“I’m glad you had some good ones.”

Her eyes opened and she smiled. “There was a small courtyard with grass and a water fountain. Once a week I was allowed outside for an hour or two. Master didn’t like how pale my skin would become and he said I needed a little color.”

Shadow wanted to wrap his fingers around the human’s throat and choke the living shit out of the one who’d abused Beauty. She was grateful that someone had allowed her time out of her cell because they hadn’t liked the way she looked. It also explained why she would run outside during a storm. She had no idea how dangerous it could be.

“Promise me something, Beauty.”

“Okay.” The instant agreement stunned him a little. She didn’t even know what he wanted but granted his request. It reinforced her innocence.

“Stay indoors when there’s a storm. You could have been struck by lightning or a tree could have fallen from the wind and rain. It’s dangerous to go out in them.”

“I know.”

“Then why do it?” He frowned, showing his displeasure.

“I just wanted to do something, anything, to break free I guess.”

“You are free.”

Her hand slid from his shoulder to the center of his chest and she ducked her head, laying her cheek against him. “I’m really not, Shadow.”

Her words alarmed him. “What do you mean? You are free. Is someone saying otherwise? Look at me. Tell me.”

She hesitated. Had someone at Homeland abused her? Frightened her? Was someone bullying her and ordering her to do things she didn’t want? He’d get her to talk and he’d immediately handle the situation. He’d beat on anyone who intimidated her.

“I’m a Gift Female,” she whispered.

“Yes. Who has frightened you? Who gives you orders?”

She finally met and held his gaze. “No men are allowed to approach or talk to me. I’m not allowed to work with them the way the bigger women do. We never leave Homeland to visit Reservation.” Tears glistened in her eyes and it tugged at his heart instantly.

“It’s for your protection.”

“Against what? You? Are you going to hurt me?”

“Never!”

“Exactly. Are other Species men going to hurt me?”

“No. They’d never dare.”

“I’m…” Her voice died.

“You’re what?”

“I’m lonely.”

Her tears spilled over and slid down her cheeks. He couldn’t resist wiping them away with his thumb. It hurt him to see them. “You’re surrounded by females. I’ll talk to them and they will spend more time with you. Just tell me what you need to make sure you get it.”

“You’re the first man who has ever held me, Shadow.”

Her words slowly sank into his stunned mind.

“Male. Sorry.” She sniffed. “You’re holding me. You don’t want anything more than to keep me warm and comfort me. I’ve never sat on someone’s lap before or gotten to listen to their heartbeat. Even touched their hair.”

He was mute, astounded.

“I listen when men visit my friends but that’s never going to happen to me. I’d never have gotten to speak to you if it wasn’t for you finding me in the storm and bringing me here to safety. Being a Gift Female is a prison of sorts. Master had sex with me a long time ago but he never held or talked to me. He just did what he did and never even removed all my clothes. I’ve never been kissed. The other women know all that but I’ll never know what it’s like.” Her attention dropped to his chest. “May I tell you what I always wanted to know the most?”

“What?” He managed to get one word out around the lump in his throat.

“I wonder what it would be like to sleep with someone holding me and have him there in case I woke from a nightmare.”

Shadow had never considered what life was like for a Gift Female. They had only females to comfort them and he couldn’t imagine being segregated from over half his own kind after knowing freedom. There were fewer females than males. The female officers he dealt with were warm and he always appreciated their touches when they gave out hugs or pats when he worked side by side with them.

“I’ll hold you for as long as you want, Beauty.”

She sniffed. “Will you sleep with me?”

He was going to get in deep trouble in the morning when he returned her to the women’s dorm and had to answer questions. Gift Females were off-limits. Spending a night alone with one was against the rules. He knew that but he couldn’t deny her. She gazed at him with hope and longing.

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

His dick had softened, all interest in sex gone with her admissions. He was grateful for that. He glanced away. The floor was harder than the long wooden box he sat on. It wasn’t going to be comfortable for him but she was all that mattered.

“We’ll sleep here until morning and then I’ll return you home.” He shoved away the thought of what he’d face. Tiger or Fury would wish to speak to him. Worse, he could be taken to Justice. He hadn’t been free as long as they had and his motives might come under scrutiny. “You can sleep on top of me. You’re safe.”

“I know. Thank you.” She smiled.

Consequences be damned, he thought, staring at her. “I’ll keep you warm and you may listen to my heartbeat if you wish.” He glanced at the light. “Do you want it on or off?”