Shadow

by Laurann Dohner

  Memory surfaced. “He said he was protecting me from Shadow.”

  “What where you two doing when this happened?”

  “Having sex.”

  “Son of a bitch!”

  Beauty agreed with that sentiment. More hot tears filled her eyes. It had been wonderful but then everything had become a nightmare. Shadow suddenly stirred and hope soared that he’d be fine. His eyes opened as she leaned over him. The blue of his eyes was a welcome sight but the confusion in them wasn’t.

  “Beauty?”

  “I’m here.”

  Rage twisted his features and he snarled, sitting up so fast he almost smacked his head into hers. She barely avoided the collision by jerking back. A loud groan came from him and one hand reached up to his forehead while he swayed a bit.

  “Easy. We’re safe.” She gripped his shoulders, trying to steady him, dropping the phone in the process. “Help is coming.”

  The room spun as Shadow sought the threat. His vision was messed up. His head was too, by the feel of the wetness his fingertips found when he touched the sorest spot and located a painful bump. Knowledge of what had happened crashed through his mind along with the throbbing pain. Fury gripped him. He’d been so focused on Beauty that he hadn’t heard the male sneak up behind him until he’d been attacked.

  He turned his head and saw blood on Beauty’s delicate mouth. It hadn’t been his imagination. When he’d landed hard outside and managed to stagger to his feet to reach Beauty, she’d been naked and rushing toward the open door as he entered, but he’d seen red on her face before she’d slammed into his body. He’d barely kept them both upright. Then Torrent had come after her.

  He snarled, forced his gaze away to hunt for the male. “Where is he?”

  “He’s outside. I locked the door.” Her hands stroked his arms then his chest. “Help is coming. Did you hear me?”

  The immediate threat wasn’t present. He focused on her, twisting on his ass to reach for Beauty. They were both naked but that fact barely registered. He was too worried that she was hurt. He gripped her jaw, searching for the injury, but only saw blood on her lips and chin.

  “Open.”

  “What?”

  “Open your mouth. You’re bleeding.”

  “It’s not my blood.”

  That stumped him. “Whose is it?”

  “I bit him.”

  She bit Torrent. He snarled. He’d kill the male. “Did he hurt you?” He sniffed loudly but his senses were confused. All he could detect was blood.

  She shook her head. “He was too intent on fighting with you.” Tears filled her eyes. “I attacked him.”

  Shadow glanced down her bare body but didn’t see any other injuries. He must not only be suffering from slightly impaired vision but he was hearing things too. “What did you say?”

  Her chin rose. “I attacked him twice. Upstairs after he threw you out the window and again when he was hitting you.”

  She glanced away and he followed her gaze. A fire poker lay on the floor a few feet away, the end of it bent slightly. Shocked, he jerked his attention back to her. “You hit him with that?”

  She nodded, her hands still roaming his arm and chest. “In the back of the head. Are you okay?” Her voice trembled. “You wouldn’t wake.”

  He probably had a concussion. He wasn’t sure if he’d passed out when he’d landed but he knew he’d struck his head on the way out the window or perhaps on the edge of the roof when he’d rolled off it to crash into the hard-packed dirt. Torrent’s fists slamming into his face hadn’t helped either but he’d been too dizzy to be effective against the male’s attack when they’d fought.

  Shadow had to allow Beauty’s words to really sink in. The image of her fighting with a male was beyond his comprehension. He just couldn’t picture it. She was too small to get into a violent confrontation. Gift Females fled from violence instead of initiating it. A horrible thought struck.

  “Did he attempt to mount you? Touch you?” His voice deepened into a snarl. He would snap the male’s neck if he had.

  “No.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  He was grateful she hadn’t been sexually touched by the male but he also felt other emotions. Guilt and shame mixed strongly, leaving a taste in his mouth as bitter as the blood from the cut inside his cheek. He’d failed to protect Beauty. He’d gotten distracted by her sexy body and how good she felt while he’d mounted her. His guard had been down enough to allow another male to sneak inside his room. He had not sensed the danger until rough hands had gripped him and he’d been sailing through the air. Then falling.

  “For what?” One of her hands left his chest to caress his cheek.

  He couldn’t look at her anymore so he turned his head away. “It shouldn’t have happened.”

  “The sex?”

  The pain in her voice was clear enough to stun him and snap his attention back to her. She definitely appeared emotionally distressed over believing he rejected what they’d shared. “No. I failed you.”

  “You were amazing.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “I allowed a male to attack us, to attack you. You were in danger but I couldn’t protect you. You had to defend yourself.”

  “Oh. I thought you were talking about what we did in your bed.” She continued to stroke his cheek. “We were both distracted. He is to blame.”

  The sound of engines penetrated the cabin walls. “Go put on clothes.” He openly stared at her breasts. “Now. Help has arrived—more males will come.”

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  He growled and jerked away from her touch. Pain lanced through his head at the sharp motion. “Do it.” He didn’t want anyone to see her bare. She was too tempting and appealing. “I am fine.”

  He wasn’t though and knew it. He’d already be outside hunting Torrent to kill him for endangering Beauty if his legs would carry his weight. Spots danced in front of his eyes and he felt weakened with the agony inside his head. He’d suffered concussions before and knew the signs. Nausea roiled but he refused to get sick in front of Beauty. He wouldn’t be able to stand more shame added to the growing list he felt.

  Regret and indecision passed over her face but she reluctantly followed his orders by rising to her feet. He watched her go, unable to look away from her perky little ass as she took the stairs two at a time in her haste to return to him. He knew that’s why she hurried. Her faith in his ability to provide safety was as damaged as his head.

  He looked down his body when she was out of sight and groaned. He had no clothing to cover his nakedness and no strength to stand on his own. There was no way he’d ask Beauty for more assistance. He’d never forgive himself for allowing the attack to happen.

