Hack

by Annie Nicholas

  “I’d like that in writing. It’s the least you can do after I saved your life.”

  Hack’s lips split into a crooked grin and he cracked his eyelids open. Sunlight poured through the window illuminating the galactic-level med bay. “This is not the shuttle.”

  “We’re at Cosmos Resort.” Trace’s face came into view, hovering over Hack’s. He looked a couple days short of sleep. “We almost lost you.”

  Hack nodded, knowing how dire his situation had become. Partial physical changes were discouraged for exactly that reason. “How long have I been unconscious?”

  “Three days.”

  Hack sat up, pushing his teammate out of the way. The blankets slid off his lap and he stared. Silver scales covered his legs. He raised and spread his fingers. Webbing. “How?”

  “Most of the nanobots from the transponder died in returning you to your original form. We saved the few to replicate quickly using an incubator. They are now housed in your system.” Trace handed him a hard-light hologram amulet. “You can’t change shape for a few weeks. You have to let them grow back. If you sacrifice these last nanos, the IIA won’t replace them and you’ll be off the team.”

  The agency didn’t take the loss of such rare and expensive tech lightly.

  “You know I wouldn’t harm them purposely.”

  “I do, that’s why they are giving you this chance.” Trace cleared his throat. “There’s another problem.”

  Hack’s heart sank. Jeannie... “What is it?”

  “I haven’t heard from Crypto in all this time and he isn’t responding to my hails.”

  “Shit. You haven’t gone to look for him?”

  “I was the only one qualified to replicate your nanobots. I had to stay. I’ll be leaving in a few minutes to investigate.”

  “I’ll come.” They didn’t leave agents behind.

  Trace rested his hand on Hack’s shoulder. “Recover first. You’re no use to me half-healed. I’m just going to take a look and I’ll report back.”

  Hack glanced past Trace. “Where’s Jeannie?” His soulmate should be at his side. He’d heal faster with her present. And he had so much explaining to do.

  Trace sighed. “There was a complication.”

  Hack jumped to his feet, bearing his sharp teeth. “Where is she?”

  “Easy, Jaws. She’s at the beach house. The one we rented when we were guests at the resort. Wait, wait.” Trace struggled against Hack’s natural strength until he was forced to use his nanos to match Hack. “You can’t barge in there looking like this. She experienced psychological trauma after we landed.”

  “Her memory wipe.” Hack’s gut twisted.

  “Shattered.”

  He’d wanted to ease her into the truth slowly. She had seemed to accept him as nonhuman but they’d been fighting for their lives. People would accept extremes in those situations. Jeannie deserved time to understand and be loved by him before reality forced itself on her.

  “What does she recall?” The urgency to see her still pushed.

  “Everything. She’s no longer catatonic but, you know as I do, that—”

  “Memory wipes can’t be repeated.” Hack rubbed his aching chest. When metal came against his scales, he glanced down. He was holding the amulet. He didn’t have to face her as his real self. He could wear a human sleeve, but was that what she deserved? More lies? “Why did you call me Jaws? Is there something wrong with my face?”

  Trace grinned. “Your Jeannie entertained us with an Earth movie about sharks. You’d love it. When you’re pissed off, you look like the main character.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Silky white sand slid through Jeannie’s fingers as she sat on the beach. The sun heated her skin through her sport bikini. Water lapped at her toes. Funny how the ocean always made her feel better. She shared a beach house with Trace and Lily at an alien resort. It had been a day and a half since she’d woken from a mental breakdown.

  They refused to let her see Hack until he was conscious and aware of her situation, afraid she would have a relapse. Apparently, he wouldn’t be able to change shape for a few weeks and was forced to wear his original form. Was he that different that they worried it would shatter her mind?

  Someone cleared their throat behind her. She twisted in her seat on the sand.

  Pete Peterson, owner of Cosmos Resort and Dating Agency, waited in his hologram sleeve, looking like a mild-mannered soccer dad. He held a box in his hands. “Miss Havers, is it all right if I approach?”

