Irritation flared. “He believed I was harming Beauty.”

“Were you?”

“No!” Shadow snarled again, insulted.

“Take it easy, young man. I just asked a question. Are you sure you don’t want advice? I give it all the time when you guys try to hook up with women who aren’t Species. I’ve seen Gifts and they are pretty small. Are you worried about being too rough with her?”

“We shared sex. It was fine.”

The doctor grinned. “Fine, huh? Maybe you do need some pointers. Sex should be amazing.” He chuckled. “I was young once. I would have been doing something wrong if any woman said that after I got done with her. In my day—”

A knock sounded on the door and it opened, interrupting the doctor. Shadow identified the male who poked his head inside and growled again. Torrent held his gaze before entering the room.

“I wanted to apologize.” Torrent had changed clothes and his hair was wet from a shower.

Dr. Harris stood. “No fighting in my exam room!” He got between them.

Shadow rose to his feet, glaring at the other male over the shorter human’s head. “You had no right to enter the cabin.”

“No one told me why you two were there. I just assumed a Gift wanted a little fresh air and to see the woods. I’m really sorry. I heard sounds when I went to knock and thought maybe one of the Wild Zone residents might have gotten inside. They are pretty nosy. I went inside to make sure they weren’t causing problems. Then I realized you were mounting the Gift. It is ingrained in me to protect her.”

Anger still made his blood boil but he acknowledged the regret in the other male’s face. He seemed sincere. Shadow unfurled his fists. He’d learned patience when he’d lived at the task force headquarters. Misunderstandings happened often between Species and humans. He just hadn’t expected it from other Species males.

“I would never force myself on a female.”

“I’m glad to hear that but I don’t know you. I assumed the worst.” Torrent lowered his gaze. “Do you want to take a swing at me to make us even?” He glanced up, holding his stare.

“Not in my exam room!” Dr. Harris shook his head. “Take it outside in twenty-four hours.” He glared at Torrent. “I have him a shot to help him heal. He’s not doing anything until it wears off.”

Shadow decided to forgive the male. He had been attempting to defend Beauty, after all. “You could still teach me to swim. I’m afraid the river being so close will pose a danger. I never learned.”

“I would be more than happy to do that. We’ll start tomorrow.”

“Not Beauty though. You stay away from her. You teach me and I will teach her.”

A grin lifted the corners of the other male’s lips. “I understand. I doubt I’m her favorite person right now.” He reached up and touched his shoulder. A bandage could be seen through the thin material of his shirt. “She bit me.”

Shadow smiled back, feeling satisfaction. “I’m the only male she wants.”

Chapter Fourteen

Creek tilted her head. “Someone approaches. I hear a Jeep.”

Beauty trailed her from the kitchen to the front door. The two council members had remained outside where Creek joined them. Beauty hesitated, glancing around first to be sure none of the human task force members were present too. A Jeep parked and relief swept through her as Shadow slid out of the passenger seat.

The dark-haired Species with bright-green eyes approached Shadow while the other one hung back. “How are you doing?”

“Fine.” Shadow’s gaze sought Beauty before he glanced at the Species. “You may go.”

He tried to step away but the male blocked his path. “Not so fast.”

“What’s wrong, Jaded?” Creek walked down the porch steps to halt at his side.

“The male had to be given the healing drugs. The symptoms will make him irritable, aggressive, and unstable. Shadow, you should return in the morning once you’re feeling more yourself.”

“I’m fine.” Shadow sidestepped Jaded, his focus locked on Beauty again. “I’d never harm her.”

Jaded jumped back into his path again. “Rethink it. I could make it a direct order.”

“Don’t,” the other male spoke, his voice deep. “He won’t harm the Gift. They are bonding. This time is important.”

“Damn it, Bestial.” Jaded turned his head. “Stay out of this.”

“They’ve had enough interference. That’s why this happened. No one should have come near them. Allow him to pass and let’s go.”

“We have no idea how he’ll react to the chemicals pumping through his system right now, accelerating the healing process.”

The other Species smirked. “I do. That’s Shadow, formerly of the human task force. I actually read the reports that come across my desk instead of going to all those charity events you frequent. He’s taken them at least two dozen times with no ill side effects and never attacked any of the humans on the team. I’m sure they irritated him plenty. She’s safe and we need to leave them alone.”

Jaded softly cursed. “Okay.” He stared at Shadow. “Call if you need anything at all. We’re going to put this area on total lockdown so no one comes here again.”

“Breeze is on her way,” Creek reminded them. “Are you going to tell her she’s banned from checking on her Gift Female? I’m certainly not. That’s one order I’ll refuse if you try to push that on me.”