Valiant blinked. “She’s in heat.”
“Oh fucking hell,” Tiger cursed.
Valiant growled.
“Son of a bitch!” Tiger cursed louder. “Ted, I told you to make sure none of your women were ovulating. We went over this, damn it. No wonder he’s acting crazy.”
“How was I supposed to know?” Ted sputtered. “Do you know how many sexual harassment lawsuits I could be hit with if I asked women who worked for me if it’s a certain time of the month? Come on. And how in the hell would anyone know anyway, Tiger? How?”
Tiger cursed again. “We’d know, Ted. I told you we can smell them half a mile away and I told you some of our men would react badly to it. I’m upwind from her but he’s not. If he says she’s ovulating—and trust me, she is—it’s a problem. No wonder he’s acting this way.” The man paused. “Who was on duty when they let her in?”
“Smiley.” A male voice spoke softly. “He’s primate and his sense of smell isn’t as keen. He obviously missed her scent.”
“What does it mean if she is ovulating? Is that why he wants to kill her?” It was the woman speaking. “Is it like a shark going nuts if they smell blood?”
Tiger was silent for a few long seconds. “She’s not bleeding. As a woman you should know the difference between menstruation and ovulation. She’s ovulating. He doesn’t want to kill her. He wants to breed with her.”
“Thank God.” The woman actually laughed. “I thought he would turn her into a chew toy and tear her to pieces.”
“Marcy!” Ted yelled. “How can you laugh about this? It’s not funny. We’re all relieved he isn’t planning on killing her but did you hear what Tiger implied? We have to get her out of there.”
“Is she married?” Tiger asked.
“No.” Ted hesitated. “Now wait a minute. Don’t look relieved as if something is going to happen between them. Get her out of there.”
Tammy stared at the New Specie’s profile. He didn’t want to end her life. He wanted to breed with her. She was still in shock. She let her gaze take in the huge man-beast from head to knee and shivered. She’d been horrible with math in high school but she knew enough to do the mathematics of this one.
The guy seemed to be nearly two of her in sheer size and there was no way a physical relationship would be possible between them. And besides that— What in the hell am I thinking? She wanted to scream for help again but nothing came out of her mouth. I’m screwed! NO! Don’t say that. Find a new saying. I’m in deep shit. Yeah. That’s better. Don’t even think anything about screwed or screwing, considering.
“I can’t,” Tiger explained. “He’ll protect her if one of us tries to get close to them. Think of a really mean animal protecting his favorite toy. Well, that’s about what we have here.”
Tiger remained silent for a full minute. No one spoke. He finally must have decided on a new approach when he began to speak again.
“Valiant? I can find someone willing to take her place. You have to let her go. She’s not Species, she’s human, and you’d break her. Look how little she is. She’s puny, a real runt of a female, and you know you don’t want her. I realize she smells pretty good to you and hell, I noticed right off the bat that she’s attractive, but again, she’s human. We had some sodas together a few weeks back and discussed how frail they are. We don’t do them, remember? Just back away from her and I’ll call our females. One of them would be more than happy to come out here to take her place if you’re in the mood to get frisky. Sound good, man? Work with me here.”
“Mine,” Valiant growled.
“Fuck.” Tiger groaned. “Where is that tranquilizer gun? We’re going to need it fast.”
“I’m coming, Tammy,” Ted shouted.
“Don’t,” Tiger yelled. “He’ll tear you apart.”
“Well, do something,” Ted demanded. “I won’t stand here just watching her be raped by that…that…person.”
Valiant turned his head. His face was a foot from Tammy’s. She stared into his eyes. At close range they were amazingly beautiful. She saw swirls of color inside them that resembled spun, melted gold. His eyelashes were very thick, reddish orange, and long. On his hands and knees, he stood face level with Tammy, kneeling on the grass. His mouth was closed, his sharp teeth hidden, as he inhaled again. A soft sound came from his throat, a deep purr. He blinked at her while inching closer.
