Текст книги "Tiger"

Автор книги: Laurann Dohner

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Текущая страница: 16 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

“I am Brother Adam from Salvation from Sin. I am the leader of our group. I am here today to tell you that we will not stand for the evil spawn of the devil tainting our women. No God-fearing woman would lay down with a devil. It is wrong and against the word of God to fornicate with an animal. We want the women out there to know that you are condemning your souls to hell by even associating with the spawns of hell that call themselves New Species. Any woman who associates with these demons will burn in hell and I am here to tell you that considering being a bride of the devil will be punished in the fires of hell. Any woman who goes near these vile beings is letting the devil tempt her to be his bride. God has spoken and told me and mine to do this. I am hoping that others pick up the word of God that I preach today and do the same.”

“That’s a terrible speech,” Bestial muttered.

“They spent their money on speakers instead of a publicist,” Tiger quipped.

The human holding the microphone pointed up at the top of the wall. “You shall not put your evil hands on our women anymore. Take heed of our warning that God-fearing men will cleanse their souls.” He moved over and felt for something under the tarp. He yanked hard at whatever it was.

Slade rolled his eyes. “We came out here for this?”

Bestial chuckled. “I’d enjoy an evil woman in my bed.”

One of the New Species males close to them laughed. “Me too. Sinful is best.”

“Shit,” Tiger muttered, grabbing for his radio. “Alert. The human is unhooking the tarp at the back of the motor home. He might have males hidden under it with guns.”

The human male at the front of the motor home bent and the sound of a soft whine started. Slade cursed, putting his radio to his mouth.

“Alert. It could be a weapon.”

Tiger rested one hand on the knife strapped to his thigh. He practiced often and had become very accurate at throwing it. His other hand set the radio on the wall and grabbed for the spare gun strapped to the officer on his right, clearing it from the holster as the tarp rose higher. Whatever was under it was at least twenty-five feet tall. The tarp waved in the air and started to drop as it was fully erected.

A scream startled everyone and the sight of a female tied to a cross was revealed as the tarp dropped away. Tiger’s knees nearly collapsed under him as he stared at Zandy. The shock of seeing her suspended high in the air on top of the vehicle took seconds to register in his mind. Her hair was messy, a bruise darkened her cheek, and she looked very pale. Thick ropes wound around her arms and legs, securing her there. She screamed again, struggling with the restraints. Her terrified gaze focused on the gates.

“Shoot him,” she yelled. “He’s going to set me on fire!”

Tiger’s gaze jerked away from her to the human closest to Zandy. He was holding a red container and poured the contents out on a bunch of wood chaotically spread across the entire length of the roof of the motor home. Tiger’s heightened senses were fully engaged with his heart racing and the stench of gasoline filling his nose.

“Shoot him,” Tiger roared, instantly understanding what the human male planned to do to Zandy.

Screams from the humans on the ground filled the air as they realized what was about to take place. Zandy must have heard his voice. Her chin jerked up and her terrified gaze sought him out. Tears slid down her face as gunfire erupted. The human with the gas can jerked as Tiger darted his attention there, watched as three bullets tore through his chest and propelled his body backward to disappear out of sight where it hit the pavement.

“No!” The human at the front of the motor home screamed that one word before he did something with his hands, throwing an object upward. Flames ignited in a whoosh.

Horror jolted Tiger from his frozen stance as the fire spread across the top of the motor home and surrounded the bottom of the cross. Zandy let out another terrified scream that set him in motion before he gave it any thought. He shoved males out of his way, ran on his still-sore leg and grabbed the wall near the guard shack at the gates.

He vaulted over the wall, his body slammed painfully into the angled roof and he slid on his ass to the edge. He hit the grassy area next to the shack with a grunt, ignored the pain and dropped the gun still clutched in his fingers. He needed both hands to shove off, to regain his footing and rush at the burning vehicle.

More gunshots rang out and bullets slammed into the human who’d thrown the lighter that started the fire. Tiger had to dodge the falling body as the male sprawled on his back, dead. He shoved fleeing humans out of the way to reach the motor home where he leaped and gripped the metal edge of it. He hoisted himself up.

Scorching heat from the flames registered but he ignored them, too focused on Zandy to care if he burned. A large body suddenly landed next to him and he twisted his head to stare at Bestial. The male held a fire extinguisher, which he pointed in front of them. He tore out the pin and sprayed the flames. It doused them instantly.

