30 Days of OutlawQueen (June 2018)

by ThievesOverBullies

A/N- 30 one shots based on at least 30 different cities all over the world.

21. Chapter 21

(Romania)

Regina Mills was in heaven, well actually Bucovina, in northeastern Romania. She loved to travel and see as much of the world of art. She was going to be here for two weeks, then she was planning to go back to New York to start her life working her dream job as a Registrar. Her love for art had started when her father had taken her to the Metropolitan in New York when she was nine. As she had gotten older, her love had only grown stronger.

She was here now at the Painted Monasteries. Their painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, images of angels and demons, and heaven and hell. Deemed masterpieces of Byzantine art, the churches are one-of-a-kind architectural sites in Europe. Far from being merely wall decorations, the murals represent complete cycles of religious events. The purpose of the frescoes was to make the story of the Bible and the lives of the most important Orthodox saints known to villagers by the use of images. Their outstanding composition, elegant outline and harmonious colors blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. They had taken her breath away.

As she was taking a break and looking around at the surroundings, an older gypsy looking woman came up to Regina. "Beware the lions in the forest. Never go into the forest after sunset."

"Excuse me?" Regina asked.

"You have been warned." The woman said before wandering off.

Regina looked at her retreating form, wondering what she meant by that. "Ignore her. It's just an old wise tale meant to scare off tourists, especially Americans." A young woman said to Regina.

Regina nodded, and then started to make her way back to her hotel, she was walking through the village when she saw that there was a festival of some sort going on. She pulled out her camera and started taking pictures. A group of young women danced around her, pulling her in and twirling her about, Regina laughed and danced with them.

Regina went over to where a fountain was and had a seat, as she sat there, she felt a presence near her.

"It's the Targul de Fete," a male voice sounded near her. Regina turned to see a dark blonde-haired man with stunning blue eyes there.

"Excuse me?" Regina asked.

"The festival. Its called the Maiden's Fair. It was originally a marriage fair, where young men came to choose their future wives, but is now an opportunity for people to display their talents in handicrafts, costume making, singing, and dancing." He explained.

"Do you believe in it?" Regina asked.

"I'll tell you later. What do you believe?" He asked.

"I believe in finding a soulmate. Someone you are destined to be with." Regina answered.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"Regina, Regina Mills." Regina answered. The stranger just stared at her, stared at her with those piercing blue eyes. Eyes that looked at her the way an animal does stalking their prey.

"Your turn." Regina said.

"My turn?" He asked.

"Your name?" Regina reminded.

"It's Robin." Robin answered.

"Robin?" Regina asked.

"It's just Robin." Robin answered.

"No last name?" Regina asked.

He only shook his head. "So what brings you here to Romania?" Robin asked.

"I'm here to study the painted Monasteries of Bucovina." Regina answered.

"And how did you like them?" Robin asked.

"They are breathtaking." Regina answered.

"You….are breathtaking." Robin commented. Regina smiled and stared into his eyes.

"Thank you." Regina said.

"Do you have a mate?" Robin asked.

"A what?" Regina asked.

"A mate. A protector." Robin said.

"Okay, first off, I can take care of myself." Regina answered.

"You are a feisty one. I like that." Robin said as he took one hand and stroked her cheek. Regina didn't resist, there was something soothing in his voice and even better was his touch. Her face felt like it was tingling from his touch.

"So why are you here in Romania?" Regina asked. His accent sounded English.

Robin dropped his hand and looked around. "I'm here with friends."

"For a vacation?" Regina asked.

"I think you could call it a retreat." Robin said.

"So you're staying here in the village?" Regina asked.

"We have a camp in the woods." Robin said.

"Outdoors." Regina remarked.

"We enjoy being outdoors." Robin said.

The festival was winding down, and Regina looked back at Robin. "It was nice meeting you, but I need to get back to my room."

Robin stood as she did. "I'll walk you back."

"That's not necessary." Regina said.

"I just want to make sure you return safely." Robin said. "Please."

Regina nodded and they walked the short distance to her hotel, they stopped outside her room. She turned back to Robin. "This is me."

"Have dinner with me tonight." Robin said.

"I don't know you." Regina said.

Robin looked at her, smiled at her and placed a hand behind the back of her head. He seemed to softly purr when his mouth brushed hers. Regina took a shaky breath against his lips and lifted on tiptoe to get closer. Their mouths met again and this time he didn't just give her a featherlight tease. His tongue slid past her parted lips and fully possessed her with the kind of passion that would have made her melt to the ground if she wasn't clinging to his shoulders. His arms tightened around her, and he could kiss like nobody's business. His tongue teased, savaged, and absolutely left her without the ability to think. Another growl came from him. Her nipples responded to the vibrations it caused with her chest pressed so tightly against him and she wanted to be even closer. Her hands wrapped around his neck and she barely noticed when her feet left the ground as he lifted her higher up his body to deepen the kiss.

Before Regina knew it, they were in her hotel room. Her heart hammered when Robin's hand moved to her mouth and so did his arm around her waist. Her toes left the floor as he hoisted her higher up his tall body, backing them both inside her room.

"Don't make a sound," he breathed. Regina kept her lips tightly sealed when the hand released her mouth. He used it to very quietly close the bedroom door and twisted the lock. He moved then, spun fast enough to make her dizzy and lifted her even higher as her legs brushed the side of her bed when he maneuvered them into the small bathroom.

"I smell four males inside your room." He kept his voice low so that only she would hear him. "I want you to sit on the floor in the corner and be very quiet. Do not make a sound. Do you understand me? Nod if you do."

She nodded, not sure how he knew that but couldn't protest.

"Take this gun and use it if you have to." Robin said.

The air was shoved from her lungs by the force of a heavy body slamming into hers. She hit the floor on her side and his weight crushed her mercilessly when he covered her. A blast of painful, earsplitting proportions stabbed through her head and bright light blinded her even though her eyelids were closed. The floor even shook under her back and thighs from the force of whatever had exploded.

A roar tore from Robin, further deafening her since his mouth was inches from her ear, and he rolled away. The weight was gone from her body, her eyes jerked open and she fought to suck air back into her lungs. She caught sight of him rushing out the bathroom door as the lights in the room were turned on and smoke hovered near the ceiling. It was white and billowed fast.

Weird metal things slammed into the bathroom door inches from him. At least six of them, a few inches long, dug into the thin wood. Robin lunged out of the bathroom, threw his big body at the bed. Regina panted, too shocked to move and her eyes widened as three men in all black suddenly threw themselves on top of the Robin. He used his legs to throw one of them up off his body as she watched in horrified shock. The man hit the ceiling hard enough to make it rain plaster before he crashed to the bed, hit the side of it and bounced to the floor.

Move! Her mind screamed and she somehow scrambled to roll over. Her limbs felt heavy, disjointed from her brain and her ears rang from the loud noises. She was dizzy as she pushed up and slammed her palm painfully on the sink countertop. Metal brushed her fingertips and propelled her to struggle harder to rise to her knees. She turned her head to stare at Robin. Another of the attackers was thrown off him toward the bedroom door and the hallway. Robin twisted his body, flipped his legs and sprang off the bed in the blink of an eye with the bed now between him and the bedroom door. He backed up, growled viciously and roared. His fingers curled claw like at his sides and he bared sharp inhuman teeth. His hair seemed to grow and he looked just like a lion, except on two legs.

The man who'd hit the ceiling sat up and struggled to his feet.

She nearly reached the door when the stupid bastard who'd just risen from the floor tried to tackle Robin. She froze as she watched Robin swipe his big hand at the guy in black, hit his throat then shoved hard with his other. The guy flew her way. Something warm and wet sprinkled her face as the man Robin had slashed collapsed on to the floor between the bed and the bathroom door. The attacker's face was turned her way and there was no missing the horrifying sight of his slashed open face, from his ear to his mouth. The stranger's eyes were wide open, terrified and he blinked. Blood flowed from the horrible wound, pooled on the floor under his mouth and he made a hissing sound. Lifeless eyes stared at Regina after he took his last breath. Time froze. It was surreal, too shocking for her mind and her responses shut down until the blood slowly spreading across the floor nearly touched her toes. That yanked her to the present. Only seconds had passed, but she realized the wetness on her face was blood too.

Something metal hit the wood floor in the next room and rolled. She twisted away, hunched, trying to protect herself from the stun grenade. She was sure that was what made the sound. Robin roared again but then she couldn't hear anything over the loud explosion that tore through the bedroom and seemed to pierce her brain. Even with her eyes tightly closed and her back to it, she was blinded for a second by the white, searing light.

She managed to stay on her feet, recovered fast and spun back around as she straightened. She gaped at the sight of Robin sprawled motionless over part of the bed. He'd just fallen to his knees, his upper body rested on the mattress. He didn't move but she did notice his chest moving slightly and was assured he breathed.

"We came for the Lyons." He kept his voice low and calm. "That's all. You're not our target."

"You can't have him." Her voice came out a little stronger. "I'm not stupid and I'm not lowering this gun. I won't miss you." She adjusted the aim to make sure he knew she pointed it at the center of his skull. "Tell your men to get the fuck out or I'll be cleaning your brains off the walls for weeks. I called 9-1-1. The police should be here any second."

"Fuck, Doug, that bitch has a gun" a male voice hissed from the other side of the wall, telling her that another man was inches from the door and within reach of the asshole who filled the bathroom door.

"Tell your guy to back off." Her finger tightened on the trigger. "I'm scared, freaked the hell out, and I might shoot you if I see the slightest movement."

"Back off," the guy who seemed in charge ordered. "She's got a Berretta pointed straight at my head."

"And I know how to use it," she said for good measure. She glanced at the space between the guy's head and the doorway and spotted Robin still motionless. Her attention focused on the threat. "Move real slow and drop your weapon."

His hand opened and the weird weapon landed on the dead guy on the floor. "Are you a cop?"

"No, but I won't miss you."

He cleared his throat. "Are you his security detail?"

"No but I'll kill you to protect him. You aren't taking him. Order your men to leave my room but you don't move. You're my insurance that they don't try anything stupid. They do and you're dead."

He hesitated. "Fine." The fingers of his open hand jerked at his side in a wave motion.

She relaxed slightly, a mistake on her part, thinking he'd silently ordered his men to leave with the hand signal. Instead bullets blasted through the walls. She pulled the trigger and threw her body to the floor. Weight slammed down on her back. She couldn't even scream from the pain of being crushed and the gun was torn from her fingers. Whoever had slammed into her shifted his weight and a hand fisted painfully in her hair, forcing her head back. She gasped in air and screamed then.

An elbow nailed her in the back, cutting the sound off from the fresh pain and the body lifted. She spotted her gun near the toilet, too far to grab before she was hauled up by the vicious grip fisting her hair at the base of her neck. She swayed on her feet, clutched at the gloved hand and realized she'd missed killing the son of a bitch when he spoke.

"A couple inches off your mark but you clocked my cheek." He sounded pissed. "You'll pay for that, bitch."

He shoved her hard. She slammed into the wall and groaned. She glared at the son of a bitch who had her trapped. It was satisfying to see the tear in the black material near his ear, red showed from the bloody wound the bullet had inflicted and she hoped it left a hell of a scar. Her chin rose as she glared at him and her fingers fisted at her sides.

"Is she one of them?" One of his men stepped to the side of her.

"Nope. Human. I'm sure. She's not a Lyons. Her eyes are normal."

Someone else entered the bathroom. "We're picking up chatter. Our second team just intercepted the cops. They are coming. We've got four minutes."

"Fuck," Doug hissed. He let go and shoved her against the wall. He grabbed his uninjured ear and tapped it.

"This is alpha dog. We have a female inside the male's bathroom. She's obviously screwing him since she admitted it's her room." He paused for seconds. "She's alive. I checked and she's not one of them—she's human." He paused again. "Understood. I'll bring her in with him."

"It's your lucky day, you live." Doug said as he shot first Robin with a dart gun then her. The last thing she saw was Robin being picked up by three men.

Hours later, Regina and Robin woke to find themselves in a huge cage at an unknown location. "We are in serious trouble." Robin said.