Move, damn it. She ordered her body to fall back, do something, but it didn’t listen. He reached up with one of his large hands and she saw his fingernails. They were thicker than normal, almost pointed, but with normal-sized, human-looking nail beds. He moved very slowly as his rough-feeling fingertips brushed her long hair back away from her cheek. His fingers caressed her face. The tips of his fingers were calloused. Goose bumps rose on her body and it was a weird but good kind of feeling. His hand cleared all her hair over her shoulder before it moved lower to cup her waist.
“Beautiful,” he rumbled softly. “So beautiful.”
She swallowed. “Tha—” Her voice broke. “Thank you,” she got out in a whisper.
She wasn’t sure what he thought was attractive about her. Was it her long hair or her face? She’d been told that she had beautiful blue eyes. Whatever it was that he found appealing, she was just grateful she’d finally found her voice. It wasn’t much since she seemed to only be able to breathe out words but she hoped now that it worked, she might manage an ear-splitting scream if the need arose. She had a bad feeling it would be soon if this guy wanted to have sex with her.
He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. “You smell so good. Strawberries and honey. I love those.” He made another soft rumble deep within his throat. His eyes opened. “Don’t be afraid. I wouldn’t ever hurt you, Tammy.” He shifted his big body closer.
Heart pounding, Tammy closed her eyes when his hair brushed her face and she stiffened as his cheek brushed against hers. His skin felt hot and his warm breath fanned over her neck, which he’d bared when he’d cleared the area of her hair.
What is he doing now? Some of her fear eased since he’d sworn he wasn’t going to hurt her and he hadn’t so far. Scared the hell out of me, yes, but he hasn’t done anything painful. She jumped a little when he licked her where her neck and shoulder met.
“Uh,” she got out but shut up. The feeling was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. His tongue had a slightly sandy texture but not gritty or abrasive. Shivers shook her body and somehow it seemed oddly erotic. His sharp teeth lightly brushed her skin next, creating another oddly seductive sensation.
“Shush,” he breathed the word, as his tongue and teeth left her. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
“What is he doing to her?” Ted’s voice rose with alarm. “Make him stop.”
“Where is that tranquilizer gun?” Marcy spoke.
“Everyone, shut up,” Tiger demanded. “He isn’t hurting her and we’re going to anger him. He’s got his hands on her so just be quiet.”
The sound of a vehicle approaching broke the silence. A growl tore from the lips next to Tammy’s neck. The sound made her eyes fly open and she whimpered, staring at his sharp teeth, which he bared as his head turned to glare at the source of noise. The hand cupping her waist tightened but it didn’t hurt.
She gasped suddenly as his other arm curled around her back at her middle. In a blur of motion he stood, easily hauled Tammy to her feet with him, and jerked her tight against the front of his body, keeping his arm around her.
Tammy stared up at the much taller man who held her against him with his strong arm. Her legs turned to rubber, collapsing, but his hold on her was enough to keep her locked against his big, solid body. The guy was terrifyingly powerful.
He glared at something over the top of her head. He had a really angry expression and suddenly another roar broke from his lips, loud enough to hurt her ears. She saw his sharp, white teeth flash again as he snarled, and he lifted her higher against his chest when he yanked her completely off her feet
. He held her there, her body dangling above the ground, and he fled the yard.
Mine. The thought wouldn’t leave Valiant’s head. It repeated over and over. Mine. Mine. Mine. His moved faster, to take her somewhere private, away from the others, inside his home. They weren’t going to take her away from him. He’d fight to the death to keep her and kill anyone who tried to tear her from his arms. The scent of her flooded his nose, made his body ache with need, and nothing else mattered.
She’s a human. She’s not what I had in mind or what I thought I wanted. Things change. It doesn’t matter. She’s all mine. He glanced at Tiger, the two Species males with him, and the two humans to make sure they didn’t invade his territory.
The human male had a red face and gripped the fence, appearing ready to climb over it, and the human woman’s mouth hung open as if she wanted to scream. He knew he horrified them but he didn’t give a damn. They posed no threat to him. It was the Species he might have to fight if they attacked. He’d do it. He wasn’t going to let the woman go.
