Obsidian

Chapter Six

Alli was nervous as she watched Destiny glare at her. He was really upset that 880 wanted to see her, that fact was as clear as the angry expression on his face.

“Keep the door open and flee if he gets too close. He isn’t permitted to touch you.” He glanced at Tiger. “I don’t trust him. He could attempt to mount her.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“He said he didn’t want that.” Tiger frowned.

“Chill out, my man.”

“I won’t.” Destiny growled. “He’s unstable and we’re sending her in there. I insist on staying at her side. She’s human and there is no certainty that he won’t see her as a threat or an enemy.”

Tiger’s gaze drifted to Alli. “It’s your call. Your life may be in danger. He could harm or kill you.

Are you willing to take those risks?”

“Yes,” she answered, too eager to see her patient to really give it much thought.

“No,” Destiny growled.

She frowned at him. “Stop it.”

He flashed sharp teeth in warning. “Fine. I hope he doesn’t kill you. I will try to save you if this goes bad.”

That isn’t very comforting to hear. She licked her lips and stared at Tiger, waiting for instructions. He’d made it very apparent that he was in charge of her visit to 880 and he had only given her permission to leave her house if she complied with all his rules.

They’d argued when she’d been informed that 880 had requested to see her. Tiger had felt it would be dangerous considering she might be perceived as the enemy. She’d had to use logic to convince him that it would benefit her patient to be around humans. He was free and needed to adjust to life outside Mercile. Justice had the final say and he’d agreed to it.

Tiger hesitated. “This might not be a good idea.”

“Justice said I could see 880,” she reminded him. “I want to see him.”

“What Justice said is he doesn’t know what to do with you but he wants our male to recover.

He’s as unsure of this situation as all of us are.”

“I want to see 880. Please? I know it could be dangerous.” She held Tiger’s gaze to assure him she was sincere. “I know the risks and I accept them.”

He sighed, resigned, but didn’t appear too happy about it. “Stay by the door and call out for help at the first instance of trouble. He wants to speak to you alone. I argued with him but he tore out the camera inside his room and threw it at my head. I believe he is trying to understand why a human would do what you have for him. The only ones he knew worked for Mercile and they weren’t kind.” Tiger paused. “They murdered his mate. Remember that because he won’t have forgotten. I still can’t believe I’m allowing this.”

“I understand why he might dislike me and you’re doing this because you want him to get better. He’s New Species. Let’s just skip rehashing this argument, please. All of you were exposed to doctors when you were rescued. It was part of the healing process. You admitted that he’s aware of what I did for him. Deep down he has to know I’m not someone he should hate. He was helpless in my care yet I didn’t do anything bad to him. He’s intelligent, right? You said that not twenty minutes ago when you gave me the update on him. He’s not feral.”

Tiger studied her for a long moment before he nodded curtly. “Go ahead. We’ll be right here.

He’ll hear and smell us coming. We need to stay back this far but we will come if you call out.”

“Thanks.” Her heart hammered fast as she smoothed down her skirt in a nervous gesture.

Destiny grumbled. “She should wear pants. I said this. It will only make it easier for him if he attempts to mount her.”

Tiger softly growled in warning. “Enough. It wouldn’t matter if she wore pants or a skirt if he intends to attack. He would tear both from her body if that is his objective.”

“Um…” Alli cleared her throat. “I’m right here. Could you stop trying to scare the living crap out of me?”

“Don’t do this.” Destiny gave her a pleading look. “He is dangerous.”

“I need to talk to him if he wants to see me.

I owe him answers.” She straightened her shoulders and marched down the hallway. They had returned 880 to his original room and she paused by the open doorway.

“Come here,” a deep baritone voice ordered.

Shit! She took that final step and her gaze found 880 sitting on the edge of a queen-size bed that appeared to be custom-made to fit his tall frame. They’d removed the hospital bed for something more homey. His hair fell freely down over his shoulders in the front to the waist of his black sweats. His chest was bare and so were his feet. His amazing stare held hers as she braved entering his room by a few feet.

“Hello, 880. I’m Alli.” She paused. “Dr. Allison Baker. You can call me whichever one you prefer.”

He sniffed. “Come closer.” His hands rested on his lower thighs near the bend of his knees but one lifted to point a finger at the floor between his spread thighs. “Here.”