"You think?" She gaped at him a little. "What I can't figure out is why they wanted us alive."

"You're not scared of me, are you?" Robin had to know.

"No. I'm confused, because you didn't seem all human back there." Regina said.

"That's because I'm not. I'm a Lyon. I was given to scientist by my birth mother for her drug addiction. Many of us were raised in cages in labs just like this by a company known as the Green Organization. They do experiments, horrible experiments." Robin said.

"I'm so sorry, Robin." Regina said. "How did you manage to get away from them? That is if you don't mind me asking."

"You can ask me anything. A few of us banded together and fought our way out. We lost a few, but the lot of us managed to get out. We built a compound that we call the Woods." Robin explained.

He sniffed the air. "Hope my memory is wrong."

"What does that mean?" Regina asked.

He hesitated. "I smell the drug they used on us for breeding experiments."

Her knees weakened. "What does that mean?"

"They developed a highly stimulating drug to force us to desire sex and dosed us when we refused to mount our women sometimes when they were trying to figure out why we weren't able to get our females to conceive. The room reeks of it and that is very bad."

"I don't see any of your women. There's the guy sleeping on the cot and him." She glanced at the pacer who hadn't slowed inside his cell.

"I smell another Lyons male, at least twelve different human males and two human females. You are one of them."

"You don't think they brought me here to…you know." She slowly mouthed the next words she hoped he'd understand after lifting her hands to cover her profile from the cameras. "They think I'm your girlfriend."

Robin spun away with a snarl, obviously able to read lips. He walked to the cage door, studied it and gave it a kick with his bare foot. Regina winced, knew that had to hurt and the metal didn't budge. He lifted his leg, rubbed his toes and snarled again. He dropped the leg, spun and stormed back to the corner closest to her.

"I will do everything I can to protect you," he swore softly. "You need to trust me."

"I do." She meant it. She hadn't known him for long but he was a good guy.

Robin stared at her and took deep breaths. "I was not drugged with the breeding drug. This is good news."

The double doors the men had left through suddenly were thrown open. The sound echoed in the big room and Regina gaped at the sight of four men pushing a gurney through the opening. A large Lyon male was strapped down on it. His eyes were closed but his heritage was apparent from his muscular size. It became more apparent as the jerks pushed him closer. His cheekbones and full lips were a dead giveaway and Robin sniffed loudly as they passed their cages and moved out of sight behind the concrete wall behind them. The wheels of the gurney stopped shortly after.

A good minute passed before a cage door slammed closed. The sound was distinctive enough for Regina to be sure and chains rattled. They were obviously securing his door the way they had Robin's. The four guys returned minus the Lyon male and the gurney. One of them stopped to glare at Robin.

"You're next, asshole."

She knew that voice. It was Doug, the one she'd winged in her room, the leader of the mercenaries. She saw the bandage near his ear as he turned his attention to her. "Then you, bitch. I'm going to take great pleasure watching you suffer."

"Why are we here?" Robin kept his voice low.

A smile curved the bastard's lips and he gripped his hips. "The doctor wanted fresh meat but your girlfriend was a bonus." Doug took a step closer but remained a good ten feet from the edge of Robin's cage. "You know what's going to happen. We don't have any females, weren't able to grab any of them when we were raided, so she's it." His grin widened. "I hope she likes pussies as much as you do." He lifted his hand and jerked it toward the pacing Lyon. "He'll be first and you'll get her second."

Robin roared, lunged at the side of the cage and grabbed it. "He'll kill her."

"Even better." Doug touched his bandage. "That bitch tried to blow my brains out. I'll enjoy hearing her screams." He spun, marched away and his three goons followed him.

Regina trembled. She wasn't an idiot and could fill in the blanks. Robin refused to glance at her and instead glared at the double doors that closed behind the men. She backed away from the side of the cage to sit heavily on her cot. Her legs didn't want to hold her weight anymore.

Her gaze traveled across the room to the still agitated Lyons male. Terror gripped her. The guy couldn't even talk and didn't seem friendly in the least. He'd kill her for sure if she were thrown into his cage for some breeding experiment.

"Regina?"

She turned her head at Robin's raspy tone. He watched her, his beautiful gaze grim.

"I know. Breeding drugs, I'm the only woman and that guy over there is out of his head, right?"

"Listen to me." Robin took a deep breath and gripped the bars. "Do not fight if they put you in there with the male. He will be aggressive to begin with but if you resist, he will…" His voice trailed off.

"Kill me?"

Robin refused to look away from her. "Yes."

Hot tears filled her eyes and she blinked them back.

"He is drugged and it is painful. His body is on fire, the need to mount a female has taken his sanity and he will be sorry when it passes." A sad note filled his voice. "I know this."

Regina hugged her chest. "You've taken it before, haven't you?"

"I was not given a choice. They used me for breeding tests. Only two of the five facilities that have been discovered used this drug." He crouched. "I do not remember anything but knew I had shared sex with a female when the drugs passed from my system. I never smelled blood on my body and hope I never hurt one of our women. None of them ever told me I had after we were freed but they might have wanted to spare me any guilt if I had."

She realized she'd glanced down when she had to lift her gaze to Robin.

"I'm tough. I'm a survivor." She sucked in air. "And we are going to be found." Anger made her voice stronger. "Someone is going to die." She glanced at the double doors. "A lot of them."

"The male will not mean to hurt or force you."

She glanced back at him, avoided staring at the guy who still paced his cell and terrified her. "He's a victim too. I get that. Don't worry. It's not his blood I'm hoping to see spilled."

"My friends will find us." His voice deepened into a snarl. "Trust me."

"I trust you. It's crazy but I do." Regina said.

"Stay away from her," Robin snarled. He was shot with another dart gun. Enough to send him to his knees, but not out. Regina jerked awake on the cot, knew where she was and sat up. She'd somehow fallen asleep.

One of the men stepped inside and frowned. "Get up and come with us. You will get hurt if you fight us."

"Leave her alone. Take me," Robin roared. "Don't touch the female. I will kill you, tear you apart, if you hurt her."

The guy in the cage ignored the threat. "Get up, Regina. That's your name, isn't it? There's no point in fighting unless you want to feel some pain."

She stood on shaky legs and glanced at Robin. His eyes were narrowed with rage as their gazes held. "I'll be okay. Calm down and save your energy."

"Take me. Don't harm her."

The jerk inside her cage finally shot him an annoyed stare. "It's not a big deal. The doctor wants to examine your girlfriend and give her a little shot. Stop making that racket."

Doug jerked her arm and brought her from the cage. A long hallway stretched ahead as they entered the unknown section of the basement and stopped three doors down on the right where one had been left wide open. The room reminded Regina of a doctor's office when she spotted the exam table in the center of the room, one big light attached to it, and her head turned. A desk was in the corner, covered in papers, files and two computers. One of the monitors showed the room with the cages. A female doctor turned her chair away from that view to openly study her victim.

"Put her on the table and strap her down."

"Who are you?" Regina didn't fight as the men shoved her at the table. "What do you want?"

"Sure thing, Doctor Zel." One of the men nodded.

The two men suddenly adjusted their holds, lifted her off her feet and slammed her back on the table. It was padded, no paper had been laid down the way real doctors did for exams and the cheap, fake leather was cracked from age. Panic struck when they began to use Velcro straps to pin her arms down and she kicked at one of the men who grabbed an ankle, nailed him in the arm and he glared.

"Put your feet at the end of the table."

She locked them together bent up. No way was she going to allow them to strap her flat and leave her totally helpless. The jerk leered at her. He suddenly reached out and grabbed her thigh to dig his fingers into her flesh deep enough that it really hurt. She screamed. It felt as though he was tearing the skin from the inside of her thigh. She opened her thighs and his hand released.

A faint roar sounded but she heard it. Robin. He must have heard her scream. The doctor laughed. "He is pissed. Make her scream again and see if he reacts, Doug."

Doug grabbed her thigh and dug his fingers in again. This time Regina expected it. She gasped and tensed through the horrible pain but the asshole dug in deeper until she couldn't take the agony anymore. His hand released her thigh when she screamed. Another faint roar sounded a second later.

Doctor Zel chuckled. "I never expected them to bond so well." Her cold gaze examined Regina. "Thank you. Now I have a way of controlling one of them. I think he'll do anything I want if I use you against him." She smiled widely at her two goons. "Look at the monitor. He's going nuts."

Doug turned his head and Regina stared at the monitor too. It was a live shot of the cages from high above, where she'd spotted those cameras. Robin paced and attacked the bars but they didn't break. He roared again, spun and began pacing furiously.

The doctor walked to a microphone system by the monitor. "Stop it or I'll hurt the female," she warned. "Sit down and be quiet."

Robin paused, lifted his head and glared at the camera. His rage was evident. He backed up until he reached the cot, sat hard and his hands gripped the edges of it. He kept glaring at the camera. The Doctor moved away from the microphone and laughed.

"I'll be damned. I bet that cat would bark if I told him I'd hurt her if he didn't. This is intriguing." She waved her hand as she faced Regina. "You men can leave us alone."

"I don't think that's a good idea." Doug hesitated. "We should stay in case you need us. Her legs aren't strapped down."

She shrugged and walked around the exam table, studying Regina. "What's your name?"

"Regina."

"Well, Regina, I'm going to take a swab of your mouth to test you for drugs and get a sample of your DNA. Open up and if you bite me one of these guys will knock out your teeth. Do you understand? I'm also going to draw blood and give you a shot. I'm trying to figure out what is different about you that attracted him to you. Leave those feet down and don't kick at me either. I have no sense of humor."

Regina didn't fight and opened her mouth for the swab against her cheek. She flinched when the bitch drew blood from her arm. The shot to her hip hurt but the doctor finally backed away.

"Are you on any form of birth control? IUD? Do you have breast implants? Take any medications? Do you have any diseases?"

She clamped her lips together.

"Do you want a full body exam?" The woman reached into her front pocket to withdraw gloves. "I don't have an ultrasound here to see if you have implants but I could feel my way around. It won't be comfortable but the men might enjoy holding you down, tearing off your clothes—and the view."

"Fuck you," Regina hissed. "No. No breast implants or anything else added. I don't have any diseases or take drugs." She paused. "I'm totally healthy and I am not on any medications."

"What about birth-control pills?" Doug stepped closer. "Or those shots. My girlfriend takes those."

"Are you on any form of birth control?" The doctor suddenly grabbed Regina's nightshirt and jerked it up to her ribs, exposing her stomach.

Regina gasped but the woman's hands were on her skin before she could react. She held still, afraid one of the men would hurt her since they lunged forward, ready to grab her if she fought the doctor's touch.

"No scars from surgeries." The hands were cold as the woman lowered the waistband of her underwear a few inches. "No stretch marks from pregnancies." She glanced up at Regina. "I take it you don't have any children? You haven't answered me about the birth control."

"No children and I'm not on anything like that either."

"Good, because you are going to help me with something. Something I need." Doctor Zel said.

"Go to hell." Regina said.

"If you don't help me, then your boyfriend will die." Doctor Zel said. Seeing Regina's reaction. "I see I have your attention. Now listen closely…"

Robin stayed seated but fumed and worried about Regina. Horrible images of the things being done to her filled his imagination. Memories surfaced of what Lyons women had endured at the hands of Green staff during the breeding tests. They'd examined the women, sometimes performed exploratory surgeries on them and didn't even have the decency to drug them first to alleviate the pain.

A snarl built in the back of his throat at the idea of Regina suffering that way. She hadn't had years to build up tolerance to pain. She was gentle, sweet, and he worried about her mental state. He might be able to keep her alive if given the chance but their captors might kill her outright. He definitely couldn't protect her mind from the atrocities she might have to endure.

He jerked his eyes open as two men opened the doors where they'd taken Regina but they weren't escorting her. He shot to his feet. "Where is she?"

"Calm down, beasty boy," one of them sighed. "Your girlfriend is with the doctor. We're here for him."