Mine!
His arm tightened around the glorious woman he held, careful not to crush her, and grateful she didn’t fight. She almost seemed docile in his hold, as if she knew as well as he did that she belonged to him. Hope soared that she’d want him as much as he did her.
You’re not acting sane, he silently admitted but it didn’t matter. She smelled wonderful, her delicate features were something he wanted to stare at forever, and holding her in his arms made the desire to keep her only stronger. The idea of spreading her out on his bed and stripping her bare to explore every inch of her skin had his dick aching painfully.
She’ll be someone to talk to, someone to hold, and I’ll convince her we will be happy together. I can do it. She’ll want to stay. She has to. Mine. Mine. Mine. She belongs with me.
He had no real idea how to make it happen but he was a strong male, determined, and anything was possible now that he was free. He’d spent a lifetime locked in a dank cell, hurting most of the time, and always so lonely. The idea of having a mate, someone to get to know, to share life with, had become his ultimate dream.
He held her more tenderly, swearing to protect her with his life and not allow anyone to take her from him. It didn’t have to make sense. She was in his arms, he’d claimed her, and he wasn’t about to release her. Somehow, some way, he’d convince her he was the male for her.
He’d once dreamed of living outside the concrete walls and that had finally happened. Anything was possible. He inhaled her wonderful feminine scent, his arms secured her more firmly against his body, and one word repeated in his head.
Mine!
Chapter Two
“Damn it, Valiant,” Tiger yelled. “Bring that woman back this instant!”
“Tammy!” Ted screamed. “Put her down! He’s going to kill her. Do something!”
“Leave,” Valiant roared over his shoulder as he sprinted toward the house.
“Bring her back, man!” Tiger shouted. “Don’t make me bring a hunting party in there to retrieve her. Justice is going to have your balls if you hurt her.”
Tammy gripped his shirt when he slowed to a walk and clutched her against his body a little higher as he stomped up some steps. She couldn’t see a thing but his tan T-shirt in her face.
The man-beast suddenly paused, they turned, and she heard a door slam closed. A second later the distinct sound of locks being turned registered before he moved again.
They climbed a lot of stairs. She closed her eyes and didn’t fight. She could feel the strength of the arms that held her pressed tightly against his firm, hard body. She inhaled and admitted the guy smelled great, that whatever cologne he put on was a good one that wasn’t too strong.
She bit back some self-loathing. She was losing her mind to be thinking about the guy’s delectable-smelling cologne under the circumstances. She was being taken somewhere by Valiant, the man-beast, and was locked inside the house, which it turned out was his.
Another door slammed and Valiant stopped walking but his body twisted around and another lock being turned registered in her mind. He turned again, her legs swinging slightly from his sudden movements, and took about ten steps before he suddenly released her.
Tammy gasped as she fell but she didn’t hit a hard floor, dropping onto a soft bed instead. She landed on her back with her legs over the edge of the massive mattress to stare up in mute shock at the man standing between her thighs. Valiant’s exotic eyes were fixed on her.
Oh shit. She finally found the ability to move. She was on his bed and it smelled the way he did. She instinctively knew it was his bedroom. She glanced at the large room with the dark-wood bedroom furniture. She backed up, using her elbows and dug her feet into the bed to try to get away from him. The huge man watched her silently.
“Don’t,” he growled softly.
Tammy froze. “You don’t.”
His lips twitched and his eyes narrowed a little. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t…” She frowned at him. “Stop scaring me.”
Full lips curved into a smile. “Are you afraid of me?”
She nodded. “Of course I am.”
He suddenly moved, his hands flattened on the mattress as he bent toward her on the bed. Her body was under him instantly as he stretched his body over her, knocked her flat, and halted her plan to crawl backward away from him.
“Why? I won’t hurt you. What I want to do to you will feel really good.”
Is he kidding? She didn’t believe he was, considering the intense look he directed her way. This situation was a lot of things but humorous wasn’t one of the descriptions that came to mind.