  The voices outside were faint but his keen hearing picked up the words.

  “Torrent,” a female hissed. “What have you done? Sit or I’ll have one of the council members beat you.”

  “I…uh. Hell. I’m sitting, Creek. Jaded, don’t you and Bestial look at me like that. This isn’t what it looks like.”

  “What is going on?” The male sounded furious as he snarled. “You attacked a Gift Female? What the hell were you thinking?”

  “I came to teach them how to swim.” Torrent paused. “I heard noises and let myself inside the cabin to find out what was going on. Shadow was mounting a Gift Female. What was I supposed to assume? I thought I was saving her but I’m having my doubts now, Jaded.”

  “They are here to bond.” The female sounded less irritated. “Didn’t someone tell you that? She’s curious about the male. They were sent here to see if she wanted to share sex with him.”

  “Shit,” Torrent groaned. “Nobody told me that. I just saw him on top of her and thought she was being forced.”

  “She showed an interest in that male and resents being protected from his attention,” Bestial announced. “Breeze had the Gift sent here so they could spend some alone time to give them the opportunity to see if they’d like t
o share sex.”

  “Everyone was told,” Creek protested. “We had a meeting about this when we learned they were visiting.”

  “I wasn’t here,” Torrent protested. “I had that wolf cub to collect with my team and had to pick up a lion cub. I’ve been gone a lot.”

  “Shit,” Jaded groaned. “Let Creek handle this. Take the medic inside with you. We’ll wait out here.”

  Shadow struggled to his feet when they stopped talking and staggered a little when the room spun. He stopped, took a few deep breaths and made it to the window by the door. He fisted the curtain, tore it from the rod and wrapped it around his waist.

  Someone stepped onto the porch just as he reached the door and unlocked it. He swung it open and had to lean heavily against the frame to stay upright. Torrent hadn’t attacked to take Beauty away. That dulled some of his rage but he was still furious over what had taken place.

  The tall female wore jeans and a T-shirt instead of NSO Security gear. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her dark gaze swept over him from head to foot. “You poor thing.”

  Shadow winced. He must look hellish and pathetic to get that response from a female. The human male carrying a medical kit hesitated behind her. Shadow glanced away to take in the scene outside. Four Jeeps were parked in front of the cabin and two council members had arrived with the female and medic. Torrent sat on the grass in front of them. The male’s cold blue eyes turned his way and held his attention.

  “I’m sorry,” Torrent stated. “I thought…well, she’s Gift. Nobody told me you were allowed to touch her. You were really upset when I saw you last and I thought you might have snapped.”

  “What are you talking about? What happened?” Creek put her hands on her hips, glancing between them. “What else has happened here?”

  The human cleared his throat. “May I approach him? Is he a Wild Zone resident? Do you need to calm him down before he’s treated?” He stepped from behind the female. “I’m here to tend your injuries. You’re bleeding. I’m not the enemy or here to hurt you.”

  “I’m not a resident or feral,” Shadow growled but then softened his tone. “Just angry but you may approach. I’ve worked with humans for a while now.” He shot a glare at Torrent. “You could have asked what was going on before you threw me out a window.”

  The female stepped closer, effectively blocking his view of the male who’d attacked him. She reached toward him and he instantly recoiled, jerking away, and nearly fell on his ass when he slid away from the doorframe. She gasped, backing away. The medic tried to step around her but she gripped his arm.

  “What is wrong with you?” She flashed fang, looking wary. “Don’t attack.”

  “You can’t touch me.” He righted his body by gripping the frame again and waited for the world to stop spinning as his vision adjusted.

  “You need to be treated.” She inched closer and tried to touch him again.

  He growled. “Not you. I don’t think Beauty would want another female to put her hands on me.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise, but then she grinned. “Okay.” She stepped aside. “He’s all yours, Mike.”

  The medic advanced with determination. “You fell out a window?”

  “I was thrown.” Shadow backed inside the house and leaned heavily against the wall. “I struck my head on the way down. I was punched a few times in the face too. I’m pretty certain I have a concussion.”

  “I’m Mike.” The human set down his case, bent and opened it. “Can you sit? You’re pretty tall and I need to examine you.”

  Shadow just slid down the wall to sit on the floor, careful to keep the curtain around his waist since he could sense the female hovering in the doorway. He glanced at the stairs as he strained to hear any movement from above. Beauty was still up there. He began to worry. It shouldn’t have taken her long to throw something on and return to him. She might be hiding from the human.

  He remained quiet as Mike looked him over, only slightly growling when the medic touched his sore head, finding the lump. The medic used a bright little light to look into his eyes to check his pupils’ responses next. The male sighed.

  “I need to take you to Medical. I think you’re right about the concussion but we need a doctor to take some scans to see what’s going on inside your skull. Are you dizzy? Nauseous? In pain?”

  “All of the above,” Shadow admitted softly. “Creek?”

  The female stepped farther inside the cabin.

  “Can you please go check on Beauty?”

  “Is she injured?”

  “No.” He glanced at Mike, then her. He didn’t want to insult the human but he might be the reason Beauty hadn’t returned to the lower floor.

  She seemed to understand. “Right. He’s male and human.”

  Mike sighed. “Right. She’s Gift. I’m taking him to Medical.”

  “I won’t leave Beauty.” Shadow shook his head but groaned at the pain it caused.

  “I will protect her,” Creek swore. “You need treatment. She’s safe and two council members are on scene. They will stay outside. You don’t need to worry about anything but getting better.”

  Shadow didn’t want to leave but he knew it would be stupid not to see a doctor. His head pounded and he feared he’d throw up.

  “Beauty!” He raised his voice. “I will be back really soon. A female is here. Do you want to stay with her or go with me?”

  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.”