They edged toward the cage with the pacing male who refused to calm or speak. Panic gripped Robin as he lunged for the cage wall. "Take me instead. I'll breed with the human. Don't allow him to touch her. He'd end up killing her."

Both men paused and glanced at each other. The one who spoke finally stared at Robin. "He isn't going to mount your girlfriend."

"Where is Regina? Why did she scream? What have you done to her?" Robin demanded.

"Don't worry about it. She's in good hands, just like you will be." Doug said with a chuckle.

Regina meekly walked beside Doug. He took her through the double doors with two goons flanking her in case she put up a fight. She didn't, happy to be taken to Robin. The moment the doors opened into the other room, Robin stood. His gaze fixed on her.

"Are you well?" He sounded and looked enraged.

"I'm fine." Emotionally, she wasn't but she knew he wondered if she'd been physically abused.

Robin growled at Doug as he backed up inside his cell. "Bring her to me. I will turn and not move."

"Nope, kitty cat. You don't get your piece of ass yet. The doctor ordered me to put her in that other Lyon now. He's going to mount her first. I bet that's going to eat out your guts, watching him take her."

Robin roared and lunged at the front of the cage fast. Vicious growls tore from his throat.

"He's lying," Regina yelled. She had to shout to be heard over Robin's outrage. "He's fucking with you. That woman said I'm to be put in with you."

Robin stopped pulling at the bars and released them. He took a few ragged, deep breaths as he backed away again. Doug laughed and slapped Regina painfully on the ass.

"You ruined my fun, bitch." He paused before Robin's cage. "If I say jump, you better jump, kitty cat. Otherwise I am going to bend your bitch over in front of you and make you watch me mount her."

Furious catlike eyes narrowed when Doug laughed. Regina could feel Robin's intense gaze on her and stopped glaring at the asshole who was intent on verbally torturing him.

"I won't fight or attack. You don't need to stun me. I won't move," Robin swore.

The two men looked at each other and frowned. Doug hesitated. "Nail him if he's lying and take him down. He'll wake up to find his girlfriend fucked and crying if he attempts to rush us."

Robin didn't move as Doug unwrapped the chains and unlocked the cell door. Regina was tense, ready for an attack, but it didn't happen. Doug opened the door a few feet and shoved Regina inside. She turned to face him, watched the bastard slam the door and secure the chains again. He backed away.

"Clear. He's secure." Doug grinned at her. "Enjoy your time with him."

Regina resisted flipping him off. "There's a special place in hell for you."

He winked. "When I die, I'm going to take that fucking place over. Remember who is out here and who is in there, bitch. That's all that matters."

A big hand touched her shoulder, making her jump. She swiveled her head and peered up at Robin. One arm wrapped around her waist, pulled her against his tall frame and tugged her away from the bars.

"In a few hours your girlfriend is going to do what we want." Doug licked his lips and his voice lowered to avoid being picked up by the camera's audio equipment.

"Remember how you learned not to trust humans? Don't forget she's one." His gaze fell to Regina. "Please make my day and refuse. I want to watch you suffer." He brushed a finger over the bandaged injury on his cheek to make it clear he hadn't forgotten who had put it there, then spun away. "Move out. Let's go eat breakfast."

The men disappeared through the double doors. Robin brought her face to look at him. "What happened, Regina?"

"The woman doctor running this place is insane and wants sperm samples. They are freezing them to sell to some vile bastards in Europe. They took that Lyon who paced inside his cell, hung him upright by his limbs and hooked him to some fucked-up machines to…" Her voice broke and she shuddered against the large, warm body pressed close. "It was awful what they were doing but I couldn't stop them."

His body stiffened against hers and a low growl rumbled from his throat. It made her jerk her head back enough to stare into his eyes. He avoided her gaze and pulled her tightly into his embrace again. "What else did you hear?"

"That doctor is wanted by the police, she's stuck here and desperate for money. They offered her a lot of it to, um, hell, I don't even know how to say this."

"Just speak. Tell me." His hands lightly brushed her back. "I need to know."

"They want your sperm. They don't have any Lyons like you and she was offered three times as much money if she could freeze and sell yours without any drugs in your system." Her cheeks burned, telling him what those monsters planned. "They want me to help with that."

He turned his head and so did she until inches separated their faces. He didn't appear shocked but anger still burned in his gaze. "Give sperm without the need of breeding drugs?"

"Yes," she whispered. "I'm supposed to help you get turned-on and give a sample."

His eyes closed and he tilted his head back. A sigh passed his lips and she stood there grimly watching him. It was a bad situation but she needed to make it clear so he had all the facts she knew. "Some scientists want to figure out a way to make Lyon sperm live longer—I guess it dies fast from what I was told—and use human surrogate women to have Lyons babies."

"Why were you screaming after they took you away?" He sniffed her and opened his eyes. "Where are you hurt?" One hand released her back to gently cup her injured face, avoided touching her cheek, but studied it. "You were stuck." His hand dropped to her waist.

"One of the bastards bruised my thigh. They think they can use me to control you because it made you mad enough to roar the first time I screamed."

He wrapped both arms around her and lifted—surprised her with that move—and carried her to the cot. He adjusted his hold, sat down and put her across his lap. One arm remained behind her back but his other one gripped the hem of her nightshirt, tugging it up to expose her thighs.

She didn't protest, saw he was intent on examining the red marks and he pulled the material down quickly. His gaze met hers and silence stretched between them.

He finally sighed and lowered his focus to her mouth. "We need to talk."

Shit. "I know." She whispered, hoping it was soft enough not to be overheard.

"They think we're sleeping together already and I didn't tell them otherwise. I just let them keep assuming. It seemed the smart thing to do at the time but now they expect me to um, help you donate sperm." She rushed on before she lost her nerve, "You should have seen what they did to that other Lyons guy. I would rather do whatever it takes than let them hurt you that way."

"What did they do?"

She dropped her gaze to his bare chest, unable to look him in the eyes as she muttered a description of the machines that sucked sperm out. His arm tightened around her waist, but he remained silent until she stopped talking.

"Look at me." He took a deep breath and peered into her eyes when she did.

"You know what needs to happen if a rescue team hasn't found us by the time they want those samples. I don't want them to do that to me." Anger tensed his jaw. "It's too much to ask of you, isn't it?"

A blush warmed her cheeks and it was her turn to study his mouth. It was a plush one, full and tempting. "Any other time I'd probably be happy to, um…yeah. This isn't exactly romantic, is it?"

"Regina."

She stared into his blue eyes. "I know. It was a sad attempt at a joke."

"I won't force you to agree to this. Say no and I'll go with them willingly to avoid putting you in danger if I fight."

She hesitated, her mind working and made a decision. "I was attracted to you the moment we met, and I still am so touching you to help turn you on wouldn't be a hardship. I just wish we weren't here under these circumstances. I'm not an exhibitionist so that's going to make it worse."

"What is that?"

She grinned, glad for the humor. "It's someone who enjoys having sex or committing sexual acts in front of other people. They get off on it. It arouses them more that other people can see what is being done to them." She glanced at the camera and all her bravo disappeared. "There are probably cameras in that room too. I forgot to look, too horrified by what was happening. Shit. I hope they aren't keeping recordings of any of the feeds."

He gripped her jaw, turned her face until their gaze met and kept hold of her. "I will make this up to you somehow and we will survive this."

Rage filled Robin as he tried to console Regina. She tried to be brave but he couldn't miss the fear lurking in her eyes as he stared into them. "I won't hurt you if there is physical contact involved between us," he swore. "I do trust you."

She relaxed a little on his lap and it encouraged him to continue.

"They are the enemy and we are a team."

Every protective instinct inside him surged to life. She needed him to be strong, supportive and she wasn't used to being at the mercy of others. He'd do whatever it took but the bottom line couldn't be ignored. The human guards had dart guns that could render him unconscious. They could take Regina away while he was down, do anything to inflict pain upon her and he wouldn't be able to protect her unless he made her necessary to them. They wanted her to help him give sperm and he'd give as much as they wanted to keep her safe.

He bit back a groan when his cock stiffened even more. You are becoming as sick as the ones who enslaved you. The human on his lap would be horrified and disgusted if she knew his thoughts or how aroused he was at that moment. He bit back a growl of excitement at the thought of actually mounting her.

She petted his bare chest, her touch featherlight and he squeezed his eyes closed, knowing it wouldn't take much from her to release his seed if she were to help him. It reminded him that he wanted her to feel at ease with him. He was a sick bastard, he acknowledged, when he decided how to do that.

"Regina?"

"Yes?"

"Look at me." He pulled back enough to stare down at her upturned face. She was beautiful, even with her dark hair flowing in disarray over her shoulders. "They will probably ask you to touch me."

Her cheeks turned pink and her blue eyes widened. "I figured that."

"I want you to feel comfortable with me. It might be a stressful situation. I don't know if they will treat us the way they did inside the testing facilities. When they wanted us to breed they put us in a room alone but there was a camera. They'd monitor us."

"Great."

He lifted an eyebrow.

"Sarcasm. It's how people react when they are trying to be brave about something."

Her response made him smile. "I see. I won't harm you if they don't restrain me. I'm not sure if they will or not."

"They restrained the other."

"I know. You described in detail what they did to him."

"Right. Yeah. I did." She licked her lips. "I trust you. I really do. I know you're not going to hurt me so you don't need to keep saying it."

"Good." He paused. "I wish to be honest with you to lessen the horror of what might happen."

She blinked a few times and just waited for him to continue.

"I heard that a lab technician once was ordered to take a sample from a male and she manipulated his dick with her hands to get it. It might be what they ask you to do."

More heat rushed to her cheeks. "I figured that out on my own unless they want to hook you up to that machine on and I'm supposed to do whatever it takes to turn you on."

Robin's raging hard-on throbbed and it took everything to hold still to prevent him from shifting to ease the pain of keeping it trapped between his thighs. "They believe we are in a sex-sharing relationship and I am afraid if they learn the truth it will put you in danger."

"Okay. Do you really think it matters?"

"It might. They brought you to control me. I agree with your assessment on that matter. As long as they continue to believe you are my female they will not harm you as long as I comply. I just want you to be as comfortable as possible with my body but I don't want to upset you by sharing the only way I can think of to make that happen."

"What are you thinking?"

He took a deep breath. "You could kiss me and become accustomed to my body while we are alone before they take us wherever they will."

Regina let Robin's suggestion sink in and had to swallow hard. Kiss him? Oh shit. Her gaze widened as she stared at him before she glanced at his mouth. It sounded reasonable and she'd wondered what it would be like. "I'm not very forward." Her gaze lifted to his. "You kiss me. I wouldn't know where to start."

That made his eyebrows arch. "You are inexperienced with sharing sex?"

"I've had it with a few guys but I've never initiated a kiss before. Guys always made the first move."

"I understand but it is surprising. Your males seem so docile that I assumed the females were the aggressors during intercourse."

"We're just kissing, right?"

"Yes." He took a deep breath. "Close your eyes and just focus on me. Pretend we're alone in your bedroom or mine. I can see your nervousness and you need to relax." Arms wrapped around her middle and Robin tugged her against his chest more firmly, bent his head and nuzzled the side of her face with his own.

His beautiful gaze searched hers, she knew he had to see her hesitancy, but then his hands lifted to cup her face. "Forget about everything but me," he ordered. "There's just us. Remember yesterday when we met?"

She nodded, happy for the distraction.

He smiled. "You like my eyes. You've never seen anything like me." His palms slid from her jawline to her cheeks. "You're strangely attractive even with your funny little face."

She smiled back. "I have a funny face?"

"Your little pointy nose." His thumb brushed over it. "Your perfect mouth." His thumb lowered to caress her bottom lip. "The tiniest ears." His fingertips traced the shell of them as he leaned in close enough for their breaths to mingle. "Kiss me."

She relaxed, focused solely on Robin and admitted that he did have amazing eyes. They were so blue and the oval shape of them was exotic. Her trepidation faded and she closed her eyes as he inched closer, sure that she wanted it to happen.

