“We’re glad to have you stay with us. We’d like our medical staff to take a look at you. You were given a version of the breeding drug and you told me you were Tasered.”
“I’m fine. I’d really rather avoid doctors right now. I just want to shower, eat and sleep.”
“Perhaps later you’ll agree.” Justice didn’t seem happy with her refusal but he didn’t argue. “I’ll have one of our males escort you to guest housing.”
She was dismissed. “Will you tell me about my family when you take them to a hotel? I’d like to know when they are safe.”
“Of course.” Justice inclined his head. “I’m sure they are worried about you, as well. We’ll assure them that you are safe.”
“Thank you.”
“We’d appreciate it if you gave them the impression you are here to visit Smiley. The last thing we need is your family assuming we’re keeping you here against your will and asking your police to intervene.”
She nodded. “Of course. They won’t be happy about it but I don’t want them to worry.”
“They don’t like Species?” Justice’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“It’s not that. They’ll be happy if they think I’m dating someone but they will worry that I jumped into a new relationship too fast. I was engaged a few days ago. They liked Carl. He had all of us fooled.”
“I understand.”
“I can sell it though.” She was sure of that. “I’ll just tell them how horrible Carl treated me at the hotel and they won’t be fans of his anymore. I don’t want them to know about the rest of it because it would upset them too much. I’ll tell them Carl and his dad made up those lies if they heard anything about what Woods Church leaked.”
“Thank you. We’ll forward their calls once we have them secured in a safe location,” Justice promised. “We’d appreciate it if you didn’t make any outgoing calls. You should know they would be monitored. All calls are. It’s not personal.”
She had no clue why they’d do that but she had nothing to hide. “I do need to call Beth. We’ve been best friends since we were kids and I want to make sure she’s safe with Elvis.”
Justice’s eyebrows shot up.
“Not the real one. He’s dead. It’s a guy she dates on and off. He impersonates Elvis for charity events. We just joke around by calling him that. His real name is Mickey.”
“Fine.”
Someone entered the office and Vanni turned. Her mouth hung open as she gawked at the massively built New Species. He had an immense chest and bulky, muscular arms but it was his eyes that she couldn’t look away from. They were brown with red glints in them.
“This is Jericho,” Justice said as he pinned the man with an intent look. “I’m not sure why he’s in my office but I’d like to know the answer to that since this was a closed meeting.”
The guy didn’t look away from Vanni. His gaze lowered though, and he seemed to study every inch of her from head to foot. “I am Smiley’s friend. Is there a problem?”
“No. I was about to have her escorted to guest housing. Perhaps you would like that job?”
“I just wanted to make sure things were fine.” He crossed his arms over his chest and shifted his gaze to Justice. “It’s cool?”
“She’s not accusing Smiley of anything and is willing to help us solve this mess.” Justice sighed. “Tell Smiley he was right. I have phone calls to make. Can you arrange for transportation?”
Jericho’s tense stance relaxed. “This way, Miss Abris.”
“It’s just Vanni.”
She kept a few feet between them as she followed him out of the office, down the hallway and out the front door. The two guards were still stationed there. Jericho paused by one of them.
“Escort her to human housing and make sure she has everything she needs.” He turned to her. “I have something I need to do. Enjoy your stay here. This is Wager. He’ll treat you well.”
“Thank you.” Jericho was a friend of Smiley’s and she wanted to ask a ton of questions but resisted. He was a scary person with those unusual eyes. Her curiosity about Smiley’s welfare could wait.
She watched Jericho stride to a Jeep and drive away. Wager cleared his throat and she turned, staring up at him. He was blond, tall and had pretty catlike eyes.
“Welcome to Homeland, Miss Abris. I have a cart parked just over there and will drive you to human housing. Your cottage has been stocked.”
“Cottage?”
“It’s what we call the houses in the Species and Human housing areas.” He was cute when he smiled.
“Human housing? Aren’t you human too?” She regretted asking that but it was already out. “Sorry. I hope that wasn’t insulting.”
“It’s not. We encourage questions. We are human but we’re also more. I’m a feline Species.” He offered her his arm. “Let’s go, Miss Abris. May I call you Travanni?”
“Yes but it’s just Vanni. No one calls me Travanni unless I’m in trouble.” She was really out of her element. “I’m not in trouble, am I?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
She put her hand on his forearm and he led her to a marked golf cart. She noticed more of them nearby as she took a seat. “Do you have a golf course?”
“No.” He released her, climbed in the driver’s seat and started the engine. “We have three types of vehicles at Homeland and Reservation. The SUVs we use when we leave NSO lands but the Jeeps and golf carts are for traveling inside the gates. We tend to use more golf carts here at Homeland than at Reservation. The terrain there is harsher in some areas.”
She relaxed in the seat. “Thank you for being nice to me.”
He turned his head and flashed a grin. “I feel as though I partially know you.” He pressed the gas and took off, turning the cart around in the street.
“I don’t understand.”
“I saw you on the television with Smiley.” He glanced away from the road to run his gaze down her body. “You appear smaller in person than on my television.”
She cringed. “You saw that?”
