He rolled off the bed and strode into the living room. He paced, considering her words. She didn’t follow him. He kept glancing at the door but she allowed him space. He cursed. The urge to punch something surfaced but he refrained. Kat drove him insane. His first instinct was to ask her to leave but he admitted deep down that he didn’t want her to go. It was the most torn he’d felt in years.

Chapter Eighteen

He was still in the apartment but the silence in the other room unnerved Kat. What would Darkness decide? She stayed on the bed to give him time to think.

She sat up after about five minutes, slid off the bed and tentatively crept to the doorway. Darkness paced between the kitchen and front door, his expression stormy. She leaned against the doorway, watching him. He was a handsome man but not her type. Missy had been right. She had no idea how to manage him. She didn’t even think it was possible. He was a wild card and she couldn’t even hope to predict what he’d do next. His nose flared and he stopped, turning his head her way.

She smiled. “Still thinking?”

“You can stay.”

Her smile widened. “Good.”

“I can’t promise you anything, Kat.”

“This is a start.”

“I’ve never lived with anyone before. I could be bad at it.”

“I’m willing to chance it. I’m probably no picnic either. I’m pushy and you piss me off. That means I’m going to get in your face. Forget that whole docile thing I’ve heard you guys expect from women.”

“I’d hate that.”

“Good.”

“You’d be terrified of me if you weren’t so brave.”

“That’s a good term to use.”

He arched an eyebrow in question.

“Some people would call it something less flattering. Like stupid to not run when you’re angry.” She stepped away from the wall. “Are you still willing to make omelets? I’m hungry. Birds eat bread. I actually have an appetite.”

“I’d never drug you with anything.”

“That was a cheap shot. Sorry. I just know how much you’d hate it if I ended up pregnant.”

“I’d make a bad parent and a worse mate.”

“Let’s forget about it for now. Why worry about something that probably won’t happen? You picked up condoms. We’ll use them.”

“I called one of our doctors. A blood test can answer that question in five days.”

“That’s fast.”

He entered the kitchen, yanked open the fridge. “So is a pregnancy.”

“What does that mean?” She followed him in, wanting to help.

“Let’s discuss that if you are pregnant. The less you know, the better.”

“You mean it’s classified and you’re afraid I’ll tell someone.”

He held the egg carton in his hand and nodded. “Don’t take offense. I have to inform the NSO that you’re aware of the children.”

“Will it help if I sign a blood oath of silence?”

“We aren’t that severe. A confidentially clause would do. That would alleviate some of their worries. Your laws in the out world don’t hold up here but ours do in yours.”

“That sounds fair.” She chuckled. “Sarcasm.”

“I got that.” He smiled. “We’ll take any advantage we can get.”

“I don’t blame you. New Species got the shit end of the stick for most of their lives. It’s about time the tables were turned.”

He laughed, the sound deep and wonderful. It lit up his expression too. She loved seeing it.

“I’ve never heard it put that way before.”

“Graphic, yet effective, to get the point across. What can I do?”

“Stay back. The kitchen is small. We’d be bumping into each other otherwise.” He paused. “I have to warn you that I only know how to put together a few meals well. Cooking was new to us and I only took an interest in learning to make what I enjoy eating most.”

“Is it a short list?”

“Omelets, bacon, steaks and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.”

“I know how to open cans and reheat what’s inside them. I never learned how to cook. Missy kept me fed. She is a fantastic cook and loves to bake. I like everything you said. How do you feel about canned corned beef hash and soups? I’ve got that down pat.”

He chuckled. “There’s always the bar. They serve excellent food. At Reservation they have a cafeteria with huge buffets every day. Most of the males there don’t cook or have kitchens in their homes so they feed everyone.”

“We won’t starve. That’s a bonus.”

“It is.”

“Tell me about Snow. Any chance he’ll mate Missy and bring her here? She could feed us.”

He gawked at her.

“What? It’s a valid question. She’s single and always complains about how lonely she is. I’ve seen your guys. She wouldn’t stand a chance if he decided to bring her home. She’d probably drive the SUV for him.”

“He’s single but I have no idea if he wants a mate.”

“He might if she makes him cookies. I told you that girl can bake. Does he read?”

“I assume so. Why?”

“She writes hot sex in her books and is forever asking everyone she meets to read them. I hope he has a good sense of humor.”