“No.”

She didn’t move her arms when he released them and adjusted his chest a little higher over her to make certain she was protected from the weather. He just needed to keep her from panicking until the rain slowed enough to move her. His cart and radio weren’t too far away. He’d have to call for emergency assistance.

Fury and Justice were going to hand him his ass. Hell, all the males were. He’d hunted a Gift Female. Not only that but he’d taken her down as if she were a deer. He was grateful that he’d recognized she was a small female at least and made certain he’d done his best to take the brunt of the impact with the ground when he’d tackled her.

“I’m Beauty.”

The female’s whispered words made him stare down at her. He could barely make out the shape of her face in the darkness.

“What were you doing out here, Beauty? Did something frighten you?” He tried to figure out why she’d been running in barely any clothing. A worse thought struck and he darted a searching look around them. “Was someone chasing you?” His voice deepened at just the thought of someone trying to harm her. His protective instincts came fully into play.

“No. I just wanted to feel alive.”

Her answer astounded him and drew his full attention to her again. He wished he could see her face. Thunder shook the ground under them. The storm seemed to be drawing closer. He knew then it would be safer to move her despite the downpour. They were in the open. Lightning flashed overhead brightly and his head snapped up to watch the jagged line of it. It was too close. Thunder followed almost immediately.

“I’m moving you. Just remain calm. You have my word as a Species officer that I’d never hurt you, Beauty. I know you must be terrified but there is no reason. I’m not a human.”

He hated to expose her to the rain but didn’t see any other choice. He rose quickly to his knees, his hands slid in the slick grass under her arms to grip her rib cage and he gently lifted her. She didn’t weigh much as he stood with her held tightly against his body. His shoulder hunched and he tucked his head to keep the rain off her as much as possible. He spun and hurried back toward his cart. Her legs rubbed his where she rested lengthwise against him.

“I’m not afraid.”

He heard her words and breathed a little easier. “Good. You’re very brave.” Gift Females were terrified of all males after being abused by humans.

Her arms hugged him around his neck and a second later her legs lifted to wrap around his waist. It made it easier for him to carry her and he appreciated that she trusted him enough to cling to him. He picked up the pace and made it to the thick trees. They’d barely entered them when a loud noise sounded, putting him on full alert. He paused before spinning in a new direction and dashing for safety.

“Hold on. That’s hail.”

He evaded the tree trunks and lightning flashes showed him the way as he made it to the sports equipment building. He barely paused before lifting his leg and slamming his boot into the door. The lock easily gave under the power of his kick. He stepped inside just as the chunks of ice pelted the roof. He released her waist with one arm to blindly search for the door and slam it closed.

It was loud inside the small building—more of a shed—as the exterior was hammered by the hail. His hand explored the wall until he found the light switch. The one bulb in the ceiling wasn’t overly bright but he was grateful for it as he glanced around the confined space.

“We’re safe in here.” He leaned back enough to see her face, looking for injuries.

Her big eyes were more curious than afraid as she studied him as intently as he did her. The color of them was a soft brown and she had really long dark eyelashes. All her features were delicate and assured him once again that she was primate Species.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes.”

He glanced at the front of her thin nightgown and forgot how to breathe. The material was wet, plastered to her as if it were a second skin and transparent enough for him to see exactly how she’d look naked. The dusky, taut tips of her ni**les were clearly visible. They were beautiful temptations he instantly wanted to touch and explore.

Bad. Real bad, he chastised himself, tearing his gaze away to look anywhere but at her. He hated how his body reacted so easily to the sight of her br**sts. His dick filled with blood and he had to swallow since he was almost salivating to suck one of them into his mouth to taste.

He’d allowed his instincts to take over while chasing her and they were still too close to the surface for him to easily regain control of his responses. He frantically looked for a safe place to put her down and his attention caught on the large bench-box housing the baseball equipment. He stepped forward and lowered her.

“Sit.”

Her arms and legs released him and he let go of her the second he knew she wouldn’t fall over. Shadow spun, searching for an emergency radio but didn’t find one. He stared at the door. The noise of the storm intensified and wind battered the walls.

“Are you okay?”

Her voice was so soft he barely heard her. No. His dick was hard and he couldn’t risk her noticing. She’d probably scream, fearing he’d attack. “Everything is fine,” he lied, keeping his back to her. “I’m going to go out there and radio for help.”

“You can’t.” Her voice grew louder, less timid. “It sounds dangerous.”

He turned his head, tempted to explain why he needed to leave. Innocence stared back at him when he met her gaze. “My cart isn’t too far from here. I need to contact Security and let them know what happened. We need a female officer on scene.”