Darkness Read online

  That earned her a glare.

  “I would never accept. You’re the only man I want.”

  “I’d still hurt them.” He focused on the pan. “Stop distracting me. I’m not an expert at this. I’d like the first meal I make you not to be a disaster. I’m attempting to impress you.”

  “Strip out of your clothes if you ruin breakfast. I’ll still be impressed.”

  He softly cursed and licked his thumb. She knew he’d burned it. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry. I’ll go into the bedroom. Call me when it’s ready. You okay?” She turned, heading toward the other room.

  “I’m fine. I heal fast.”

  Kat grinned as she entered the bedroom and stripped the bedding off the mattress. It needed to be washed too. He wouldn’t let her do laundry but she could at least get it ready for him. Her morning had started out bad but it had gotten a lot better. Darkness was letting her stay. They were both making an effort to see how living together would turn out.

  She searched his room and found an empty laundry basket in the bottom of his closet. It was sad to see only his uniforms hanging on the closet rod. She glanced at the tall dresser, assuming he folded most of his casual wear. She tossed the bedding into the plastic container, hefted it up and carried it to the front door where she set it down.

  “That smells wonderful.”

  “Do you want ham and cheese?”

  “Yes.” She went after the towels they’d used and his outfit from the night before, minus his vest, and added everything to the pile. “Where are your dirty clothes?”

  “I washed them yesterday. I had time to kill while I was waiting for your file from the FBI.”

  That crumpled her good mood. She approached the counter. “My file?”

  “Yes.”

  “How did you get that?”

  He plated their food. “We have a contact in your world who was able to obtain it.”

  “Who?”

  “Senator Jacob Hills.”

  The name was very familiar. It clicked. “His political platform is the NSO and your civil rights. Isn’t he also the father of Jessie North?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did you read anything interesting about me?”

  “You have a good record. There is no criminal activity in your background and your previous supervisor seemed to like you from his evaluations. You aren’t very close to your family.” He paused. “You—”

  “That’s enough. I sound so boring. It’s bumming me out.”

  He lifted both plates and came around the divider. “I usually eat with a plate on my lap.”

  She accepted the one he offered. “You need a coffee table.” She just sat on the floor.

  “I can acquire one today. I’ll take one from another apartment.”

  “Just like that? Nobody is going to mind you stealing theirs?”

  He chuckled and sat across from her. “Not all of them are occupied. We transfer back and forth from Homeland to Reservation.”

  “We need drinks.” She rose and grabbed two sodas after learning what he wanted. She sat again. “I have a question.”

  He peered at her. “You have many of them. What do you want to know?”

  She glanced around. “Does someone else live here when you’re at Reservation?”

  “No. I spend most of my time here so it’s a permanent residence.”

  “Okay.”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “I was just wondering where I’d live if you have to go there.” His expression tensed and his eyes darkened. “What? You plan to stay that long?” She dropped her gaze. “Let’s eat. This looks really good.”

  They ate in silence. They were almost finished when the phone rang. It startled Kat but Darkness just got to his feet and answered it in the kitchen. He spoke low and then hung up.

  “I have to go.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Fury wants to talk to me in his office. He’s taken over while Justice is on vacation for a few days.”

  “Where do you guys go?”

  “He went to Reservation with his mate.” He picked up his plate and put it in the sink. “Don’t leave the apartment or make calls. Can I trust you to do as I ask?”

  “Yes. I want to talk to Missy but I will do it when you get me a secure line. I heard you earlier.”

  He looked uncertain.

  “Trust me,” she urged. “I won’t leave the apartment or touch your phone. Even if it rings. I understand your need for security and procedure. I might not be a big fan of it and think it’s a bit paranoid but rules are rules. I have to follow them while I’m at Homeland.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be back soon.” He walked over to the door and picked up the hamper.

  Kat watched him go and finished her omelet. She’d keep her word.

  * * * * *

  “What can I do for you?” Darkness sat in Fury’s office. He’d made a few stops on his way.

  “What took you so long?”

  “I had errands.”

  Fury leaned forward and braced both elbows on the desk, resting his chin on his fists. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

  “No.”

  “I took over for Justice, remember? I read all the security reports.”

  “Nothing happened in the out world. One team is still there but I checked on my way here. They are fine. It’s quiet and no one has attempted to break in at the home they are occupying.”

  “What about Katrina Perkins?”

  “She’s here. I was able to retrieve her.”

  Fury frowned. “You didn’t take her to guest housing. I had a spare officer without a job since he’d been assigned outside duty to keep an eye on her.” He lifted his head and tapped a finger on a file. “This is a report of a disturbance at the men’s dorm. The male below your apartment reported loud noises coming from your home. He was too afraid to approach your door. He’s a primate from Reservation, only here for a few weeks a year.”

  That angered Darkness and he decided to speak to the male who’d dared complain.

  “Don’t. I can almost read your mind. You have Katrina Perkins at your home. She’s not at guest housing so I’ll assume she’s still there.”

  “I didn’t break any rules. I asked one of the males to keep an eye on my door. Kat is secure. I followed protocol.”

  “This isn’t official, damn it. You’re living with her?”

  “She insisted. Those were her requirements to return to Homeland with me.”

  Fury’s eyes widened. He recovered from the astonished look fast. “She’s a human female. You could have subdued her easily and just forced her to go with you.”

  “I didn’t want to do that.”

  The male had the nerve to laugh. “And the disturbance in your home? I take it she wasn’t happy there?” He studied Darkness. “I don’t see injuries.”

  Darkness growled low and stood. “I have better things to do than be the brunt of your amusement.”

  “Sit down. That’s an order.”

  Darkness froze. “You said this wasn’t official.”

  “Not for the NSO. Family business. What is going on? Talk to me.”

  “What is wrong with everyone?” Frustration rose. “Why does everyone require me to talk? She’s here and fine. I’m not breaking rules by having her in my home and I had a male watch her since she’s not a mate. That’s all you need to know.”

  “Please sit.”

  Darkness slammed his ass in the chair and it groaned under his weight. He crossed his arms. “It’s none of your business.”

  “I care anyway.” Fury stood and rounded the desk, taking a seat in the chair next to him. “Is this better? We’re just two males having a conversation. Talk.”

  “She wanted to stay with me. There’s nothing else to say.”

  “You don’t allow anyone to get that close.”

  “I told her that.”

  Fury schooled his features. “Is there anything else going on?”