Darkness

by Laurann Dohner

  Kat leaned forward and her hand stroked his stomach then upward to play with one of his nipples. She pinched the tip between her forefinger and thumb. The sharp sensation almost made him come but she wasn’t there yet. He clenched his teeth, ignoring the way his nuts tightened and wanted to explode. He adjusted his hold on her and pressed his thumb against her clit, rubbing.

  Kat moaned louder and her pussy tightened almost painfully around his shaft. She reached up near his head with her other hand. He thought she planned to grab hold of his shoulder for support but she clutched the pillow under his head instead. He closed his eyes, just enjoying the feel of being inside her, of having her ride him.

  “Darkness?”

  He opened his eyes at the sexy sound of her voice but it wasn’t Kat on top of him anymore—Galina straddled him. She held a knife in her hand and the blade reflected light as it arched downward. The tip of it buried deep in his chest. Agony ripped through him and he roared out from the force of it…

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  “Darkness!”

  Kat’s voice came from his right and she clutched his biceps. He was sitting upright in the dark, on his bed. He was breathing heavily and sweat soaked his body. He’d had a nightmare. It was fresh, crisp in his mind. It took every ounce of control not to strike out. He locked his body into position, only allowing the movement of his chest as he panted.

  “Are you okay? I think you were having a nightmare.” She rubbed his arm.

  “Don’t,” he managed to get out. He fought the urge to knock her away. “Stop touching me.”

  It helped when Kat pulled her hand away but it could have resulted in tragedy. He might have attacked Kat. His chest was intact. His heart was not pierced by Galina’s blade. She was dead. He’d killed her. It wasn’t her in his bed.

  “Try to slow your breathing,” Kat murmured. “It’s okay.”

  He lunged to the left and stood. “I have to go.”

  He bent, grabbed his discarded clothing and fled the bedroom. He just put on his pants, carrying his shirt out of the apartment. He needed to distance himself from Kat. He could have killed her. He wasn’t fit for a relationship with a female.

  Chapter Twenty

  Kat’s mood was grim as she waited for the blonde doctor to enter the exam room. She glanced at the clock on the wall. The minutes ticked by slowly and she was certain that had been the longest twenty minutes of her life. The door opened and she tensed. It wasn’t Doc Alli, as she had introduced herself, who entered. Darkness stepped inside the room.

  He looked handsome in his uniform. His features were harsh though, and his dark gaze pinned her where she sat on the padded exam table. “Hello.”

  That’s all he has to say to me? She hadn’t seen him since he’d rushed out of his bedroom the night before last. Later Field had shown up, looking apologetic and regretful, to inform her that he’d been instructed to move her to guest housing.

  Darkness no longer wanted her in his home. It had hurt but she hadn’t been that surprised. “Should I thank you for showing up to get the results?”

  “Have you found out yet?”

  She shook her head. “Still waiting.”

  He leaned against the wall and crossed one boot over the other. His silence pissed her off. She managed to remain seated but was tempted to stroll the five-foot distance between them and smack him. It might have felt good but in the end, she used words instead.

  “Next time have the balls to kick a woman out of your place yourself.”

  He frowned.

  “You heard me.”

  “I felt it was best to have a clean break.”

  “What are you going to do if I’m pregnant?” She arched an eyebrow.

  He growled and looked away. “I don’t know.”

  “Me neither. We agree on something else.”

  “You and the child would be taken care of.”

  “That had better not be a threat.”

  His dark skin paled slightly and he glared at her. “You know I’d never harm you or allow anyone else to. I meant the NSO and I would make sure you were both provided for and protected.”

  “From a distance.”

  “You would stay at Homeland or Reservation.”

  “I take it that, wherever I chose, you’d be in the other location?”

  He said nothing. It answered her question. She’d pegged it right. The door opened and Doc Alli entered. “The pregnancy test is negative.” She folded her hands as if she were nervous, glancing between the two of them. “I’ll leave now.” She turned to go.

  “Are you sure?” Darkness pushed away from the wall.

  “Yes.” The blonde paused. “I’m certain. The hormone levels would have been spiked if she were carrying a Species baby. I could do an ultrasound but it’s not necessary.”

  “Thank you.” Darkness allowed her to leave.

  The door closed and Kat slid off the edge of the table, her legs feeling a bit shaky. She hated the disappointment she felt at the news. It would have been the worst circumstances to have a baby but part of her had started to warm to the idea. Another part of her was thankful. Darkness would get his wish. They had a clean break. There was nothing to bind them together.

  “That’s good.”

  She peered up at him. Is he trying to convince me or himself? “I won’t keep you from your celebration. I have a taxi to catch.” She walked to the door and gripped the handle.

  Darkness suddenly stepped behind her and flattened his hand on the door to keep it shut. She could feel him close. If she turned, they would have touched. It kept her still, wondering why he wasn’t opening the door for her.

  “Kat,” he rasped.

  Tears filled her eyes. She hoped he’d say he was willing to try to have a real relationship with her, that he’d changed his mind. She wasn’t going to hold her breath. “What?”

  “Have you considered the job with the NSO?”