His lips barely brushed hers, so soft and warm it amazed her that anyone so tough could be so tender. He opened her mouth under light pressure and his tongue delved inside. It was hot, teased her own and he deepened the kiss as her hands gripped his shoulders to keep steady, needing something to cling to. All tenderness fled as his lips and tongue manipulated the kiss into something wild and passionate. Her eyes closed, and she tilted her head to open up to him more, desperate to forget everything but Robin.

Kissing him was like sticking her finger in a light socket—shocking and powerful. All-consuming. No one had ever made her respond the way he did. It was extremely passionate, and he put everything he had into it. Her hands lowered to roam down the front of his broad chest, sought skin and found plenty of it. A soft purr rumbled between them.

Regina jerked away in astonishment. Robin eased his hold on her face, dropped his hands to her sides and just smiled. "I make noises. Sorry. Just try to ignore them. I don't really control it."

Hands cupped her face before she could turn her head away and held her still while he gazed at her deeply. Once again she was struck by the beauty of his compelling eyes. He inched his face closer. She knew he would kiss her again and welcomed it. He did wonderful things to her body, made her belly quiver and he had a real talent for distracting her with his mouth. The fact that they were locked inside a cage, held prisoner by monsters, was easy to ignore.

There was only Robin, his mouth heating her up and his wonderful skin under her hands. He released her face to grip her hips, turned her more to face him and shifted under her. It was impossible to miss the hard ridge that pressed against the underside of her leg when his thighs parted slightly. She knew what it was, that he was turned-on and so was she. She moaned and clawed at his abs, wanted to draw him even closer. It didn't work with her sitting sideways across his lap so she reached up, gripped his shoulders and moved enough to press a foot on the cold concrete floor. She scooted a little off his lap and straddled him instead.

Firm hands cupped her ass, jerked her tight against his lap and his trapped cock rubbed against her underwear through the layers of their clothes. Regina ached painfully, her breasts were heavy and hurt and she just wanted to release him to yank her shirt over her head and rub her nipples against his skin. He kneaded her ass, his fingers digging in to the soft flesh. He lifted her a little to adjust the angle of his cock to press against the seam of her. Her fingernails dug into his skin as she tried to pull him even closer, the heat of him penetrated through her thin nightgown and she hated having anything between them.

She urged him on by rocking her hips, moaned louder and her fingers slid upward into his hair and held him closer to deepen the kiss even more. He bucked his hips, used his hold on her ass to shift her and they moved together. The slow rocking against each other made his cock incredibly hard, it notched up her pleasure and it felt so good she knew she'd come. Her clit seemed to swell painfully. She wanted him to move faster, take her over the edge of ecstasy. Robin suddenly twisted his head away, breathed hard and shoved his face against her throat. "We have to stop," he growled.

It slowly sank in what she'd done. If he wasn't wearing sweats and she didn't have underwear on, he'd be inside her. She knew that as well as he did. They'd dry humped as though they were horny teenagers, in the worst possible place and the timing couldn't have been more wrong. She turned her head against his cheek, slid her hands out of his hair and hugged him around his neck. It was tough to try to slow her ragged breathing. Half of her wanted to ask him to keep going but the memory of the cameras along the ceiling had her silence that plea. Clinging to him helped but her body was on fire.

He inhaled loudly and a hot, wet tongue licked her throat. "You smell so good and taste it too. I wish I could strip you bare and explore every inch with my hands, nose and tongue. I'd lick every spot that would make you moan my name."

"You're not helping," she said in a shaky tone. "I want you too."

"You want me to help you calm or lick you?"

"Lick me."

He growled viciously, a scary sound if she had the brains to be afraid, but her libido was in charge. He reached between them instead, his hand wiggled in the tight space between his lower belly and hers, until his fingers brushed over her underwear. "Hold onto me," he urged softly. "Scoot back a little."

She had to concentrate to follow his orders, her arms tightened around his neck and she wiggled enough to give him more room with his hand. An image of him shoving her underwear to the side, jerking down his sweats and taking her filled her mind. Of course she remembered at that point what he'd said about being larger than human guys. It didn't matter at that moment. Obviously sex was possible and she was beyond fear, more into the take-me-now stage.

His deft fingers shoved the scrap of material way and he growled again at feeling how soaked with need she was for him, something that should have been embarrassing if she wasn't beyond caring about anything but the fact that his broad fingertip located and pressed against her bare clit. Her face pressed against his chest, sucked in his masculine scent and it muffled her moan of pleasure. "Easy," he rasped. "I've got you." His arm tightened around her waist and kept her in place as his finger teased the bundle of nerves. "Feel me."

She'd have laughed if she could have. There was only him, nothing else and not only could she revel in his touch, his scent, but the way he pinned her over his lap so she couldn't do anything but hurt to come.

He rubbed circles over the bud, his hand turned a little and his thumb—at least she thought it was—teased the opening of her. She shoved her face harder against his chest, knew she needed to keep quiet for some reason, but forgot why. The feel of his thick digit pushing inside to part her vaginal walls made her bite down. He snarled in response and drove it into her deeper. He moved his hand, fucking her while rubbing against her clit and a purr rumbled through her ear as he tucked his head against hers.

The climax hit fast and hard, tore through her in harsh waves and the hand around her back was suddenly gone. Robin cupped her head, shoved her face tighter against his chest and nearly suffocated her when she screamed out his name. She didn't give a damn if she had air, she was too gripped by the ecstasy. His thumb withdrew, his hand jerked away and he eased the hold that kept her face pressed against him. She swayed a little on his lap without him holding her, but he didn't let her slump to the side as her body turned lax. Robin wrapped an arm around her waist again and she tilted her chin up to stare at him in wonder.

The sight of him shoving his thumb in his mouth to taste her stunned and aroused Regina at the same time. He didn't look away as he growled at her. Desire made his eyes go from amazing-looking to nearly feral in a wild, passionate way that promised her he wanted to eat her alive in the best way possible. He pulled his thumb slowly from between his lips and bared sharp teeth at her, jerked his hands up over his head as if someone pointed a weapon at him and snarled.

"Get away from me."

The deep, brutal sound made terror grip her instantly as she scrambled off his lap, nearly fell on her ass in her haste and stumbled back until the bars of the cage slammed into her back. The pain that sliced through her made the physical blow she'd taken earlier seem tame in comparison to the emotional slap he dealt by rejecting her.

He stood abruptly, the cot almost tipped over in his haste and he stormed to the farthest edge of the cage to put space between them. His hands gripped the bars, he kept his back to her and his head was thrown back as he roared out in pure rage.

Robin had a hard time slowing his breathing and getting control of his body. His knuckles were white from the death grip on the bars keeping him in place. The roar had helped him release some of the frustration while the scent of Regina's fear in the air haunted him. He'd caused that fear but he needed to. Two more seconds with her on his lap and he'd have done something horrible. He could have hurt her and he'd reacted by getting her the hell away from him before temptation turned into a physical act.

His dick hurt bad but he tried to ignore it. His eyes closed as he concentrated on breathing through his mouth instead, not that it helped since the taste of her release still lingered and he wanted to roar again. He shouldn't have done more than kiss her but his best-laid plans had gone to hell quickly the second his mouth met hers. He panted harder and fought every instinct that screamed take her!

He'd thought the kiss would be sweet, tender and that he could handle that. Instead he'd experienced the strongest wave of arousal that had ever slammed through him. He'd barely remembered the damn cameras, her fear of them and how she'd hate him if he stripped her bare and buried his face where his fingers had played in her cream. The memory of how tight she'd been scared him into keeping a leash on his desires. He'd take her too hard, too fast and tear up that sweet core of hers. He wanted to make her scream his name but not from pain.

His chest throbbed from where she'd bitten him and the sharp sting of pain from her teeth drawing blood had nearly snapped his control. She wasn't Lyons, it didn't mean she was urging him to bite her back and mate her. He'd probably been too rough in his urgency to make her come but hoped that wasn't the case. That concern helped douse some of his passion. He never wanted to harm Regina. He'd rather suffer excruciating agony before he'd draw blood from her. She trusted him, needed his protection, yet he'd been more of a danger to her when she'd been on his lap than all the bastards who'd kidnapped them. The thought of what could have happened cooled his blood more.

Regina jerked awake when booted feet echoed in the room. She had fallen asleep in the corner, huddled in a ball, watching Robin try to calm down. He'd kept his back to her, refused to even glance her way and exhaustion had finally taken its toll. She woke on the cot with a blanket covering her.

Robin stood next to the cot, close enough for her to touch the back of his sweatpants and watched whoever made those sounds. She turned her head in time to see Doug and a few of his goons stomp their way. Dread pitted in her stomach and she figured time was up.

"Regina? We just have to survive." Robin summed up their situation softly. "Do as they ask."

She peered up at him but he still refused to glance at her, his sole focus on the four goons who stopped outside the cage door. All of them withdrew their Taser guns, checked them and Doug was the one who spoke.

"It's time." He glared at Robin. "You twitch and we'll light your ass up and your girlfriend." He tapped his weapon. "These have been altered by one of our guys and he removed the safety on the voltage. Do you know what that means? It will kill her. You fight and she's going to die."

"I don't like this," Chuck hissed. "Let's knock him out the way we have the others and when he wakes, he'll be chained up. It's too dangerous to open that damn door to move him into the room with him awake."

"Doctor Greene gives the orders." Doug obviously wasn't thrilled since he looked as if he'd sucked on a lemon. "She doesn't want him fucked up unless we have to. She thinks it might dampen his mood."

"Fuck," Chuck muttered. "Let's get the Doc's ass out here and she can move the big bastard if he's so sure he'll protect the bitch he's screwing. I think he'll try to kill us. They aren't real smart."

Doug stepped closer, his gaze focused on Robin and his eyebrows shot up. "Did you piss your girlfriend off? It looks like she bit you."

"No." Robin reached back, gripped Regina's hip and gently maneuvered her behind his body when she climbed to her feet next to him. "I will comply. Don't harm her. I understand you are willing to kill her if I lie." He turned his head in Chuck's direction. "I am not stupid."

"This is nuts," the fourth guy added. "He's going to go ape shit once that door opens and he'll try to take out as many of us as he can. I lost three of my security crew to bastards like that one. He can leap at us, move super fast and watch those damn fingernails. They are rougher than ours and can tear open skin."

"I know," Doug admitted. "We have our orders though." His voice rose. "Your girlfriend dies if you even make me think you're going to attack one of us."

"I won't." Robin hesitated. "I will carry her. I can't fight with her in my arms. Will that make you feel safer?"

Surprise flickered on the men's faces and Doug nodded sharply. "Yeah. Do that. Carry her with both arms so if you drop her, she hits hard enough to crack her damn skull open on the hard floor." He lifted a leg and stomped down. "It would fuck her up."

Robin slowly turned to meet Regina's worried gaze. She had made him mad somehow but he was offering not to attempt to escape to ensure her safety. He bent his knees a little and opened his arms. "Put your arms around my neck."

She bit her lip. "I'm sorry."

"For what? This isn't your fault. None of it is. Just do as they say and they won't have a reason to try to harm you. I won't fight them. Your safety comes first."

"What are you saying to her?" Doug sounded pissed. "Come on and stop stalling."

Robin's head whipped around and he growled low. "She's frightened." He stared at Regina again. "Hold on to me. I wasn't angry with you. It was directed at me. Now is not the time to discuss it."

She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. He hooked one arm around her waist, lifted and his other arm caught her behind her knees, trapping the nightshirt to maintain her modesty as he hoisted her up. He slowly turned to study the men with narrowed eyes.

"I will move slowly. May I walk out now?"

Doug jerked his head at one of the guys and a very nervous Chuck approached to unlock the chains and open the cage door. It did Regina's heart good to see the sheer terror on those jerk's faces over what Robin could do to them. He was intimidating and a big, powerful guy. Without her, he probably could kick their asses.

"Come out," Doug urged. "Nice and slow, kitty cat." He raised his weapon, pointed it at Regina and frowned. "She will die first if you try anything."

"I won't risk her life." Robin moved cautiously out of the cage, his steps slow and nonthreatening.

