“Did you hear them call me brilliant? It was a superb idea. Figures it didn’t work, but it serves a dual purpose, pretty girl.” His face leaned into hers. Glassy blue eyes gleamed through the clear glass of the safety goggles. The edges of his paper mask were wet as though spittle flew from his mouth when he spoke. “You see, I have you awake. And like I’m suspecting is happening with the monstrosity that keeps refusing the females we send to him...I also like children,” he whispered. “You’re almost past that point, so we’ll have to make use of the time we’ve got.”

  There was a rustling noise, and he crawled on top of her. “Mine. All mine.” Pain filled her as he forced her legs apart.

  “Do you like it, too, pretty girl? I want you to call me...daddy. I’m gonna be your daddy.” His voice raised higher with excitement threading through it.

  He rammed into her, tearing her body with his forceful invasion. She wanted to move, she wanted to rip that part of him off, to make him bleed, to make him...hurt. The frustration at being helpless was almost as overwhelming as the fire ripping through her body.

  “Baby girl, I’m here.”

  She thrashed, which was weird because she couldn’t move.

  “She’s changing. Renegade, Steele, watch her claws.”

  “There are no claws.” The female voice was puzzled.

  “This isn’t the same form.” That was definitely Jason’s voice, and his confusion was real.

  Lily opened her eyes. There were Xeno Sapiens in the room like her. Steele and Renegade on either side of her, Amanda and Robyn. Someone sat behind her bed, holding her head down, whispering into her ear.

  “It’s okay, baby girl. We got you. You’re safe. It’s just a dream.”

  A dream? No. It was a memory. It had happened, back in the lab. She remembered now. Her body felt different.

  “It’s okay, Lily,” Steele answered her unspoken question, catching her eyes trying to look down at herself. “You morphed. But it’s different. It’s the modern version of your people. Not the predator.”

  Yes, like had happened with Kaden.

  As if to prove it, they released their hold on her wrists, and Jason helped her angle her head up so she could look down at herself. Her feet were gone, replaced by an iridescent fishtail. Her skin was thicker, but her hands were normal, just the nails longer and the webbing more pronounced.

  She lay back, listening as Jason murmured into her ear. “I’ve got you. I’ll always be here, Lily. You’re safe.”

  “Horrible memories,” she said. “I don’t want to go to sleep.” More memories had rolled through her mind, snippets like a movie, all crashing through at once.

  “Lily,” Robyn said, stepping up. “Do you remember why we put you under?”

  Everything came rushing back to her. “Yes. I gave you my permission. I wanted full maturity.”

  Robyn nodded. “Yes. You’ll probably have some depression now in recalling those memories. But we can work through that. You’re free now and...”

  “Welcome to adulthood, Lily.” Dr. Amanda smiled.

  Her body began to shrink, softening into her usual look. The human form. She could actually feel her breathing deepen as lungs took a larger part in filtering the air she breathed. The four of them drifted quietly out of the room, leaving her with Jason.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “So sorry you had to remember all that. And I wasn’t here for you.”

  Other memories were still hitting her, other dreams that she’d had. It was a grim existence before coming to Xenia. “How long have I been out?”

  He winced. “It’s been three days.”

  “As long as it’s done.”

  “You’re done recalling the memories. But you may still have nightmares.”

  “Those I can handle. They feel less real. The memories put you right back in the moment.”

  “I can’t imagine what you went through.”

  “I’m sorry. About Shawn and Tempest. I was so jealous, a moody, spiteful teen.”

  “It’s fine. They’re both healed and doing great. I should have known better, keeping you in a state where you constantly flipped back and forth. It wasn’t fair.”

  “You didn’t want me to suffer any more. I understand that. And it’s not like the teen personality wasn’t getting less time. I can see where you thought it would be better to just let me go through it naturally.”

  “I love you, Lily,” he blurted out. “I always have. I always will.”

  “How about untying me?”

