Shadow Read online

  “I’m right. For all their macho crap, nothing is scarier to one of our males than someone they think might break under them. You haven’t seen any of our males fall for humans but I have. It’s some funny shit but don’t repeat I ever said it.” Breeze sobered. “Shadow was abused while in captivity. Just know that he’s got some sexual hang-ups too and he will be sensitive to what you have survived.”

  It hurt Beauty to be reminded about Shadow’s past. “He knows what it’s like to be spun around and pinned down while someone hurts him from behind?”

  Breeze closed her eyes and breathed heavily for long seconds before she focused her gaze on Beauty. Rage simmered there. “No. His suffering involved drugs and machines. Do me a favor though. Tell Shadow to take you facing him if you decide to share sex with him. Tell him it’s important and I said so. Can you do that for me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” Breeze pushed away from the door and lifted the bag. “Let’s go. The helicopter pilots should be prepared to fly you to Reservation by now. Just tell Shadow if the flying frightens you. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to be comforting. The ride isn’t long.”

  “I’ve never been conscious before while in the air. They drugged me when I was brought here.”

  “It will be fine. I’ve flown lots of times.”

  The hallway was empty but Beauty wasn’t lucky enough to avoid the women when they stepped out of the elevator on the first floor. At least ten of them stood silently waiting, their expressions worried. It was Tiny who spoke first.

  “Enjoy your vacation, Beauty. Have fun.” Her gaze darted to Breeze. “She’ll be safe, right? You promised.”

  “She will. A very nice male is going to escort her there and he’ll keep her safe.”

  Tiny shuddered a little and Halfpint stepped to her side to hold her hand. She looked nervous but obviously forced a smile. “We will miss you but we know you need some freedom.”

  Beauty walked over and hugged the duo. They didn’t understand why she wanted to leave the safety of the dorm but the fact that they accepted it meant a lot to her. “I’ll be back before you notice I’m gone.”

  They both appeared doubtful of that but they quickly hid their emotions. “I’m sure that’s true,” Tiny whispered. “Be careful of the male.”

  “Let’s not have any of that,” Breeze ordered sternly. “He’s a good male and he’s Species.” She strode toward the front doors. “Come on, Beauty. You have a flight to catch.”

  She released her friends, trying not to allow their worried stares make her wary of leaving. The concept of seeing and spending time with Shadow excited her a lot. He wasn’t angry if he’d agreed to be her escort. She’d be able to get to know the man better. No fear inched up her spine over the thought of living in close quarters with him. He hadn’t tried to molest her in any way when they were alone at the equipment building.

  Breeze dumped her bag into the back of a golf cart and took the wheel. “This is going to be great but I put a cell phone in your bag just in case you want to call me on the sly if you get hung up.”

  “The sly?”

  “You know, if you find yourself at a loss in a situation. My number is programmed in. You remember what you were taught about how to use them, right? Dial me if you need advice, okay? Day or night.” She threw the small engine in gear and they sped away from the dorm. “I’ll keep my phone close, even in the shower. I’ve got your back.”

  Beauty grinned. “I’m really glad you’re my friend but I’m cool.”

  Breeze turned the wheel and drove them toward the helicopter pad. “Am I rubbing off on you with my mad human slang?” She chuckled.

  “I learned it from my guards. It’s Species talk that I find difficult to adjust to and speak.”

  Breeze slowed the cart to a stop and stared at her. “Like what?”

  “Male, female, human, and I have a feeling the term ‘share sex’ might be a new one I have to learn.”

  “Don’t feel pressured to do anything with Shadow. He doesn’t expect it. You know that, right? He probably hopes I’m wrong about you being sexually curious.”

  Beauty’s cheeks heated. “You told him that?”

  “I did.” There was no regret in Breeze’s direct stare. “He had a right to know and it involves him in case you do want to experiment. This will avoid him being shocked or thinking you are having a miscommunication. It happens with our males when you attempt subtlety. That’s why I suggested getting naked and telling him exactly what you want. He won’t be confused.”

  Beauty let it sink in that Shadow was aware of her inner turmoil and that he had become the focus of it. She was attracted to him and hoped that something might happen between them. She longed to know what her neighbors experienced when they had visitors. She decided to be direct.

  “I’m not like you, Rusty or Kit.”

  “That’s obvious and it’s not just your size.”

  She pondered if that was an insult but saw no disdain in Breeze’s expression. “I don’t want to go from man to man if I do this. I want to only get to know one.”

  “I respect that. Our males can be dominating. Just remember that and don’t allow him to rule you. They are bigger but there’s a saying that applies. Remember it—‘the bigger they are, the harder they fall’.”

  Beauty quietly considered her words. She hesitated to get out when they parked, studying her friendf “What if something happens and I want to keep him?”

  Eyebrows lifted. “Get naked and stay that way. He won’t leave.” She smiled. “They are hard to toss out of bed so if you don’t try, I doubt he will go anywhere.”

  Beauty smiled. “You make it sound so easy.”

  “It is.” Breeze hoisted her bag. “There he is. He’s totally staring. That’s a male who notices you. He doesn’t have a chance if you take off your clothes. Just wait until you’re sure.”

  “I will,” she promised softly, turning her head to gaze around until she found the tall man with short blond hair. He stood in uniform next to the helicopter and appeared as nervous as she felt.

  “Gift wrapped,” Breeze chuckled.

  “What?” Beauty tore her attention from Shadow to glance her way.

  “Nothing. Let’s go. The blades are starting and the pilots hate wasting fuel.”

  Chapter Five

  The cabin rested in thick woods and Beauty couldn’t help but openly stare at all the trees. The tops of them nearly blocked out the blue sky surrounding the small clearing where the two-story structure had been built. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips as the Jeep halted.

  “This is your stop.” Jaded, the council member, refused to glance her way. He had spoken only to Shadow since he’d picked them up from the heliport but she knew he wasn’t being rude. He meant to avoid frightening her by addressing her directly. “It’s been stocked with everything you could possibly need and there’s a set of satellite phones inside. We left two in case something happens to one.” He paused. “You can get cell phone reception usually but sometimes it is sporadic. Call the Reservation number if you need emergency assistance.” His voice lowered. “We have females on duty around the clock just in case.”

  “In case of what?” Beauty spoke for the first time since Shadow had lifted her inside the helicopter. The ride had terrified her but he had held her hand silently during the flight.

  Startling, bright-green eyes flashed her way for a few heartbeats before he glanced at Shadow. “In case you need a female, Beauty.”

  That translates to “in case I freak out”, she guessed. “It will be fine. Shadow won’t hurt me. I know I’m safe.”

  Shadow slid out of the Jeep and reached for her. “Allow me to help you down.”

  She rose from the backseat and strong hands gripped her hips and he lifted her slowly over the edge until she stood on her feet on the dirt road. He released her immediately to grab their belongings.

  “Thank you, Jaded. I am certain we will be fine as long as there