hips,rubbing against her. The feel of his stiff cock trapped inside his jeansbrushing against her excruciatingly swollen clit was heavenly. Raw pleasure hadher closing her eyes again and moaning louder. Part of her was horrified thatthere were people around them, strangers, but it did take away the pain. Sheclutched at Smiley as if he were a lifeline. He’d become one. She spread herlegs and wrapped them around his hips, locking herself to him.
“Secure the perimeter,” Smiley demanded. “Give us privacy.”
“Fuck,” the angry-sounding Brass muttered. “You heard him.Lock this area down and give them space. Eyes elsewhere.” He paused. “At leastget her inside the building, Smiley.”
She barely heard the words as Smiley continued to rock hiships, thrusting against her in a slow rhythm that made thinking impossible. Herclit was so sensitive she couldn’t focus on anything else but that firm rhythmof his sex against hers. It was the most powerful awareness of a man she’d everexperienced.
His hands left her hips and slid to her ass, cupping bothcheeks and grinding their bodies together more effectively. Vanni buried herface against his neck and opened her mouth, desperate to taste any part of himsince he’d stopped kissing her. She licked him just under his ear then latchedon to his earlobe, lightly sucking it.
He shuddered against her and made a sexy sound. His mouthfound her throat and he brushed kisses there. “Vanni.”
Her name on his lips made her burn up inside. It might bejust another hot flash but she didn’t care. She couldn’t get close enough toSmiley with their clothes on. She needed to feel his skin and she ached to havehim inside her. An image flashed in her mind—what it would feel like if theywere naked and he fucked her—sending her into orgasm.
Vanni released his ear and pressed her lips against histhroat, crying out. Her entire body shook from the force of it. Ecstasy toreher away from any sense of reality while she rode out the mother of allclimaxes.
Smiley stilled his hips, his breathing harsh. “I’m here. I’vestill got you.”
She slowly became aware of their surroundings again. Thenight air chilled her skin. Her skirt was hiked up and bunched between herthighs and his jeans. His cock was hard and pressed firmly against her pussythrough the layers of clothing. She hadn’t come in her underwear since she wasa teenager messing around with her first boyfriend, too afraid to have sex forfear of it hurting when she lost her virginity.
“Oh god,” she whispered.
His big hands gentled the firm hold he had on her ass and heinched away a little, unpinning her from between him and the SUV. She openedher eyes and glanced around. Four men stood about thirty feet away in the darkalley, in front of the vehicle. Their backs were turned and they seemed to beguarding the entrance from the street. A car passed but didn’t slow.
She turned her head. The door to the hotel had been closedand a black-clad guard blocked it. She looked toward the back of the vehicleand saw more guards posted down the alley. They were faced away too, but seemedto be there to make sure no one stumbled across her and Smiley.
“Vanni?”
Embarrassment was a horrible thing but she had to meet hisgaze. The look of concern on his handsome face only made it worse. “Put medown.”
She lowered her legs along the outside of his when he did asshe requested. Her knees shook, threatening to buckle under her weight when shestood. Smiley released her and she retreated, letting him go. The tremors grewworse and she leaned against the side of the SUV to stay upright on her own.
“Are you still in pain?”
She couldn’t speak but shook her head. She’d just dry-humpedhim in an alley behind a bar. Her parents would be appalled at her wantonbehavior and so would anyone who knew her. Smiley wasn’t to blame. She’dpractically begged him to help her and he had.
“It’s not over.”
“What?” She must not have heard him correctly.
“It can last for hours.”
“No. That—”
“It’s a short reprieve that some of us feel after findingrelease but within minutes the symptoms return.”
“No.” She didn’t want to believe that.
He took a few steps back. “Brass?”
The New Species turned around and rushed closer from hisposition at the front of the SUV. Smiley met him halfway.
“Make sure they bag our drinks. I didn’t drink all of mine.Maybe we can find fingerprints on the glass that will prove her innocent. Oneof the hotel guests might have put the drug in some of the empty glasses andjust waited for them to be used.”
“It’s already done.” Brass kept his voice low. “We’re takingeverything to Homeland to test. We need to get out of here. The reporters wantto know what happened to cause us to lock down the bar and they areinterviewing the humans who were inside at the time. Justice is refusing toanswer their questions until we’re under way but they might obtain securityfeeds. They don’t record sound but they do have video. It’s only a matter oftime before they realize she’s missing.”
Vanni’s eyes widened when wetness seeped down her thighs. Ithad to be because she’d just come but it was a lot. Her nipples beaded until itwas painful and a sharp, stabbing sensation jolted her vagina and spread upwardto her rib cage. She gasped and doubled over.
“Vanni!” Smiley was at her side an instant later, one handgripping her shoulder and one on her hip.
She couldn’t breathe. Agony tore through her center and theonly thing keeping her from hitting the pavement was Smiley’s hold on her. Herheart beat so rapidly she wondered if she’d have a heart attack. Pain stabbedher chest. She lifted her head and was blinded by tears as she tried to stareinto his eyes. He had to be aware of her distress.
“Let me help you.”
She nodded. She’d do anything, try anything, to make itstop. He shifted his hold and forced her upright. It helped as she sucked in alungful of air before the tears seeped down her cheeks. He released her hip andwiped them away with his thumb.
“I’m right here. I’ll do whatever you need.”
She needed him to make the pain go away. Kissing him and histouch turned the pain into pleasure. It was almost instinct to fist his shirtand yank him closer. The sound of ripping material was shocking. He was tallerbut she used her other hand to grab a handful of his black hair, pulling it toget his mouth down to hers. Her lips met his when he tilted his head and shewas the one to kiss him frantically.
The agony faded into sexual need. She didn’t care aboutanything except trying to climb his tall frame. He helped by hooking an armaround her waist and lifting her off her feet. Loud moans tore from her whenshe wrapped her legs around his waist once more. She was the one who started tomove, grinding her pussy against the front of his pants.
He tore his mouth away and turned his head. “Slow down,” hepanted.
“No.” She focused on his exposed throat and latched her openmouth on it, licking and nipping at him.
“Fuck.” His voice deepened.
She wanted to, badly. It meant releasing either his hair orhis shirt though. She let go of his shirt and reached down, trying to work herfingers between their stomachs to locate the snap of his jeans. He bowed hisback enough to give her room to do it and she clawed at the front of his pants.He suddenly turned and she was trapped between his body and the SUV again. Hepinned her there and reached up with his free hand to untangle her fingers fromhis hair.
