Fury’s arm eased its tight hold around her waist and both hands gripped her hips. He spun her to face him until their gazes met.

“I will get you back if they try to make you leave Homeland. No one will keep you from me.”

It startled Ellie at how fierce he sounded but she nodded. “I’ll be home really soon. I…” She wanted say she loved him but resisted. The level of emotion she felt toward him didn’t come as a surprise to her. “I will miss you,” she finally settled on saying.

Fury cupped her face with both hands and leaned down until their noses nearly touched. “You will be missed too.” His passionate gaze lifted from hers to stare pointedly over her head. “Bring her back soon and protect her at all costs.”

“I will,” Justice swore. “With my very life if need be. Let’s go, Ellie. You will want to put on shoes.”

* * * * *

Ellie darted glances at the intimidating big men who surrounded her and fought a claustrophobic feeling from too many bodies pressed tightly together. No one touched her but she knew if she lifted her arm she’d brush against an NSO officer. Justice acted as though her life were in extreme danger. It made her more than a little terrified until they entered the conference room. The shock at seeing the room packed to full capacity overwhelmed the fear. She clenched her teeth to prevent her jaw from dropping open as her glance darted around the room filled with at least sixty-plus people. It had to set a new record for attendance for a meeting.

Director Boris stood behind a table in the back. “Ms. Brower.”

Ellie’s gaze met his and anger surged. She glanced at Darren Artino, who stood next to the director. Other familiar faces were present but most of the people weren’t ones she recognized. Their seemed solely focused on her. It left her feeling as though she were a bug under a microscope. Justice motioned his NSO officers to spread out with a flick of his hand but he stayed at her side to address Director Boris.

“Here is Ellie Brower and you can see she is fine.” Justice’s irritation sounded in his voice.

Darren Artino cleared his throat while he studied Ellie. “It has been brought to our attention you might want to leave Mr. Fury’s home. We’re concerned about you.”

Ellie crossed her arms over her chest and thrust her chin out, really uncomfortable with everyone staring at her. “I’m fine. Mr. Fury has been nice enough to let me crash in his guestroom.” She paused, glaring openly at Director Boris, not bothering to hide her dislike of him. “I was nearly kidnapped by a few members of the hate groups who picket outside after I left Homeland. Mr. Fury is concerned about my safety. I’m much better off here than outside those gates.”

A blonde woman with her hair pulled into a tight bun stood. She wore a trim, black business suit. “I’m Doctor Trisha Norbit.”

The woman appeared too young to be a doctor but Ellie didn’t share her opinion aloud. “It’s nice to meet you.” She wasn’t sure what else to say.

“We were told you and Mr. Fury have become very close. I’d like to examine you to make sure you are in good health and we could discuss some things.” The woman glanced around the room and then gave Ellie a meaningful look. “In private, of course.”

“There’s nothing to talk about and I don’t need a medical exam.” Ellie sighed loudly, not wanting to spend the day there. “Look, I’ll get to the point. I heard the reports on the news. I know you believe Mr. Fury has hurt me or some other bullshit but that’s not true.” She shot another dirty look toward Director Boris and then turned her attention to the doctor. “I’m his guest who sleeps in the spare bedroom. I hardly see him and there’s nothing dirty going on. I don’t even know why I’m here but Mr. North said I had to show up so everyone can see I’m all right. My day was going great until I had to come here for everyone to gawk at me, imagining the worst.”

“Are you and Mr. Fury involved in a physical relationship?” A stranger spoke.

Ellie glared at him. “That is rude to ask a person, way out of line, but the answer is no. Didn’t I just say that? Mr. Fury is a perfect gentleman. I sleep in his guestroom.”

“But you are living with him.” The man glared at Ellie, his hostility clear. “We know you both are sexually active together.”

Ellie lost her temper. She took a step toward the rude man but stopped. “We’re roommates. Did you miss that part? Are you one of those stupid people who believe a man and woman can’t share a home without jumping into bed together?”

An older man sighed. “We didn’t mean any disrespect, Ms. Brower. It’s just that we need to know about it if you and Mr. Fury are having sexual relations. You would be the first couple between the two species who have had sexual intercourse that we’re aware of. We need to run tests and study this.” He shoved his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose. “There could be dangerous side effects. We’re looking out for your best interest and Mr. Fury’s. You wouldn’t want to harm him in some way, would you?”

Ellie frowned. “I understand what you’re saying but understand this. I am not with Mr. Fury in the way you’re implying. We aren’t having intercourse, as you put it. He’s just a really nice guy who allows me to live with him until I can find another job. I went outside the gates and my association with New Species nearly got me kidnapped by fanatical freaks. I’m safer here, living at Homeland.”