Fear and uncertainty battled inside Regina as they were led to a different room. This one had a metal bunk and a camera mounted in the corner. A table had been set up in another corner. The door closed behind them and the goons kept their weapons pointed at them.

"Put her down and walk over to the cot," Doug directed.

Robin hesitated. "You don't need to chain me. I said I wouldn't fight."

"Do as I say. That's not up for debate. Strip off the clothes, lie down on your back and don't fight when you are restrained. Got it?"

Robin lowered her to her feet, released her and strode to the long, metal bed with bars for a headboard and a small bar for a footboard. A grimace flashed over his handsome features as he approached it and Regina purposely turned her back to spare him her stare as well. Chuck rushed for Regina, aimed his gun at her face, while Doug tracked Robin's movements with his weapon. The other two men set theirs by the door and moved out of her line of sight to go after Robin.

She heard the rustle of sweatpants being removed, the cot squeaked from his weight and chains rattled. Doug lowered his gun and stepped closer to her, gaining her full attention.

"Here's what you're going to do. You listening?"

"Yes." She glared at him.

He spun, walked to the table where a tray of items had been laid out and held up a tube of something and a specimen cup. "Lube and a cup with a lid that you seal. Need I spell it out?" He glanced over his shoulder and smirked. "As soon as he gets off, you rush to that door and it will open. Chuck will take the sample from you and Albert will shoot you if you try any shit." His gaze lifted to the camera before giving her a warning glare. "I'm going to be viewing every damn thing you do. Don't fuck with his chains or drag your feet from the time he gives it up until you take it to the door." He turned fully to face her and walked closer with both items. "The doc wants at least eight samples this time."

Regina's eyebrows lifted. "Eight?"

Doug cocked his head and frowned. "Eight. You got a problem with that?"

"He might." Heat warmed her cheeks. "That's a lot."

"Not for them." Doug studied Robin. "Been holding back from your girlfriend, huh? She a rotten lay or what?"

"She's human," Robin answered with a deep, angry voice.

A laugh escaped Doug and his frown disappeared. "Awe, isn't that cute, guys?" He stepped closer to Regina. "Your boyfriend might be a kitty cat but they fuck like dogs in heat. The scent of a willing woman or one touching them will keep them hard and going for hours. He only needs about a twenty second recovery time and he'll be good to stroke or suck off again." He held out the tube and cup. "Don't let him shoot in your mouth. Saliva mixed with sperm fucks up the sample. No spitting it into the cup."

Regina woodenly accepted the items, hating Doug so badly at the moment

"Anything else?"

His gaze drifted down her. "Yeah. Maybe when you're done with him, you could give me a hand." He laughed as he turned away and strode to the door. "Hurry up if you want to eat or don't want him hooked up to that machine. You've got two hours."

The men left the room and Regina stood there with her back to the cot. Robin was chained down naked. She stared at the tube and the sample cup, glanced at the table to see more cups set up and closed her eyes. This was going to be rough.

"Regina?" Robin spoke softly. "It's okay. I'm restrained and can't hurt you."

"I'm not worried about that." Her eyes remained closed. "I'm so damn sorry about this."

"It's no hardship." He softly growled. "I am the one who feels guilty."

That made her almost turn to him. "Why? You didn't kidnap us."

He hesitated. "This is going to be much easier on me than it will be on you. I will somehow make this right between us."

She took a deep breath. "Why were you mad?" It bothered her how violently he'd reacted inside the cage after he'd made out with her…and so much more. "Did I do something? Did I hurt you? I didn't mean to bite you."

"I wanted you and was too out of control to risk it." Honesty sounded in his voice.

She turned, kept her eyes closed and knew she'd have to open them. "I feel like I'm about to rape you or something."

"Regina? Look at me."

She did and it was a sight she'd never forget. His long frame was stretched out over the cot, every inch of him bare. He lay on his back and his cock jutted upward, thick and hard. Her gaze lingered there for seconds before jerking her focus to his face. He watched her calmly.

"I want you to touch me. I can't lose control now. I feel guilty for that but it's the truth. Am I sick for this?"

She took a step closer to him without thinking about it. "No."

"I'm turned-on and you're not. This is traumatic for you, I'm aware of that, yet I still ache to feel your hands on me."

He glanced away, stared at the ceiling and his mouth tensed into a tight, firm line. Regina suddenly didn't feel as uncomfortable as before. He'd gotten her off, it had been amazing and she wanted to do the same for him. She couldn't help but wince over the presence of the camera but as she darted a look at it and realized she could block most everything with her body if she sat on the edge of the cot by his hip.

She squared her shoulders. "We're a team. We're going to get through this together."

Her words seemed to surprise him and he met her steady gaze as she sat on the space between his hip and the edge of the cot. It wasn't very wide. She placed the cup down next to her thigh to keep it pinned between them after twisting the lid off, opened the cap to the lube and spread some on her fingers. She couldn't meet his gaze though.

"You ready?"

"Yes." His stomach muscles tensed. "I'm sorry, Regina," he whispered.

She finally looked up. "Don't be. Just tell me before, um, you know."

He nodded.

"What do you prefer?" She felt feverish from her flushed cheeks as she whispered, remembering to keep her voice down to give them some privacy. This probably was the most awkward sexual encounter she'd ever had. They weren't kissing or lost in the moment. The room was cold, sterile and the guy was chained down while a sick bastard watched from another room. "Fast? Slow?" Her hand reached for his cock but hesitated an inch away.

"Whatever you do will feel good." His voice came out raspy.

"Are you sure I can do this? I mean…hell."

"Yes. Just remember that I make sounds. Some might sound as if I'm angry but it's normal. You can't hurt me and I ache for your touch."

She focused on his cock. It was thick, perfect and something she'd consider beautiful. A smile almost surfaced when she realized that, never believing she'd ever pin that term on a man's penis. Her fingers stroked the shaft, explored the soft skin wrapped around a rock-hard erection. A rumbled purr filled the room and she lifted her gaze to watch Robin's face.

He had closed his eyes, probably to make her more comfortable and he bit his lower lip. He looked sexy as hell and he wasn't the only one who worried about being perverted because it was a hot image having him chained down. She only wished they were at her house, in her bed and alone.

He shifted a little on the bed when she wrapped her other hand around the crown of his cock, stroked it and grasped his shaft firmly. She started slow, exploring while stroking him up and down and his breathing increased. It fascinated her, watching his muscles ripple as he began to slowly rock his hips. A fine sheen of sweat broke out on his chest, his purrs increased in resonance and it was the hottest damn thing ever.

"I'm going to," he growled, his voice harsh.

She released him with one hand, gripped the cup and wondered how the hell she was going to make that work. Robin's feet braced against the bottom bar of the cot he was chained to, he tilted his hips upward and she lowered his cock until it almost touched his belly. The cup caught his seed as he started to come.

He groaned loudly, shook with the force of his climax and she had to remember to hold the cup when she really wanted to just watch him. Hearing him caused her nipples to tighten. His body jerked a little with each stroke, filling the cup a little more as she milked him of every drop with her fingers. She released his shaft and he relaxed his muscles, his big body going lax, as he panted.

Regina remembered to cap the cup, stand and on shaky legs walked to the door. It opened before she reached it and Doug held out a gloved hand. His mouth opened but then snapped closed. He took it without comment and left, closing the door behind him. Regina rushed back to Robin's side after grabbing a new sample cup from the table.

His eyes were closed as he caught his breath and she stroked his chest after wiping off the lube with the edge of the blanket. "Are you okay?"

His incredible eyes opened to peer at her and the look in them was something she'd never forget as he smiled. The yellow had overtaken the blue, seemed nearly golden and took her breath away.

"I love your soft hands."

Tears filled her eyes, unable to hold them back. "Good."

Alarm killed his smile. "I'm sorry, Regina."

"For what?"

"I've harmed you by association. If I hadn't approached you, you'd be home if I hadn't."

She leaned over him, her hair falling across his arm and chest, and got close enough to nearly touch her lips to his. "I'm just glad you're okay. We have to do this seven more times."

"You are crying. This hurts you."

"It's the stress, Robin." Her hand caressed his chest. "I'm not hurt. I'm more worried about you than me. You're the one chained down who has to do this seven more times. I got the easy part, actually."

He nodded sharply. "The faster this is over, the sooner they will return us to the cage to feed us. Let's do this."

Surprise shot through her. "Again? So soon?"

He gave her a grim look of determination. "I'm Lyons. I'm ready."

Robin refused to admit that her touching him had been a staggering experience and he already ached for her to begin again. He could have sworn he smelled her arousal but it was probably from earlier. Her tears tore him up inside and he knew once this was over, if they were rescued, this day would haunt her.

She leaned back from him and he missed her closeness instantly. He closed his eyes so she felt more comfortable not being watched, knew her aversion to that from her words about the cameras and hated the way his cock stiffened with need from knowing her hands would be on him again soon.

The light brush of her fingertips made him bite his lip to stifle a snarl. His heart raced, his arms strained against the chains and he wanted to break them. He was grateful they held. Otherwise he'd grab her, tear off her clothes and pin her under his body. He wanted inside her so bad it was killing him.

Just the mental image of her under him, her thighs spread and his cock driving into her was enough to make him ready to come. Her hands were stoking him. They felt amazing, but he just knew it would feel better with her vaginal walls squeezing him tighter than her current hold on him.

"Tighter," he hissed through gritted teeth, hating himself just a little more for even asking.

Her hands gripped him more firmly, moved faster and he knew shame as he rasped out that she should grab the cup. The world became a white haze of pleasure as he came hard, tried to remember to breathe and it didn't stop until she released his sex. He panted, caught his breath and knew pure hell. Not only would Regina never look at him again without being reminded of what the evil Greene employees were capable of but she'd believe he was a pathetic male who couldn't hold his seed long enough to give pleasure if they were to share sex.

Light caresses traced his skin and her hair tickled as she leaned against his side. "It's going to be okay," she whispered. "We're a team and we're going to get through this. Six more times. That's all."

Rage gripped him. She was trying to comfort him, assure him that they'd somehow survive and he even failed her there. He nodded, not trusting himself to look at her in case she looked upon him with pity. He couldn't take that.

"It will be." He kept his voice firm, strong and hoped she didn't lose all respect for him.

Robin was so silent that Regina worried about him deeply. She finished her oatmeal, a horrible, overcooked bowl of cold mush and almost envied him the bloody steaks he'd been given. She sat on the cot inside their cage, he sat cross-legged in the far corner with the plate balanced on his lap and avoided even glancing her way. He'd been that way ever since she'd taken the last semen sample from him and the goon squad had returned to transfer them back to the cage.

"How are the steaks?" She tried a casual question to test his mood.

"Cold." He took another bite, blood dripped onto the plate and he chewed. "They seared them but it was a while ago. I think they put them in a refrigerator afterward."

"I'm sorry. Do you want some oatmeal?" She glanced at the half-eaten portion, more than willing to give him the rest. As hungry as she was, it was like eating pasty, tasteless glue.

He shook his head. "Keep up your strength. Eat it all."

He didn't offer her any of his steak and her shoulders sagged. She'd been hopeful he'd share. She'd take nearly raw and cold meat over tasteless crap any day. "Are you tired? We could share the cot."

That got her a frowning look. "I'll sleep on the floor. Lie down if you wish to rest."

Anger and pain hit at the same time as she dropped her gaze. "I'm fine. I thought you might be tired. You can have the bed and I'll sit on the floor. You need the rest." He'd just given up eight samples, and he might not be human, but she figured any guy would want to sleep after that kind of activity.

"I am used to hardships. The bed is yours."

Her eyes closed and she took a few shallow breaths to avoid the tears that threatened. Maybe he hated her just a bit for what he'd just endured. She'd resent being tied down and forced to climax eight times because someone wanted samples from her. Of course it wouldn't be so awful if it were Robin doing the touching. He wasn't her though.

"Sleep, Regina." He growled a little. "The oatmeal will keep."