“Slow down,” he demanded.
She pulled away from his throat and struggled in his grasp.He let go and she gripped his jaw, turning his face enough to kiss him again.Her tongue delved into his mouth and she moaned.
“We have someone on the hotel roof!” a man yelled. “This isShane. Send someone up there now!”
Vanni ignored the warning. She gripped Smiley’s hips withher thighs and writhed against the bulge in his pants, moving up and downagainst him. It felt really good on her clit but she wanted more.
“Smiley!” one of the men yelled. “Get her under cover.”
Smiley pulled her away from the SUV, holding her tightlyagainst his body with her arms and legs wrapped around him. He took a few stepsand turned, getting them both inside the SUV. She ended up straddling his lapwith his ass perched on the edge of the seat to give her legs room so theyweren’t crushed between it and him. Someone slammed the door, sealing theminside.
Vanni went for Smiley’s mouth. They were in the roomybackseat of the SUV and alone. The windows were tinted and she hoped no onecould see in. He kissed her with enough passion to steal her breath. Shewiggled on his lap, frantic to come again.
Smiley broke his mouth from hers, leaving both of thempanting. “I’m rolling you. Spread your thighs.”
She didn’t want to let him go but he forced the issue whenhe gripped her hips and lifted her, turning at the same time. She fell backflat on the leather seat and he scooted all the way to the door, still holdingher. One of her legs was trapped between his hips and the back of the seat. Hejerked her closer, until her ass was against his side.
“Open up for me.”
It was a struggle to do as he asked when she wanted to lungeup and climb on his lap again. He let go of her hips and fisted her skirt,shoving it up to her stomach, and used his other hand to grip her inner thighand push it toward the front compartment. It hit the passenger-side seat. Hereleased it and she cried out when his fingers snagged the center of herunderwear. One strong tug and they were torn away. His thumb rubbed over thewet seam of her pussy and upward, caressing her clit.
Vanni threw back her head at the teasing touch and archedher hips. “Yes.”
“I’m here. Trust me to take care of you.”
It felt too good and she thrashed on the seat, clawing atthe leather above her head. She didn’t want to dig her nails into Smiley andhurt him. It was the only sane thought she had. It might cause him to stopplaying with her throbbing clit. It was the center of her world at that moment,aching so much it seemed her heart had traveled down there and she was sure hecould take her pulse.
His hand returned to her hip, shoving her down to keep herflat on the seat. Vanni closed her eyes. Every muscle in her body seemed totense and then she cried out, coming hard. She sucked in air and would havescreamed if Smiley hadn’t released her hip and bent forward, his hand clampingdown over her mouth.
She opened her eyes, staring into his. They were barelydiscernible in the dim SUV. His face was just a shadow but she could make outthe shape of his eyes. His thumb circled her clit, causing her to jerk as theclimax continued to roll through her. She grabbed at his wrist, just needing totouch him.
He pulled his fingers from her clit and lifted his hand awayfrom her mouth. “Sorry. There’s someone on the roof of the hotel and you lookedabout ready to scream. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She lay spent, trying to catch her breath. Her legs werespread open and her skirt was bunched around her waist. Smiley lay half overher while her sprawled position took up most of the bench seat. She hoped hecouldn’t see her face any better than she could see his. Heat rose to hercheeks. The desire to close her legs and shove her skirt down to cover herexposed pussy was strong but she couldn’t muster the strength to do it.
“I’m sorry I got aggressive.”
She winced. “Me too.”
“It’s the drug. Go ahead and pull my hair, tear my shirt andbite me all you want.”
It sank in that she’d done all those things as memorysurfaced. She released his wrist and reached up, feeling the front of his tanktop. It was torn open and she felt his warm skin.
“I’m so sorry.” She tried to see his neck where she’d beenkissing him, wondering if she’d done more than lightly nip him, but couldn’tmake it out. “I bit you?”
“You can’t hurt me, Vanni. It felt good.”
Her gaze lowered between them but the shiny ring on her lefthand snagged her attention. Reality bitch-slapped her. “Oh my god, I’m engaged.”
The sound Smiley made was a growl and groan combined. “I sawthe ring but hoped it was just jewelry.”
She closed her eyes. Carl would never forgive her for whatshe’d done with Smiley. He’d be furious and hurt. It wouldn’t matter why it hadhappened or that she hadn’t meant to fool around with someone else.

Chapter Three

“Vanni?”
She looked at Smiley when he shifted over her. He roseenough for some of the light in the alley to reach his face and she could makeout his gorgeous brown eyes again. She hated the sad look in them.
“We can ride this out without me entering you. I can handlemyself and take care of you while we suffer the effects of the drug. Just don’tbe offended. I’m in serious pain.”
“You are?” She felt stupid and selfish hearing that. “Iforgot that you’re drugged too.”
“Yes. I need release or I might snap. I respect your statuswith another male and don’t want you to hate me. I just don’t want you afraidwhen I free my dick. I’m not going to force you to take me. Don’t look.”
He’s going to masturbate. No guy had ever done thatin front of her before. She averted her gaze when he sat up and unfastened hispants. He lifted off the seat to shove his pants down enough to get them out ofthe way. Curiosity was strong but she resisted. He sat back down and his bareskin rested against the side of her leg, which was between him and the seat. Heturned a little and cleared his throat.
“You’re safe with me.”
She braved looking at his face. “I understand.” It wasprobably the most awkward moment of her life. She was half naked and he had hislap exposed. They were practically strangers. Her clit started to heat up andher nipples beaded. She was learning the signs.
“It’s about to happen again.” Her breathing increased, herstomach muscles quivered and a dull pain began to build between her thighs. “Whenwill this drug leave our systems?”
“It could be hours.”
“I won’t survive it.”
“You will.”
His hand caressed her thigh and she bit her lip. “That feelsgood.”
“May I enter you with my fingers? I’m afraid you’re going tohurt tomorrow if I continue to only touch you here.” His thumb brushed acrossher sensitive clit.
Instant pleasure shot through her just from that lighttouch. She nodded. The damage was done. She’d already cheated on Carl. Shereached up and gripped the edge of the seat, fighting the temptation to squirmunder his thumb to keep him stroking her. The pain returned with a vengeance.
“Smiley,” she panted, “it’s getting bad.”
He drew circles with the pad of his thumb across the bud ofher sex and she adjusted her thigh to keep her legs open. The seat under hermoved a little when Smiley turned toward her.
“Look at me, Vanni.”