  He looked down with a start, and then jumped up to unbuckle the shackles at her wrists. Her bust. Her waist. One solid belt swung over her legs, which moved freely now that they were legs and not a tail. When she was free, she sat up and moved into his arms. His heady scent, right there, below her nose. “I love you, too. I always have. I always will.” She repeated his words.

  He crawled onto the bed next to her, pulling her to him.

  “I can’t believe I didn’t know you had a crush on me as a teenager.”

  “Me, neither.” She smiled against his chest. “It’s not like I was subtle.” She remembered how she had seduced him.

  “I thought I was crazy. Feeling these emotions, this need—“

  “A lot of it caused by me. I’m sorry. I had no idea I was using the siren-thing on you. Well, except for the last time, when I did it on purpose.”

  “I’m not protesting it then, and I’m not protesting it now.”

  “What are you saying, Jason?”

  “I love you. I want to spend every day with my green-haired girl. Now go to sleep and rest up.”

  When her heart almost burst from her chest? She smiled, closing her eyes. “I love you, too,” she whispered.

  SHE DIDN’T REMEMBER anything this time. No dreams, memories, not like before. And now when she opened her eyes, Jason was at her side, his head in his hands. He looked terrible, lines of fatigue around his eyes and mouth. But something flashed in his eyes when she woke.

  “Lily?”

  She smiled sleepily. “Jason.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m okay. How are Tempest and Shawn?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve been here with you.”

  She sat up. She had to fix things with Tempest. She had to fix it immediately.

  “Take me to her.”

  “This isn’t a good time.” His eyes were shifty. “She’s in a lot of pain.”

  “I want to see her. Now,” she said clearly.

  Jason never could refuse anything she wanted. She saw that so much easier now. She was completely adult, she realized. She would never again bounce into her younger self.

  He scooped her up into his arms and strode from the room, walking down the hall. She saw a few people look up. Dr. Amanda came scurrying after them.

  Renegade stood at the window, turning as they entered. Jason set her in the chair next to Tempest’s bed. Her face was stricken with pain, frozen into agony. How long had she been suffering?

  Lily placed her hand onto Tempest’s. “You’ve suffered long enough, Tempest.”

  Tempest opened her eyes, staring at Lily. But she was in so much pain, she couldn’t speak.

  Let Amanda put you under. To her surprise, her mental link came easily. She was healed, she realized.

  No. I deserve this.

  No one deserves this.

  I do. Shawn nearly died.

  That was not your fault. It was mine.

  It wasn’t yours. You were but a child. We all knew you flipped back and forth. I shouldn’t have let you goad me.

  How can Shawn’s death have been your fault?

  He was teaching me not to let my bones break my skin. I failed miserably.

  And why do you let them pierce you? Lily had an idea, but she wanted Tempest to voice it.

  I—I—

  Because you feel you deserve pain, Lily said. You don’t. No one deserves pain any more.

  Look at what I did!

  It was an accident. When Shawn wakes up, he will be the one to tell you.

  If he wakes up.

  He will. He’s halfway healed now.

  He is?

  No one’s communicated with you?

  I’m in too much pain to hear through the links. None of the humans know exactly what to say. I’m not even sure why I can hear yours.

  Lily looked down at her hand, glowing on top of Tempest’s. Maybe it’s our connection. Maybe I’m healed. But Shawn will wake soon. Will you allow yourself to be put under so your body can attempt to heal?

  Yes. But first, I want to say I’m sorry. I was attracted to Jason before your kidnapping. I’m not now.

  How could you not be? Lily teased. Look at him.

  The barest semblance of a smile came across Tempest’s face.

  Lily stood, and leaned over to kiss her forehead. “I really am sorry,” she whispered, then looked up at Amanda.

  “She’ll be medicated now.”

  Amanda nodded, eyes wide, and turned to the computer screen where she pushed a series of buttons. The machine blipped and Tempest’s eyes closed, the lines of pain relaxing from her face.

