New Species 09 Shadow by Laurann Dohner

Tears filled her eyes at the ugly accusations, a reaction she couldn’t help. “He didn’t do anything wrong. He just stayed with me the way I asked. The storm was bad and we slept here.”
    Kit stomped closer and gripped Beauty’s arm. “Let’s go.”
    Beauty was hauled to her feet and pulled to the door. The rain had stopped when they stepped out into the early morning sunshine. The grass was cold and squishy under her bare feet. It surprised her when she glanced around to find no one else nearby. Shadow and the two officers were gone.
    “You need to be trained better,” Kit hissed. “Gifts are clueless children and I don’t enjoy babysitting you. I keep telling Ellie and Breeze you need to be toughened up and taught to fight but they coddle you. A male would never pull this shit on a female officer.” The hand tightened as she walked faster, pulling Beauty alongside her through the park.
    “Do you know what he could have done to you? Anything. You’re weak and wouldn’t have been able to stop him. You even allowed him to spend the night with you. That’s stupid. Do you know anything about our males? He could have seduced you and you couldn’t handle that.” She snarled a curse under her breath. “Never mind. Just don’t talk at all. I’m furious.”
    “Shadow is—”
    “I said don’t talk.” Kit came to an abrupt halt and growled, showing fangs. “I was on my way to breakfast when I received the assistance code. I’m hungry and want to eat. Instead I’m taking you home. You’re grounded for a week. No privileges. You aren’t to leave your room.”
    Defiance rose inside Beauty and she jerked hard to free her arm from Kit’s hold. “I’m not a child!”
    Feline eyes narrowed and Kit growled. “You need a spanking and I might give you one if you don’t shut up.”
    “Shadow didn’t do anything wrong and I’m not weak or stupid. I’m an adult and probably almost as old as you are. You can’t restrict my privileges and don’t threaten to hit me. You should have been a canine mix because you’re a bitch.”
    “What did you say to me?” Kit took a threatening step forward.
    Beauty refused to back down. “I don’t know what your problem is but you’re mean, Kit. I might not be as strong as you or as big but I have something you never will.”
    “I’m dying to hear this. What would that be?”
    “You have been given so much but you don’t appreciate it. You’re cruel to your own kind when we aren’t the enemy.”
    “I am not.”
    “I live next door to you.” Beauty walked away, determined to distance herself from the angry Species and return to the dorm on her own. She took five steps before a hand clamped down on her shoulder to make her stop. She stared at Kit.
    “What does that mean?”
    “You think Shadow forced me into that shed. You’re the naïve one if you believe I didn’t welcome spending time with him. I’d never treat him the way you do our males by using them and tossing them out your door the second you get what you want from them. Release me.”
    Shock was evident on the feline’s features as her eyes widened. No words came from her lips but she did release her. Beauty faced forward and marched through the damp grass, avoiding the muddy puddles.
    “Hey, Beauty?”
    Her back stiffened but she kept going, refusing to verbally spar with Kit. She’d stood up for herself and said the words that had filled her head. It had felt good despite being terrified the woman would strike out. The fight would be short and Beauty knew she couldn’t win if there was actual violence.
    “You’re growing pretty brave for a primate. Too bad your fangs aren’t as sharp as your tongue. Words don’t hurt as much as physical pain. Remember that.”
    Beauty halted and peered over her shoulder to see if Kit was still watching her, wondering if it was a threat. “I wouldn’t agree and that statement just proves who is more intelligent between us.” She opened her mouth,