“Get her,” his friend snarled, turning the spray to make a path to the wooden cross.

* * * * *

Zandy coughed, choking on smoke from the fire below her as it blinded her. She twisted her head but couldn’t find any breathable air until the wind shifted. Tiger had been on the wall above the gates of Reservation. She’d seen him there, heard him order the officers to shoot Brother Adam, but then she’d lost track of him.

“Zandy!” Tiger roared her name and the cross shook enough to make her entire body sway.

She looked down to see if the fire had eaten through the wood enough to make the thick beam collapse. She stared at Tiger below her as he climbed up the cross to reach her. It was his added weight that caused the rough motion. He inched closer until he reached her feet.

Pain lanced through her but she clenched her teeth when he fisted the ropes to pull his body higher. They bit into her skin from the pull of his weight but she refused to scream. He hugged her and the beam when they were face level.

Their gazes locked. His amazing eyes stared deeply into hers and he crushed against her chest. One of his hands released the rope and he suddenly held a knife. He looked away and sawed at the ropes that secured her arms.

“I’ve got you, little one,” he rasped.

“Tiger,” she whispered, stunned that he was really there.

“Hang on to me.”

One arm was cut free. It hurt to move it but she wrapped it around his neck. He twisted a little to transfer the blade to his other hand and gripped the beam to support their weight.

Sweat beaded his brow and his face was red from exhaustion or perhaps from inhaling too much smoke. She couldn’t look away from him. The tug of the ropes assured her that he was trying to free her other arm.

“Hurry,” a male snarled from below them. “The canister is near empty.”

The wind changed direction and smoke billowed up, making her eyes sting. She tore her gaze from Tiger’s face and buried it against the hot skin at his neck. The masculine scent of him and the smoke were strong. The rope gave way and she wrapped her other arm around him, hugging his neck tightly.

The beam swayed roughly again and she wondered if it would collapse with both of them. It didn’t. Instead a hand gripped her ankle and the ropes around her legs were pulled away.

“She’s free,” someone shouted. “I got her legs clear, Tiger. Hurry. The interior is burning now and we are losing the battle with the fire.”

“Wrap around me,” Tiger demanded harshly.

It took her a second to figure out what he meant but she lifted her legs and hooked them around his waist. He twisted his head to look down. She opened her eyes but regretted it instantly. The sensation of falling made her stomach seem to rise up into her throat before Tiger’s feet hit the roof. His body took the worst of the impact and it nearly doubled him over, crushing her between his knees and chest where he crouched.

He snarled—a vicious, horrible sound against her ear. She realized he’d just dropped with her in his arms as he straightened, both arms wrapping around her. She stared at two New Species males who were on the roof of the motor home with them. One of them was kicking burning wood off the sides and using a fire extinguisher to hold back the flames while the other one just jumped off the side.

Tiger followed him to the edge but he limped badly, dragging one leg. Alarm shot through Zandy, knowing he was hurt.

“Throw her to me,” Bestial demanded from the ground where he’d just landed. “I’ll catch her.”

“Let go,” Tiger ordered.

She hated to do it but knew there was no time to argue. The thick smoke made breathing almost impossible and it was probably a miracle the roof hadn’t given way under them so far. Tiger didn’t allow her to stand but instead twisted her in his arms to cradle her there. He lifted her out over the edge and she realized what he intended to do. She said nothing though, the desperation on his features making it clear there wasn’t a choice.

She dropped when he released her until strong arms caught her under the back of her knees and around her back. It hurt but she didn’t care if it left her bruised. Her head jerked up to stare at Tiger, terrified for his safety.

He jumped down and tried to land on his feet. A roar came from him as he hit. His legs gave out and he sprawled on the pavement. Zandy struggled in the arms that held her but the male refused to let go. He spun with her fast enough to make her dizzy and ran.

The jarring motion was rough but she managed to twist in his arms. She peered over his shoulder and saw the third male escape the roof of the burning motor home. He landed on his feet, bent down and grabbed Tiger.

Glass burst from the motor home windows, fire shot out the sides and Bestial jerked her tighter against his chest. She lost sight of Tiger and the fire as she was rushed through the slightly opened gates of Reservation.

“Tiger!” She yelled out for him, worried for his safety.

“Calm,” Bestial demanded, stopping their mad dash. He turned to stare back at the gate.

Zandy saw Tiger then. He leaned heavily against the New Species who’d helped save her. He avoided putting weight on one leg but his gaze was fixed on her as they entered through the gate. The male held Tiger around his waist, being his crutch. He came right at her.

