Darkness Read online

  “You blocked the security feeds to our guest.”

  He had hoped Security wouldn’t share that information but wasn’t surprised. “I’m allowing them access to the feeds when I’m unable to watch the female.”

  “Why block them at all?”

  He didn’t enjoy the idea of anyone watching Kat or knowing that he’d sneaked inside her home to snag her precious cigarettes. He also didn’t want them witnessing his interactions with her. “I’m in charge of this investigation.”

  “Justice told me what Snow said. Is this going to be a problem? Are you attracted to this female?”

  That angered him. “I’m not thinking purely with my dick. Are you asking me to pass this investigation to someone else?”

  “No. Are you are attracted to her?”

  He clenched his teeth. He didn’t want to lie but admitting the truth might make them question his judgment.

  “I see.”

  “I didn’t answer.”

  “Your silence spoke for you. I know you must feel lonely since you keep everyone at arm’s distance. Is this going to be a problem or can you be unbiased if the need arises?”

  “My job is to find out what she’s doing here at Homeland and learn her mission. That’s exactly what I plan to do.”

  Fury sighed. “That’s a given.” He paused. “I guess I’m asking you if you’re all right.”

  “I’m fine.”

  Fury hesitated again. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do if this turns sideways.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “She could be here to do harm. That might become a conflict for you if you are highly attracted to her. I’m stating that I’m here for you and I’m offering help if you find yourself in trouble. That’s what family does.”

  “I have no family.”

  “Damn it,” Fury growled. “You once helped save my life. Why must you deny our connection? Do I have to be dying again to get you to admit what we are to each other?”

  “I need to go. Is there anything else you want?”

  “I’d tell you to watch your back but you always do. Just let me know if you need anything and I do mean anything. You will have my support.”

  “Thank you.” He hung up and laid the phone on the edge of the bed.

  Guilt surfaced but he pushed it back. Fury was a good male but he didn’t want a close relationship to him, despite the blood tie from their human DNA. He’d learned his lesson and wasn’t willing to ever risk losing someone he cared about that way again.

  Darkness leaned back and relaxed by viewing Kat as she took her pajamas into the bathroom. He found it amusing that she would go in there to change. That enjoyment faded when he pondered the idea that perhaps she was aware of the hidden cameras. She exited the bathroom a few minutes later, pulled back the covers and climbed into the bed.

  She appeared small and lost on the big mattress when she rolled onto her side into a fetal position. It was odd that she left the lights on. He glanced at the clock. It was earlier than he’d thought she would turn in.

  He waited until he was certain she slept then transferred the camera feeds back over to Security and stood. It was too tempting to break in again and share that bed. An abundance of energy prodded him into changing his clothing and stepping out the patio door. He couldn’t resist staring at his neighbor’s home.

  “Damn.”

  There was no denying why he felt wired. He forced his gaze away from her bedroom window, leaped over the wall and broke into a run. He needed to burn off all that sexual tension or he’d end up finishing what he’d started in that interrogation room.

  Chapter Five

  Kat was thrilled that over five dozen New Species filled the bar. It was a bigger turnout than she’d hoped for. They filled the tables along the dance floor and in the higher section near the bar. Some even stood around the edges. She smiled and spoke in a loud voice to make sure everyone would be able to hear her in the back of the room.

  They had been receptive to her “murder scene” with the “body” that she’d made with pillows, a blanket and a few belts. She’d wanted to bring one of the life-size rescue training manikins but hadn’t been able to acquire it in time. She’d staged a mugging gone wrong. It had been fun to show them how to treat a crime scene and collect evidence.

  “Any questions?”

  A woman at a nearby table spoke. “Why do humans steal from each other?”

  The question confused Kat. “Why?”

  “They don’t understand greed.”

  Kat spun, startled by Darkness’ voice. He stepped out of the shadows behind the stage and stared at her. He wore a blue muscle shirt, jeans and a pair of black boots. His tan arms were on display. He looked good. Their eyes met and he frowned.

  He strode out onto the dance floor where she stood and addressed her class. “We appreciate the things we have since we never had anything before. Some humans are deeply flawed and crave what others have. They will rob and sometimes kill others to take it. For some it is a lack of morals or pride, to others it is a sport and some become addicted to drugs. It’s a money-based system in the out world so some acquire that money by taking it from others.”

  “Oh.” The female nodded. “I see. That’s sad.”

  “Yes, it is.” Darkness turned and stared down at Kat.

  She was mute until another woman spoke. “Is it true that some males harm their females and even sometimes kill them?”

  Kat turned and located the speaker. “Yes. Domestic violence is unfortunately a common crime.”

  “Why?” A male stood. “Males are superior in strength and there is no honor in harming a female. They should be protected.”

  “They should kill the male if he attacks,” one of the women hissed from the corner. “Why don’t your females fight back and take the male down? I would if one struck me.”

  The questions weren’t what Kat expected.

  “They aren’t like us,” Darkness stated. “Humans believe males and females are completely equal.” He chuckled. “So they don’t value the differences or acknowledge physical limitations.”

  A guy at the bar snorted. “Equal? Males are physically stronger, while females are more prone to be superior in tactical strategies. We each have our own strengths but they are not the same.”

  One of the women laughed. “You mean you males are impulsive while we take our time to plot everything out.”

  He laughed. “Exactly. That is an advantage you have.”

  “Don’t forget sex,” one woman added and chuckled. “We have the advantage there too.” She stood and waved her hand down her body. “We have what you want.”

  A howl broke out in the back and Kat was startled by the animalistic sound.

  Darkness grinned at her response. “That was an agreement.” He faced the class. “Focus on the techniques she taught to process evidence but don’t expect her to explain human nature. We’d need her to move to Homeland indefinitely to cover those topics. Humans are flawed and their crime rate is high. Just accept that they don’t make sense to us.”

  Kat resented his words. “Not all humans commit crimes.”

  “Not all but a lot of them do.” He shrugged. “Let’s have lunch. Class is over.”

  It stunned her that he’d cut her time short. It also pissed her off. Her students started to talk amongst themselves and she reached out, gripped Darkness’ arm. He looked down at her fingers on his forearm and then met her gaze.

  “Can we talk?” She wanted an explanation for him interrupting her class.

  “Sure.” He motioned toward the stage. “Back there unless you want to be overheard.”

  She released him and marched behind the stage. He followed and she turned on him when they had privacy. “What was that about?”

  “Saving your ass. Did you really think they wouldn’t question why a human would rob another one for something as petty as a wallet when you used that scenario?”

  She stared up at him, unsure