  She refused to face him. “I have. I appreciate the offer, but no. I’ll either stay with the FBI if they allow it or find work somewhere else after the investigation is complete. I’m going in later today to speak to the supervisor in charge. I plan to go home first and get some real clothes.” She glanced down at the NSO-issued T-shirt and sweatpants, minus their logo. “This isn’t my best dress-to-impress look.”

  “Do you need anything?”

  A long list formed in her head, starting with him dropping to his knees and begging her to stay. “Nope. The NSO assured me they’d pay for a taxi to take me home. That’s all I need. My escort is going to take me from here right to one of the side gates. They wanted to avoid anyone seeing me leave.”

  “I…”

  She blinked back tears and turned. He was so tall and big. She’d always remember that about him. And the way he always smelled so good. “You what?”

  Pain flashed in his eyes or maybe that was wishful thinking on her part. “I wish you well, Kat.”

  “You too.” She spun. “I have to go if that’s all you want to say.”

  He released the door and stepped back. She twisted the handle, jerked the door open and strode down the hall at a rapid pace. Don’t fall apart. Don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he hurt you. She repeated it in her head until she located her escort near the front door.

  “Let’s go.”

  The male nodded and led her out to a waiting Jeep. She was leaving Homeland and never coming back. That should make Darkness happy. She’d be miserable but that wasn’t his concern. It hardened her heart a little. The gate turned out to be a door in the wall with a single New Species officer manning it. There were three heavily armed ones on the walkway atop the wall.

  “Just walk through the alleyway and through the gate to the house directly across. A taxi is waiting in front of that house. He’ll believe you’re a resident there. He’s already been paid.” The officer forced a smile. “Please don’t reveal the location of the house to anyone. Both gates to the back and front have been unlocked for you.”<
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  “Thank you. I won’t tell anyone.” She meant it.

  The instructions were clear. She left Homeland, crossed the alley and walked through a nice, landscaped yard to the front gate, avoiding the house altogether. A taxi was parked in the street. The woman driver grinned as she took a seat in the back.

  The driver rattled off Kat’s address. “That’s correct, right? Your mom said you had a fight with your boyfriend when she called. She already paid by credit card so I don’t mind to wait while you get more of your things.”

  “I’ll come back later.” Kat leaned back. It was a good cover. “He needs time to cool off.”

  The driver put the car in gear. “I’m sorry, hon. Men can be such assholes.”

  “Yes they can.” Kat thought of Darkness. She had no one to blame but herself for hoping for more with Darkness. It didn’t ease the heartbreak any. “I don’t feel like talking.”

  “Sure. I get it.” The woman turned up her radio—a country tune.

  Kat touched her stomach. It should have been fantastic news that she’d avoided an unplanned pregnancy. The idea of having a little mini-me Darkness had been on her mind often and she’d started to like the concept. He had to be feeling the exact opposite.

  The taxi stopped in front of her house and Kat thanked the driver and got out. It was nice to be home. The paint was chipping and the windows needed to be replaced, but it was home. Missy would be happy to see her. She had to ring the bell since she didn’t have keys.

  Missy answered and instantly grinned. “You’re home!” She hugged her hard. “I missed you.”

  “I meant to call but wasn’t able to.” Darkness had made sure of that. “Are you okay?”

  Missy released her and tugged her inside, closing and locking the door. “I’m great. It’s clear, guys. It’s just Kat.”

  A uniformed man stepped into the hallway from the living room. He held a handgun and the white NSO lettering on his vest indicated who he was. His features revealed he wasn’t a New Species. The second guy who stepped into the hallway from the kitchen was. He was a tall, white-haired male with unusually light-blue eyes.

  The sight of them pissed Kat off. “What are you still doing here?” She addressed the nearest officer, avoiding looking at the New Species again.

  “We were assigned to guard the house in case anyone showed up.”

  Kat’s temper snapped. Darkness wanted a clean break and so did she. “Get out of my house.”

  “We’re under orders,” the man argued, holstering his weapon.

  “Kat,” Missy whispered, “it’s okay. There’re four of them. Two are sleeping right now, while these are on duty. They are here to protect me.”

  “I can do that.” She got in the uniformed man’s face. “Get out of my house. Don’t make me pick up the phone and call the police. I will. Get your team and go. I’m home. Did you take my guns?”

  “No.”

  “Then get out. You have five minutes.” She inched around him, grabbed Missy’s wrist and yanked her toward the kitchen. “I’m going to fix myself a sandwich and you’d better be gone by the time I’m done eating. Go back to the NSO.”

  “Kat,” Missy protested.

  She halted when the New Species blocked her path. He growled low and his strange eyes narrowed. “We are under orders to remain, Miss Perkins.”

  Kat released Missy and shoved her finger into the center of his vest. “You tell Darkness to go to hell. He wanted me out of his life and I am. That means you guys are out of my house.”

  Confusion flitted across his face.

  “Be gone in five minutes or you can explain to the police department and probably the news hounds with their ears to their scanners about why you are here. I don’t want or need NSO protection. You don’t want to draw attention that you’re here. I would call that a fair trade. Get lost!” She shoved him to the wall and stormed into the kitchen.