Of course it would. It wasn't as if it could taste any worse. She leaned down, placed the bowl on the floor and lay on the cot with her back to Robin. She curled into a ball, hugged her chest and fought tears.

What if the damn tracker is defective? She pushed that thought back, unwilling to even consider it. Hope of being rescued was all she had to keep her sanity. She knew if help didn't arrive soon, Robin would be sold along with the others and she would be left for dead or worse. If abandoned, it would be a toss-up what killed her first. Starvation or the insanity caused by being left in the dark, locked up with no hope. It would be pure hell either way.

Hot tears seeped out and she muffled a sob. She was afraid and hated it. The fact that Robin was acting so distant made it worse. He was being a shitty teammate.

"Regina?" A firm hand gripped her hip.

"I'm fine."

"You're not. Look at me."

"No." She sniffed. "I'm just being emotional. I'm okay. Go eat."

He softly growled and forced her to roll onto her back. She opened her eyes, had to blink a few times to see him through her tears and he leaned over her until his nose nearly brushed hers.

"What is wrong? Are you hurting? Still hungry? You should eat more."

"I'm scared," she admitted, whispering. "They should have found us by now and they haven't. I don't think they are going to."

Shock didn't register on his face and it sank in that he might have already considered that possibility. It just made the horrible possibility more real and fresh tears spilled out.

"I'm going to die here and you…" She reached up and cupped his face. "You could fight. You could get away if they weren't using me to keep you in line, couldn't you?"

Anger sparked in his eyes. "I won't do anything to put you in danger."

She rubbed his cheek. "We have to be realistic. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one life to save the rest. You have a real chance of escape if you take them by surprise. The next time they come for us, act like you're not going to fight and take those fuckers down. Get out of here. You could save yourself and maybe those other Lyons. I'm just a pawn with limited use."

"Regina," he snarled.

"We're fucked and we both know it. Do you really want to end up somewhere else in a place that could be far worse than this hellhole? They want to use you and those other Lyons to make babies to sell on the black market. You can't allow that. I'm dead either way, Robin. They aren't going to ship me off with you. There's nothing special about me once my use with you is done here. They'll drug you, take you away and I'm dead. Period."

He gripped her arms, his hold nearly bruising. "You are very special and I won't allow you die just to gain my own freedom or that of those other males."

"They are your kind, Robin. Your men. You've got to save them. You're the only one who can do this."

"I don't care." He lowered his face until their noses pressed together and anger sparked in his eyes. "I won't let you die."

Fresh tears blinded her as she slid her fingers into his hair. "You're a stand-up guy and terrific if anyone hasn't ever told you that but you need to be smart."

He jerked back and released her. "This conversation has ended."

He stormed across the cage and gripped the bars, his back to her. Regina sat up, her own anger flared and she stood. Her gaze drifted to the camera, she remembered that she needed to keep her voice very low and marched after him.

"Robin?" She tapped his shoulder.

He turned his head and glared down at her. "Go to sleep. You are tired and not rational." He looked away.

"You know I'm right," she whispered. "It's fucked up but true nonetheless. Face me, damn it."

He released the bars and slowly turned. Regina should have been afraid at seeing his rage but she knew she made sense. He had a real chance to escape by taking the goons by surprise the next time they tried to move them from the cell to get more samples from him. She stepped so close their bodies brushed.

"The next time they come, offer to hold me again. Pick me up and the second you're free of the cage, throw me at them, attack and run. Break a window, get out and run until you find help."

He leaned down. "That's your plan?"

"Yes."

His eyes narrowed dangerously and his voice came out soft but harsh. "What happens in your plan when I throw you?"

"They will shoot me, I'll take at least one of them down when I hit him if you throw me hard enough for my weight to knock him on his ass and I swear that I'll try to blind him or something before I die. I really want to scratch out someone's eyes at the very least."

Robin snarled loudly. The sound startled her and his hands gripped her hips before she could even gasp. Her feet left the floor as he lifted, spun and her back hit the cage doors. He pinned her there with his body pressed tightly to hers, held her face-level to him and bared sharp teeth.

"No," he rasped.

She gripped his shoulders, trying to ignore the cold, hard press of bars against her back and the way her feet dangled a foot from the floor. "Yes. It's a good plan and one of us is going to survive this, damn it. I can't leap up and break a window if that's the only way out of the warehouse even if you were willing to take bullets to give me time to reach the door before they shot at me. I don't have the strength you have either and I suck at running."

"Shut up and stop talking." He hissed at her.

"You're being stupid and stubborn. I'm not perfect but I also don't want to die by starving to death or being shot like some rabid dog by these assholes. I'd rather go out fighting for a purpose. Do the smart thing and stop being so damn sweet," she hissed.

He threw his head back and roared. Terror gripped Regina in a flash, her jaw dropped open and she realized she'd pushed him too far. His head lowered and his mouth sealed over hers. His tongue thrust between her parted lips and he kissed her.

The shock quickly faded as she realized he wasn't going to kill her. It was worse. He was going to make her want him and his gift of manipulating her mouth was golden. She kissed him back, her arms wrapped around his neck and she barely noticed when he adjusted his hold from her hips to grip her thighs, which he spread apart. She wrapped them around his hips.

They were moving, the motion barely registered in her mind, too caught up in their dueling tongues. He promised all kinds of hot things with the passion he shared while fucking her with his tongue, making her body respond full force. Her breasts smashed against his solid chest, only the thin material of her nightshirt a barrier, as he walked. His hard shaft couldn't be missed as it rubbed against her clit with her wrapped so tightly around him.

She gasped and pulled away when she realized he'd just slammed his knees on the floor when they'd either given way or he'd purposely dropped onto them. They were next to the cot, both out of breath and he released one of her thighs to fist her hair at the back of her head. She met his gaze when he forced her to look at him and he took possession of her mouth again with a burning kiss.

The world tilted and her back pressed against the mattress of the cot as he leaned over, pinned her under his bent form and his cock ground against her core. She moaned against his tongue. She wanted him, needed to forget where they were and her thighs tightened around his hips to urge him on.

He suddenly pulled back, broke the kiss and let her go as he straightened. His hands covered his face and a muffled snarl sounded. Regina watched him, her legs holding him against her and tried to come to grips with what had just almost happened. She wanted him to continue but he'd stopped.

"I'm sorry."

She sat up, her hands splayed on his chest and his body quivered at her touch. "Robin? Look at me."

He shook his head, kept his hands over his face and turned his head away. "I could have hurt you. I'm sorry," he repeated.

His rigid cock still pressed against her. It was obvious how much he wanted her and he was afraid he'd cause her pain. She licked her lips. They felt a little swollen from his fervent kisses but she liked the result. Her clit throbbed and her nipples were hard pebbles under her shirt. Her gaze lowered to his sweats, the bulge beneath, and she rubbed him more.

"Robin? Please?" He lowered his hands slowly, his face flushed and his eyes filled with regret. She hated to see that look in them. "You're sorry for what? Kissing me until I couldn't think straight and enjoying it? Wanting me? I feel the same way about you. My only regret is that you stopped."

Surprise quickly etched away regret and his lips parted. "What?"

Regina slid her hands to his shoulders, gripped him and pressed her chest against his. "Life is so short." Damn short, she amended, since their outlook was so grim, hers especially. "We're together. Let's make the best of what time we have. Kiss me."

He hesitated. "I'm afraid I might harm you. I want you too much."

"You won't hurt me. Have a little faith." She smiled. "I'm tougher than you think and I'm not afraid. I can't even think when you're kissing me. You're totally incredible."

"So are you. It makes me forget you're just a mere human." He smiled, teasing.

She massaged his shoulders and glanced down. His arms were thick bands of muscle and he had the broadest chest. He could hurt her if he wanted to but she really had no fear of him. Their gazes met and he lowered his head. Regina closed her eyes, expected his kiss and he didn't disappoint when his mouth took possession of hers.

She tensed a little when she felt Robin's hand slide up her thigh, wiggled enough to make her release his hips and pushed her nightshirt higher. His fingertips were textured with calluses when he shoved her underwear aside to stroke her clit. His mouth worked hers, turning her focus there.

Pleasure rolled through Regina as he teased her clit, drew little circles around the bud. She kissed him wildly, moaned against his tongue and her nails bit into his skin. He slowly withdrew from her mouth but his lips brushed hers as he spoke.

"Open your thighs wider for me, as much as you can. My hips are large." His arm hooked her gently behind her ass, tugging her closer to the edge of the bed. If it wasn't for his body she knew she would have slid right to the floor. She did as he asked, wanted to give him as much access as he desired.

"They can't see what I'm doing to you," he rasped.

She realized he meant that stupid camera on the ceiling across the room. His body was big, he was on his knees and between her and it. She glanced to the side, saw both Lyons in their cages were still on their cots and probably asleep. It was about as private as they were going to get. She met his gaze and nodded.

"Tell me if you want me to stop."

"I don't."

He groaned, closed his eyes and kissed her. His mouth and tongue melted with hers as she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and hooked her legs around the back of his thighs just for something to cling to. His fingers tormented her, stroked her clit until she hurt to come and he seemed to sense how close she was. He eased off the bundle of nerves and one finger slid lower, tested the slit of her and slowly pushed inside. She moaned at the feel of him slowly finger-fucking her, going in, sliding out, before going deeper.

Her hips rocked and she used her hold on him to press her pelvis closer to give him better access. His finger totally withdrew, she uttered a protest by groaning, but he responded by stretching her vaginal walls with two fingers. That made her cry out her enjoyment and hold onto him tighter. He brushed her clit with his hand and rubbed a spot inside her that made her moan. He zoned in on it, rubbed it again, finger-fucked her a little harder and she went a little wild from desperately needing to come. Robin growled in response to her vocal pleas and withdrew his fingers.

Regina's eyes opened. "Don't stop." She stared into his eyes. "Please, don't!"

His face turned a little harsh as he growled, his beautiful eyes wild and he suddenly leaned back. "Let go."

Shock washed through her that he was ending what was happening to them but she released him with her hands and unhooked her legs from the back of his. He didn't move farther away from her though. Instead he stunned her by grabbing the pillow on the cot, threw it on the floor between her spread feet and grabbed her. Her ass left the bed and he used his strength to turn her in his arms. Her knees hit the pillow, a hand fisted the back of her nightshirt and pressed her down over the cot.

It happened so fast that it took her a second to realize he'd bent her over in front of him, pinned her over the bed and his hands gripped her thighs to shove them apart. Material tore, she felt a pinch at her hips from her underwear being ripped off and his grip on her shirt let go. He suddenly curved over her and his hot breath warmed her cheek and neck.

"Tell me 'no' if you want this to stop."

She didn't. He said he liked to mount a woman from behind. He'd warned her. She should have remembered that but had forgotten. Maybe it was the only position he liked.

He licked her neck, brushed a kiss there and made her shiver as his hands caressed her thighs. "I will be gentle even if it kills me." His voice came out gruff, harsh and he breathed fast. "You're so tight I fear I will cause you pain."

Now that she'd adjusted to the shock of being flipped over and pinned to the cot, she was ready to finish what they had started. Her hands fisted the bedding and she turned her head enough to stare at him when he lifted away from kissing her neck. Their gazes locked.

"I want you, Robin."

"You're so wet. I'll make it good for you." His head lowered to her ear. "Close your eyes, beautiful. It's just us. Just feel." He put his knees on the outside of hers, his hands slid under her shirt, which he didn't try to remove, and he caressed her sides until he reached her breasts. She lifted a little to give him room and his palms cupped both of them. His thumb and index finger rolled her nipples and gently pinched. She moaned.

Her eyes closed and his mouth opened so warm breath fanned her neck where his tongue and sharp teeth lightly scratched and nipped gently. She let out a shaky breath. Passion gripped her and she fisted the bedding tighter since it was all she could grab.

"Relax for me, beautiful. I'm going to enter you slowly and make you come hard for me." The raspy promise against her ear notched up her desire and she ground her ass against his sweats and the rigid length of his erection still trapped inside them. His finger and thumb left one breast and slowly slid down her side and around the curve of her bent ass. His hand left her and she knew he shoved at his sweats when his hips backed away. The thick, blunt tip of his cock brushed against her slick entrance, teased her when it rubbed against her clit, before he slowly pressed against the entrance.