She locked gazes with him and moaned when he turned his handenough to brush his fingers against the folds of her pussy. He cupped her thereand his fingertip gently breached her pussy. She arched against him, wantingmore. It was incredible and she moaned.
“You’re so tight.” His voice deepened. “My dick is envious.”
She turned her head, unable to fight the temptation anymore.It took some twisting on the seat but she stole a glance at his lap. It was inshadow but she could make out his cock. He was big and his other hand waswrapped around the base. It fascinated her and she couldn’t look away.
He inserted his finger deep inside her and she cried out.Amazing. His motion changed from drawing light circles across her clit torubbing up and down while he fucked her with his thick digit. She rolled herhips, straining to meet his slow pace. The sight of him fisting his cock andstroking it to the same tempo as his finger turned her on more.
“Faster,” she urged, wanting to come fast and hard.
“I don’t want to be too rough.”
Vanni let go of the seat and reached down and grabbed his wrist.She bucked her hips wildly, riding his finger. His thumb slipped off her clitbut it didn’t matter. The feel of him inside her, any part of him, was enoughto have her thrashing and moaning, lost in fervor.
He responded by groaning deeply and she grew excitedwatching his hand pump his cock faster. It was hotter than hell to her and shewished there was better lighting. His cock looked thicker and bigger than anyguy she’d ever slept with. She imagined what it would feel like to have himstretching her pussy and she climaxed, crying out his name.
Her vaginal muscles seized around his finger, twitchingstrongly enough that she was aware of every one. Smiley tore his wrist away,withdrawing his finger abruptly. He grabbed his cock with both hands. She watchedhim wrap his fingers around the shaft. He threw his head back, eyes closed,mouth open. He didn’t make a sound but his entire body jerked and she lookeddown, watching him shoot his release. Thick streams of semen jetted out beforehe wrapped the head of his cock within his palm and turned away on the seat. Itleft her staring at his wide shoulders. He quivered a few times and hisbreathing was erratic.
Smiley recovered faster than she did. He straightened in theseat, his back still turned, and pulled his torn tank top over his head. Sheguessed he used it to clean up. He finally faced her and their eyes met.
“Are you okay?”
It stunned her that he was concerned for her. “Yes.”
“Don’t be afraid.”
She wasn’t. Not even when he shifted on the seat and camedown on top of her. He braced his arms on both sides of her and his facehovered inches above hers. He was close enough to kiss. Her vision must haveadjusted to the dimness because she could make out his features a lot betterthan before.
“I don’t have lotion.”
“Okay.”
“You’re soaked, babe. I need to rub against you to coatmyself or I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”
It took her a few seconds to understand what he meant. Shefelt her cheeks heat up and hated the way she blushed so easily. “Oh. Iunderstand.”
He shifted a little more and she was surprised when his cockrubbed against her pussy. He’d just come but he was still rock-hard. He didn’teven need to use his hands but instead adjusted his hips to slide the shaftalong her slit. Her gaze locked with his and she again realized just how sexyhe was. The streetlight coming in through the front of the SUV illuminated hisface clearly.
The pain hadn’t returned yet but she wanted to kiss him. Herolled his hips, sliding the tip of his cock against her clit. She moaned andhe froze.
“Don’t do that,” he rasped. “You have no idea how much Iwant you. I’d die just to possess you once. You’re so beautiful, Vanni.”
No man had ever said that before. It might just be a line heused but the sincere look in his eyes made her believe him. She didn’t plan totouch his face but it happened anyway. She just couldn’t resist cupping hischeeks.
“Really?”
“I’ve never wanted anyone more.”
She bit her lip and took a deep breath. Her gaze shiftedfrom his eyes to the ring on her left hand. She let go of his face and reachedbehind him. She tugged the engagement ring but it didn’t want to budge. Vanniwas persistent. When the band slid off, she let it drop to the floor of theSUV.
Smiley moved to the right a little and stared down at thediscarded ring. He frowned then looked at her. “Why did you do that?”
“I’m too honest and will have to tell my fiancé about whathappened between us. He’ll never marry me. It’s over.”
“He can’t blame you if you had no part in our drugging.”
“You don’t know him. I don’t think I knew him as well as Ithought either, until recently. It’s okay. I think I’m doing both of us a favorby taking that off.”
A hot flash hit and she closed her eyes, breathing throughit. Smiley lifted to put more room between their bodies and sat up. She reachedout a hand and he grasped it, holding on tightly.
“It’s going to pass. I’m right here with you.”
She opened her eyes and used his tight grip to pull herselfinto a sitting position. She had to scoot away from him a little to do it. “Ineed you.”
“Lie back down.”
Her hands trembled as she gripped her shirt, trying to getit off but feeling too shaky to undress. Sweat poured off her. “Get theseclothes off me.”
He hesitated.
“Please?”
He brushed her hands aside and yanked her shirt over herhead. His gaze lowered to her bra and he licked his lips.
“All of it. Please. I’m so hot.”
“I could turn on the engine and run the air-conditioning.”
“Please?” Panic gripped her. “I’m burning up!”
He leaned forward, reached around her, unclasped the bra andtugged it off with an efficiency that bespoke experience. The skirt came offnext, the elastic waist making it simple for him to tug it down her legs. Herpanties were destroyed and she had no idea where her shoes were. She couldn’tremember losing them but they were gone.
“Fuck.” Smiley didn’t try to hide his thorough examinationof her bare body. “You’re perfect.”
The hot flash passed and she wished she’d kept some of herclothes on. Carl had gifted her with a gym membership to lose fifteen poundsbefore their upcoming wedding. Smiley didn’t seem to mind those extra curves ashe openly admired her with a hungry expression. He didn’t point out her flaws.She reached for him.
“Kiss me.”
He hesitated. “We should partially cover you.”
The rejection hurt her feelings and she shrank away. “I’msorry.”
He was there in an instant, scooting across the seat. “Forwhat?”
She drew up her knees in a sad attempt to cover her breastsand shield her pussy from his view. “I suck at being forward.”
His fingers brushed her hair away from her shoulder and hestroked her arm with the back of his knuckles. She smothered a moan. Her bodywas turned-on and she didn’t seem to have an off switch. To her senses, eventhe barest touches seemed amplified.
“Vanni? Look at me.”
It took courage but she did it. Their gazes locked.
“Talk to me. How are you trying to be forward? I’m unsure ofwhat you mean. Be blunt. What are you thinking?”
She’d always been a bit shy and passive when it came to sex.Of course she’d never been dosed with a drug that made her breasts feel heavyand ache to be touched. Her pussy throbbed so much it was turning into realpain.
