Jaded is one of my favorites and since he hasn't got his own story by now, I helped myself. ;-)

Hope you enjoy it!

*might contain spoilers*

»I hate males that don't understand the meaning of no,« Jaded muttered under his breath. He narrowed his eyes and forced himself not to storm over and yank that human away from the woman he talked at.

Justice looked up from his smartphone and followed his friend's eyes. His excellent hearing quickly caught the conversation. »No! I won't dance with you, Bob,« the female declared angrily. »Not today - not tomorrow nor on any other day. Just leave me alone, will you?«

Justice shook his head slightly. He leaned over to Simon Leeson, the head of the NSO law team and jerked his chin in the direction of the female. »Do you know who she is?«

Simon nodded. »Ashley Hamilton, the new district attorney. Haven't checked her background completely yet. All I know is she left Philly a few weeks ago and she's pro New Species. Which is really good for us because she's tough counterpart. I prefer to have her on our side.« The older man cleared his throat and grinned. »She's a real beauty, isn't she?«

»Indeed,« Justice agreed and studied the human female. She was unusually tall. Round about six feet one he assumed. Her slender legs seemed endless. »She looks rather like a model than an attorney.«

»Oh, she used to model to put herself through university. That's public so far. And it leads people to underestimate her. But they couldn't be more wrong, believe me. She's good at what she does.«

Justice nodded. When Simon said, she was good, it meant she was brilliant. Exactly what he needed to put his plan into action. He'd surely keep an eye on her.

Jaded listened closely. Since the charity event had begun he was unable to take his eyes of her. Ashley! The name fit her. It sounded like music to him. Her updo hairstyle emphasized her swan neck. She wore a tight black cocktail dress which hugged her slender form. Every movement of her body was graceful. Human males lingered near her just waiting for a chance. But why the hell didn't any of them intervene while this ‚Bob' continued to molest her. He'd never understand humans completely.

Ashley scanned the room and tried to ignore her colleague. He already had a bit too much and was even more annoying than usual. At a table in a corner sat two New Species males with man in his late fifties. Their counselor she assumed since this was held by the bar association. One of the males was busy with his smartphone while the other glanced her way. Which didn't surprise her at all since she drew attention wherever she appeared. The room was too dark and crowded to really see them but she was sure the Species were handsome. All of them were tall guys with broad shoulders and full of muscles. Although their features differed from humans, she found them appealing. Especially she saluted Justice North. Not only for his looks but what he'd achieved for his people in a record time. Her husband Sam used to tease her and told her to stop drooling when she raved over the NSO leader. She met Sam at a demonstration in DC for New-Species-Rights about five years ago. She remembered the shock when she first heard about Mercile Industries. She just got her degree as an attorney-at-law. Hearing what they'd done to those poor people made everything she believed in begin to totter. She wanted them free and so did Sam. A soft smile crossed lips. So she'd ought to be grateful to the New Species to set her up with him. Bob snorted and reality returned.

»Ah! Come on Ashley!« Losing his patience, he grabbed her upper arm and tried to drag her out of her chair to the dance-floor.

Jaded snarled as he saw the human trying to force the female to stand.

»Enough!« He jumped out of his chair and swiftly crossed the dance-floor. As he reached her table, he plastered a smile on his face that could have lit a fucking Christmas tree. »Good evening, Ms. Hamilton,« he said in fake surprise and held out his hand for her to take. »What a pleasure to meet you here. Welcome to California. When did you leave Philly?« He winked at her and immediately saw understanding dawning in her beautiful features. She wiggled her arm out of the man's hold.

»The pleasure is all mine, sir. What a wonderful coincidence,« she stood and shook his hand with a smile that would easily melt a stone. »I just moved in and still am trying to settle.«

He liked her deep voice and her big blue eyes. She wore high heels that made her even taller. Her height could easily rival a Species female. And her skin looked like peaches and cream. Yummy... »May I have this dance, ma'am? You owe me one, remember?«

She left her slender hand in his and nodded gracefully. »Of course. As if I'd forget.«

Bob's mouth fell open as Jaded led her to the dance-floor and started swaying with her. She drew a deep breath and blew it out. »Thank you very much for coming to my rescue.«

»You're welcome,« he grinned. »In fact I loathe males that force themselves upon females.«

