He regretted telling her they weren’t sexually compatible. He’d just said it to shock her. She had been too close, they’d been alone, and he’d wanted to do a hundred things to her. That’s why he walked at a brisk pace to put distance between them.

He focused on his anger instead. She could have been kidnapped, taken for just being associated with New Species, and it infuriated him. She cared about his people, had risked her life to save his kind, first by working undercover inside the testing facility and again by protecting his women when the dorm had been breached. She’d stayed alone to face those violent intruders in order to activate the steel doors to secure the women.

That had been the first thing he’d ordered changed. Humans had screwed up that design by not installing enforced walls to slam down on the first floor as well as the upper floors. The main control panel also should have been installed where she would have been protected as well.

Her eyes haunted him, so blue and pretty, he could gaze into them all day and never get weary of the sight. His fingers ached to touch her soft, pale skin, and run through her soft blonde tresses. Her voice sounded as sweet as pure honey to him, soft and slightly husky. If he knew he could keep a handle on his desire to touch her, he would have stayed, and grilled her for more personal information. He needed to know everything about her but the urge to be closer to her had become too strong.

Now that she’d returned, would live under his roof, he wasn’t about to let her go. He could keep her and look out for his people at the same time. He wouldn’t let Justice down by not doing his job but Ellie would be there when he returned home. A small smile curved his lips.

She was inside his house. His speed increased. The faster he dealt with everything he needed to do, the sooner he’d be able to see her again. He just needed to go slow and avoid spooking her into running away. He could be patient. It wasn’t his best trait but he’d learn for her.

Chapter Ten

Ellie smiled at Breeze. “I’m so glad you came to visit me. I really miss all of you. I wanted to visit the dorm but Fury told me it wasn’t a good idea.” She glanced around the living room. “I’m kind of stuck inside.” Her attention returned to Breeze. “You’re saving me from going stir crazy. I’ve been here for three days and Fury has refused to allow me to leave.”

Breeze smiled back. “Think how difficult a time I had talking him in to allowing me to see you. I wanted to bring more women with me but he refused to give permission for anyone else to come.” She studied Ellie and cocked her head. “He must really be concerned for your safety.”

Ellie shrugged. “Why? Those crazy jerks outside the gate holding signs can’t hurt me while I’m safe inside Homeland.”

A strange look passed over Breeze’s face but Ellie caught it. She sat back on the couch and crossed her arms over her chest. “What am I missing?”

Breeze hesitated. “There are rumors.”

“What kind?”

“I know it isn’t true. I can’t smell Fury on you besides the faint, lingering scent that comes with living inside the same home with someone. It’s just that since he brought you to his house, some have presumed you and Fury are breeding.”

“Breeding?” Ellie’s eyebrows shot up. “You mean the gossips think we’re doing it?”

A chuckle escaped Breeze. “Yes. That’s the term. Doing it.”

“But we aren’t. I mean, we talk and then he avoids me as if I’m the plague.”

“The plague? Is that a religious fanatic group member?”

Ellie laughed. “It’s a deadly disease.”

“Oh.” Breeze grinned. “We’re still learning some English we weren’t exposed to inside the testing facilities. I hadn’t heard that word yet.” Breeze’s smile faded. “It is…gossip…that you and Fury are breeding. Doing it,” she corrected. “Not everyone is happy about that. There have been some problems with humans who work at Homeland over it. I think Fury is afraid for you.”

“He’s heard that crap being rumored about us?”

Breeze nodded. “Everyone has heard.” Her gaze flicked around the living room to the TV. “Is your television broken?”

“Television?” Ellie gasped. “It’s on the news?”

“Yes. Some of the employees must have heard and told some of the…what did you call them? Media vultures? They don’t know your names but there are media vultures saying a New Species and a human are living together.”

Oh crap! Ellie’s shoulders slumped. “No wonder he has refused to allow me out of the house when I mentioned leaving Homeland to go job hunting. I mean, how long can I live in the guy’s guest bedroom and mooch off him?”

“Mooch? What does that word mean?”

Ellie smiled. “It’s a term when you live with someone and take something freely from the person who has to work for it. It’s not a good thing. It’s hard to explain that one. I guess I could describe it as I’m a burden to him.”

“How? He already had a room you could have.”

Ellie struggled with her thoughts. Some words were hard to explain. “Yes. He did but usually you don’t live with someone unless you are a couple. Then it is acceptable if you share food and a home. If you aren’t, then both parties are supposed to work, similar to a partnership, be equal. I am not his girlfriend or his partner. He provides a home and food for me while I give him nothing in return. I’m a mooch.”