  “She’s under,” Amanda announced. “Now she’ll heal without being stressed from the pain. Good job, Lily.”

  “Back to bed with you,” Jason announced, scooping her back up. She rested her head on the crook of his shoulder as he carried her back.

  He laid her on the bed, tucking the blanket around her. “Robyn says they’ll let you out tomorrow. If your brain waves reach delta mode tonight during your sleep.”

  “The pressure’s on.” She couldn’t help but be a bit worried.

  “I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll be here before noon.”

  His head leaned over hers, and his mouth came down to hers.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Clean bill of health,” Dr. Amanda said, Robyn near her side. “Officially discharged.”

  “Where’s Jason?”

  “Getting your cottage ready. Airing it out and having food delivered. He says he’s giving you cooking lessons and he can’t exist on sandwiches.”

  Lily snickered. She’d hoped to talk him into letting her live in his suite. Darn. He probably wanted to give her time alone to adjust to being an adult.

  “He dropped off an outfit for you to change into.” Robyn handed her shorts and a tank top. “He’ll be here shortly. Get dressed. You’re probably dying to get home.” Her eyes were creased with laughter. Her eyes scanned outside the door. “I’m waiting for Beast. It’s snack time for Kaden.” She unbuttoned the top few buttons of her blouse.

  “I do feel like I’ve slept enough.” For once, there weren’t nuances of doubt running through Lily’s split brain. Did the ladies like her? Did they accept her or miss the old Lily? For once, she understood that she and the old Lily were one and the same. “Where’s Steele?”

  “Hanging out with Pax. Beast is on babysitting duty. It also gives Sunny a break.” She grinned.

  “I heard that,” Beast growled from the doorway. He bounced Kaden in his left hand, and his right was holding the baby in place at the abdomen.

  “Come on,” Robyn said to him, taking her son with a smile. “I’ll let you watch.”

  Lily giggled.

  Beast’s eyes gleamed, but they darted around the hallway. “Steele’s not gonna like it.”

  “Steele’s not here,” Robyn called over her shoulder, leading them from the room.

  Lily dressed quickly after they left. She’d just finished when a knock came at the door. It was pushed open, and then Jason was inside, dwarfing the room. He looked at her differently.

  Hungrily.

  “Ready to go home?”

  “I am.”

  “Let’s go. It’s lunchtime, so a lot of people should be in the mess hall. It gives us time to slip away without interruptions.”

  Interruptions? She must have looked puzzled.

  “I’m tired of sharing you.”

  She couldn’t help herself. She hugged him tight, her face in his chest, her arms wrapped around his midsection. He wrapped his arms around her, too, and she was just where she wanted to be. Safe. Warm. Protected.

  To her surprise, he carted her outside past the swell of buildings before setting her down on her feet. “Aren’t we heading to your suite?” she asked, trying to tempt him without using her siren abilities. The human way, though her abilities itched to be used.

  “No, we’re going to your cottage.”

  As long as she was headed somewhere with Jason, she didn’t mind where. They began to walk the small trail through the woods.

  “Shawn’s awake,” he said.

  “He is?”

  “Yes. Healing remarkably. And he’s asking for Tempest.”

  “So he wakes just as she goes under. Life’s ironic.”

  “Isn’t that the way the world works?”

  “Shouldn’t we go visit him?”

  “He needs to rest. We’ll see him tomorrow. And right now I want time with you.”

  Jason opened the door to her cottage and the first thing she saw was her own image. He’d hung a portrait of her sleeping, her hair fanned out all around her. She stopped, lips parted in shock. She didn’t even know when he took it.

  “That’s when I know I’m home,” he murmured, stepping in close behind her. She felt his lips on the top of her head. “It’s the first thing I see when I walk in.”

  He took her hand and led her to the bedroom, where he opened her closet. A row of clothing was dedicated to his uniforms, hanging neatly alongside her clothes.