“I took off the ring.” She swallowed. “I need you.” It wasdifficult to tell him that she wanted him to fuck her and she couldn’t getthose exact words out. “You, um, don’t have to take care of yourself. We couldhelp each other.”
That soft growly groan he uttered was sexy and made herache.
“I don’t want you to hate me tomorrow after the drug is outof your system. You’ll regret it.”
“Maybe.” She decided to be honest. “But tomorrow isn’t rightnow. And I won’t hate you. I’ll beat myself up if I have to blame someone. Iwant you.”
“Are you certain?” He stopped stroking her arm.
“Yes.”
“Are you on the Pill or any form of birth control?”
“Yes and I have a clean bill of health. What about you?”
“Species don’t carry diseases.”
She lowered her gaze to his chest. He was muscular and broad-chested.“You’re perfect too.” A stabbing pain shot up her spine. She clutched his upperarm. “It’s starting again.”
He leaned closer and reached behind her seat. She wonderedwhat he was doing until the seatback reclined. She collapsed with it andgasped. Smiley slid off the seat, breaking her hold on him, and fumbled withsomething near his legs. The front driver’s seat clicked and he shoved itforward. He straightened to his knees in the less cramped space between theseats and gripped her thighs. One tug and her ass slid to the edge of the leather.He wedged his hips between her spread thighs and bent over until his facehovered inches above her own.
“I’ll be gentle.”
She was about to have sex with a stranger. She alwaysthought it would be impersonal and cold. It didn’t feel that way when he smiled.It put her at ease. Smiley didn’t just enter her, he kissed her instead. Shewrapped one arm around his middle and the other over his shoulder, her handsexploring the expanse of his back. He was warm and had silky-soft skin,considering he looked so tough. He reached between them and massaged her clit.
She tore her mouth away from his and moaned. “I hurt.”
“Wrap your legs around me as high as possible.”
She didn’t argue or question him but pulled her knees higherand clamped her inner thighs against his ribs. It trapped one of her arms underhis but he pressed his weight down to pin her there when she tried to wiggle itfree.
“Just allow me to lead this, Vanni. I’m going to make youfeel so good.”
The way he said it, so soft yet gruff, sent the good kind ofchills down her spine. He stopped playing with her clit and she wanted toprotest but before she could his cock brushed against the slit of her pussy.
“Relax,” he urged.
She wiggled, wanting him inside her too much to worry abouthis size. “I can’t.”
He pressed tighter against her and she assumed he used hishand to guide his shaft to the perfect spot. He found it and surged forward.Vanni gasped, his cock stretching her vaginal walls as he pushed inside her.She was extremely wet and ready to take him but he froze.
“Son of a bitch.”
“Don’t stop.” She wasn’t sure what was wrong but she dug herheels into his lower spine. “Please.”
He made another soft sound in his throat. “I couldn’t if thedamn SUV caught fire. We’d burn. I’m just afraid I’m going to lose it and betoo rough. You feel too good.”
She bucked her hips. “I hurt for you.”
He pressed deeper inside her and she cried out. He wasreally big. Her body seemed stretched beyond capacity. Concern hit her for asplit second. He went deeper and she clawed his back, frantically wanting himto move faster. She’d been so sure it would hurt but he felt amazing.
“Too slow,” she gasped.
“I’m trying to be gentle, babe,” he murmured, his voicegruff. “Fuck. The drugs are making you swell inside. We’re going to kill eachother. I’m terrified I’ll be too rough with you.”
He was part animal and she had no idea what his version ofrough was. It didn’t matter though, when he withdrew a little and adjusted hiships to drive into her again with a steady thrust. The pleasure overrode anyfear. He found that G-spot she’d heard so much about but never had a guy findbefore. Her eyes widened in surprise and she cried out his name.
His chest touched her breasts and every movement brushed hishot skin against her hard nipples. He rode her faster, hitting that magic spotthat sent sparks of rapture straight to her brain. She moaned, lost in thesensation of their joined bodies. It was a tight fit and she could feel everythick inch of him. More of Smiley’s weight came down on her but the solid massof his body stretched above her was comforting instead of crushing. She wantedto get as close to him as possible, until they fused together. His pelvisground against her clit.
Vanni screamed as the climax hit. It was ten times strongerthan the other ones Smiley had given her. She finally knew what mind-blowingmeant, as if a bomb detonated inside her skull. Her pussy seemed to have thesame reaction as those muscles convulsed, squeezing his rigid shaft so tightlyshe worried something might get damaged on one of them.
“Oh hell,” he groaned.
She forced her eyes open despite her difficulty to focus onanything but the waves of pleasure still surging through her. Smiley lifted hischest away from her. A pained expression contorted his features into somethingalmost frightening. He clenched his teeth, showing fangs since his lips pulledback in an almost-snarl. He’d frozen on top of her when she’d come but hestarted fucking her again in short, violent jerks.
Vanni’s eyes widened and she struggled to breathe. Shecouldn’t draw air into her lungs. The extreme pleasure coursing through her wastoo much. Smiley groaned as his cock drove deeper, stayed there, and he startedto come. Heat pulsed inside her as his semen filled her. Another climax struckVanni. It was too strong.
I’m dying. Terror nearly overrode the pleasure but itcrashed through her again. Her eyes closed and blackness came, takingeverything away.
Smiley braced his arms to keep from collapsing on top ofVanni. His jaw hurt a little from grinding his teeth to prevent himself fromyelling when he came. He hadn’t wanted to scare her. Tremors racked his body inthe aftermath of what he’d just experienced. None of his past sexual encounterswith females had ever come close to what they’d just shared. He understood theterm “turned inside out” after the volatile eruption of his nuts. He’d beshocked if they still contained a drop of semen.
He stared at her. Her eyes were closed, her face turnedslightly away. “Vanni?”
She didn’t answer or react in any way. He cleared histhroat, hoping his gruff tone didn’t sound too harsh. “Are you okay?”
She didn’t move. His gaze lowered to her lovely breasts.They moved with the rise and fall of her chest. He shifted position, used oneelbow to brace his weight and cupped her cheek, gently turning it to get abetter look at her. She appeared to be sleeping peacefully but it scared thehell out of him.
“Vanni!”
Her breath fanning his face assured him she was alive butshe didn’t respond or open her eyes. Panic wasn’t an emotion he felt often buthe did then. He’d been told of a story by a Species who’d been given a breedingdrug. He’d woken to find himself still on top of a female but she’d died. He’dkilled her during their coupling.
