Brawn - Laurann Dohner [87]
“Trisha recognized the female and knows who the father is. The pregnant female has requested he be kept away from her.”
“What is the problem? Keep him away. Hers and the baby’s welfare comes first. You bothered me for this? It sounds as if everything is already handled.”
“I’m glad you said that. It will make things easier.”
Brawn cocked his head, more than a little confused and irritated. Flame was speaking in riddles, not making sense. “I don’t understand.”
“The woman is Rebecca Oberto.” Flame stared at him sympathetically. “Ring any bells, daddy?”
The glass in Brawn’s finger slipped to the ground. He was glad he sat as shock ripped through his system. He stared at Flame, unable to even form words, as his brain tried to assimilate the information. Becca was the female? Pregnant? His heart exploded in a thunderous pounding and blood rushed to his ears.
Flame nodded. “She tried to run and hide. She told her father she was in Europe. She’s definitely pregnant and it’s Species. I smelled her myself.”
Brawn suddenly inhaled. He closed his eyes and a vicious growl tore from his throat. He lunged and grabbed Flame.
He couldn’t believe it. It had to be a lie. Becca couldn’t be pregnant. The doctor had given her pills. Surely she had to have been taking birth control. She would have told him if they’d created life. The male stumbled to get out of his way but he was faster. His fists gripped Flame’s shoulders, his face lowered and he took a deep breath. The scents assaulted his senses as he tried to take it all in.
“You touched her! You have her scent all over you and I smell her fear,” Brawn roared, totally losing all control.
Flame’s body flew airborne before he could leash his rage. The male cried out as he hit the grass on his back a good six feet away, rolled a little as he struck and came up on all fours when he stopped. Brawn’s body tensed, ready to attack and he crouched. Another roar tore from his throat.
“Easy, damn it!” Flame panted. “I didn’t hurt her, Brawn. She refused to come in. She was living in some cabin fifteen miles from here and I had to carry her onto the helicopter. Should I have left her there alone and unprotected? She’s at Medical and she’s safe!”
The words penetrated his haze of rage, but barely. He snarled.
“What is wrong?” Two officers rushed to the area, both putting themselves between the males. The one who spoke addressed Brawn.
Flame slowly rose to his feet. “Nothing. We’re fine. This is a private matter. I had to give Brawn some upsetting news. Please leave us. We won’t fight.”
Brawn gave a sharp jerk of his head, straightened up from the fighting position and clenched his teeth. The officers glanced between them before they left. Brawn watched the other male brush grass off his clothes and finally Flame met his gaze.
“How are you doing now? Calmer? I know this must be a shock. Hell, especially for you. I know how you feel about human females. The good news, I guess, is that she doesn’t want anything from you. She’s not demanding you mate and marry her. She actually requested that you stay away. She’s going to have to live with us so you’ll be able to see your son when you want to. I’m sure she’ll allow that.”
Brawn had to force his breathing to slow and got control of his unstable emotions. Becca is pregnant. Becca is here. He slowly stalked toward Flame. “I won’t attack you. I want a deeper scent.”
Flame didn’t look happy but held his ground. “Why?”
Brawn inched closer to him and inhaled. It wasn’t enough until he lowered his head and closed his eyes. His nose brushed Flame’s shirt and he sniffed. Becca. Her scent was something he’d never forget and he traced more of her, hating the sweet smell of her fear that he picked up.
“Dude,” Flame whispered softly. “Will you stop that? Someone is going to see and get the wrong idea about us. We’re drawing a crowd