“I’m supposed to stay by the door.”

“I heard.” His intense gaze narrowed. “Come here.” He kept his finger trained on the spot in front of him, not budging it. “I won’t harm you.”

It was a really bad idea, foolish even, but she took one step, then another. His face had filled out in the past few days and her gaze lowered to his torso. Each rib no longer showed through his skin since he’d put on more weight than she thought anyone possibly could in such a short amount of time. She only stopped when her body almost bumped his extended index finger.

He lowered his hand to his thigh again and she inched closer until their faces were level. Only a foot separated them. It didn’t matter that he was seated. 880 still looked intimidating and large.

He studied her face while she did the same to his. There was an unsettling quiet in the room, only their breathing could be heard. Her teeth dented her lower lip from nerves when his gaze focused on her mouth. He sniffed at her again and it made his nose wrinkle. She stared into his brown eyes until he met her gaze.

“Why?”

“Why did I come? You asked to see me.”

His mouth hardened into a tight line. “Why did you steal me to take risks others wouldn’t?”

“You were dying. You wouldn’t rouse from the coma.” She took a deep breath and tried to force her heart rate to slow. He hadn’t attacked and that was a plus. “I thought a woman’s scent might interest you.”

The lighter brown color of his eyes seemed to bleed black and they narrowed again. “Interest me how? Did you want me to mount you?”

Surprise jolted through her at his question.

“No. I mean, I thought you’d be curious and maybe wake to see who she was. Who I was.”

“Don’t move.”

He moved and her heartbeat increased with fear as he gently took her hand. She didn’t pull it away as he turned it to stare at her palm. His other hand lifted and calloused fingertips trailed over her skin. He studied her closely, opened his hand under hers, and seemed to note their size difference. He met her gaze again.

“I felt you touching me.”

Her cheeks grew warm. “I had to check your catheter. I’m really sorry about that.”

“On my chest.”

“Oh.” She could breathe easier again.

His fingers curled around her wrist and he drew her fingers to his chest to place the tips of them flat between his nipples. “Do it again.

Stroke me.”

Alli was at a loss for what to do for a few seconds while he waited. His skin was hot and firm under her palm as she carefully moved it. It was difficult to do with him holding her wrist but she rubbed him gently. His eyes closed and all the tension faded from his features.

A sense of amazement filled her that her touch seemed to make him feel at ease. She silently wondered if it was a sign of some brain issues.

He released her wrist and his hands dropped. She tried to pull away.

“Keep doing that.”

It was an order, plain and simple. His stern voice brooked no argument. She took slow breaths and continued to caress his skin. His eyes snapped open a split second before he moved so fast she gasped when his hand curled behind her neck. He jerked her against his body until she was pressed tight against him. She feared he might kill her by smothering her against his skin.

She gasped in air and realized that he held her loosely enough to allow her to breathe. He smelled of soap and man. She could even detect his shampoo since her nose was pressed against skin and long hair. His other arm wrapped around her back at the waist to trap her in place as his mouth found her ear.

“Don’t scream or I’ll break you. It would be easy to do. You’re frail. They won’t reach you in time. Do you understand me?”

Panic struck hard at the very soft threat he rasped, sure she was the only one who could hear him. A whimper left her mouth but she didn’t scream.

He just held her and she felt caged when his thighs closed to grip her hips to help hold her in place. He wasn’t hurting her but he could. That was apparent.

His nose brushed her throat under her ear as he inhaled, turning his head enough to sniff at her hair. He pulled her a little tighter against him with his arm anchored around her back. Her breasts were crushed against his chest and the hand behind her neck remained firm, to hold her in place.

“I am no longer helpless or chained. Your males killed my mate.”

Hot tears filled her eyes while she feared he’d take his revenge on her. Destiny had been right and it sucked big-time.

“Please,” she whispered. “I had nothing to do with that.”

He softly growled and his nose tickled when he pressed it against her throat as he sniffed at her again. His body jerked suddenly before he pulled away. He allowed some space between them when his hold eased on the back of her neck and she ended up nose to nose with him as he peered into her eyes. Shock widened his.

“You cry? I am not causing you pain.”

“You’re scaring me,” she admitted. “I don’t want to die.”