“Everyone has.”
She looked away to stare at the buildings they passed but it only made her aware that they drew attention from New Species. Two men standing in front of a building openly studied her and then another one stopped his Jeep to get a better look at her. She started to regret calling the NSO. It was tempting to ask if Wager would take her to the exit but she had nowhere to go and with no money she couldn’t reach her parents. They’d just ask her a lot of questions that she didn’t want to answer.
For better or for worse, she was stuck at Homeland.
* * * * *
Smiley prowled the wall, alert for any movement on the other side. Vanni was safe at Homeland. Fury had made valid points but it didn’t sit well with him that he wouldn’t be there when she was questioned in detail about the Woods Church. She might be frightened.
The low groan that escaped his lips assured him it was probably for the best he wasn’t present. Vanni affected him too strongly. He couldn’t be logical when instinct urged him to protect the female.
The sound of an approaching Jeep drew him from his thoughts and he turned. Jericho parked near the base of a tree next to the wall and he waited until the male climbed up and leapt the five feet to land gracefully on the walkway beside him.
“Is she well? Justice and Fury aren’t intimidating her, are they? Fury promised they would go out of their way to tone it down.”
Jericho frowned.
“What?” Smiley tore off his helmet and gripped his weapon tighter. “Did something happen? Did the doctors find something wrong with her?”
“She didn’t agree to go to Medical but she is fine. Wager is taking her to human housing right now. I assigned him the duty myself.”
“Wager?” Smiley felt his rage building. “He’ll flirt with her. That male is always talking about how he wants to find a human to give him babies.”
“He’s not an idiot. Everyone has see
n that video and he’ll assume you’d fight him if he touches her.”
Smiley frowned, debating whether Wager would be foolish enough to offer to share sex with Vanni. It would be a mistake.
“I’m going to go see her now.” He reached for his radio. “I’m calling in for someone to take my place at this post.”
“Why do you think I came? I’ll cover the rest of the shift.”
Smiley shoved his weapon and helmet at Jericho. “Thank you. You’re a good friend.”
“Go home, shower and don’t wear your uniform when you see the female.”
“Why?” He glanced down. “Do I smell? Look bad?”
“You’re not sweaty but I believe she’s seen enough of our officers today. You should dress casually so you’re just a male to her. She appeared a little overwhelmed. Give her some time alone first.”
“She’s frightened?” His gut twisted. “She needs me.”
“You’re not listening.” Jericho sounded annoyed.
“She is here alone. I’m the first Species she ever met. She was held against her will and had a traumatic day between escaping them and coming to Homeland. I need to let her know she’s safe.”
“You’re being irrational.” Jericho’s voice had deepened when he continued, “I’m your friend and you need to trust my judgment.”
Smiley didn’t enjoy hearing the advice.
“The last thing that female needs is to have you arrive with your emotions on a short leash. Shower, relax and then go see her when you aren’t in protective mode.”
“I didn’t frighten her before.”
“I listened in on everything that took place in Justice’s office. She sounded nervous about seeing you again.”
“You listened in?”
Jericho shrugged, cradling the rifle. “My hearing is good and I wanted to know if she was really as blameless as you believed. She doesn’t hide her emotions well when she speaks. She hides them even less effectively with her expressions. I see why you were convinced she didn’t drug you.”
“You spoke to her?”
“Not much. I could detect her emotions while she answered questions and then I saw her expression when I walked into Justice’s office. She wasn’t able to conceal her fear of me. She reads easily.”
“You frightened her?” Smiley tensed.
“It was my size and she seemed confused about my eyes. I get it a lot but humans attempt to hide their reactions after a second. She wasn’t able to. Follow my advice and be calm when you see her. Take it slow, Smiley. She isn’t one of our females. Don’t forget that. She reminded me of a spooked kitten. I didn’t spend time with her because I was aware of her fear of me. Wager puts humans at ease with his friendly personality so I passed her into his care. I tend to frighten humans when I do this.” Jericho grinned, showing teeth.
“You look menacing.”
“I know.”
Smiley took a deep breath. “I’ll go home and shower. Should I wear jeans and a tank top? Or slacks and a nice dress shirt?”
“Wear workout gear. She’ll appreciate your show of arm muscles. Humans seem to like those.”
He remembered her reaction in the bar when he’d removed his jacket and grinned. “You’re right.”
“Take it slow, Smiley. I know you want the female but she’s skittish.”
“Understood.”
He stepped around Jericho and leapt, landing on a thick tree branch and swiftly climbed down. He looked up and pointed to the Jeep.
“Take it,” Jericho called out. “I left the keys in the ignition. Your replacement will have a vehicle so I won’t have to jog home.”
Smiley slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine. His first instinct was to drive to human housing but he pushed back the urge. He’d follow Jericho’s advice. He admitted to being a little irrational where Vanni was concerned. He couldn’t wait to see her again but a shower and change of clothes seemed like a good idea.
Chapter Twelve
Vanni reflected on her conversation with Wager. He’d sworn she wasn’t a prisoner at Homeland. He’d given her a tour of the two-bedroom house, telling her it was stocked with food and there were clothes in the dresser, before leaving her to her own devices. A few minutes later he’d knocked on her door, delivering lunch. She’d consumed the sandwich and chips with gusto.
