“That is true.” He couldn’t argue with Brass’ logic.

“Just be yourself and all will be fine.”

He wasn’t so sure of that but the idea of Beauty being secluded with another male to allow her the freedom to pursue possible physical relations with him made Shadow want to snarl. She was too innocent and someone could take advantage of that.

* * * * *

“What is Reservation like?” Excitement and worry warred within Beauty as she watched Breeze pack her clothing in a duffle bag. “I’ve heard there are miles of trees and lots of open space.”

“There are both of those things.” Breeze grinned, meeting her gaze. “You will enjoy it. You’re being sent to a cabin near a river.” The smile faded. “You must not wade into the water. Do you understand? The current is strong. There’s a small area that is safe. Your escort will show you. It’s an inlet where the current doesn’t reach and the water is only about waist high.”

“Your waist or mine?”

Breeze chuckled. “Mine but you aren’t that short. It won’t be higher than your br**sts.”

“I don’t know how to swim.”

“I guessed that. None of us knew but we learned.”

“Will my escort teach me how to swim too?”

“I’m unsure if he knows how. Just stay away from the main body of the river.” The taller Species closed the bag. “There you go. You’re loaded up with enough outfits to last you a few weeks. Getting away will be good for you and you will know real freedom. The Wild Zone is just the place. The inhabitants were warned to stay away. Not that they’d harm you.”

“Do they know I’m Gift?” Beauty hated the idea of being stared upon with pity. She got it a lot when she was in the general population and caught the attention of some of the men who dared glance her way.

“Anyone who sees you knows. Your size gives that away but yes, they are aware and that’s why they will stay out of your territory.”

“Oh.” Disappointment hit.

“What is wrong?” Breeze’s dark gaze sharpened, not missing anything.

“Nothing.”

“Talk to me right now.”

“I’d hoped going there would change things. I wanted to speak to men and get to know some of them.”

“The Wild Zone is filled with our antisocial Species but they are aware they might be frightening for you if you were to run into them.”

“Explain.” Beauty perched on her bed.

“Some were considered failures by Mercile Industries. Their facial differences can be more severe than ours.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Their animal traits are more pronounced. They look more animal than human. That’s what I’m trying to say.” Breeze reached up and rubbed her nose. “Ours are slightly wider than a typical human’s but some of the Wild Zone males can have flatter features, their mouths shaped like whatever animal DNA they were mixed with, and their hair texture isn’t always as human.”

“Are they not allowed to live at Homeland?”

“They can live anywhere they wish but they prefer to keep away from humans entirely. They get stared at and it’s uncomfortable for them. They were also treated less kindly at Mercile so they really detest humans. We had it rough but they had it much worse. They aren’t prone to wanting to live with others and enjoy their solitude.”

“Have you ever met any of them?”

“Of course.” Breeze smiled again. “I’ve spent a lot of time at Reservation. I’ve even shared sex with one of them.”

“What was that like?”

Breeze hoisted the heavy bag to drop the strap on her shoulder. “Interesting. Let me just say that their animal traits are also very close to the surface of their personalities. You have no reason to fear them though. They were spoken to by Valiant and Leo. Both of those males rule the Wild Zone.”

“They are like Justice here at Homeland?”

“They are feline mixes but I wouldn’t say they are similar to Justice in other ways. Justice is social and gets along well with others. Valiant and Leo are, well, different. Let’s just say that when they say something our males listen. Justice earns respect. Valiant and Leo are very frightening.”

“Are there any women Wild Zone residents?”

“Just Tammy. She’s Valiant’s human mate.”

“I meant antisocial women with more animalistic traits.”

“None of them survived.” Breeze looked grim. “If they ever existed at all. None were found when we were freed. Mercile either didn’t make what they considered mistakes with females or they had them killed.” Breeze spun away to head for the bedroom door. “Sometimes I wish Kit would be sent there. She’s a thorn in my side. I’d love for her to be someone else’s problem. Let’s go.”

Beauty slid off the bed to follow. “What is Kit’s problem?”

“I have no idea. She refuses to talk to me about why she is turning so mean.” Breeze paused by the front door and held her gaze. “Are you ready for an adventure? You’ll have fun and hopefully you’ll enjoy this vacation.”

“Who is my escort?”

“Shadow volunteered.” Amusement showed on her features. “You know him. Is that all right?”

Her heart raced. “He asked to be the one to go with me? Really?”