His mouth curved downward. “Don’t scream and you will be fine. No tears. I don’t like them on my skin.”

Her lips sealed together while she battled her emotions until she managed to get them under control. She blinked rapidly to hold back more tears. He still kept hold of her and every breath he took fanned her lips. She knew he had to feel the same from her since they were so close.

His head tilted slightly as if he heard something and a soft growl rumbled from him.

“Tell them you are fine.”

She pulled in air, debated doing what he said or if she should scream for help. He wasn’t hurting her so far. “I’m fine.” She spoke loud enough that she knew it would be heard down the hallway.

880 listened and relaxed. “What claim does the male Destiny have on you?” He appeared angry.

“None.”

“Have you been mounted by him? I don’t smell him on you.”

“No.” She shook her head. “We’re just friends.”

“Lower your voice,” he demanded.

“We work together.” She whispered. “Why?”

He ignored her question. “Where is your male?”

“I don’t have one.”

He studied her eyes again. He glanced down her body. Alli blushed a little when he hesitated, his gaze lingering over her breasts for a long time before focusing on her skirt.

“You are too small. Males enjoy a sturdy female to mount. You’d break or feel pain being pounded from behind. I doubt you could even brace to stay on your knees. Your arms look too weak. You’d collapse the first time a male entered you.”

She had no words. It astonished her so much her mind even blanked that he’d said something that crude.

His gaze met hers. “You don’t even look big enough to accommodate a male.”

She was glad she had recovered from the astonishment of his bluntness. “I wasn’t created with your hybrid genetics.”

He grunted and his hold eased but he didn’t release her. His thighs loosened their hold on her hips. “Turn around.”

She shook her head. “No. Why?”

He growled. “Turn now.”

She was too afraid to argue and shifted inside his arms. The open door mocked her when she faced it. She never should have left the safety of the hallway. It seemed a really far distance away.

The hand left her throat and she gasped when it cupped one of her ass cheeks. He squeezed, feeling her through the skirt. Her head snapped in his direction.

“Don’t do that!”

His gaze met hers and he growled. “Be silent.”

“Let go of my ass.” She kept her voice low but did try to step away from him to make him quit groping her.

The arm around her middle jerked hard, he let go of her ass, and she landed on his lap. His palm clamped over her lips and he growled against her ear. Alli’s eyes widened as she realized she was sitting on more than just his legs. There was no denying the feel of his rigid cock cradled between her closed thighs.

“Don’t scream,” he ordered. “I am not going to hurt you. I am curious.” His palm eased the pressure over her lower face and slowly released her mouth.

Her gaze followed his hand that fisted the material of her skirt and pulled it up to reveal most of one of her legs. The skirt stayed where he shoved it and rough-textured fingertips explored her outer leg from the knee almost to her hip.

He was breathing against her ear and she noticed when it grew a little labored.

“Soft.”

The arm around her waist adjusted and she watched as he ran his palm over her stomach.

Fingers dug into her belly but it didn’t hurt. He explored the skin under her shirt and slid it higher. She gasped a second time as one hand curved around her breast and he rubbed, feeling the size and shape of it through her bra.

“Softer.”

“Stop molesting me or I’m going to scream,” she threatened.

He paused his exploration of her breast. The hand on her thigh halted too. She turned her head to meet his gaze. Anger flashed in his eyes but he righted her skirt before he eased his hand off her breast.

“I won’t attempt to mount you. You aren’t strong enough to take me.”

She tried to wiggle off his lap but he yanked her back down. He turned her until she ended up sideways across his lap. The feel of his cock became apparent again. There was no missing something that hard or that size. They stared at each other until he frowned.

“I need your scent. Sleep here with me. You are safe.”

Alarm rolled through her. “What?”

“Sleep with me. You did that before. I want you against my side.” He grabbed her hand and held it. “Stroke my chest.”

Alli was beyond shocked. The guy had just felt her up and was obviously interested in sex. It was a bad idea. She shook her head.

“I have to return to my home. I’m under house arrest. This is just a visit.”

“Not anymore. You are staying with me.”

His features hardened as he glanced at the door before he met her wide gaze. She had no idea what else to say. Not that it didn’t stop her from trying to talk sense into him.

“It’s not proper. I mean, we’re not dating.

