When New Species had been freed a lot of them had wanted to wage a war on all humans but Justice had been the calm voice of reason. To survive they needed to work with the humans who had freed them. When they’d been told they were being given Homeland, a place to live in peace, a place where they could rebuild their lives, Justice had come to Fury and asked him to help guide them into their new way of life. Fury had agreed quickly, willing to shoulder any burden that came his way as long as he could be of use.

He’d taken over training their security teams and shown them how to control their inner beasts. The irony wasn’t lost on him. He hadn’t practiced what he preached. He’d gone after something he knew he couldn’t have―Ellie. He’d brought her into his home and seduced her regardless of the cost.

He couldn’t regret the action. Even the small amount of time with her had been worth whatever pain he’d endure. He had tasted her, touched her, and knew how wonderful it felt to be that close to her. If they locked him up her image would keep him company, her voice committed to memory forever, her beautiful eyes etched into his soul. He could forever close his eyes and hear her, picture her.

“Are you all right?” Justice glanced back at Ellie.

“Yes.” She cleared her throat.

Justice’s attention snapped back to him. Fury met his stern look with a grim determination. He’d make sure everyone knew the blame rested solely on his shoulders. He’d distance himself from New Species, hope the humans didn’t blame others for his actions, and take whatever punishment they meted out to him without complaint or excuses.

Justice’s disappointment and shock wounded him deeply. He knew how much rested upon his behavior. He’d let his people down, his best friend, and himself.

“I can’t do this alone, Fury,” Justice informed him softly, a pained look on his face. “I needed you to hold it together for all of us. Director Boris has fought me every step of the way on us taking control of Homeland. He’s trying to tell the President we’re not capable of running our own lives. He honestly believes we’re more animal than human, little more than trained to speak and mimic them. He hasn’t come straight out by saying it but his contempt is so strong it’s impossible to ignore.”

“I’m sorry.”

“This is just going to justify his accusations. We have to work twice as hard to show them we are their equals and we are a race of intelligent, responsible people. You couldn’t have totally lost your mind at a worse time.”

“I realize it will reflect badly on the NSO. I’ll take full responsibility, assure them I’m the only one flawed, and you will need to press for them to deal with me severely.”

Justice studied his friend. “You aren’t yourself. Why?”

Fury’s attention drifted toward the bed but he still couldn’t see Ellie around Justice’s large frame. He met his friend’s curious gaze.

“I think you know why. There’s something about her that I can’t ignore. It’s not just anger. There’s more to it than that.”

A few Species males had experienced overwhelming urges to mate with certain females, to keep them very close, make them theirs, but none of them had given in to those instincts. Not that they’d been given the chance while they’d been prisoners. They’d been kept separated except for those times that females had been brought to them for breeding.

They were aware of the problem though. It only had happened to a few times inside the testing facilities but they had discussed the potential problem if more Species suffered from what they’d deemed a need to mate. I have that need, Fury admitted. He was pretty certain a mating was for life too because of how strongly Ellie affected him. He couldn’t see ever wanting to let her go.

Justice started back with worry and understanding etched on his features. “How bad is it?”

“Overwhelming, obviously. I’ve been fighting it tooth and nail.” His shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused but…” He left the rest unsaid.

He still didn’t regret it, even knowing how deep was the hole he’d dug. He glanced up to try to see Ellie again but Justice continued to block his view of her. He’d had her once. It would never be enough but at least he’d have the memory to savor.

Ellie spotted her clothes on the floor by the bed. Fury must have stripped her and just dropped them there. Her ID card and her shoes were there too. She moved slowly, definitely tender between her thighs from their bout of hot sex, and slid her butt to the edge of the bed. She kept the blanket around her. She grabbed her clothes and frantically started to put them on. The men seemed to be having a staring contest.

“The human security guards are searching everywhere for the woman.” Justice paused. “They found her broken electrical equipment by the pond and suspect something has happened to her. The second I became aware of her identity I came here, hoping you hadn’t done something stupid. We need to inform them she is here. She’ll need medical attention and you need to face the penalty of your crime. She isn’t one of us. I think they will make you face their law punishment. I don’t know what those are but you have to stand up for it for all our sakes. Don’t fight if they arrest you. I know the urge will be strong if they chain you but don’t make this worse.”

“I won’t struggle,” Fury swore softly. “I’ll call them now.”

Ellie finished dressing. She shoved on her shoes and stood. The movement made her aware of discomfort when her shirt rubbed under her sore breast. She didn’t take the time to check on how bad the scratch from his teeth was, promising do that later after she reached home. She took tentative steps toward the door.