“Only Species have use of them.”

“You should share them with the world. Do you know what a miracle it is that I’ve healed this fast?”

A muscle along his jaw jumped, his anger clear. “Mercile did trials on humans. The results were deadly. We’re much sturdier than your kind. You wouldn’t have been given the drug either due to the risk of death but you were so injured there was nothing to lose. It’s amazing you’re alive.” He carried her to the hospital bed and laid her on it. “You’re going to have to take it easy for a few days. Your body has endured a lot, Kat.”

She let that information sink in. “I feel good.”

“It took three of our doctors all night to make sure they didn’t sedate you to death in order to keep your rapid heart rate and rising blood pressure from killing you while you were on the drugs. It’s lucky you made it, Kat. You may feel as if you’re fine but your body has probably never suffered such stress.”

“Thank you. I take it that you asked them do it?”

He hesitated. “You were dying anyway. It was your only chance.”

“Please thank everyone for me.”

“It’s their job.”

The subject was closed. He didn’t seem willing or able to accept her gratitude. She changed the topic to a safer one. “I’d like to call Missy.”

“She’s down the hall.”

“She’s here at Homeland?”

“Where were we supposed to send her? Your home was destroyed.” He got her a fresh gown and helped her pull it over her head then tugged it down until she was decently covered.

“Thank you, Darkness.”

He backed away. “Stop thanking me. Was I supposed to allow you to be sent to a human hospital to die?” His tone deepened into a snarl. “Was I supposed to just trust them to do everything they could to save you? I thought you were dead when I found you under the piece of roof that landed on you.”

“A roof landed on me?”

“Only your foot was free of it. That’s how I spotted you.”

“Thank goodness I wasn’t wearing ruby slippers. Missy says I can be a witch at times.”

Darkness scowled. “What does that mean?”

“Sorry. That’s my bad attempt at humor.”

“It wasn’t funny!” he roared.

Kat started.

Darkness panted, backing away. “You rest.” He didn’t yell that time but he still looked enraged. “And don’t mention the boy to anyone. You shouldn’t have seen him.”

“I signed the confidentiality agreement. He’s cute. He won’t get into trouble, will he? I swear I won’t tell anyone about him.”

“He better not have gone to Missy’s room. I need to check. It would make her a security risk.”

“She’d rather die than put a child in danger. I know her as well as myself. She’s my best friend. Don’t threaten her, Darkness. Just explain the situation or I will if Salvation paid her a visit. She’ll keep it a secret.”

“Stay in bed and allow your body more time to heal.”

He spun, unlocked the door and was gone. Kat leaned back on the bed. “Shit.” She’d nearly died. Darkness had saved her life. All those facts were sinking in. He was also trying to pick fights with her.

So much for our clean break. She was right back at Homeland. If she believed in signs, it would be a flashing neon one. She and Darkness weren’t done. Not by a long shot. And I’m not sorry about it. I just think he is.

Darkness located Fury and Salvation down the hallway. He approached. Fury whispered to the boy, chastising him about his behavior. He was on the floor, on his knees at the boy’s level. Darkness caught the end of their conversation.

“That’s why you can’t roam, Sal. That human knew about our children but what if she didn’t? You’re too young to understand but we have enemies. You need to trust me. I’m your dad.”

“Sorry.” Salvation appeared contrite.

Fury ruffled his hair and pulled him into his arms. “You just need to be more careful.”

Darkness halted a few feet from them. “Did he visit Missy too?”

Fury looked up and shook his head. “No. Just Kat. How did she take it?”

“She thinks he’s a baby.”

Fury grinned. “Ellie does as well.”

“I’m no baby.” Sal growled, showing his fangs.

Darkness bent. “Then follow orders and don’t go against your father’s rules. Adults know boundaries.”

Sal leaned heavily against his father, a little fear flashing in his eyes. “I’m not an adult. I’m a young male.”

Fury hugged the boy to his chest and rose to stand with his son in his arms. “Is this going to be a problem?”

“Kat won’t say anything about Sal. She understands why Species children need to remain secret.”

“Good. How is she?”

“Much better but weak.”

“It’s to be expected. Trisha and Alli have gone home to their mates. Treadmont wanted to be informed when she woke.”

“Why?”

“To check on his patient. He is the only doctor on duty right now.”

“She’s well.”

“There’s no neurological damage?”

“She’s a little,” he searched for an appropriate word, “mellow, but I think it’s from the sedative.”