“Not that I’m aware of.”

She put her hand on his forearm and he led her to a marked golf cart. She noticed more of them nearby as she took a seat. “Do you have a golf course?”

“No.” He released her, climbed in the driver’s seat and started the engine. “We have three types of vehicles at Homeland and Reservation. The SUVs we use when we leave NSO lands but the Jeeps and golf carts are for traveling inside the gates. We tend to use more golf carts here at Homeland than at Reservation. The terrain there is harsher in some areas.”

She relaxed in the seat. “Thank you for being nice to me.”

He turned his head and flashed a grin. “I feel as though I partially know you.” He pressed the gas and took off, turning the cart around in the street.

“I don’t understand.”

“I saw you on the television with Smiley.” He glanced away from the road to run his gaze down her body. “You appear smaller in person than on my television.”

She cringed. “You saw that?”

“Everyone has.”

She looked away to stare at the buildings they passed but it only made her aware that they drew attention from New Species. Two men standing in front of a building openly studied her and then another one stopped his Jeep to get a better look at her. She started to regret calling the NSO. It was tempting to ask if Wager would take her to the exit but she had nowhere to go and with no money she couldn’t reach her parents. They’d just ask her a lot of questions that she didn’t want to answer.

For better or for worse, she was stuck at Homeland.

* * * * *

Smiley prowled the wall, alert for any movement on the other side. Vanni was safe at Homeland. Fury had made valid points but it didn’t sit well with him that he wouldn’t be there when she was questioned in detail about the Woods Church. She might be frightened.

The low groan that escaped his lips assured him it was probably for the best he wasn’t present. Vanni affected him too strongly. He couldn’t be logical when instinct urged him to protect the female.

The sound of an approaching Jeep drew him from his thoughts and he turned. Jericho parked near the base of a tree next to the wall and he waited until the male climbed up and leapt the five feet to land gracefully on the walkway beside him.

“Is she well? Justice and Fury aren’t intimidating her, are they? Fury promised they would go out of their way to tone it down.”

Jericho frowned.

“What?” Smiley tore off his helmet and gripped his weapon tighter. “Did something happen? Did the doctors find something wrong with her?”

“She didn’t agree to go to Medical but she is fine. Wager is taking her to human housing right now. I assigned him the duty myself.”

“Wager?” Smiley felt his rage building. “He’ll flirt with her. That male is always talking about how he wants to find a human to give him babies.”

“He’s not an idiot. Everyone has seen that video and he’ll assume you’d fight him if he touches her.”

Smiley frowned, debating whether Wager would be foolish enough to offer to share sex with Vanni. It would be a mistake.

“I’m going to go see her now.” He reached for his radio. “I’m calling in for someone to take my place at this post.”

“Why do you think I came? I’ll cover the rest of the shift.”

Smiley shoved his weapon and helmet at Jericho. “Thank you. You’re a good friend.”

“Go home, shower and don’t wear your uniform when you see the female.”

“Why?” He glanced down. “Do I smell? Look bad?”

“You’re not sweaty but I believe she’s seen enough of our officers today. You should dress casually so you’re just a male to her. She appeared a little overwhelmed. Give her some time alone first.”

“She’s frightened?” His gut twisted. “She needs me.”

“You’re not listening.” Jericho sounded annoyed.

“She is here alone. I’m the first Species she ever met. She was held against her will and had a traumatic day between escaping them and coming to Homeland. I need to let her know she’s safe.”

“You’re being irrational.” Jericho’s voice had deepened when he continued, “I’m your friend and you need to trust my judgment.”

Smiley didn’t enjoy hearing the advice.

“The last thing that female needs is to have you arrive with your emotions on a short leash. Shower, relax and then go see her when you aren’t in protective mode.”

“I didn’t frighten her before.”

“I listened in on everything that took place in Justice’s office. She sounded nervous about seeing you again.”

“You listened in?”

Jericho shrugged, cradling the rifle. “My hearing is good and I wanted to know if she was really as blameless as you believed. She doesn’t hide her emotions well when she speaks. She hides them even less effectively with her expressions. I see why you were convinced she didn’t drug you.”

“You spoke to her?”

“Not much. I could detect her emotions while she answered questions and then I saw her expression when I walked into Justice’s office. She wasn’t able to conceal her fear of me. She reads easily.”

“You frightened her?” Smiley tensed.

“It was my size and she seemed confused about my eyes. I get it a lot but humans attempt to hide their reactions after a second. She wasn’t able to. Follow my advice and be calm when you see her. Take it slow, Smiley. She isn’t one of our females. Don’t forget that. She reminded me of a spooked kitten. I didn’t spend time with her because I was aware of her fear of me. Wager puts humans at ease with his friendly personality so I passed her into his care. I tend to frighten humans when I do this.” Jericho grinned, showing teeth.

“You look menacing.”

“I know.”

Smiley took a deep breath. “I’ll go home and shower. Should I wear jeans and a tank top? Or slacks and a nice dress shirt?”

“Wear workout gear. She’ll appreciate your show of arm muscles. Humans seem to like those.”

He remembered her reaction in the bar when he’d removed his jacket and grinned. “You’re right.”

“Take it slow, Smiley. I know you want the female but she’s skittish.”

“Understood.”

He stepped around Jericho and leapt, landing on a thick tree branch and swiftly climbed down. He looked up and pointed to the Jeep.

“Take it,” Jericho called out. “I left the keys in the ignition. Your replacement will have a vehicle so I won’t have to jog home.”

Smiley slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine. His first instinct was to drive to human housing but he pushed back the urge. He’d follow Jericho’s advice. He admitted to being a little irrational where Vanni was concerned. He couldn’t wait to see her again but a shower and change of clothes seemed like a good idea.

Chapter Twelve

Vanni reflected on her conversation with Wager. He’d sworn she wasn’t a prisoner at Homeland. He’d given her a tour of the two-bedroom house, telling her it was stocked with food and there were clothes in the dresser, before leaving her to her own devices. A few minutes later he’d knocked on her door, delivering lunch. She’d consumed the sandwich and chips with gusto.

The phone on the counter had a dial tone when she tested it. She dialed Elvis’ number after getting it from information and was relieved when Beth answered on the first ring.

“It’s me.” Vanni was glad to hear her voice. “You’re safe. I was so worried.”

“Well, I’m still worried. Where are you?”

“At Homeland. I took your advice.”

“Should I come there? Mickey could drive me.”

“No. I’m okay.” She glanced around the spacious home. “They are treating me really good and have put me up in a house. It’s nicer than a hotel.”

“They didn’t blame you for drugging that Smiley guy?”

“No.”

“Is he there with you?”

“I haven’t seen him yet but I will tomorrow. I don’t have any clothes so he’s going to take me shopping.”