He barely heard her answer. “I’ll stay.”

His gaze searched the stairs but he didn’t see her. She was hiding somewhere near the upper landing though. More guilt stirred inside him. She didn’t even trust him to protect her against a human medic.

“I’ve got this,” Creek swore. Sympathy flashed in her eyes, proving she might even be able to read his emotions. “Just go and return when you are able.”

He watched the tall female Species slowly walk up the stairs. She paused at the top and he knew where Beauty hid as he tracked Creek’s gaze.

Chapter Thirteen

“Hello, Beauty.” Creek was a pretty woman with a nice voice. “Are you okay?”

Beauty hated that she couldn’t seem to move away from the wall but knowing the medic was downstairs kept her in place. The task team might show up next and with them, Shane. She never wanted to see him again.

“Beauty?” The Species lowered her voice. “Do you need to see the medic?”

“No!” She hated the way fear sounded in her voice.

“Don’t worry. He’s very nice. You’re bleeding.”

“It’s not my blood. I bit Torrent and some of it is Shadow’s.” She glanced at her hands.

Dark eyebrows shot up in astonishment. “You are responsible for some of Torrent’s injuries?”

“He attacked Shadow and threw him out the window. I was angry.” And scared. She wasn’t willing to admit that though, despite it being obvious.

“That was brave of you.”

She peered up at the taller Species. “You and I both know that wasn’t why I did it.”

“You panicked and just attacked because your instincts took over?”

“Something like that.”

Creek leaned against the opposite wall. “I’ve been there.”

“You have?” That surprised Beauty. “You look strong.”

“Not when I was in chains and still under the control of Mercile.” She hugged her middle. “You weren’t raised inside the testing facilities but the technicians we dealt with were big, burly humans. It was rare to see smaller ones unless they were medical staff.” She shrugged. “The technicians were mostly bullies with upgraded titles who enjoyed terrorizing us.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Me too. That’s in the past though.” A smile curved her lips. “How are you doing?” She cocked her head. “They are taking Shadow to Medical right now. We’ll be left alone for a bit. The males will stay outside. Why don’t you get cleaned up?”

Beauty skirted around the other Species to enter the bathroom. She washed her hands and one look in the mirror had her cleaning her face and neck as well. Torrent’s blood had smeared there. Creek followed but paused at the doorway.

“You look nervous. Relax. No one will enter the house until Shadow returns.”

“Are our men afraid I’ll freak out if they come in here? Is that why they remain outside?”

“Yes. No one wants to traumatize you more. Breeze ordered all males to keep away from you. I’m going to stay until she arrives. They are preparing a helicopter to fly her here as soon as possible.”

“What a mess.” Beauty resisted groaning as she turned off the water and used a towel to dry off. “How could things go so wrong?”

“What happened?”

“You heard. You talked to Torrent and Shadow. My hearing is good.”

“I want your version.”

“Shadow and I were in bed together but suddenly Torrent attacked us.”

“You mean he attacked Shadow.”

“Yes.”

“Did Torrent hurt you?”

She shook her head, calm now that the voices had faded. She couldn’t hear anything from below or outside except a vehicle leaving. That would be the medic taking Shadow away to be treated.

“Torrent didn’t know Shadow was allowed to touch you.”

Anger stirred. “I know.”

“Torrent isn’t a bad male. He thought he was protecting you.”

“I’m so sick of that!” Beauty clenched her teeth and glared at the other woman until she calmed enough to speak again. “That’s why I was brought here.”

“I know. Breeze filled me in on your situation and how you feel. You resent being labeled Gift.”

“Resent is an understatement. This wouldn’t have happened if everyone would stop treating me as though I were some weak freak.” She paused. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Breeze doesn’t want you left alone. It could be hours before Shadow is cleared to return. It could be longer if he sustained a lot of damage. Medical might want to keep him overnight.”

Worry ate at her. “He seemed okay to you, didn’t he? He was talking and on his feet.”

“I’m sure he will be fine. Our males are pretty tough and recover quickly after they fight.” Creek smiled. “They do it often here.”

“I’ve never seen you at Homeland.”

“I live here full time. I’d already transferred here when you were rescued.”

“Why? I thought they rotated all the women every few months.”

Creek’s smile faded. “I like it at Reservation better and I have excelled at my secretarial skills. The council members assigned here need someone to help them. I volunteered.”

“Is there a women’s dorm at Reservation?”