“You two shared sex. How was that? Were you scared?”

“It was amazing.” Her heart raced just remembering it. “He was very sweet and it was so much more than I expected.”

“Your expectations had to be low after what you’ve suffered.”

That statement shattered Beauty’s happiness. “True.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

Beauty’s hand dropped away. “No. It’s true. Anything had to be better than what I’ve known.”

Creek gripped her hand. “I’m really sorry. This discussion has left me feeling a bit defensive and a little gloomy.”

“I didn’t mean to pry or upset you.”

“You didn’t. It’s natural to be curious. Talking about babies and mates depresses me. I’m glad that you enjoyed the sex with Shadow and that you wish to spend more time with him. He seems very concerned about your safety. He’s a good male. I can tell these things.”

“All our men are good.”

“No.” She hesitated. “I’ve met a few that I avoid. They are damaged inside by hatred and closed to emotions. They would never mistreat a female but they are coldly detached from feeling too much. Shadow is very warm and friendly. He’ll be good for you but you should know that the more time you spend with him, the more attached he might grow to you. They tend to want to keep something they believe is theirs. Every time you share sex will give him the impression that he can keep you in his bed.”

“I’d like that.”

Creek gently squeezed her. “I’m glad for you then. He’ll return when Medical clears him.”

“It’s frightening to allow myself to feel.” Beauty clung to her hand. “You should take a chance and allow someone to get close to you, Creek. It is scary but I’ve come to realize I have nothing to lose. I wasn’t living. I was just existing. There’s a world of difference. I deserve to be happy and so do you. I was forced to spend my life mostly alone but I have more now. I was locked inside a basement with only the guards to bring me food when they decided to feed me. I was only allowed out when Master wanted me upstairs. I hated it when a day or two would go by without seeing anyone but being taken upstairs was worse.”

Creek stared at her for long seconds before she released her hand. “I’ll give it some thought.” She smiled. “You’re pretty brave for a Gift, Beauty. Know that. I’m much stronger but the idea of putting my heart in a male’s hands scares the hell out of me. I’ve been hurt enough.”

“I’m really not. I’m scared all the time but I’m more afraid of wasting the life I’ve been given by never taking chances. I have enough regrets.”

* * * * *

Shadow growled at Dr. Harris, the wrinkled, white-haired male who was much older than him. The human frowned.

“Don’t take a chunk out of me. No biting, damn it. I’m done giving you stitches.”

“I will not bite. It hurt. I make noises when I’m in pain.”

“Sorry about that but I’m glad you’re not feeling ornery toward me.” The doctor snapped off the gloves and tossed them in the trash. “I already got bitten this week.” He shoved up his white coat to show a bandage on his arm. “Wild Zone residents aren’t the best patients. I had to get four stitches myself. I’m lucky he just tore me a bit.”

“I don’t live there. I was visiting.”

“Right.” The doctor walked over to the wall to flip on a light and study the scan he’d ordered. “No permanent damage, no fractures to your skull, and no bleeding or swelling on the brain. You guys have hard heads.” He flipped off the light and turned around. “Are you still experiencing problems with your vision? Dizziness? Nausea? Any ringing in your ears? Headache?”

“The shot you gave me seems to have worked to stop those symptoms.”

“I envy you.” The doctor took a seat on the stool. “My joints are killing me. Arthritis is a bitch.”

Shadow arched his eyebrows, not sure what that meant.

“Never mind. Your kind don’t suffer from it and probably never will. That’s the advantage to having your hybrid genetics. They strained out the bad ones.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re fine. You might feel more aggressive for the next twenty-four hours so watch your temper. No fighting. Stay away from the women too.”

“I can’t do that. I need to return to Beauty. She’s waiting for me at the cabin.”

“Oh.” Interest sparked in the male’s eyes. “You’re the one assigned to guard the Gift Female and see if she’s interested in sex? How is that going? Do you need any advice?”

“It is fine.”

“You wouldn’t be here if that were true. Is she the one who pushed you out a window? I was told you were shoved from the second floor of a cabin.”

“A male attacked me.”

“Huh. I didn’t get many details. How did that happen? I thought you two were supposed to be alone out there. Was it a Wild Zone resident? They can be a bit unstable.”

“It was Torrent.”

“Really?” The doctor’s eyes widened. “He doesn’t live out there but he deals with the wilder Species often. I guess they are rubbing off on him. I thought he’d be a good example to teach them how to control their instincts but maybe I should have a talk with him about how he shouldn’t go around attacking other people.”