Regina moaned softly at the feel of being taken, stretched and parted by his nudging sex. Robin growled. It could have been a scary noise but it just turned her on more. He sounded more animal than man, reminding her he wasn't fully human but she urged him on by wiggling her ass.

"You don't know how good you feel, beautiful." He growled the words. "So hot, tight and right." He lightly nipped the sensitive column of her throat.

"Robin," she moaned.

"I'm right here." His mouth and tongue ran along the bottom of her ear. He pushed inside her deeper, made her take more of his thick shaft but seemed careful not to go in too deep. His hips rocked against her ass, a steady, slow motion that drew pleasure from both of them. "How does that feel?"

"Amazing," she groaned.

"Fast or slow? You tell me what feels best."

"Fast," she answered in a heartbeat.

His hand slid back up her body and he gripped both breasts. His finger and thumb rolled her nipples, pinched and it drove her insane. Her body jerked and she moaned, shoving her hips back into his. He purred softly and growled while he thrust his cock into her faster, going a little deeper and hit a spot that made her cry out in ecstasy.

Regina released the bedding and her hands slid to the edges of the cot. She wrapped her fingers there to get leverage and shoved her ass back at him, trying to urge him to stop holding back. She could sense he was and wanted to experience all he had to give.

His teeth suddenly gripped her shoulder through her shirt. It caused a sharp stab of pain when he bit down hard enough to hurt but not break the skin and both of them froze. His teeth opened and he let go. He moved inside her again, slow at first, gradually building in speed until he was moving fast. One of his hands left her breast and he pulled her body a few inches away from the edge of the cot where he kept her pinned. His hand slid to her clit and rubbed fast, timed to the beat of his thrusting hips.

Regina moaned loudly, twisted her head to press her cheek against his upper chest and began to tense. Her sensitive bud slid between his fingers as he stoked it, tugged on it and pinched a little. She'd never experienced that amazing feeling before and moaned louder. "You feel so good," he rasped. "Can you take more of me?"

She nodded, moaning. Robin thrust into her deeper, moved slowly at first, seeming to test if she could handle him and she could. His hips picked up the pace again and he squeezed her clit tighter between his fingers, rubbing faster to match the rhythm of his hips. Regina felt almost raw but she didn't want Robin to stop as the climax built.

Her body exploded around Robin as pure bliss struck. He kept moving, worked his way in and out of her as her vaginal muscles convulsed, fucking her harder. He eased off her clit but kept moving as he drew out her pleasure until she was sure she'd die.

"You're killing me," she whimpered. What a way to go.

"No." He growled. "I'm going to make you come again."

He continued to drive in and out of her rapidly, a sensation she'd never experienced before and it nearly caused pain but in a way that hurt so good. His finger returned to her clit and Regina thrashed under him, on sexual overload, driven beyond the limit of her pleasure threshold. She tensed around his cock again, muscles clenched hard and she screamed against the bedding as she came a second time.

"Yes," Robin snarled. His body trembled violently and she felt him inside her, so hot, thick and stone hard. He threw back his head and drove into her deeply one last time. A roar tore from his throat. He came so hard and hot that Regina could feel every warm blast of his semen filling her, every jerk of his pleasure as his hips ground against her ass until his body collapsed down on top of her, nearly crushing her under his weight.

Robin recovered first and lifted off enough to allow her to catch her breath. He spread kisses over her neck as his tongue licked the skin between her ear and her shoulder.

Regina's eyes were closed, recovering from the best sex she'd ever had in her life and she ignored the sweat that tickled her body. She wasn't sure where she ended and he began with their bodies so tightly pressed together. She felt fused to him and didn't even care that her ears still rang a little from the sound he'd made when he'd come. His weight felt solid and good on her.

"Regina?" he rasped softly.

"Um?"

"Did I hurt you?"

She smiled and shook her head.

"Are you a little sore?"

She hesitated. She felt a little hot and raw where they were connected. She nodded.

He kissed her shoulder. "Okay."

She flinched a little when he withdrew his still-hard cock from her slowly.

He softly cursed. "I should have been gentler."

"It wasn't that. I've never come two times in a row and you're a little impressive in size. You weren't kidding about being bigger."

His body eased totally off her and he backed a few inches away. She lifted up enough to turn her head to watch him pull up his sweats. Their gazes met and he blindly gripped her nightshirt, which had ridden up to her waist and jerked it down to cover her ass. He looked down, bent to retrieve something and lifted her destroyed underwear.

His cheeks darkened with a blush as he glanced up. "I'm sorry. I destroyed them."

"It's okay." She wished she had them still but it was worth the loss. The nightshirt fell to her knees so she would be covered.

He used them to clean her and shoved them under a corner of the cot. She pushed off the mattress to straighten her body and felt a little shaky from the sex and lack of having a decent meal. Robin reached out and cupped her cheek, stared deeply into her eyes and a tender expression softened his features.

"I—"

"She likes you, Simba. I guess if anyone knows pussy it would be you." Doug's voice startled them both.

Horror filled Regina as her head whipped toward the side of the cage to gawk at the vile man. He stood there smirking, his arms crossed over his chest. Two other men stood behind them. They all stared at her with expressions that assured her they'd been watching long enough to have gotten a show.

Robin rose to his feet and snarled menacingly at them, reached down and grabbed her arm. She was pulled a little roughly to stand, too stunned to get up from her knees on her own and was shoved behind his big body to block her from the men's view.

"I see why you like her." Chuck chuckled. "Tight, huh? I told you he was holding back on you, Regina. He gave it up eight times and could still bang you."

"Don't say her name," Robin threatened. "Don't talk to her."

"Possessive bastard, aren't you? I guess I'd be protective of a fine piece of ass too. The doctor is real happy with the samples you gave up. Get some sleep because in seven hours, she wants more."

Regina heard them walk away. Robin turned, their gazes met and she leaned in to him. His arms wrapped around her and he lowered his chin to the top of her head as he pulled her tighter against his body. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear them."

"We were kind of distracted." Embarrassment and dismay still gripped her that those assholes had been watching her and Robin together. "I didn't hear them either."

"I should have." His voice deepened to reveal the extent of his rage. "I am so sorry."

She hugged him tighter. "It's not your fault."

It is, Robin disagreed silently. With his heightened senses, he should have been aware of every sound and smell. He inhaled, couldn't miss the human-male stench of their captors and their lust. His arms tightened. Those men wanted his Regina. He turned his head, his gaze narrowed as he watched his enemy leave the room and realized how much danger he'd exposed her to, even if she didn't. Human males were the animals. They wouldn't harm Regina as long as they could use her to keep him in line but once they didn't need that anymore, he feared the men would plot to touch her. He held back a snarl of outrage.

He needed to get her out of there, to escape with her and he was still outraged that she'd even suggested he allow her to die so he might break free at her expense. She believed the Lyon males were his priority but she was wrong. He nuzzled the top of her head, breathed in her scent and held her tighter.

Regina was the most important thing to him. Without hesitation, he'd give his life and those of the males and kill every human who posed a threat to her. He adjusted his hold, lifted her gently in his arms and saw how pale she looked when she stared into his eyes. Tears made her eyes glimmer and he felt like a total bastard. He'd promised to shield her body yet he hadn't. He'd selfishly taken her at a great expense.

She'd never forgive him regardless of her being generous enough to share the blame. He knew the truth. Even if they survived somehow, if they got out of this nightmare alive, their time together was tainted by the ugliness of being locked inside a cage by their captors. He laid her down on the cot, curled up tightly to her on the small bed and tucked her firmly against his body. "Sleep," he urged. "I am here and will protect you." As much as I am able. Shame burned deeply that he felt so helpless. She deserved a better male. He'd failed her miserably.

Robin knew Regina had fallen back asleep as he held her. He was tired but he wasn't ready to sleep. Other worries filled his mind, keeping him awake as he watched Regina doze. He could have gotten her pregnant when he'd mounted her. He didn't dare ask if she was on some form of birth control because it was top secret that Lyon males could impregnate a healthy human female who was not taking preventative measures. He was certain it would be fine. Lyon sperm didn't survive as long as it did with human men. His gaze lowered to her belly where his hand rested.

She'd hate him. Worse, Regina had gone into heat over the past few hours. He could pick up the faint scent, but it had just started. She hadn't been when he met her or even when they'd shared sex. He swore not to touch her again—he couldn't risk it.

She was a female human in her late twenties, single and would be on birth control. He knew that about female humans since he loved to read. They were smart and took care of their bodies, but he still wouldn't risk it. No matter how much he wanted to take her again, to sheathe his dick inside her hot, welcoming body, he'd resist.

Just the thoughts of what it was like to touch Regina made him hard. He clenched his teeth and forced air through his mouth to avoid her tempting scent. A woman in heat strongly affected Lyon males, made them do wild, crazy things. Being aware of the problem was half the battle or so he'd heard. He was pretty sure that saying was correct.

Another Lyon across the room growled and whined, drawing attention to his plight. Robin turned his head to peer across the room, watched the male crouch and dig at the floor with his hands, testament that he wasn't sane. He probably should try to talk him down but it wouldn't work. Sadness gripped him as he watched one of his kind suffer. A howl pierced the room and Regina jerked awake in his arms. He held onto her, met her frightened gaze and rubbed her back. "They returned him and he's drugged."

She lifted her head enough to peer around his body, which blocked her view. He hated to see her pained expression and the way tears filled her pretty eyes when they lifted to meet his gaze.

"He's going to tear up his hands."

"I know but he won't listen. He will be irrational until the drug leaves his system."

"I hate these bastards."

He silently agreed. "Sleep."

"I can't."

She put her hand on his chest as she turned on the narrow bed, bumped into him and rubbed his skin near his nipple. It hardened instantly and his dick did too. He was in a world of hurt when she curled into him tighter, faced him and her thigh brushed between his legs to make room for it.

"I want to get out of here so bad."

"I do as well," he agreed.

"What would you do first?"

He hesitated. Take her home with him, to his bed and mount her until they both couldn't walk was the first thing that came up on his list. He wouldn't mention that one though. "I'd cook a large meal."

She smiled. "I want a bath."

The image of her naked and submerged in water only made him want her more and the urge became so strong that he quickly released her, rolled off the bed and stood. He didn't miss her stunned expression as he put space between them.

"Baths are good." He looked anywhere but at her, focusing on the male instead.

The cot creaked as Regina adjusted on it and he breathed in her scent. His dick throbbed over her being in heat and he gripped the bars to grab them instead of her. She made it worse when she came up behind him, stood close and peered at the other Lyon.

"How long do you think he's going to be high on that stuff? Last time he slept for a long time."

"They gave him too much. He was probably gaining a resistance to it."

"They could have killed him."

He remained silent in agreement.

She rubbed his arm, her fingertips traced his biceps and he jerked away. A snarl tore from his throat before he could trap it and she backed away.

"Don't touch me right now. I'm agitated."

Pain flashed in her eyes and he felt like a bastard. He opened his mouth to explain that he didn't mean to reject her that way but wasn't sure how to tell her how he barely held onto his restraint and fought the urge to pin her over their cot and mount her again. The reasons for that replayed. She's in heat and the humans could show up again to watch. Regina distracted him too much for him to stay on guard.

"Regina, I—"

A slight noise distracted him and he turned, listening intently. The sound had been faint, a squeak from across the room where the doors were and not something he'd heard before. His gaze lifted to the vents along the walls. He saw cobwebs blowing and figured it was just the air system until he inhaled deeply through his nose.

"We have company," Robin whispered.

Regina tensed, expecting the goons to step out from the double doors to haul her and Robin back to the room where she'd have to take more sperm samples. Sorrow filtered through at the possibility that he might begin to hate her for being human. The guards and that crazy doctor weren't exactly stellar examples of humanity as its finest. Of course if he was beginning to blame her, he might rethink her plan to at least try to escape. Maybe she'd survive. Sure, she would be shot but that didn't necessarily mean death.