Unshed tears filled her eyes. Tiger had saved her by risking his own life. He and the other male stopped just feet from them. Tiger shoved away from his friend and opened his arms, his gaze leaving hers to stare at the one holding her.

“Give her to me, Bestial.”

“Tiger—” the man protested but was cut off when she was yanked out of the black-haired Species’ hold.

Tiger staggered with her in his arms. Two Species officers in full uniform were suddenly there, grabbing him to keep them upright. They gently lowered both of them until she ended up sitting on Tiger’s lap. He slid his arms out from under her legs and her back and cupped her face.

“I didn’t mean the things I said in the hospital. I don’t even remember waking.” His voice came out softly, pain clear in his tone. “I never meant to send you away.”

“Are you okay?”

He growled. “Did you hear what I said? It was the drugs I was given.”

“Get a medic,” someone shouted. “Both of them are hurt.”

Zandy’s hands shook as she gripped his shoulders. “It’s okay. Don’t worry about that right now. Is your leg okay?”

“I broke it again.” He licked his lips. “Are you all right?” His gaze lowered to her cheek. “Where else are you hurt?”

None of the bruises mattered. “I’m okay. You broke your leg again?”

“It wasn’t completely healed.”

“You saved me again.”

His incredible eyes lifted to hers. “I’ll always do whatever it takes to protect you, Zandy. I’m just grateful to be holding you in my arms again.”

Her heart pounded.

“You were almost turned into a fire stick and you are worried about me?” Tiger asked.

She nodded. “Yeah.” Her brain started to function. “Oh god. I’m on your lap. I must be hurting you.” She tried to ease off him but his hold on her face tightened, keeping her there.

“I don’t care. I just want you close.”

“Tiger?” Slade cleared his throat.

Zandy turned her head to stare up at the man who’d hired her. He stood next to them, his expression grim.

Tiger growled. “Leave us alone,” he warned.

“You both need to be taken to Medical right now.”

Tiger shook his head. “Later.”

“She’s hurt, Tiger. We don’t know what they did to her. You both need to be seen by our doctors. We’ll keep you close together. May I take her from you?”

Tiger stared into Zandy’s eyes. “Let him carry you. I can’t.”

Slade reached down and gently lifted her. Tiger winced and his face twisted in pain, instantly alarming her. She wiggled to be put down.

“I can walk,” she stated, glancing at the one holding her.

Slade softly growled. “You two are well matched. Both stubborn and irrational when it comes to each other. Be silent.”

He spun, striding away to a waiting Jeep. He gently placed her in the front seat and she tried to look around his big body to find Tiger. Slade leaned in close to draw her gaze.

“Do me a favor, Zandy Gordon. Understand that Tiger has no memory of hurting your feelings and take my word of total honesty that he didn’t mean whatever he said. He deserves some trouble for some of the things he’s said to males who have chosen human females but I never want to see him sulk again. It was painful to watch when he worried about your safety. Forgive him and maybe he’ll return to his rational, mellow ways again.”

Slade straightened and jerked his head at someone behind her. “Go to Medical. Hurry so she can be examined before Tiger arrives. I doubt he’s in a mood to watch Dr. Harris touch his female.”

The Jeep moved and Zandy spotted Tiger finally. Two officers supported his body between them, carrying him to keep his weight off his legs. Worry gripped her over how hurt he really was. The driver made a turn and she lost sight of him.

“Zandy?”

The familiar voice made her twist in her seat. “Smiley.”

“I’m glad you’re alive.” He glanced at her and then back to the road.

“Me too.”

“Next time you don’t leave Reservation without a full escort.”

She relaxed in the seat. “Not a problem.”

“Tiger will be fine. We’re strong and heal quickly. He shouldn’t have been released from the hospital until his bones had knitted firmly but he went a bit insane when he learned of your kidnapping. This set his healing back but it will be fine. Stop worrying.”

She hugged her chest and fought the urge to cry. So much had happened that she knew it would take time to recover from it mentally. Her emotions were too close to the surface.

“Don’t shed tears. Tiger will heal.”

Tiger claimed to have no memory of the episode in the hospital. Her eyes closed as that information settled in. It left her wondering if, in his drugged state, he might have stated what was in his subconscious. Did he think they shouldn’t be together? That she really was the enemy?