“No,” he whimpered.
He slowly withdrew his dick from the tight confines of herpussy. “Vanni? Open your eyes. Tell me you’re okay. Tell me I didn’t harm you.”He wasn’t above pleading.
He needed to get help. He lifted up, forgetting where hewas, and the back of his head slammed into the roof of the SUV. The pain barelyregistered as he looked down between them. He sniffed, not seeing or smellingblood. He’d lost control when she’d climaxed. The feel of her, the sounds shemade, had driven him into a frenzy. Her pussy had tightened to the point thathe couldn’t move at first—almost torture since he’d been right on the edge. Thesecond her muscles had eased their grip on his dick, those urges couldn’t bedenied. He’d come so hard he’d been oblivious to everything else.
“Vanni?”
She still didn’t move but she was breathing. He grabbed hisjeans and tried to jerk them up his thighs. The material was trapped under hisknees. He threw himself forward and to the left, slamming his shoulder into theseat. He got the pants up but didn’t bother to fasten them. Her skirt tangledwith his boot when he slid closer to the door. He looked down and grabbed it.The fabric ripped but he got his foot free.
One glance at Vanni made him aware of her nakedness and hetried to cover her with the flimsy garment. The thing was long enough to gofrom her breasts to her knees. He took a second to close her limp legs.Protecting her modesty seemed important at that moment. He reached out, grabbedthe handle and shoved the door open.
“Get a medic!”
He wouldn’t leave her side. He adjusted the skirt over herand brushed his fingers through her hair. “Vanni? Come on, open your eyes.”
Heavy footsteps sounded and Brass leaned into the SUVthrough the open door. “What is wrong?”
“She’s out. I don’t know if I hurt her or not.”
The other door was yanked open and Ned was there. Smileywanted to attack when the guy touched Vanni. He grabbed her wrist and battedSmiley’s hand away from her hair to press his fingertips against her throat.
“What are you doing?”
Ned met his gaze. “Checking her pulse. It’s slow and steady.What happened?”
“I don’t know.”
“They were sharing sex and now she’s unconscious,” Brassgrouched. “I don’t smell blood.”
Smiley was glad to hear that. His sense of smell wasn’t asacute as the canine’s. It meant he hadn’t caused internal bleeding. “Is she allright?”
Ned released her and frowned. “I think she just passed out.Her heartbeat is stable. I don’t exactly have a blood pressure monitor on mebut I probably should examine her.” He reached for the skirt covering her body.
“Don’t.” Smiley lunged, bumped his head on the roof of theSUV again, but effectively stopped the human when he leaned over her still formand grabbed the backs of the seats to keep from falling on top of her. It puthis face inches from Ned’s and he showed his fangs to make the threat clear.
Ned almost tripped, making a hasty retreat. “Okay. Don’tbite me. Fuck.”
“It’s the drug.” Snow arrived at the other side of the SUV.He pushed Ned out of the way, his cool stare fixing on Smiley. “Easy, Smiley.Where’s your normal chipper attitude?”
“Fuck you. He isn’t going to see her naked.”
Snow blinked a few times and frowned. “Okay.”
Shane arrived, a little out of breath. He stared at Vanni,and Smiley didn’t like it. He rumbled gruffly. Shane’s hands went up. “I have medicaltraining. You yelled for a medic.”
“He won’t let us examine her,” Ned whispered. “He’s scarypissed and defensive.”
“Under the circumstances, that’s normal,” Brass remindedthem. “Smiley? Look at me. Sit down.”
Smiley eased his ass down and released the backs of theseats so he was no longer leaning over Vanni but kept close. He focused on her.Her expression was peaceful. She didn’t seem to be in pain.
“Smiley?” Brass’ voice softened. “She probably just passedout. It’s a painful drug and humans aren’t as tolerant of it as we are. It’sfor the best.”
That whipped his head around to glare at Brass. “How can yousay that?”
“She isn’t suffering. We need to get her to Homeland beforeshe wakes. I’m listening to her breathing. I’ve spent enough time around humanfemales to know how they breathe when they are sleeping. That’s all it isunless you think you broke some of her bones. Did you become too aggressive?”
“No.” He was sure of that.
“We need to get her to our doctors.”
It made sense. He nodded sharply. “Drive.”
Brass hesitated. “Shane and Ned, I want both of you totravel with them in case she needs medical help. If she wakes in pain, you cancall for a helicopter once you reach an isolated area where one can landwithout causing a stir. A backup team will follow in the other SUV. Snow and Ihave to stay here with Justice.”
Shane climbed into the driver’s seat and adjusted it to fithis long legs. The engine roared to life. Smiley relaxed a little now that someof the fear had eased. He had to believe she was just exhausted or the drug hadknocked her out. It beat the alternative that she was gravely ill.
Smiley’s dick hardened painfully and a sharp stab of painhit his gut. He groaned.
“Smiley?” Brass leaned into the SUV again. “What’s wrong?”
“Pain,” he rasped, holding his stomach, his breathingerratic.
“Sorry. I don’t want you to suffer,” Brass stated.
Brass gripped his shoulder and Smiley glanced at him whenthe male forced him to turn. Smiley saw the fist a second before it landed onhis jaw.

Chapter Four

“I would hate to be in the other SUV,” a man stated.
“Me too. Smiley is going to be pissed that Brass decked himwhen he comes around. They don’t fuck around, do they?” The second voicebelonged to a guy too.
Vanni lay on her side in some kind of vehicle. It was darkwhen she opened her eyes and it took a few seconds for memory to return, fearcoming with it. She was alone in the backseat of one of the SUVs—probably thesame one she and Smiley had been in. Someone had put seat belts on her. One wasaround her thighs, the other around her rib cage. Her skirt was draped over herlike a blanket but she was naked underneath. The feel of leather against herskin assured her of that.
“No shit,” the first one stated. He was in the driver’s seat.
“Sometimes I wonder if we’re crazy to work with New Species.What about you, Shane? Do you ever think you should be doing something else?”
“Nope. I love the NSO. It’s just been a bad night, Ned.Nobody expected an attack like that to go down at the hotel.”
Ned was silent for long seconds. “I was right there justtwenty feet away. You expect this shit in third-world countries, not at home.”
“What shit?”
“Terrorists being women. I saw her sit next to Smiley anddidn’t give it a second thought. She looked innocent enough.”
“I heard her say she didn’t drug their drinks.”