  “Kat, they are nice. They’re worried about Robert Mason. They came here to keep us safe in case he shows up.”

  She spun, trying to cool her temper. “He’s not going to. I’m the least of that asshole’s problems. He’s been suspended and is under investigation. He abused his position, wasted money and agents’ time and I never want to hear anything about New Species ever again. Am I clear?”

  Missy studied her. “Oh, Kat.” Pity showed in her expression. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t,” she warned. “Not another word.” Her tone softened. “I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to talk about him. I just want to eat and get on with my life, okay?”

  “Sure.” Missy nodded. “I’m going to thank them and say goodbye.”

  “You do that.” Kat yanked open the fridge, glancing at the clock over the stove. “Five minutes, Missy. I mean it. I want them gone.”

  “Okay, Kat.” Missy left her alone.

  Kat withdrew a soda and one of the packaged salads Missy liked so much. The heartache would fade eventually. He hadn’t left her with any other options. Pining away over a man who would never allow himself to get close to her would be a waste of time. She’d taken a risk, fought for him, but it was a losing battle.

  “Damn,” she whispered. It wasn’t going to be easy to get over him. Not one bit.

  * * * * *

  “What would you have preferred I’d done? Hog-tied and gagged her to keep her from calling the police department?” Snow crossed his arms over his chest. “She was angry at you. That was apparent.”

  Darkness snarled. “You shouldn’t have left.”

  “They had no choice.” Fury took Snow’s side. “They were dismissed. We don’t have jurisdiction to stay inside a home without the owner’s consent. We have eyes on Robert Mason. He’s been to his attorney’s office and home. He’s made no move to retaliate against your Kat.”

  “She’s not mine,” he hissed.

  Fury stepped in front of him. “You’re right. She’s not. You sent her away. She’s a trained officer. You saw firsthand how well she can handle herself at our front gate.” He glanced at Snow. “Did she have weapons at her home?”

  “Two handguns and a shotgun in her closet.” Snow took a seat. “We left them there.”

  Fury turned his head to stare pointedly at Darkness. “She’s armed. She can handle a single human male if the need arises.”

  “The security at her home was a joke.” Darkness wasn’t willing to concede. “At least allow me to send a team out to install a system.”

  “No.” Justice’s chair creaked. “I was willing to place a team on site but Katrina Perkins has made it clear she wouldn’t welcome more assistance from us. We must respect her decision.”

  “I’ll pay for it myself.” Darkness held the feline male’s calm stare.

  “No,” Justice repeated. “Snow, you’re excused.”

  The male left, closing the door behind him. Justice sighed loudly and leaned back. “You should have asked her to stay if you are so worried about that female, Darkness.”

  “I didn’t think she’d kick out our team.”

  Fury snorted. “You wanted her out of your life. Let her go.”

  “She is at risk,” Darkness argued.

  Fury took a seat and shook his head. “You can’t have it both ways, brother. She’s not some defenseless human. You were drawn to her because she’s tough. Mason has made no indication he’s a danger to her. The FBI has him closely monitored as well. They shared their findings so far. His relation to Jerry Boris might have been the only reason he searched for him. They haven’t found anything so far to indicate he knew or was a part of what Boris did to the NSO. Humans can be fiercely loyal to family. Do you know what I think?”

  “I don’t want to know.” Darkness shot him a dirty look. “I’m leaving now.” He spun and marched to the door.

  It came as a surprise when Snow waited just outside the building. The male approached with a grim expression. “You care about that female.”

  “I don’t want harm to come to her.”
He refused to admit more.

  Snow licked his lips and glanced around, before slipping his hand inside his vest. He offered a card. “Here.”

  Darkness glanced at the numbers written on it. “What is this?”

  “The access code to the camera feeds we set up outside Katrina Perkins’ house. I didn’t remove them. The interior cameras were stripped but you’ll have a full view of the front and back of the property.”

  Darkness pocketed the card. “Why did you leave them?”

  Snow hesitated. “I liked Missy. She was sweet and I wanted to keep an eye on her. I think it matters more to you than me. I frightened her too much to pique her interest.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Snow looked as if he wanted to say more.

  “What?”

  “You had a female. Why give her up? Was it due to all she’d lose coming to be a part of our world?”

  “I’m not a fit mate.”

  Understanding dawned in the other’s male’s face. “It’s difficult to get over the past. There’s no point of a future if you can’t let it go.”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  “We adapt,” Snow reminded him. “We aspire to always become more than we were meant to be. Don’t you hold that goal as well?”

  “I’m too damaged.”

  Snow nodded. “All of us are to certain degrees. Some damage is visual, some scarred deep into our souls. It’s part of being Species. You are not the least likely male I’ve met to take a mate. Valiant has Tammy.”

  “He at least was willing to take a mate.”

  “Willing and being able to succeed are two different things. They made it work. That’s one male I couldn’t live with.” Snow smiled. “Do you think she’s deafened by now, hearing his roars? He isn’t the most patient or calm male.”