“I know I wasn’t the target.”

“A kind, decent human wouldn’t have done that. It’s obvious the Woods Church bought that drug from Drackwood. We know they were working on a version that wouldn’t kill humans. It’s the only way she could have gotten it. The test confirms it’s an altered version of the original. That means they’ve spent a lot of time and money plotting this attack. I don’t want you to feel inner turmoil over a female not worthy of it. She might not have been warned of the pain the drug caused but her intent to hurt Species is undeniable.”

“Perhaps she didn’t understand the impact it would have.”

“Then why did she escape? They were taking her to seek medical assistance. I’m attempting to be logical for you.”

The way his chest tightened and ached was an unpleasant, unexpected feeling for Smiley. “You’re right.”

Jericho stood. “I’m going to get a drink and sleep on your couch. You shouldn’t be alone at a time like this, my friend. I’m sorry this happened.”

“I won’t throw myself out a window.”

Jericho spun, a horrified look plastered on his face.

“That was a joke.” Smiley forced a smile. “I am disappointed. I’ll get over it. You don’t have to stay in my apartment.”

“Would you prefer to stay with a female? I’m sure Rusty would allow you to sleep in her bed this once. She’s concerned about you too.”

“I’m not ready for that.”

“You should be. Forget the human and enjoy a little pampering from one of our females. It will make things seem better.”

Smiley stood. “I’m lonely. One night with one of our females isn’t going to cure that. It would just make it worse. I’m strong. I’ll get past this. I always do. It’s just been a difficult day.”

“I’m sleeping on the couch. You’ll have to pick me up and toss me out if you want me gone.”

There was no use arguing with the male. “I appreciate your friendship.”

“We’re family.” Jericho opened a cherry soda and sipped it. “You’d do the same for me. I wouldn’t want to be alone after something like this either. I’ll wake you if you have nightmares.”

“I’m exhausted. I’m going to turn in.”

“I’ll be here.” Jericho nodded toward the television. “Do you mind if I watch it?”

“Be my guest.”

Smiley walked into his room and closed the door. He paused there, remembering Vanni’s face. He needed to let it go. He needed to let her go. Jericho had made valid points. Then again, he hadn’t been there.

Vanni had blushed when she was stripped bare. There had been an innocence about her that he found endearing. That wasn’t a trait a malicious human would possess. None of it made sense.

He walked to the window and stared out into the darkness. Where are you, Vanni?

Chapter Six

“Vanni! Wake up, damn it. Get out here!”

Vanni shot upright in her bed when Beth started shouting from the living room. She threw off the covers and dashed to the open doorway. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” Her gaze frantically sought and found her friend.

Beth was on her knees in the center of the room between the coffee table and the television. Her friend was pale as she pointed a remote control at the television. Vanni glanced at it, seeing a commercial.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s coming up. I just saw the promo for it.”

“For what? Beth? What the hell?”

Her mouth opened, closed and opened again. “It’s on my morning gossip show.”

“What is?” Vanni stepped out of the bedroom, pushing her messy hair out of her face.

“It’s you and that New Species.”

“What?”

“They showed a video clip of you two from last night.”

Vanni had to be hearing wrong. “What do you mean?”

“Nobody else has that ugly-ass skirt you came home in last night and believe me, it was you. They showed a clip of an upcoming story and it’s about the NSO. It showed a few seconds of you wrapped around a big dude and you were making out.”

“That’s not funny.”

“I’m not kidding. I’m being heart-attack serious. It’s coming up after the commercials.”

“You’re wrong. What did they say?”

“I heard NSO on the TV while I was making my oatmeal and looked up. They showed you with your legs wrapped around a big jock type, making out hot and heavy. There’s no mistaking that skirt.”

The commercial ended and the cable show began. Beth turned up the volume as the host couple faced the cameras. The man took the lead.

“I know you’ve heard a lot of stories about the NSO lately but here’s a new one for you. An anonymously submitted video arrived at our station and many others this morning.”

“Usually the stories we bring you regarding the NSO involve them being targeted for hate crimes. Not today.” The woman’s grin spread. “It seems some people are really friendly to New Species.”

Vanni’s knees collapsed under her and she hit the carpet when a grainy video started to play on the screen. It was her and Smiley. The angle was from above and the operator of the video camera zoomed in.

They stood next to each other with Smiley’s hand on her shoulder, the other holding her hip while she straightened. His words couldn’t be heard but Smiley said something. She nodded. His lips moved again. Her hand darted out and clutched a handful of his shirt. It tore open to reveal the bare skin of his upper chest and almost to his navel. She went for his hair too, grabbing a handful behind his neck and used her hold to jerk his face down.