  Her smile was bright. “We’re living together? Here?” This was so perfect, especially after her disappointment about not going to his suite.

  “We’ll always be together, Lily. No matter where we are.”

  She turned, holding him tight. “I love you. I can’t believe this is real.”

  “I’ve been fighting my feelings for you since your body grew up. I can’t fight them anymore. I don’t want to. I want to be with you every single day of my life.”

  Lily was never more aware of him. The warmth emanating from his skin. The scent of masculine spice. His body—muscled without an ounce of fat. His hair was short, dark against his head but lighter on the ends. In fact, in was lighter on his head than on the shadowed edge of his jaw line. His brows were dark. There were tiny lines around his eyes, which made him look all the more rugged.

  He sparked coils of heat deep in her body.

  “I’m sorry I seduced you and then felt so guilty I shut down. If I’d have only remained adult enough to tell you it was me being bad.”

  “It couldn’t have all been the siren,” he said, pulling her close with a warm hand at the small of her back. “I was way too eager for what was happening. When you wouldn’t wake, it was a douse of cold water. I couldn’t believe I let go of my lust on you.”

  “I loved it,” she said, and her voice was all the huskier. “It gets me wet just thinking about it.”

  His eyes darkened. “Lily—”

  “It’s just you and me, Jason. I’m all grown up, and I want you.”

  The hand he held splayed on the small of her back moved down, cupping her buttocks in his palm. His head dipped, capturing her lips. She opened at the same time he did, his tongue entering her mouth. She was gasping, the passion thick in the air as they both craved the explosive sex between them. Jason pulled away and lifted her, carrying her into her bedroom where he laid her gently on the bed. She softly protested, reaching out for him. Instead, he stepped away.

  But it was okay because suddenly Jason stood, looking all warm and hard and sexy. He unbuttoned his shirt, slowly, keeping his eyes on her.

  Lily lay on the bed, pillows underneath her to prop her up so she could watch. He dropped his cargo pants, easing them over his hips and exposing that tempting trail of hair that blazed down to his sex. His erection burst out, and he lowered his pants over muscular, towering thighs. Finally he stood there naked, letting her look her fill.

  She could do the same. Pushing herself from the pillows, she whipped her tank top over her head and unclasped her bra, watching his eyes darken as her breasts released. They felt heavy and full, desire making the tips darken. With the tips of her fingers, she rubbed her nipples.

  “Goddess, Lily. You’re so fucking beautiful. Show me more.”

  She wriggled out of her shorts and sat with her legs apart, bent at the knees, aware that the swollen lips of her pussy pressed against the silky fabric of her panties.

  She could feel her heart pounding against her chest as he stared at her so intently, his fists clenched and his cock cutting through the air like a heavy sword. She inserted a finger into the elastic edge of her panties and tugged the material aside so he could see her pussy bared for his view.

  “Dammit, Lily, quit teasing me.” His voice was thick with need. “Get those panties off before I rip them.”

  Instead she let her knees fall apart and touched her clit with a finger. Her body jerked with the luscious sensitivity.

  She barely registered the feel of the heat of his fingers at the edge of her hip where he grasped the flimsy fabric. A rip sounded. She giggled and then quieted as he tore the other side and flung the offending fabric over his shoulder. Strong hands gripped her thighs as he drank in his fill of her.

  She moaned and squirmed, spreading her legs on either side of him and adjusting her hips so that she could rub her sensitive cunt against his body. The head of his enlarged cock cut through her thickened flesh.

  “What is it you need, love?”

  “You, Jason. I need you.”

  “And how do you need it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  He covered her mouth with his, and then pulled up long enough to whisper against her lips. “Imagine my tongue between your other lips, Lily. I’d taste you first and then lick inside those inner petals. I’d give your little clit a tongue massage, and then I’d plunge it into you, fucking you so sweetly as you gush all over me.”

  Lily shuddered.

  “So which is it, love? Which way do you want it first?”