The Jeep halted and Smiley escorted her inside the building. The medical staff was on alert, all of them waiting inside to handle any emergencies sent their way. Zandy was led to an exam room and a female doctor with a male Species nurse followed her into the room.

“I’m Dr. Allison,” the woman introduced herself. “You are?”

“Zandy Gordon.”

“She works here at Reservation,” the male nurse stated quietly. “She was brought in once before to be treated by the younger Dr. Harris after an incident with the protesters at the gates.”

“Thank you for the history.” The doctor flashed a smile. “I’m usually at Homeland but the helicopter crash victims needed my attention so I was brought to Reservation. I’m afraid I don’t know that many of the employees here but it’s nice to meet you. I just wish the circumstances were better.” She put on gloves and gently gripped Zandy’s jaw, turning her head to study her cheek. “Someone hit you?”

She carefully detailed the attack at her house and consequent kidnapping. The entire story of what she’d endured came pouring out. “So that’s all of it. Tiger needs you more than I do. He thinks his leg is broken.”

The woman turned her head to glance at the nurse. “Go make sure Harris has it handled, okay? We’d both like an update.”

The New Species left the room quickly and the doctor smiled tightly. “Tiger is better off in Harris’ care. We had a big argument yesterday. He wanted to leave the hospital but I was adamant he stay there. I’m the last person he’ll want working on him. He’d probably snarl at me if I said ‘I told you so’.”

“He saved my life. He could have burned to death with me if the top of the motor home had collapsed.”

“I’m glad to hear it was worth the pain he must be in. Are you hurt anywhere besides your face?” The woman’s gloved fingers touched her bruised cheek, frowning. “What are these red marks from along your jaw?”

“They put duct tape over my mouth. I used my tongue to wet it and worked it away from my lips but couldn’t do anything about the rest of it. The jerk in charge of that group tore it off right before he tried to kill me. It hurt so bad that I couldn’t even breathe for a few seconds. Ouch! Now it just feels tender.”

“The skin didn’t tear but it’s going to hurt for a while.”

“My ribs and waist hurt too. They had me secured with belts that dug into me.”

“Lie back.”

The doctor carefully examined her. “It’s just some bruising. I don’t feel anything broken. You came out of this ordeal remarkably well. You’re lucky. Any trouble breathing from the smoke you inhaled?” The doctor cleaned some cuts she found on Zandy.

“No. It was windy enough to blow most of it away from me.”

“You can sit up.” The doctor snapped off her gloves. “You were lucky, Zandy Gordon.”

“Can I ask you something?”

The doctor arched her eyebrows. “Sure.”

“Um…” Zandy hesitated. “Something happened that is bothering me. Tiger said some things to me at the hospital when he woke and he claims not to remember it. Do you think the drugs made him blurt out things that he might feel deep down?”

The woman sighed and glanced at the door, then back at Zandy. “I’m not sure what you were told but you do work for the NSO so I’ll assume you can be trusted. Some of the drug cocktails discovered in Mercile’s files were experimental. That’s what they did. They created drugs to test on New Species. Some of them have reacted quite violently when the drugs were given to them. They were aggressive to the point of being dangerous, while others have had some unique side effects that range from blackouts to severe personality changes while under the influence of some of the drugs. Was whatever he said normal or something you would expect him to say?”

“I don’t think so.”

“There’s your answer. If it’s bothering you, ask Tiger. New Species are known for their honesty. I’m positive that he’ll want to clear up whatever issue you had with him. Did he threaten you or try to attack? I have spent a lot of time with him and that isn’t normal for him. He’s actually a sweetheart.”

A bit of jealousy rose. “Have you two dated?”

Dr. Allison shook her head. “No. You’re not just an employee, are you? I’m guessing you are involved with him?”

“We were before his accident. He…um, kind of ended it with me when he woke up. He said he doesn’t remember saying any of it and apologized.”

“You have your answer already. Talk to him. The drugs are out of his system but he’s going to need to go back on them. They accelerate their healing.”

“How?”

Dr. Allison hesitated. “You’re with Tiger? I thought those were bite marks when I was examining your shoulder.”

“Yes.”