The phone on the counter had a dial tone when she tested it. She dialed Elvis’ number after getting it from information and was relieved when Beth answered on the first ring.
“It’s me.” Vanni was glad to hear her voice. “You’re safe. I was so worried.”
“Well, I’m still worried. Where are you?”
“At Homeland. I took your advice.”
“Should I come there? Mickey could drive me.”
“No. I’m okay.” She glanced around the spacious home. “They are treating me really good and have put me up in a house. It’s nicer than a hotel.”
“They didn’t blame you for drugging that Smiley guy?”
“No.”
“Is he there with you?”
“I haven’t seen him yet but I will tomorrow. I don’t have any clothes so he’s going to take me shopping.”
Beth’s voice lowered. “Are you okay? Seriously?”
“I’m fine. Seriously. They were really nice and picked me up in a helicopter.”
“Wow. You got to ride in one of those?”
“It wasn’t that much fun. Trust me. I felt a little motion sick. They fly faster than I thought they would. I did get to meet Fury North.”
“Seriously? Is he as cool as he seems? Was Ellie with him?”
“I didn’t get to meet her but he was really nice.”
“I should come to you,” Beth stated. “You’re alone. I’d be terrified in your shoes.”
“Everyone is being super nice. They even brought me lunch. I’m really okay. I just called to make sure you made it to Elvis’ okay and that Gregory’s guy didn’t get you.”
“The cops came and checked out the apartment. They blamed the paparazzi creeps, thinking one of them might have tried to break in to take pictures. They escorted me out to my car after I told them I didn’t want to stay there anymore. I did exactly what you said. I had Mickey meet me in a parking lot and he drove me here. I left my cell phone locked in my glove box instead of at home. I wanted to make sure my family didn’t freak out if they couldn’t contact me. I called them while I waited.”
“I didn’t think of that.”
“You had other things on your mind like how damn fucked-up Carl and his father are. Did those bastards hurt you?”
Vanni debated going into detail but dismissed it. Beth would flip out if she heard she’d been Tasered or if she repeated Bruce’s threats. “I’m fine. Really. I just plan on sleeping. I’m exhausted.”
“You sound it.”
“I only got a few hours sleep last night and the floor was uncomfortable.”
“They made you sleep on a floor? Those bastards.”
“There was a bed but it’s a long story. I wasn’t going to touch it.”
“Okay.” Beth hesitated. “I can come to you if you want me to. I don’t mind. I’d actually feel better.”
“Stay there. I’m really okay. I’m just going to sleep. There’s no point in you driving all this way to watch me snooze.”
“Give me the phone number. The caller ID didn’t reveal one.”
Vanni studied the phone. It wasn’t marked. “I don’t know it.”
“I guess I could call Homeland and they could connect me to you, right?”
“I guess so.” Vanni wasn’t sure. “I need to get off here though because I don’t know if they have call waiting. Justice North promised to send someone to Mia’s and Count’s homes to make sure their families are safe. I didn’t want Gregory sending thugs after them. Someone is going to call me to let me know.”
“I really hate that rat bastard.”
“Me too. Have you heard from Mom and Dad???
?
“They took off in their RV. Your dad was fit to be tied after I told him what was going on. They are on their way to the cabin but we knew that’s where they’d go. They are either home or up there. Period.”
“I figured.”
“They had me give them Mickey’s number and your mom keeps calling every time they stop for gas. They ditched their cell phones. I’ll tell them you’re at Homeland.”
“Please don’t. They might show up here.”
“That’s true.”
“Just tell them I’m safe. They can buy one of those inexpensive cell phones with the minute cards. Talk my dad through it and have him give you the number. Tell them I’ll call them tomorrow. I just don’t want to deal with them right now. You know how they can be.”
“Boy, do I. Your mom asked me if you go to bars often and pick up strangers.”
Vanni cringed. “Great. They think I’m a slut.”
“I told them it was your first time.” Beth chuckled. “And your last. I did assure her you don’t need rehab. She worried you might have a bit of a drinking problem they weren’t aware of.”
“Is that a joke?”
Beth laughed. “Nope. I also told them it was your first and last one-night stand too. Us crazy kids have to try some things at least once. That seemed to settle her down a bit.”
“You’re not helping, Beth.”
She was quiet for a few seconds. “It’s either laugh or cry. Mickey panics and starts shoving chocolate at me if he sees tears. I told him that’s the best way to deal with me if I have PMS and now he thinks it’s a cure-all when I’m upset. The guy is a total sweetheart but I don’t want to gain ten pounds this week.”
“He doesn’t mind you staying there?”
“Are you kidding? He’s called in at work to take time off so he can play personal bodyguard after I told him what was going on. He even brought out the baseball bat to knock some heads if anyone shows up here looking for me. Testosterone overload aplenty is going on. It’s kind of cute. I didn’t know he was so defensive of me.”
“I told you he was in love with you.”
“I’m not ready to settle down but he’s making me reconsider it.”