  She sighed. “Of course, Pete.” He’d been treating her with kid gloves since she’d awakened. He seemed more traumatized by the ordeal than she.

  He sat next to her, dressed in shorts and a colored T-shirt. “I wanted to apologize—”

  “You already have. Twice.”

  “But this is for another reason. We can’t attempt another memory wipe and I can’t allow you to return home with your present knowledge intact.”

  “Oh.” Deep down, she’d known this was a possibility. She recalled this speech during her orientation before choosing to have her memory erased. The Galactic Government didn’t think humankind was ready to be introduced to the rest of the universe. Cosmos Resort was an experiment of sorts. Seeing how humans who were willing to accept alien mates adjusted.

  “I wish it could be otherwise. I know your work is important to you.”

  “You do?” She still had a few gaps in her recall.

  “Yes, it’s why you chose not to stay. You weren’t looking for a relationship, is what you told us.”

  She laughed. Here she was in one now.

  “The reports state you went missing after a dive and are presumed dead. Your belongings have been shipped to your employer.”

  “Including my camera?”

  “Yes.”

  Good, that meant the videos of the sawtoothed shark would reach them. With her mysterious disappearance, maybe someone would be curious enough to continue the project. Surprisingly, she wasn’t that sad about the loss. She hadn’t known what she would be missing by sacrificing her personal life for her professional one. “How is Hack?”

  “Awake.” Pete held out a box. “He sent you a present.”

  She gingerly grasped the metallic cube. “You know, I’m feeling much better. The fact aliens exist was a shock at first, but being around Hack has helped acclimate me to the idea.”

  “So, you’ll stay. Maybe find that special someone.”

  “I’ve already found my special someone.” She opened her box. Inside was a blue metallic cylinder with a mouth piece attached. Picking it up, she examined it closer.

  “He said the human equivalent is called a regulator. Basically, it allows you to breathe underwater. Here.” Pete held out a dive mask. “I thought this would help too.”

  She stared.

  Slowly, he lowered the mask. “He said you liked diving.”

  “I do but humans need more than just a regulator and mask to dive safely.”

  He nodded. “I’m sure the resort can accommodate you with all your needs if you provide the details.” Patting her shoulder, he grinned. “I’m happy to hear that you still want to be with Hack. He’s been driving me mad wanting to see you. I had to be sure that you wanted the same things.”

  She didn’t flinch at the touch. That was good. It meant somewhere inside she was processing things faster than she expected. Probably due to the fact that this was round two of staying at Cosmos Resort. “When can I see Hack?”

  Pete nodded out at the ocean. “He’s waiting for my signal.”

  She scrambled to her feet, sand scattering over Pete’s legs. Pulling the mask on, she took a step toward the water.

  “Wait.” Pete shouted and grabbed her ankle. “You’ll ruin the moment.”

  She stopped, halfway to pushing the tiny regulator in her mouth. “What moment?”

  “The big reveal. Do you remember during orientation when I explained before an alien could propose he had to reveal his true sh
ape to you?”

  She pulled off her mask and faced the ocean. “Yes.” Breathless. This was what Hack did to her. Stole the air without her even getting in the water. Hack wanted her enough to make a public declaration. They were soulmates. She felt that down to her toes. “I’m ready.”

  Pete now stood at her side. “Take your time. You don’t have to accept him if he frightens you. The resort allows unlimited attempts if both parties agree.”

  “Fine, fine. Call him in.”

  “I just want to make sure. You’ve been through a lot.”

  “Oh, for Christmas’ sake, Hack!” she called out to the ocean. “Hack!”

  Pete startled. He pressed at his temple and spoke, “Come to shore.” He backed away from Jeannie.

  She wrung her hands, scanning the water. The gills had given her a big hint that he was an aquatic race. “Will he be able to breathe out of water? Is that why he sent the regulator?”