»Well,« she winced. »Bob is my colleague. He thinks every woman... um...« She remembered Species preferred different terms. »Every female without a mate is fair game.«

Jaded swung her around. She's single! His instincts kick started. And dancing with her was exciting. They quickly found their own rhythm. »That's bad news. So who's coming to your aid tomorrow?«

She shrugged and her amazing dark blue eyes sparkled with amusement. »Right now I'm happy that a knight in shining armor rode by and saved the damsel in distress.«

Jaded burst out in laughter. Hell! He really had a crush on smart females. If he had to choose he'd always pick brains over looks. She had both! A rare combination. »I'm sorry to underachieve but I'm no knight. If you'd ask your colleague he'd probably say we're ‚The Beauty and the Beast'.«

Ashley shook her head and a dark blonde strand slipped out of her bun to caress her neck. It made her look sexy as hell.

»I don't care what Bob says and neither should you. You're my hero tonight!« She laughed and patted his shoulder where her hand lay.

The next song the band played was Lady in red and she pressed her body closer to him. He inhaled deeply. She smelled good enough to eat and his body responded immediately. If he wouldn't be careful he'd end up with an erection. Stop it, he ordered himself. She's the district attorney and not looking for a male to share sex with.

»By the way," she drew his attention back to her. "Since you know my name, wouldn't it be fair to let yours be known, my lord?«

»Jaded,« he replied with a soft smile. »At your service, my lady.«

»Nice to meet you, Jaded. I'm Ashley.«

I know... He closed his eyes, slid his arm around her waist and held her close. Damn! Suddenly he understood what was going on in all the mated males' heads. If she was his mate, he'd take her home, toss her into bed and lick every single inch of her beautiful body. She'd moan while he'd pleasure her and finally she'd scream his name. A soft purr escaped him.

Surprised Ashley put a little space between them and arched a brow. »Was that you?«

He grinned sheepishly. »Um... Yes... I'm Feline Species. I do this sometimes when I'm feeling comfortable.«

It amused her as his pronounced Species cheekbones turned slightly pink. A purring man! That's sooo cute! »I think I like that.« She leaned her head against his shoulder. He was really special. Again his broad shoulders and chest vibrated softly. Ashley closed her eyes and let him lead the dance. She'd never been so close to a Species but it felt good. He made her feel... protected. After the horrible start of the evening with Bob constantly harassing her, Jaded's presence was soothing. It's been far too long since strong loving arms had held her tight. Four endless years to be precise. Four years of suppressing every single need and desire a woman had for the benefit of the only thing that was left of the love of her life. The music ended which threw her back into reality. His fascinating green cat-like eyes met hers. As he broke the contact, she saw the other male approach. Good gracious! She swallowed. That's Justice North! She'd often seen him on the news and was impressed by his grace and dignity but in person he was awe-inspiring. He smiled at her offering his hand and she shook it. Standing between those two big Species males made her feel small and fragile for the first time in her life. Normally she towered over men.

»Ma'am?« he said and bowed slightly. »I apologize for the interruption but the NSO has some legal issues we'd like to discuss with you. I assume, you're more open for our problems than your colleague Robert Savage.«

»Certainly! I'll use my best endeavors to help you out, sir.«

»Justice,« he corrected with a charming smile.

»Thank you, Justice. You may call me Ashley.« She held out her hand for him to take. But instead of shaking it again, he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

Jaded's anger flared. He heard her heart beating faster. She was obviously flattered. »Stop flirting with her,« he snarled. Ashley turned her head to him looking stunned.

Justice frowned as Jaded flashed his fangs. Suddenly a broad grin appeared on the NSO leader's face. »Welcome to my world, brother.« He turned to the human female again. »Thank you for your time, Ashley. My secretary will call your office tomorrow. I'm looking forward to talk to you soon. Good night.« He spun on his heel and left.

A new song started and Jaded saw Bob approach planning to cut in. Not gonna happen! »Would you like to have drink with me, Ashley?,« he asked and pointed to the bar.

She nodded and he walked her over with his hand touching her lower back. It felt good to be guided by him.

They sat on the stools and he ordered cherry sodas. The bartender brought their drinks and Jaded turned towards her.

»Tell me something about you,« he said with an interested look on his face.

Ashley shrugged. »What would you like to know?«

»For example, why a female like you is single.«

She leaned in closer. »Because I am no noblewoman but a witch,« she whispered.