Strangers don’t just share a bed. I only slept with you because it was cold and—”

“You wanted to save me.” His voice deepened again. “Are you lying about that? You are a healer?”

“I’m a doctor. I—”

“You will stay with me. You will sleep here at my side and you will touch me. I am depressed but not when you stroke my chest.” He looked away to glance at the bed.

Panic struck. No way could she share a bed with a fully recovering New Species. He wasn’t a child as his body fully stated with the hard press of his cock under her. He was an adult male who had molested her.

“They won’t allow it,” she bluffed, pretty sure that would be true.

“They will because I said so.” He reached out and fisted the blankets, dragging them down the mattress closer to them. “Remove your shoes and get in my bed.”

“No.” She squirmed to get up but his arm only tightened.

A soft growl rumbled against her ear as he pressed his mouth against it.

“Keep rubbing my dick that way and I will mount you.”

She ceased struggling.

“You may keep your clothing on for now.”

Her eyes widened. For now? Oh shit. The idea that Destiny might have been right and 880 wanted to engage in sexual intercourse with her sent her heart into overdrive as fear hit.

880 sniffed at her. “Easy,” he rasped. “Don’t fight me and you won’t be harmed. I have no wish to hurt you.” He paused. “I need you right now.”

Her eyes closed and dread pitted inside her stomach. Had he grown addicted to her scent?

How was that possible? New Species only scent imprinted when they took a mate. An emotional bond formed first, before they wanted to take one.

880 could smell the human’s fear. It was an appealing, sweet scent that made his dick harder.

She wasn’t for mounting but his body had other ideas. Alli would break under him if he took her.

His arm anchored around her soft, small waist assured him of that. Her back was narrower by far than the width of his chest. Her weight on him was slight compared to his mate’s. The thought of 46 saddened him.

He’d never see her glare again or hear her soft snarls. He’d known she hadn’t always enjoyed being his mate but he’d tried to make her happy.

The only time she’d wanted his touch had been when she needed him. It seemed no female was attracted to him unless they were going into heat.

He sniffed Alli, certain the female wasn’t even close to that time.

Regret filled him that the human wouldn’t turn to him in her time of need. It wouldn’t be a good idea. He didn’t want to cause her injury now that he had her in his arms. He couldn’t even stay angry. She was too afraid of him to trigger his rage.

The tone of the voices down the hallway changed. The words were lost but one of the males began to snarl. He could guess that Destiny was the source. It was obvious the male wanted to mount Alli and didn’t like her near him. It wasn’t going to happen. The other male would die if he attempted to take the human from his room.

880 turned his face and brushed his nose through Alli’s hair. She smelled of wonderful things and of food. Perhaps that was how humans drew attention from the opposite sex. She’d said she had no male and he didn’t pick up the stench of one. It made sense that she’d try to lure one by making him sniff at her when they were hungry.

Time was running out and he knew it. The males would come and check on Alli if she didn’t leave his room soon. He leaned in and liked the way she shivered when he breathed on her neck.

“I need you,” he admitted. “I know nothing here but you.” That was true. The males had tried to be nice but he didn’t connect with them. Her scent made him feel aroused but not detached.

“Stay with me.” Females enjoyed being asked instead of told. 46 had taught him that. He used a softer tone. “I will recover faster.”

She turned her head and her eyes widened. His admission obviously surprised her and her lips parted. “No one here will hurt you, 880. You’re New Species and they consider you family.”

“I have none. I am alone now.” 46 had been the only constant in his life and he’d lost her. “Stay with me.”

Indecision wavered on her delicate features as she chewed her bottom lip and he began to see a pattern. She did that when she was unsure of what to do.

“I need you and you are a healer. You took risks to try to wake me when they didn’t. You must stay here. You feel protective of me, don’t you? Is that why you stole me?”

He knew he’d be fine without her and doubted his people would do him harm but it worked when she nodded timidly. He wasn’t above using her job to keep her where he wanted.

“Okay. Just for a little while.”

“No. You will sleep with me until I am fully recovered.”

“You seem to be.” She hesitated. “You’re up and about. You’ve put on weight and I know you went outside.”

“They wish to keep me inside this room.” Irritation sounded in his voice. “They fear I will harm someone. Humans.” He decided to be honest. “I won’t harm you and they will be assured the ones they care about will be safe when they see you here.”

