“I know that. I trust you.” She did, completely.

“Living with the task team wasn’t easy but I’m glad for the experiences it gave me.”

Beauty watched him jog up the stairs and disappear in the direction of his room. She was tempted to follow him. She’d love to watch him strip and shower. Instead, she entered the kitchen to finish preparing lunch. It gave her a sense of fulfillment to prepare food for her Shadow.

She froze. My Shadow? Beauty closed her eyes as her heart stuttered inside her chest. He wasn’t really hers, not for certain yet. They’d had sex but that didn’t mean they were a real couple. Sleeping in his arms didn’t mean he’d want her there every night for the rest of their lives. It hurt thinking about a day that might come when she wasn’t welcome there.

* * * * *

Shadow rushed his shower, careful of the bandage on his head. He didn’t want to get the stitches wet. That would mean another trip to Medical or acquiring an ugly scar. It usually wouldn’t matter to him but now his looks mattered. He wanted to be attractive to Beauty.

He reached up to run his fingers through his hair to wash out the soap. He was used to the military hairstyle he’d had to keep while working for the task force. It helped him fit in with the team. It had begun to grow out since he’d returned to Homeland with Wrath but not by much.

Did it bother Beauty that he didn’t have the long hair that most Species males had? Insecurity was a new emotion he didn’t enjoy. He turned off the water and grabbed a towel. He dried quickly, knowing she waited for him.

They were both damaged by humans. He and Beauty had that common bond but was it enough to bridge the differences? She was soft, timid. He wasn’t. She’d been sheltered after her release from her prison while he’d faced humans head-on as a task force member after being given his freedom. She’d hidden while he was being treated. What if he wanted to go back to headquarters and work for Tim Oberto again? Beauty would have to deal with the human males on a daily basis.

The answer came to him instantly. He couldn’t go back. He’d returned to live with Species as a vacation, not planning to stay, and he’d enjoyed his time in the outside world, but he’d have to stay at Homeland for good.

Shadow entered his room, grabbed clothes from the dresser and sat on the bed. Beauty’s image filled his head when he closed his eyes. Her smile, the way she blushed. Her dark eyes staring intently into his seemed imprinted there forever. She trusted him. He’d been the one she’d chosen to approach for sex. The time they’d spent during that storm had somehow made her pick him.

“Damn,” he rasped.

The idea of walking away from her wasn’t one that sat well within his heart. It ached just considering saying goodbye. Another male would eventually take his place if he left. She didn’t want to be segregated from other Species and obviously enjoyed sex. It meant someone would touch her, kiss her, and put their hands on her lithe body. Rage burned inside until beads of sweat broke out over his skin.

No way in hell. She’s mine!

Astonishment replaced his violent show of temper. He hadn’t meant to form a bond but it was there. He opened his eyes as he rose to his feet to put on a pair of jeans and a tank top. He didn’t bother with shoes and rushed down the stairs in search of her. She sat at the table in the kitchen with two plates of food, waiting for him.

Beauty’s smile at seeing him made him want to kiss her. He didn’t hesitate to crouch near her chair and slide his fingers into her hair at the base of her neck. Her dark eyes widened a second before he brushed his lips against hers. They were so soft, welcoming, and they parted when he licked over the seam.

He wanted her. Blood rushed to his dick until his jeans were uncomfortable. He pulled back to stare into her eyes.

She blushed but didn’t look away. “What was that for?”

“I missed you.”

Surprise then pleasure showed on her beautiful face. “I missed you too.” Her hand lifted to grip his shoulder. “More.” Her chin tilted up, offering her mouth again.

“Let’s eat first.”

The flash of pain wasn’t missed. He wanted her to know it wasn’t a rejection in any form. “I was given drugs to help me heal. I need food to help my system level out.”

“Okay.” Her hand slid away.

“You’re sleeping in my bed again.” He wasn’t sure how he’d handle it if she refused. Not well, was his guess. The air inside his lungs froze, waiting for her reaction.

“I’d like that.”

He breathed again. “Every night.” He couldn’t help but push for more. It was his nature.

“Okay.”

Joy and relief merged as he straightened and took the seat next to her. The desire to stay close was strong. He forced his attention from Beauty to the food. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He glanced at her to discover her smile. “This smells really good.”

“I know how to cook. I learned how to clean too. I can do laundry.” She nibbled on her bottom lip.

Something bothered her. He shifted his weight to stare at her. “What is it?”

“Nothing.”

He smothered a growl. “Beauty? You have an expressive face.” Beautiful too. Delicate. “What are you thinking?”

“It’s nothing.” Her gaze skirted away.

He growled that time, not holding back his frustration. She appeared startled as her eyes met his.