“You’re huge and you have sharp teeth and…you took me from outside. I want to leave.”
“I don’t want you to go. As you pointed out, I’m bigger.”
Her mouth opened and closed as she stared up at him. “They will come in here to get me.”
He nodded. “They will.”
Huh? She frowned at him. “Why are we here if you knew that already?”
“Time.” He actually grinned at her. “It’s going to take them a lot of it to get enough of my people together to brave my home. Not many would be so foolish to attempt it. They fear me.”
She started to feel nervous as she studied him. “Could you please stop hovering over me?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“You’re frightening me again.”
The smile faded. “I don’t want you to be afraid.”
“What do you want?”
His gaze lowered down her body slowly before he met hers again. “I want you.”
Her heart missed a beat. “That’s not going to happen.”
“Ummm.” He didn’t look convinced. He suddenly pushed up with his hands and straightened off the bed back onto his feet. He kept his sole focus on her. “Are you sure?”
“You promised you wouldn’t hurt me.”
Tammy watched as he gripped his T-shirt, his fingers hooked on the lower edges of it and he tore the material up his body. He threw it on to the floor behind him. She couldn’t help but stare. The man’s skin was a golden brown all over and he had a perfect chest. She imagined he’d be hairy but he wasn’t. He was muscular and really cut with smooth, nearly hairless skin. She couldn’t miss the six-pack abs clearly displayed over a flat belly.
His arms were massive, thickly defined with muscles, and he had a broad chest. The disks of his nipples were a light reddish color that nearly matched his eyelashes and his hair. Her gaze ran lower and saw that a thin line of reddish-blond hair lightly trailed from his bellybutton down to the top button of his jeans.
“I’m not going to hurt you.” He reached for the snap of his pants. “Of all the things I want to do to you, pain isn’t involved.”
He opened the top button of his jeans, which revealed more of his flat stomach. Tammy’s mouth fell open as he gripped the zipper. Her gaze jerked up to his face and couldn’t miss how amused he ap
peared to be. His golden eyes shone with it.
“Don’t you dare take those off.”
The sound of the zipper going down was loud inside the bedroom. It had an icy-cold-water effect on Tammy, as if she’d been splashed with it. It startled her out of her dazed shock when it sank in that he really planned to have sex with her. She gasped in air, rolled over on the mattress, and frantically clawed at the bedding, trying to crawl away from him.
Big, strong hands gripped her hips and tossed her carefully onto her back and left her staring up at him again. Three things became instantly clear as her gaze jerked down to his waist. The man’s jeans were open, she saw skin, and Valiant wasn’t wearing underwear. She also couldn’t miss that the guy didn’t tuck upward judging by the large bulge she couldn’t miss running down his inner thigh inside the jeans.
“Where are you going? You’d miss the really great parts if you run now.”
“Stop it.”
He grinned at her, showing fangs. “You have beautiful blue eyes.”
She blinked. “You have beautiful eyes too. That doesn’t mean you can…” She pointed at his waist. “That’s not happening.”
He chuckled. “Really?”
Tammy nodded. “Really. No way, no how. Do the math, huge guy.”
“I’m glad you’ve gotten your voice back and my name is Valiant. You may use it.”
“You stopped growling and roaring at me.”
“So if I don’t want you to talk or tell me ‘no’ anymore, I just need to roar and growl at you?” One of his eyebrows arched. “Thanks for sharing how to silence you. It’s helpful information to know.”
Tammy inched back on the bed, trying to reach the other side. “As I said, do the math. There’s no way we’re, uh, doing what people do inside bedrooms.”
“Math has nothing to do with what I have in mind.”
“Really?” Tammy was extremely grateful not to be mute anymore. She felt calmer now that she wasn’t frozen with terror. She was adjusting to how the guy looked and since he’d brought her inside his house, he seemed more human than animal. He talked to her instead of just growling. “I disagree. You’re huge and I’m small in comparison. The two don’t add up.”