She seemed to think about that for a long time before she spoke. “I’ll stay but I can’t share a bed with you. Everyone will get the wrong impression.”

“What does that mean?”

Her cheeks turned pink and her gaze dropped to his throat. “They will think we’re having sex.”

“I don’t care what they assume.”

Her gaze lifted. “I do. I work here. Or I did.”

Anger stirred instantly. “This would cause you shame to have them believe I touch you?” A growl tore from his throat. “This is your idea that we are equal? I was told humans here don’t look down on us.” His hold around her waist tightened. “You—”

“Stop it,” she hissed, interrupting his anger.

“It’s not because you’re New Species. I wouldn’t flaunt a relationship with anyone but especially not someone I’ve treated. You just don’t understand. It has nothing to do with our differences.”

880 searched her steady gaze but couldn’t detect deception. “Explain it.”

“It’s unprofessional. You’re not technically my patient anymore but you were. Doctors lose their licenses if they have sex with people under their care. It’s unethical and just not done for the most part. I hate the ones who have. I don’t want anyone to think I may have taken advantage of you and they would.”

He lifted her off his lap and allowed her to move out of the circle of his arms. His body tensed in case she tried to flee but she wouldn’t make it to the door. He’d catch her first. Alli slowly turned around but stayed close. He rose to his full height and stared down at her. She was small and weak, not a threat. He laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Her arms crossed over her chest.

“Who would believe you could force me to do something against my will? That’s what you meant. ‘Take advantage of’ means force.”

“It means you’re emotionally vulnerable right now and someone could easily manipulate you.”

Her focus shifted to his arms before meeting his gaze again.

All humor vanished. “It wouldn’t happen. I am in control and you couldn’t make me do anything.

Let them worry about how I might manipulate you. I know that word.” He glanced down her body. “It would be easy.”

Her mouth parted but she didn’t bite her lip.

He studied her face closely and finally identified a little fear. He could live with that if it kept her from attempting to flee his room. He pointed to the bed.

“Sit. I will tell them you are staying with me.”

“I should g—” He stepped closer and nearly bumped into her.

“Sit,” he growled.

She paled and scooted around him, perching meekly on his bed. He smiled. “That is manipulation.”

Anger narrowed her eyes and he turned away to hide a smile. He liked that she had some spirit.

He strode into the hallway and studied the two males who waited at the end of it. Both of them turned when they sensed him.

“Alli will stay here with me. Double my food and she will need more clothing.”

“No,” Destiny hissed, instantly challenging him as his hands fisted and he tried to storm closer.

Tiger grabbed the male’s arm to halt him.

“Don’t,” he ordered softly. “Stay put.” He drew closer, each step calculated to be nonthreatening.

880 backed into his room and glanced at Alli.

She remained seated where he’d ordered her to stay. Tiger paused in the doorway and visually examined her, obviously checking her health.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

Tiger held his gaze. “Why is she staying here?”

“She is familiar to me. I won’t harm her.”

Tiger looked indecisive as he peered at Alli.

“Are you okay with this? We should talk.” He swallowed. “In the hallway.”

Alli glanced at 880 and he gave her a sharp nod. He hoped she wouldn’t betray him and ask the male for help. It wouldn’t do any good. He was still weak but he would fight to keep her.

He’d made up his mind on the matter. She paused outside the door and Tiger lowered his voice.

“What is going on?”

“He says I’m the only thing he knows. It’s okay.”

Tiger lifted his gaze to stare at 880 before addressing her again. “He’s an adult male and healthy. Do you understand? You’re a female.”

Alli’s cheeks pinkened again. “We’re not involved that way.”

Tiger backed up and she followed him out of 880’s line of sight. She didn’t go far. He tensed, ready to go after her if she bolted. He’d deal with the male if he tried to stop him from returning Alli to his room.

Alli was nervous and she knew exactly what Tiger’s concerns were as he frowned.

“He could try to mount you. He probably will if you stay. Do you understand that?”

The idea left her scared but she tried to hide it. She wasn’t 880’s favorite person. “He said he wouldn’t hurt me.”

“I doubt he’d associate sex with harm.” Tiger hesitated. “I smell fear on you.”