“You buy that?” Ned snorted. “How are you so naïve? Iforgot. You’re like a full-grown Boy Scout and think all chicks are as sweet asyour sisters. Wake the fuck up and live in the real world. We’re lucky she wasn’tan assassin. I’d have felt like a real asshole if she’d killed him in that bar.I’m guessing she’s some hooker they hired.”
“She doesn’t look like one.”
Ned laughed. “How would you know? Have you ever paid somechick to fuck you?”
“No.”
“Exactly. I have and not all of them are dolled up all thetime. I did one who reminded me of my third-grade teacher. It was kind of hotsince I had a crush on her.”
“You’re sick.” Shane cursed softly. “The engine light justcame on. Radio it in.”
“Just pull over at the next gas station. Why bother them? It’sprobably a loose battery cable. That happened to one I drove last week.”
“The oil light is blinking now.”
“So we’ll buy some oil and I’ll put it in. It will take afew minutes. Otherwise we’re going to have to wait for the other SUV to catchup and they’ll transfer her to it while we’re stuck waiting for roadsideservice. I just want to turn her over to Medical and go home.”
“She needs to be taken to Homeland as fast as possible. Theyare only about thirty miles behind us.”
“She’s out cold. It won’t matter and hell, we’ll probably beon the road before they reach us. Just pull over at the gas station.”
“Fine. I’m radioing it in though when we stop.”
“Boy Scout.” Ned chuckled. “You’re probably terrified Smileywill tear you a new asshole if he thinks you might have had a few minutes toexamine her. Did you see the way he damn near bit off my face?”
“They are protective of women.”
“He should want her strung up for drugging him. I wouldn’tgive a damn what happened to a chick who laced my drink so I had to fuck her.”
“Shut up, Ned. We don’t know if she’s guilty or not.”
“I think she is. He sat at the corner of the bar. She wasthe only one to take that empty seat next to him and was close enough to dopehis drink.”
Vanni wanted to protest but kept quiet. They thought she wasstill unconscious and she wasn’t sure how they’d react if she let them know shewas awake. Did the NSO really think she’d do something so awful?
“I just hope both of them are going to be okay.”
“She’ll probably end up arrested and he’s going to have ahell of a headache from that sucker punch. Take the next exit.”
“I see it.” Shane sighed. “I hope you’re wrong. Smileyseemed to really like her.”
“I’d say so. I don’t even have the super nose they do and Iwant to roll down the windows. It smells like a brothel in here.”
“Keep the windows up. I don’t want her to get cold.”
Ned laughed. “No comment about the brothel remark, huh? Doyou even know what sex smells like? Don’t tell me Boy Scout is still a virgin.”
“I’m not. Why are you being such a dick tonight?”
“I’m tired and just want to go to bed. Pull into that truckstop. They’ll have oil. I’ll run in while you make the call to the other SUV.Pop the hood for me.”
The SUV slowed and they made a few turns. Vanni closed hereyes when they drove under the bright lights in case one of them turned aroundto check on her. She didn’t know what else to do but she didn’t want to talk toeither of them. The SUV stopped and the engine shut off.
“You go in,” Shane ordered. “I’ll stay here with her.”
“She’s dead to the world. Just pop the damn hood and I’llbuy the oil.”
“Fine. I guess that’s okay.”
The doors opened and closed. Vanni hesitated and the vehiclejerked a little. She lifted up to peer between the seats. The hood was up andshe could see through the small space between it and the engine. One man stoodthere. She turned her head and watched the other one walk inside a gas station.They were parked away from the other cars that were getting gas. One glancearound the area showed a few food places and a lot of cars.
She fumbled to get free of the seatbelts then franticallyput on her skirt. Her bra was on the floor with her shirt. She didn’t take thetime to put it on but instead shoved it into the pocket of her skirt after shepulled the white top over her head and yanked it down to her waist.
A search of the floor failed to locate her shoes. Her ringcaught her attention though. She stared at it with dread before picking it up.She put it in her pocket and hunched down to stare through the gap between theopen hood and the engine compartment. The man remained there. The other wasstill inside, in line, holding something against his chest.
A big semi pulled into the lot and parked about ten feetaway. The loud engine stayed on while a man opened the passenger door, slid outof the cab and headed toward the gas station.
Vanni took a deep breath. She wasn’t in pain anymore. Most ofthe drug must have left her system. She had two options. Stay in the SUV and betaken to Homeland with everyone around her thinking she’d drugged a NewSpecies, or try to escape.
No interior lights had come on when they’d opened the doorsand there’d been no dinging sound. She remembered they hadn’t come on whenSmiley and she had entered the SUV. She tested the door on the driver’s sideand found it unlocked. The noise of the semi’s engine drowned out any soundwhen the door opened. Her heart pounded with fear of being caught but she slidout into the windy night and pushed the door just enough for it to catch butnot close all the way.
The pavement was cold on her bare feet as she crouched andtiptoed to the back of the vehicle. Several cars were parked about thirty feetaway near a restaurant. She hesitated, checking to make sure the guard wasstill in line behind a few customers who were ahead of him. He wasn’t lookingher way.
Just do it! She kept low and ran. It hurt her feetbut she was motivated to get away. It was a relief when she made it to the carsand ducked, hiding behind one. No one shouted at her. Keeping low, she movedcloser to the restaurant. She needed to get out of there before they discoveredher gone. She had no money but she could call her best friend collect.
Vanni reached the side of the building and straightened,crossing her arms over her breasts, trying to hide that she wasn’t wearing abra. She’d just go inside and ask to use their phone. She’d lie and say her carbroke down. The fact that she had no shoes, money or even her purse might givethat lie away. She considered saying she’d been mugged but then the policewould get involved. That was the last thing she wanted. They’d contact the NSOand hand her over to them. It would defeat the purpose of escaping.
A woman came out of the restaurant as she approached thefront doors. She wore faded jeans, a sweater and appeared to be in her fifties.Vanni glanced at her face, nodded and walked around her.
“Are you okay?” The woman stopped. “You look like hell.”
Vanni paused and turned. The concern on the other woman’sface was clear. “I had a fight with my boyfriend and just left him next door,”she lied.
“Aw. You poor thing. They won’t let you go in there withoutshoes.”
Vanni hadn’t thought of that. “I’m just going to ask to usetheir phone and have my friend pick me up.”
“Where do you live?”
“It’s about an hour from here.” She gave the name of thecity.