  “I understand that he has retained his lungs while healing and is using a regulator instead of gills.” Pete sounded put out. “It’s not fair in my assessment that he and Trace can change shape, but I’m looking past the extraordinary circumstance in their cases.”

  Fins broke the surface of the water. Thin and multi-layered, unlike any she’d seen before. Hack cut through the ocean like a knife, speeding toward shore.

  She forced herself to breathe.

  He rose from the ocean. Sunlight glinted off his dark skin, reflecting off the surface in a familiar pattern. A bathing suit clung to his narrow hips and stretched tight over his thick thighs. Corded muscles ran down his arms. The powerful, supple muscles of a sleek predator, built for speed and agility. He stepped lightly, his stride sure and unhurried in the knee-high water. An apex predator focused on his prey. There was no hint of submission anywhere in his body. He walked like the ocean belonged to him.

  Her golden god had turned dark and dangerous.

  She leaned forward, raising her hand over her eyes to protect them from the sunlight sparkling on his flesh. Her heart skipped a beat. Not skin. Scales. Tiny, interlinked scales that covered him as smoothly as her own skin. A silver amulet hung from his neck.

  He paused as he reached the edge of the shore and spat out his regulator on the beach. Sharp teeth lined his mouth. Not like a shark’s, but more like a cat’s. “Jeannie.” He held out his hand. Webbing connected his claw-tipped fingers. He looked rough, masculine, and arrestingly sexual. His amethyst eyes assessed her with calm precision, but deep inside those inhuman irises a fire burned.

  She took a step back. They were Hack’s eyes and Hack’s face, just covered in a different skin.

  He dropped his hand.

  “Jeannie?” Pete asked behind her. “We can try this on another day.”

  She dropped Hack’s gifts on the sand. His gaze had caught her once more and compelled her to stare. Predatory yet irresistible. Swallowing her whole. He pulled at her like a magnet and every female instinct went into overdrive. She closed the distance between them, running the few feet, then leaped into his arms.

  Hack almost bobbled her before gripping a double handful of her ass.

  Grinning, she cupped his face. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” His return grin was sharper, deadlier than hers.

  “You’re okay?”

  “All healed.” He hesitated. “You?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at Pete. “I think this is where you go away and give us some privacy.”

  Pete’s eyes went wide. “Oh.” He cleared his throat. “I guess we’ll take care of the formalities later.” He hurried off the beach.

  Hack slid her legs around his hips, one hand supporting her weight under her butt and the other stroking up her spine. His gorgeous stare narrowed. “Are you sure?”

  She trailed her fingertips over his sharp cheekbones, his skin smooth and soft. Not fish-like at all. “Wow.” She explored his full lush lips, remembering what they felt like on hers.

  He snapped his teeth playfully and she jumped.

  “Oh, that’s not fair.” She leaned in for an experimental kiss, chaste and gentle.

  Chuckling against her mouth, he dropped onto his back.

  She landed on top of him, straddling his hips.

  “So, I take it you’re feeling okay with my true form.”

  “I’m feeling great.” She hovered over him. “You’re alive.”

  Hack propped himself on his elbows, bringing them kissing close. “Very much so.” He rolled his hips, pressing himself against her.

  She froze.

  He quirked an eyebrow. “Too soon?” With his hand, he pressed the amulet resting on his chest. His scales flowed away, replaced by his golden-toned skin. “Is this better? I can wear the hologram.”

  She sat back. “No, take it off.” The hologram wasn’t real. It also reminded her of the creepy ship crew.

  He eyed her for a second longer before pulling the amulet off. “I do have to wear it while among the resort guests.” His glorious scales returned.

  She smirked. Didn’t matter what he looked like. It was still her Hack under there. Her soulmate. She could sense their bond. That easy connection between them. “How do you feel about having sex with a human woman right now?”

  Hack made a sound between a cough and a laugh, clearly caught off guard. “You won’t have to twist my arm if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  His near-death experience reminded Jeannie of how short life could be and how stupid it would be to put off something they both wanted. Especially when the opportunity was right there. She tore her bikini top over her head and shimmied out of her bottoms. Fresh air on her skin never felt so good.