“You’re in love with him. I see it in your eyes when you talk about him.” She smiled. “They were genetically altered. Their DNA was spliced with various animal genes. Mercile was able to manipulate them enough to, well, in layman’s terms, make their bodies go into hyperdrive with certain body functions. Their immune systems are amazingly resistant to illness, disease, and they heal very quickly. The drug cocktail we discovered in the records causes rapid healing. He’ll need more doses if he did in fact break his leg again. It will heal in days rather than weeks. They hate being down and are terrible patients.” A wistful look softened her eyes. “In most cases. I have one patient the drug doesn’t seem to work on at all. He’s in a coma and we haven’t been able to wake him.”

“I’m sorry. I hope he recovers. Was he in the helicopter crash with Tiger?”

“No. 880 was rescued and brought to Homeland some weeks ago. I hated to leave him in the care of others but they needed help here. I still have my hospital privileges in this area. Most of the other doctors who have worked longer for the NSO don’t since they were brought in from different parts of the country. That’s why I was called in.” She turned away for a moment then faced her again holding a syringe. “I need to give you this. You have some cuts and this is an antibiotic. I’d feel better giving it to you. I can tell those aren’t fresh, probably happened when you were taken, and germs fester in a matter of hours. When did you have your last tetanus shot?”

“Okay. I’m up to date on all my shots. I never miss an annual checkup.” Zandy winced and looked away as the needle sank into her arm. She hated shots.

“That was a strong antibiotic and it’s going to mess up your birth control.”

“I’m not on anything.”

The doctor’s eyebrows rose. “You aren’t?”

“No.”

“Okay. I’ll spare you the lecture about condoms then since Tiger is already using them. These shots have been known to mess up your cycle. You could skip a period or have two back to back.”

“I don’t have any diseases. Tiger doesn’t have to use condoms.”

The other woman turned away to dispose of the syringe and alcohol swab she’d used to clean the injection site. “I wasn’t informed you were his mate. They really need to tell us these things.”

“I’m not mated to Tiger. I know what the bites usually mean but he just lost control.”

The doctor spun, a confused look on her face. “Are you guys trying to get pregnant? I’ve never heard of one of the New Species trying that before being mated.” She shrugged. “I guess they are getting more and more modern in their thinking.”

Confusion filled Zandy. “He can’t get me pregnant.”

Dr. Allison’s eyes widened.

“What?” Zandy asked.

“He didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Son of a biscuit.” The doctor looked angry. “Rules state that he has to use condoms if you aren’t mated and he has to inform you that you could get pregnant if he stops using them after you are mated.”

Zandy was stunned.

“I’m going to talk to Tiger about this and then I’ll have to inform Trisha. She can take this to Justice.”

Zandy’s arm shot out and grabbed the doctor when the woman tried to leave. “What are you saying?”

Indecision flickered in the other woman’s eyes but she sighed. “You work for the NSO so I know you had to sign and read a stack of confidentiality clauses. This is classified information. It’s entirely possible that Species males can impregnate us. Humans. Tiger should have used condoms or warned you that it was a possibility. I shouldn’t have told you anything but I assumed you knew. Damn. I could get into serious trouble for this but it angers me as a woman that he put you at risk. You have the right to know since you’re sleeping with him.”

“We had sex while I was ovulating.”

“How do you know that?”

“Trust me. I know. Are you saying I could be pregnant?”

“Shit.” The doctor jerked away and walked to the cabinet. “I hope not. I doubt the antibiotic I gave you would harm the fetus at this early stage but I wouldn’t have given it to you if there was a possibility.” She jerked open a cabinet and removed a packaged kit. She turned. “Open your mouth and let me take a swab. We’ll find out right now. This is why there are rules and Tiger didn’t follow them. I’m a doctor first and I just gave you medication I wouldn’t have if I’d known all the facts.”

“What?”

“Just let me do this test. I can tell right away if you’re pregnant. New Species are different from us and you would test positive for higher hormones within twenty-four hours of getting pregnant. I know you haven’t had intercourse with him since his accident.”

Zandy was in shock as the doctor jerked open more cabinets after dipping the sample in a clear vial with liquid. The doctor bent, watching the end of the cotton. A good minute passed before the woman straightened.

“It’s negative,” Dr. Allison informed her, showing her the vial. “It would have turned red if it were positive. It’s clear.”

“Are you sure?” Zandy’s heart was still beating rapidly.

“I’m sure.” She sighed. “Either Tiger really trusts his nose to tell him when it’s safe to have intercourse with you or he tried to get you pregnant. I strongly suggest you have a talk with him. I’ll report this to my supervisor and she’ll inform Justice North. Trisha will make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

“Please don’t,” Zandy said quickly. She was still floored by what she’d learned. “I don’t want him to get into trouble.”