»Are you?« He couldn't help but smile. »Now I'm curious! What kind of spell do you cast upon males?« He placed his elbow on the bar and rested his chin in his hand.

»I can make them disappear,« she snapped her fingers. »Just like that.«

»How?« He straightened himself. She definitely had his attention.

»By telling them, there's a young lady waiting for me at home.«

Jaded frowned letting her words sink in. Suddenly Ashley saw understanding dawning in his features. Right! That's it. She knew this expression on a man's face far too well and should be used to it. But this time it disappointed her. He was drool-worthy handsome with the most amazing green eyes she'd ever seen in her life. And he had a kind and warm personality. Plus he was an intelligent dialog partner. A man every woman would throw herself at. But now he'll be gone quicker than a bolt of lighting strikes. She sighed. What'll be your excuse? Oh wait... Let me guess... Justice needs you?

»I'm sorry,« he said with a sad tone in his warm deep voice.

That absolutely baffled her. »For what?«

»For not taking into consideration you might prefer females.«

What? »No!« She was shocked. »You misunderstood me. I'm not lesbian.«

Jaded blinked confusedly. She appeared insulted but he didn't know where he lost her. She laid her hand on his lower arm and smiled patiently. He stood back from the desire to take her hand, lift it to his lips and caress her palm with his tongue, while inhaling her scent.

»I'm the one to be sorry, Jaded. I forgot that Species prefer bluntness.« She avoided his gaze and breathed deeply before she carried on. »I have a child. A four year old girl.«

He opened his mouth to speak but closed it and pondered instead what he just heard. »And that's a deal breaker for humans?,« he asked not seeming to believe her.

She shrugged. »It is - at least for the ones I've met so far.«

»That's weird. I'd be happiest male in the world if my mate came with a child. I love kids.« And since I can only sire sons I'd love your girl like my own. In his imagination he saw himself scaring off an adult Forest because he went after his gorgeous daughter who resembled her mother. He bit back a grin. »What about her father? Did he leave you?« Human males sometimes did this because they avoided commitments as he experienced. Something he'd never understand.

She shook her head. »Not at all! He loved me! Unfortunately he died before Hope was born.«

So her daughter's name was Hope. »I see... You have my sympathy.« She really did! Smiling at him and gave him an acknowledging nod. But her smile was mixed with pain. Obviously she was still hurting over her dead mate. Come with me, sweetheart! I'll dry all your tears and ease away the agony. Staring into her eyes he was willing to drown in this deep blue sea. Long seconds ticked by and the world stood still. His nostrils flared and he inhaled her scent. So sweet! The animal inside him instantly roared to life. Mine! She was the one he waited for. His Species side wanted to toss her over his shoulder and run off with her. No doubt she tasted as good as she smelled. His pants became uncomfortable tight by the thought of her long, slender legs wrapped around him.

Ashley was tempted to ask him to stay the night. Tempted to give in to desire. The desire to be a woman with needs once again. And for some reason she knew he'd satisfy her needs and fulfill her dreams. But of course that wasn't going to happen. She was a responsible mother and her only concern was her little girl. Although she might regret not surrendering to him tonight since life could be over in a heartbeat. She'd been there before. In one second she had a husband, a family and a future – in the next she had nothing at all. Destiny was a bitch! It left her a baby that depended on her, which was the one and only reason to go on with her life. The only constant preventing her from putting a bullet into her brain. It was something they had in common. They both had suffered in the past! Though all Species had endured unspeakable pain that made her fate look like a kid's game. She could imagine why he picked the name ‚Jaded'.

»Another drink, sir?« the bartender asked.

The magic of this intense moment was gone. She looked confused and blinked.

Did she feel the charm as well? He'd swear her heart rate accelerated slightly but he was too distracted by his own thoughts. She licked her lips and he believed she wanted to kiss him.

Instead she viewed her watch. »It's nearly twelve o'clock. Time for Cinderella to lose her shoe and leave the party.«

He chuckled. »Go ahead! Drop it. I'll find Cinderella and return her shoe.«

»Actually I told the babysitter I'll be home around twelve.«

He nodded still grinning. »You want me to accompany you and call a cab?«

»Thanks but that's not necessary. I've got my pumpkin parked outside.«