  Hack’s grin grew even wider.

  “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s the best idea you’ve had since we’ve met.” He thrust his hips up as he pulled off his suit, looking ravenous as he watched her.

  “I love you,” she told him. She’d regretted not being able to tell him before now. Afraid he would die without ever hearing her say those important words.

  His sharp smile softened. He sat up, cradling her in his arms. “My heart.” His gaze intense. “My soulmate. I’ve waited so long.”

  “I’m all yours.” And she meant every word. Pete worried she’d be angry about losing her life among the other humans on Earth, but none of them loved her. She wasn’t losing anything by staying at Hack’s side. She was gaining everything. Silly lizard man. It was a fair trade-off.

  He nipped at her bottom lip. “Touch me, Jeannie.”

  Oh, she didn’t need coaxing. She slid her hands along his muscular chest, caressing the hard angles of his body.

  He moaned, closing his eyes.

  Her hands traveled lower, over abs made of steel and along narrow hips until she circled his thick length. Thick. She glanced down. That would be a test of her flexibility. It had been months—no, wait, over a year now—since she’d last had sex.

  “Jeannie?” His gaze flashed violet. His voice rough with need.

  She slid her hands over his flesh. Smooth and silken and so hard for her. And the way he watched her, as if she was the sexiest creature he’d ever had and he was letting her know it. Oh yeah, she just wanted him inside her.

  He cupped her left breast and squeezed, the sharp tip of his claw grazing over her nipple. “I don’t think I can be gentle.”

  “Good.” She guided him to her opening. They’d been through a lot in the last few days, more than most couples go through in years, except they hadn’t had the chance to share any of the pleasures. No more waiting. Slowly, she sank down on him.

  Their gazes locked.

  He remained still, allowing her body to grow used to the size of him.

  She arched her back. “Oh my God.” All the tension in her body melted away. She ran her hands over his corded, strong arms, needing something to anchor her or she would come before she even had him fully inside her.

  He jerked his hips, thrusting deeper, at he
r words. “Jeannie.” He groaned out her name and rested his forehead against her chest. Thumb claws still teasing her nipples. “Have mercy.”

  “I’m trying.” Breathless words. She moved on him, driving him deeper and deeper until all her focus was where they were joined. Sweat beaded on her as the sun licked at her skin.

  Hack slid his hands over her body until he cupped her ass, helping her move, spreading her thighs wider.

  She clung to his neck, nails digging in his flesh.

  “Am I hurting you?” he asked.

  “Only in a good way.” Her voice had grown husky and deep. “I’ve never felt anything this good.”

  He groaned. “You’re wrecking my calm.”

  To Jeannie, that sounded like an excellent idea. She slid back off him then sank back down, keening at the sensation of him parting her.

  “Woman.” He panted and adjusted his grip on her.

  “Harder, Hack.” She wanted to feel his strength, how much he desired her, and just how deep he could touch her.

  Their lips clashed, teeth clacked, and her hair was pulled as he thrust inside her. Tongue tangling with hers, breath stolen, hands roaming her skin.

  She tried to roll her hips in time with his but the sensation of his body inside her swallowed her whole.

  Sharp teeth grazed her shoulder and claws gripped her butt cheeks. Her name fell from his lips as he thrust harder and deeper.

  Over his voice, she heard her own babble of, “Harder, please. Yes. There. More.”

  He mapped the curves of her body with his hands, lapping at the sweat trickling between her breasts.

  She exploded a scant moment later, her body shattering much like her mind had, but feeling so much better. Her cry of release drowned out by Hack’s, his thrusts now more desperate and erratic. He breathed her name in her ear, petting her hair and cradling her head.

  Jeannie buried her face in his throat. His body trembled with his own release.

  “My perfect mate.” He hugged her tighter and lay back into the soft sand.

  The sound of their breathing filled the silence for a few minutes.