Shadow - Dohner Laurann (книги онлайн полностью TXT) 📗

“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?”

“Is that going to be a problem? We figured you’d be comfortable sharing a cabin with him. There are two bedrooms.”

“That’s fine.” Beauty tried to hide her excitement at seeing him again. “He isn’t angry at me for getting him into trouble?”

“He was never in trouble. The males were just concerned for your safety. Everyone is aware that he didn’t harm you. It’s all good.” She paused. “Do you want to talk first?”

“About what?”

Breeze lowered the bag to the floor and pressed her back against the door, staring at Beauty. “Sex.”

Her cheeks turned really warm. “No.”

“You’re going away with Shadow. He won’t offer to share sex with you but he’s still male. I’m going to give you advice whether you ask for it or not. Are you ready?”

Embarrassment filled her that the other woman could read her so well. She nodded sharply, more than willing to listen to anything Breeze had to say.

“Okay. I’ll assume you’re curious but I’m guessing any sexual experience you’ve had wasn’t enjoyable.”

Beauty fought back tears as memories surfaced. “No,” she whispered.

Anger glinted in dark-brown eyes. “I wish I could kill that bastard who had you under his thumb but that’s another day when we catch him once he returns to the States. It’s not that way when you share sex with someone who cares about you and who wants you to enjoy the experience. Our males do both. They are different from humans, which is a good thing. A Species male would never hurt you. They growl and are aggressive but saying no to them means stop. They will. Am I clear? If he’s lost in passion then just box his ears. That’s opening your hands and hitting his ears on both sides at once. You’ll have his attention. A male would never strike you back. Repeat the word ‘no’ and he’ll retreat immediately.”

It stunned Beauty, thinking about hitting one of the big men. They were fierce. “Are you sure this ear boxing won’t make a man really angry?”

“Oh, it will, but they’d never harm a female. I promise you that. That’s another huge difference between our males and the humans you met when you were in captivity. They would never find honor in harming someone they knew would be defenseless against their strength. They will skulk away to calm but return in a better mood.” She drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Shadow won’t initiate sex with you but you could go after him. Do you want me to tell you how to go about that?”

Beauty nodded.

“Strip naked. Tell him you wish to share sex. Be blunt. That way he can’t mistake it for anything else.”

“What if he doesn’t want me?”

Breeze laughed as all the tension faded from her features. “He’s male, hon. You’re beautiful. You were given that name for a reason. Shadow isn’t a moron or blind. He’ll want you. And remember this. It’s important.”

“Okay.”

“He’s more afraid of you than you are of him. Trust me on that.”

Doubt assailed her. “I believe you’re wrong.”

“I’m right. For all their macho crap, nothing is scarier to one of our males than someone they think might break under them. You haven’t seen any of our males fall for humans but I have. It’s some funny shit but don’t repeat I ever said it.” Breeze sobered. “Shadow was abused while in captivity. Just know that he’s got some sexual hang-ups too and he will be sensitive to what you have survived.”

It hurt Beauty to be reminded about Shadow’s past. “He knows what it’s like to be spun around and pinned down while someone hurts him from behind?”

Breeze closed her eyes and breathed heavily for long seconds before she focused her gaze on Beauty. Rage simmered there. “No. His suffering involved drugs and machines. Do me a favor though. Tell Shadow to take you facing him if you decide to share sex with him. Tell him it’s important and I said so. Can you do that for me?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Breeze pushed away from the door and lifted the bag. “Let’s go. The helicopter pilots should be prepared to fly you to Reservation by now. Just tell Shadow if the flying frightens you. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to be comforting. The ride isn’t long.”

“I’ve never been conscious before while in the air. They drugged me when I was brought here.”

“It will be fine. I’ve flown lots of times.”

The hallway was empty but Beauty wasn’t lucky enough to avoid the women when they stepped out of the elevator on the first floor. At least ten of them stood silently waiting, their expressions worried. It was Tiny who spoke first.

“Enjoy your vacation, Beauty. Have fun.” Her gaze darted to Breeze. “She’ll be safe, right? You promised.”

“She will. A very nice male is going to escort her there and he’ll keep her safe.”

Tiny shuddered a little and Halfpint stepped to her side to hold her hand. She looked nervous but obviously forced a smile. “We will miss you but we know you need some freedom.”

Beauty walked over and hugged the duo. They didn’t understand why she wanted to leave the safety of the dorm but the fact that they accepted it meant a lot to her. “I’ll be back before you notice I’m gone.”

They both appeared doubtful of that but they quickly hid their emotions. “I’m sure that’s true,” Tiny whispered. “Be careful of the male.”

“Let’s not have any of that,” Breeze ordered sternly. “He’s a good male and he’s Species.” She strode toward the front doors. “Come on, Beauty. You have a flight to catch.”

She released her friends, trying not to allow their worried stares make her wary of leaving. The concept of seeing and spending time with Shadow excited her a lot. He wasn’t angry if he’d agreed to be her escort. She’d be able to get to know the man better. No fear inched up her spine over the thought of living in close quarters with him. He hadn’t tried to molest her in any way when they were alone at the equipment building.