“I’m heading that way to go visit my sister. Do you want alift? I have a daughter about your age. I always try to pay it forward. You canuse my cell phone and have your friend meet us when we get closer to your home.”
“Thank you.” She jumped on the offer. “I’d appreciate thatso much.”
“That’s my pickup right over there. I have a jacket you canborrow. You must be freezing.”
It reminded her of Smiley. His face flashed in her mind. Sheshoved those memories away. “I’m okay.” It was a lie. She’d had sex with astranger and her entire life had turned upside down in the space of a fewhours.
She followed the woman to her pickup and climbed inside thecab. They backed out of the parking space and Vanni turned her head, peering atthe gas station. All the doors on the SUV were wide open and one of the guardswas frantically throwing his arms around while the other one seemed to be onthe phone. They’d discovered she was gone.
“What’s your name, hon?”
Vanni forced a smile, facing her companion. “Vanni.”
“Oh, that’s an odd name but it’s pretty.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m Melinda. Do you like country music?”
“Sure.” She didn’t care what played on the radio. It wasimpossible to relax until they were on the freeway and she was safely away. Nobig black SUVs appeared in the side-view mirror.
“Thank you for this.” Vanni hugged her chest tighter.
“You’re welcome. You’re my very first hitchhiker. Well, Iguess you’re technically not since your thumb wasn’t up.” Melinda laughed.
Vanni tried to pay attention to the friendly chatter andanswer when it was appropriate but her mind kept drifting to Smiley and whatthey’d done together in the back of that NSO vehicle. Her body was sore,especially between her legs. No stabbing pains jolted through her though,something for which she was grateful. No hot flashes or cold chills struck her.She was going to survive after all. Now it was all about dealing with theconsequences.
“Men are jerks. You look so depressed. Don’t be.” Melindareached over and patted her leg. “You’re young and attractive. You’ll find abetter one.”
Vanni just nodded.
“Did your boyfriend cheat on you?”
Vanni hesitated. “He screwed me.”
“Don’t all men.”
The cheating reference hurt. Smiley wasn’t the cheater. She’dhave to face Carl. The ring in her pocket would have to be returned. She almostwas sorry she’d run from the NSO. They might have been more understanding aboutwhat happened than her soon-to-be ex.
* * * * *
Smiley climbed out of the bed at Medical. “They just allowedher to walk away from them? Why weren’t they watching her?”
Fury took a deep breath. “Shane and Ned made a mistake.”
“A mistake? She could be out there in pain. Vulnerable!”Smiley yelled, not caring to lower his tone. “Someone could take advantage ofher.”
“Put the ice pack back on your face,” Midnight urged. “Please?Brass really tagged you.”
“I’m going to kill him. He had no right to hit me.”
“You were in pain and exhibiting breeding-drug symptoms. Hewas afraid you’d go insane and hurt the human.” Fury pushed away from the wall.“Be reasonable. You would have done the same. Do I have to point out what couldhave happened?”
“I wouldn’t have harmed Vanni.”
Midnight frowned. “She was the only female in the vicinity.You would have mounted her even if she’d been unconscious. It would havedamaged your soul. You’re a good male.”
Smiley cringed at the thought. “I was in control.”
“Brass wasn’t certain it would last.”
“We have contacted all the human hospitals and their policeto be on the lookout for a female in distress. Tell him, Fury.” Midnight shothim a dirty look.
“We have many agencies working on this. Our teams at thehotel are attempting to identify the female. No one with the name Vanni wasregistered there.”
“Her full name is Travanni.” Smiley regretted not asking forher last name. Humans had those.
Rusty walked into the room and stared at Smiley. “I heardyou were given the breeding drug.” She stepped closer. “What happened to yourjaw?”
“Brass put him out,” Midnight answered. “He seems to bedoing okay now.”
“Leave us alone.” Rusty unfastened the straps securing hervest over her uniform.
Smiley was grateful to have so many friends and heunderstood and appreciated Rusty’s offer, but he just wasn’t interested. “I’mfine.”
Her fingers froze and she frowned. “You don’t want to sharesex?” Her gaze lowered to the front of his pants. “You’re hard.”
Vanni’s face flashed in his thoughts, the image crystalclear. He wanted to have sex but not with Rusty. It made him feel a littleguilty since he liked her and they’d shared sex in the past. He couldn’t denysome of the drug was still in his system, enough so to keep his dick erect.
“You need me.” Rusty’s husky tone and the way she keptstaring at his pants made her intent clear. “I’ll take care of you.”
“I can’t.” He didn’t want to hurt her feelings.
“You don’t have to do anything to me with your mouth if yourjaw hurts.” She dropped the vest on a chair and reached for the waist of hershirt.
“Stop!” Smiley inwardly winced. “I appreciate that you camehere but I have another female’s scent all over me.” That was true. He couldsmell Vanni on him. They’d rubbed together, skin to skin, covered in sweat andhe’d touched her all over. His dick hardened even more, a painful throb in hisjeans. Someone had fastened them when he’d been out but he still wore the samepants. “It wouldn’t be right.”
“I know. I could give you a sponge bath or we could showertogether. Poor Smiley. Was it horrible having to touch a human against yourwill? I’ll make you forget about her.”
Horrible? Hell no. Smiley wanted to put his hands onVanni again. She wasn’t the female standing feet from him, offering to getnaked though. That was the problem. Forget Vanni? Never. I want her foundand brought to me.
Midnight snagged the discarded vest and stepped between himand Rusty, her back to Smiley. “He’s in pain and agitated. We have to runX-rays on his jaw to make certain Brass didn’t fracture it. You know how toughour males are. They’d never complain. Why don’t you return to the women’s dorm?I’ll call you if you’re needed.”
“He’s my friend and I’m not leaving him in this condition,”Rusty protested.
Midnight growled. “Let me rephrase that. Go to the women’sdorm, or wherever you were when you heard the news, but get out of Medical. I’mrunning X-rays on his jaw. He isn’t permitted to share sex until he’s cleared.”
“He needs me.” Rusty wasn’t willing to give up yet.
“You stay and you’ll need your own room.” Midnight steppedforward, bumped into the other female and pushed her back. “Do you want to testwho is more dominant? I’ll kick your ass.”
“Why are you being this way?” Rusty sounded confused.
“We’re in a crisis and you need to leave. I’ll call you ifthings change. Go.” She handed the vest to Rusty.