“This is serious. Do you know what would happen if anyone found out New Species can have children?”

“I have a pretty good idea. I just spent time with insane fanatics who hate them.”

They stared at each other. “Fine. I won’t say anything. Invoke doctor-patient confidentiality. That way my butt is covered. You need to talk to him about this though.”

“Trust me. I will.” She just had no idea what to say though.

Chapter Twenty

The door opened and the male nurse returned. “They just X-rayed Tiger’s leg and it’s as we thought. He damaged the leg.” He stared at Zandy. “Tiger refused to rest until he knows you are fine. He snarled at me to bring you to him.”

Dr. Allison shot Zandy a warning look. “That sounds like a man who doesn’t want to break it off. You’re free to go. Put ice on the bruising if it continues to hurt.”

“Thank you, Dr. Allison.” Zandy slid off the exam table and shook the woman’s hand. “I mean that.” She was grateful the woman was going to keep her secret about what Tiger had done and that he hadn’t told her what could result from them having sex. “I hope your patient recovers.”

“Me too. I’ve kind of become obsessed with him.”

Zandy didn’t miss the sadness in the other woman’s stare as she followed the New Species nurse out of the room and down the hall. He stopped in front of a closed door.

“He’s in there. The break in his leg will be painful until it heals.”

“Thank you.” She hesitated, taking a deep breath.

Her heart pounded and she wasn’t sure she wanted to face Tiger. What if he wanted to stop seeing her? The thought of that prospect made her chest hurt. The only way she was going to find out would be to talk to him. Her hand rose and she knocked.

“Come in,” Tiger called out.

The room looked more like a hotel room than a hospital room, much nicer than the exam room she’d just left. Tiger was sprawled out on a queen-sized bed with his leg elevated on pillows. Ice bags had been placed over his lower leg. He’d stripped off his shirt, revealing his muscular, tan chest and flat belly. His hair was down and his exotic gaze met hers.

“Zandy.”

The way he softly growled her name made her nipples harden. He had a way of affecting her. “Hi, Tiger. How are you?” She closed the door behind her and stepped farther into the room.

“Come here.” He patted the bed next to him.

She didn’t hesitate to step to the side of the bed and carefully climb on it. She sat facing him but kept a few feet of space between them. Her gaze left his to glance at his leg before looking.

“How is your leg feeling?”

Broad shoulders shrugged. “It aches and I’m stuck in bed for two days until it heals again. The break wasn’t as bad as the original injury.” He studied her eyes. “Stay with me here.”

Emotions warred inside her. Part of her was happy he wanted to be with her while another part of her worried that he’d toss her out again if he took more of the medication Dr. Allison had told her about. Everyone would know she was sharing a room with him if she stayed too. Their relationship was already acknowledged, no longer a secret.

“Will they allow it? They warned me you could become unstable on the drugs.”

“There are officers down the hallway in case I grow aggressive but I won’t hurt you. You already stated clearly that you were willing to risk harm to be with me when you refused to leave my bedside at the hospital. This is a more controlled environment.”

She wasn’t afraid of Tiger. “This is a really nice room.”

His blue gaze narrowed and a frown curved his mouth. He watched her. She glanced away again, staring at the blue bedding.

“Zandy? Look at me.” His deep voice brooked no argument. It was a demand.

“Are you mad at me?” She held his gaze.

“For what?”

“I had to tell everyone we’ve been sleeping together to get to see you. Is that why you really wanted me to leave the hospital? You said not to show anyone the bites on me but I was so worried when I heard what happened to you. I—”

His hand rose and he cupped her uninjured cheek. “I don’t care who knows about us. You risked your life to reach me. You should have waited for an escort to bring you to me and again when you left the hospital. It’s not safe in the out world.”

It was cute how he called the world outside the NSO gates that. She knew what he meant. “I kind of freaked out when I heard you’d been in a helicopter crash. I just wanted to make sure you were alive. I had to see you.”

“I want you to promise me that you will never leave Reservation without officers to protect you. You were taken because you work for the NSO. They know who you are and where you live.”

She didn’t want to think about her destroyed house. She’d have to call her insurance company but didn’t want to deal with it at that moment. “I have to leave at some point to go home.”

A soft growl passed his lips. “No, you don’t.”

She was unsure what that meant.

He took a deep breath and blew it out, his expression softening. “You can’t go home, Zandy. You will stay with me.”