“He’s big and kind of intimidating.” She debated on asking Tiger to take her away from 880.

She’d be returned to her house. “He’s, um, different.”

“How?”

“He’s kind of crude and rude.”

“He’s newly freed. Has he said anything to offend you? We are trying to teach him better conversation skills.”

She wasn’t going to repeat what 880 had said about her body. “He’s also kind of a bully.”

Tiger arched his eyebrows. “He can’t force you to stay.” His voice lowered. “Did he threaten you?” He reached for the radio clipped to his jeans. “I can call for backup. We can restrain him and get you out of here without too much difficulty if he protests.”

The idea of having officers restrain 880 made her shake her head. They could injure him and she knew he’d fight. “No. He didn’t do that,” she lied. “I can stay with him for a while. It’s not as though I have anything else to do besides watch television or stare at the walls.”

“I have to discuss this with Justice and Trisha.”

He let his hand drop away from his radio. “Do you want anything from your home in the meantime?”

She only asked for a day’s worth of clothes, sure 880 would tire of keeping her in his room.

Tiger listened intently.

“We can do that. I’ll go myself. I’m assigning an officer at the end of the hall. Yell if you want out of there.” He paused. “He needs a name.

Maybe you can help him find one he likes.”

“I think he’s probably dealing with enough changes right now.”

“He needs a name,” Tiger repeated. “We’ve discovered it’s part of the healing process and besides that, the paperwork on him is mounting.

We’re going to have to go back and change it all when he does choose one. I’d rather just get it done sooner rather than later.”

Anger stirred inside her. “I’m sorry but his emotional well-being is more important than the amount of paperwork on your desk.”

That drew a glare from him. “I have a mate and I enjoy spending time with her instead of wasting it with extra work. You want to help? Talk him into taking a name.” Tiger spun and strode away.

Alli stood there watching him go until he reached Destiny. The nurse tried to step around him to come toward her but Tiger gripped his arm, forcibly turned him around and nearly dragged him in the direction of the elevator. She could hear them hissing at each other but couldn’t make out any of their conversation. A large hand clamping down on her shoulder firmly made her jump. She twisted her head to stare up at 880.

He’d sneaked up on her.

“In my room now.”

“You could say please.”

He looked away from her to glance down the hallway and suddenly hooked an arm around her waist. She gasped when he just jerked her off her feet and spun, stomping back inside his room with her held against his chest. He paused by the bed and lowered her back to her feet.

“Take off your shoes and climb on my bed.”

His arm withdrew.

Alli looked up at him. “That was rude. You can’t just go around picking people up and making demands.”

He regarded her silently.

“Just because you’re bigger doesn’t mean you should manhandle me. That’s what you just did.”

He blinked.

“I don’t want to be on your bed. We should talk and get to know each other. I think that you—” His palm lifted and he pressed it against her chest and pushed her back. She lost her balance and landed on his bed. It shocked her that he’d done it. It hadn’t hurt but that was beside the point. He bent, grabbed her ankle, and just tore off her shoe. She tried to roll away after her stunned brain began to work but he was faster. He removed the other shoe.

“Stop that!” She struggled to sit while crawling backward to put space between them. He blocked her way off the bed. “You’re being rude!”

Broad shoulders shrugged as he bent over and his hands flattened on the bed. He stared at her and inched closer as she continued to put space between them until the back of her head bumped the wall. She was trapped. The mattress dipped from his weight as he lay down along the outer side of the bed and stretched out fully on his back.

One hand swept behind his neck to grab his long hair and he piled above his head as he stared at her.

“Lie down next to me and stroke my chest.”

“No.”

A soft growl rumbled from him as his angry gaze fixed on her. “Alli.” He said her name in a way that gave her chills. “Come to me now and don’t force me to make you.”

Shit. She wasn’t exactly afraid but was leery of him for sure. The bed wasn’t big enough to get away and she was within his reach if he just shot a hand out to grab her. He watched her, not moving until he took a deep breath.

“Please.”

That one word softened her resolve to refuse his demand. She inched closer to him, not sure what he’d do, but he just held still until she stretched out on her side after adjusting her skirt.

Her hand trembled when she lifted it and touched his chest. His eyes closed as she stroked him softly.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?