Smiley relaxed a little when Rusty spun on her heel andstomped out of his room. Midnight turned and sighed. Her expression softened whenshe said, “You’re too nice.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You have an expressive face, Smiley. She was too busystaring at your lower half to see your dismayed reaction when she offered toshare sex. She was pretty hot to get you out of those pants. A primate Specieson a breeding drug probably is an experience she either wanted to try out orperhaps missed from Mercile days. Would you have agreed to it if I hadn’t madeher leave, just to avoid hurting her feelings?”
“No. Maybe.”
“That’s what I figured. Now it’s not an issue.” She put herhands on her hips. “My work here is done. I’ll let you males argue. I have somecalls to make so I’ll be in my office.” She left.
Fury’s phone beeped and he withdrew it, reading the screen.
“Is it about Vanni? Has she been found? Is she safe?” Smileyhoped so.
Fury’s lips compressed into a tight light and he looked up. “Thatwas Brass. The news isn’t good.”
Smiley sat hard on the bed, gripping the edges of themattress. “She’s dead?” Just saying the words hurt. He didn’t want to believeit.
Fury put his phone back in his pocket and approached. “Hername is Travanni Abris. She wasn’t registered at the hotel because she was aguest of a group that booked an entire floor of rooms.”
“Is she dead?” he repeated, not sure what he’d do if Furysaid yes. The meal he’d eaten early in the evening threatened to come up.
“We haven’t located her yet.” Fury paused. “She was with theWoods Church, Smiley.”
He’d heard that name before. It took him a moment toremember where. “The church that came to protest our presence at theconference?”
“Yes. Gregory Woods is a preacher or something, who headsthat church. He’s been very vocal in the news concerning his belief that weshould never have been created and insists our existence is an insult to hisgod. He wants Homeland and Reservation shut down and all of us returned to ourcells. He refers to Homeland and Reservation as zoos.”
Smiley let the information sink in. “Why would he say that?”
Fury shrugged. “He’s an asshole. I had to watch some of histelevised sermons for research purposes. Know your enemies. He compared us toanimals that have been trained to talk and dress as if we are humans. He statesthat wild animals shouldn’t be domesticated and it is a disaster about tohappen. He even referenced a few horror movies for what could happen if we aren’tput back in cages and kept in our place. His tactics are to use fear tofrighten humans into believing we’ll take over the world and put them in cagesinstead.”
“He sounds like someone I’d like to lock up.”
Fury flashed a grin. “Exactly.”
Smiley couldn’t find the humor in their exchange. Vanniobviously belonged to a church that hated Species. He reviewed every momentthey’d shared. “She didn’t treat me the way humans who think we’re dangerousdo. You know how they act as if we’re going to bite them or they talk slowly asif we can’t understand what they say?”
Fury nodded.
“I liked her,” he admitted.
“She drugged you. At least now we know who DrackwoodResearch sold the formula to. The Woods Church obviously bought the humanversion of our breeding drug.”
Dr. Harris walked in. “How are you feeling, Smiley?”
“I’m okay. The pain is gone.”
“I see you’re still suffering an erection. I’m going to haveto drain the blood if that side effect doesn’t go away within a few hours.”
Smiley reached down and protected his crotch with one hand. “No.I told you that already when you mentioned it the first time.”
“Priapism can cause you to suffer erectile dysfunction inthe future, Smiley.”
“What is that?”
“Priapism means long-term erections. Can you ejaculate?”
The memory of being on top of Vanni, inside her and comingflashed through Smiley’s mind. “Yes.”
“We’re not like you,” Fury reminded the younger of the twoHarris doctors who worked for the NSO—father and son. “None of us who havetaken the breeding drug have trouble getting hard afterward. That was the pointwhen Mercile created it. They wanted to make sure we had sex often when theywere attempting to impregnate our females.”
“Do you feel like yourself?” Dr. Harris studied Smiley.
“I’m a bit irritated but I’m fine.” He’d feel better if theylocated Vanni and brought her to Homeland so he knew she was safe. “The stomachcramps are gone.”
“How are your levels of aggression?”
“Still high.” He wouldn’t lie. The urge to hit something wasthere but he resisted. The last thing he wanted was to be restrained if theyworried he would hurt someone. “It’s manageable.”
“Some of our tests have been confirmed. It is a form of thebreeding drug, albeit a milder version. I wish I could send it off to a friendof mine to look at but Justice said no.”
“The last thing we need is to hand another weapon against usover to unknowns.” Fury’s phone beeped. He retrieved it and he glanced at thescreen. “I’m with Justice on this. It’s too risky. Hang on. I have to takethis.” He rushed out of the room.
“What would the milder version do to a human?”
“I’m not sure. I’d have to examine her. I was told sheescaped custody.”
“Is she going to die?”
“I don’t know.”
It infuriated Smiley. “What do you know?”
Dr. Harris backed away. “Calm down.”
“I just keep thinking she woke up in pain and ran away. She’sprobably suffering and some male could come across her. He could do anything toher.” His voice took on a gruff sound and his hands fisted. “She’s defenseless.”
“Listen to me,” the doctor urged, “I tested both drinks. Theamount of the drug was higher in your drink than in hers. You’re cranky butfine. The pain is gone. You’re just moody as shit. I’m sure she’s probably thesame. I read the report. According to her height and approximate weight, I don’tthink it was a toxic amount.”
That made him feel better.
“Unless she has health issues. Those are things I can’tfactor in.”
He wanted to hit the doctor. “Go.”
“Smiley, I really think I should run a few blood tests onyou.”
“Get out before I strike you. I’m about to.”
Dr. Harris left in a hurry. Fury returned.
“Who called? Have they found Vanni?”
Fury hesitated. “Someone responded to the APB the police putout. A witness said he saw a female fitting her description getting into atruck with another female. She appeared to be fine but the witness rememberedher because her skirt was ripped near the hem and she wasn’t wearing shoes. Hethought she might be homeless.”
“Were they able to track that truck?”
“He didn’t catch the license plate or where it headed. Theypulled her driver’s license information and two police officers are parkedoutside her apartment. No one answered when they knocked. They are watching incase she returns home. We’ll find her, Smiley. The good news is that she’s witha female. No male took her.”
“All right.” He took deep breaths. “I need an outlet for therage. I’m not in pain but I’m pissed.”
“We’ll go to the training room. I’m sure someone will sparwith you.”
He nodded. “Let’s do that.”
“You may wish to shower first.”
Vanni. Her smell was on him. He hesitated, notwilling to lose that connection. It wasn’t rational though, he realized. “Okay.”
Fury studied him, worry evident.
“I’ll be fine.”
His friend nodded. “I know.”

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