Robin moved fast, grabbed her around her waist and hauled her off her feet. He stormed for the cot, used one foot to hook a leg of it and yanked hard. The thing crashed over, he darted around it and took them to the floor. His body crushed hers against the cold concrete when he flattened over her.

"Don't move," he ordered. "There may be a gun battle."

He was protecting her from stray bullets with his body and the cot. Her hands opened on his chest and her heart raced with excitement. "I can't believe they found us."

"They have," he rasped in her ear. "The vents are pushing air and their scents are filling the room. It must be from the other doors. Just stay low and be safe. I scent humans along with my own kind. Many come."

He eased a little upward. She watched him turn his head to peer around the fallen cot and stare at the doors. She wished she could see what was going on but Robin's big body kept her still.

"Anything?" she whispered.

"Not yet but the smell is stronger."

Seconds ticked by into at least a full minute and suddenly she heard a loud noise as metal hit a wall. Robin tensed above her, sucked in air and shouted a warning. "They are inside the double doors to your left. There's a female doctor and several human males armed with guns, Taser darts and they have drug weapons."

He moved, rolled off her and was gone so fast she had to struggle to follow him. She sat up to watch over the top of the cot as men filled the room. A Lyons guy grinned, seemed in charge and rushed for the other set of double doors with men at his heels. Regina recognized David from the hotel she had been staying at.

"Open the door," Robin demanded.

David studied the chains and the lock. "Back up."

Robin moved to the side as David pointed his gun at the locks, fired twice and tore the chains away. Robin shoved open the door quickly, stepped out of the cage and stormed toward where the men had disappeared.

Regina stood and walked to David. The second she was in range he grabbed her with one arm, hauled her against his body and holstered his weapon. He kissed the top of her head, hugged her tightly with both arms and chuckled.

"Goddamn are you in trouble. Are you okay?" He eased his hold enough to peer down to study her face closely. One of his arms released her and fingertips traced her cheek.

She flinched, had forgotten about being hit and she saw rage in David's gaze. "I take it there's a bruise?"

"Who's the motherfucker who hit you?" He whipped his head around to glare at something.

Regina leaned enough to see that Robin stood outside the cage watching them. She glanced up, followed the path of David's anger and gripped his shirt to gain his attention. He met her gaze.

"One of the guards did this. Robin would never hurt me."

David wrapped his arms around her again, yanked her right off her feet and hugged her tight enough to be considered a bear hug.

"Are you okay? Tell me the truth."

"Put me down." She squirmed to break free, more than aware that her nightgown rose dangerously high and she no longer had panties on. "I'm great besides you trying to break my ribs."

He laughed as he eased her back onto her feet. "I'm just so glad you're alive."

"Stop mauling her," a deep, harsh voice snarled. "We have Lyons males in need of medical care while you are flirting with that female."

Regina was stunned over Robin's anger. David totally released her and turned to face him. "You're Robin?"

"I am." His chest puffed out as he filled his lungs with air. "I want a weapon." He threw out his hand.

David marched over to him—stood shorter by some inches—and lifted his chin. "No offense, sir, but no. How are you? Were you drugged?"

"No."

Gunshots sounded and David spun, rushed for Regina and took her to the ground. She gasped as pain exploded in her back from hitting the floor and his weight crushed her down. A roar sounded and she knew without being able to see that it had come from Robin.

The weight was jerked away and she stared at Robin, crouched next to her. He bared his teeth, snarled at David who was sprawled feet away, and she realized what had happened. Robin had thrown her friend away from her and now looked ready to attack him. She sat up quickly, ignored her throbbing head, which had smacked the concrete when she'd been tackled, and put her body between them. Her gaze met Robin's.

"What's wrong with you?"

Rage glittered in his eyes as he glared back, snarled at her and he lifted. "Don't touch her," he warned, turned his back and stood there.

David shot her a what-the-hell look and she shrugged, not sure why Robin had attacked him but no more gunshots were heard. Another team rushed into the room from above and some rushed through the double doors the first team had disappeared through while the rest approached the cages.

Robin spoke softly to a few of the Lyons males. Regina left the cage and David followed closely, almost as if he didn't want to let her more than a few feet away. She glanced at the Lyon across the cage from her and found him cowering in a corner of his cage, watching the strangers with dread. Pity welled up. He was drugged out of his head and probably thought more people had come to harm him.

Curiosity made her turn toward the back of the room where they'd taken the other Lyons. She wanted to check on him since no one seemed aware of his existence. She passed the wall that divided the room and found another cage. The sight that greeted her brought tears to her eyes.

A male was strapped to a medical bed, his black hair matted so badly it was shocking and he was hooked up to tubes and machines. She walked to the bars and gripped them. The male didn't move at all. She could see a heart monitor and read the numbers from where she stood. David paused beside her.

"Holy fuck," he hissed.

"Open the door."

He hesitated. "No. We'll get a medical team in here."

"Open the door," she demanded again. "He's not moving and his heart rate is really low. He's unconscious."

"He'll probably be dangerous if we wake him. I'm sorry but that door isn't opening until we're sure it's safe."

She turned to meet his gaze. "Call for help."

He nodded, reached for his radio but realized quickly that he couldn't get a signal to the topside. "Let's go. I'll send one of the guys up to relay that we need medics pronto."

Regina hated to leave the male alone so she offered to stay. David balked at first but she pointed out no one was there to hurt her and the Lyons was locked up and tied down. He stalked away and she turned her full attention back to the poor victim inside.

Humans sucked at times and seeing what he'd been reduced to nearly broke her heart. His heart beat but she wondered if he'd survive. He was big but his skin color was really pale, he looked half starved, judging by the way his ribs showed.

It didn't take long for David to return with medics and get the cage door open. She stayed long enough to overhear them state that he was in critical condition. They planned to call in a life flight. Depression hit and she just wanted to find Robin. David grabbed her hand as she tried to ease past him.

"We caught all the bastards and the area is secure. They are going to transport the Lyons to the Woods. Do you want a paramedic to look at you?"

"I'm fine." Regina walked to where she'd been caged in time to watch two Lyons males unlocking another's cage. He was still huddled in the corner, snarling at his rescuers and the human members of the team hung far back. Robin stood watching and she moved to stand at his side.

"Think he'll be okay?" She didn't touch him this time in case he was distracted and hadn't heard her approach.

"I hope so. It's his mental state that holds my worry." He turned and met her gaze. "Regina, I—"

A howl sounded and someone shouted. Regina jerked her head in time to see Lyon in the cage tackle one of the Lyons males, throw him out of the way and slam a fist into the second one. He rushed out of the cage, a wild expression on his face and his gaze located her. Pure rage twisted his features and he barreled forward.

"No!" Robin shouted and threw his body between them, nearly plowing into her as the other Lyon attacked.

Regina scrambled to get out of the way but it was too late. The enraged, drugged-out Lyon punched Robin in the face. Robin staggered and the other Lyon howled again as he lunged her way. She didn't even get a scream out before brutal hands grabbed her. One hand wrapped around her throat, cut off her air and the other one held her arm so tightly she was sure it would snap.

A roar was the only warning before Robin attacked. All three of them went down in a tangle of bodies, the hand was torn off her throat and the other Lyon screamed in pain. Regina tried to roll away but her legs were pinned under their combined weight as they exchanged blows.

Someone grabbed her arm, she looked up to see David's pale face and he jerked hard enough to make her cry out when he dragged her free. He kept pulling her along the floor until a good ten feet separated her from Robin. She stared at the sight of him fighting with the other Lyon male. It was brutal and the sounds they made were flat-out terrifying.

"Get that human out of here," Robin snarled. "He is out of his mind."

David cursed, bent and scooped Regina into his arms. She twisted when he lifted her up and jogged for the door. She watched in horror as Robin and the male kept fighting while no one seemed to help him. Her mouth opened to yell that someone needed to pull them apart but by then David had taken her from the room and bounded up the stairs.

"Put me down."

He panted, kept moving and ignored her order. He slowed as they neared the top and she was grateful for that because all that jostling wasn't easy on her stomach or her bones.

"Sir," a man reported, "let her go and let me see her injuries."

David eased his hold on her. "I'll take her to a hospital, Killian."

Killian nodded and David carried her to where a helicopter waited. He lifted her inside and helped buckle her into a seat and took the one next to hers. She watched them lift in the injured Lyons who'd been hooked up to machines. He was still unconscious. Her gaze searched for Robin but he didn't join them when the doors closed and the helicopter lifted off.

Where is he? She hoped he was okay since he would have been flown to the Woods if he needed medical attention. The sound inside the helicopter was too loud for her to try to interrogate David. It would have to wait until they landed.

The big Lyon next to her opened a blanket and turned in his seat, offering it to her. She gave him a grateful smile, wrapped the soft material around her body and leaned back against the seat. They'd been saved. She buried her face in it and let the tears fall. It had been a hell of an ordeal.

When they landed a Lyon named John picked her up and carried her to what looked like a hospital. There were several other buildings around, with Lyons looking around at the commotion. A short blonde woman wearing a white coat stepped into the doorway. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she smiled too. "Hello, Miss Regina. I'm Ana and I'll be your doctor. Please follow me to an exam room."

The exam room was similar to every other doctor's office one she'd ever visited and she sat on the paper-draped table as the door closed. It was just her and Ana in the room. The doctor looked young, maybe thirty and her smile faded. "Where are you hurt?"

"I don't need to be looked at," Regina admitted. "I have some bruises and I think I may have a scratch on the back of my head."

The doctor came forward, had her tilt her head and put on gloves. She touched her head, found the sore spot and stepped back. "It's not bad. Any dizziness? Double vision? Let me see your cheek. I spoke to Robin while you were being flown in and he told me you suffered a few falls and that one of the creeps who kidnapped you struck you in the face."

"Is he okay?"

"He's fine. He stayed behind to answer questions but he'll be back here tonight. Please answer my questions." She held up two fingers. "How many?"

"I don't have a concussion. Two. I'm not dizzy and my vision is fine. I appreciate your concern but I've felt worst after a trip to the gym than I do right now. I really am fine." Regina said

"I was informed you were given a shot. Do you know what was in it? Did the doctor say? Robin noticed the needle mark on your arm."

That surprised her. "She took blood and swabbed my cheek. She wanted samples from me."

"I hate those scientific freaks," Ana muttered while touching her arms, examining them. She lifted her nightshirt enough to check out her knees and finally the bottom of her feet before straightening. Her gaze held Regina's. "Would you like to talk to someone? We could get you a therapist. You've been through an ordeal."

"To be honest, I just want a shower, a hot meal and my own bed. That is what would do me a world of good."

The doctor stripped off her gloves, tossed them at the counter and nodded. "I totally understand. I have some pills for you to take, just to prevent you from getting an infection. I don't know if they used a sterile needle when blood was drawn but I'd rather not take the chance. Are you allergic to any medications? Are you currently taking any?"

"I don't have any allergies and I'm not taking anything. I don't do drugs and only drink once in a while."

"Okay." Ana hesitated. "Um, Robin spoke to me as I said. Whatever you say is confidential. Are you injured at all? Robin told me the two of you had sex and he was concerned he may have been too rough. Do you want a pelvic exam just to make sure you're okay? They don't carry venereal diseases and I can assure you that he's completely healthy."

Regina blushed. "I'm fine. He didn't hurt me and I'd really like to keep that a secret. You can assure him that I'm healthy too. I get regular checkups and I'm sure about that." She wasn't about to mention she didn't have a sex life to expose her body to sexually transmitted diseases.

The woman's eyes narrowed. "Only myself, you and Robin are aware of what happened as far as I know."

Regina nodded.

"Down the hall is the nearest shower. I'm going to check on the incoming males." Ana reached out and brushed Regina's arm. "I'm glad you're okay and feel free to take us up on that offer to speak to someone if you struggle with anything. Just call Woods and ask for me. I'll have Killian bring you those pills. Just take them with water."

"Thanks." Regina meant it. "I'm fine though."

She just wished she could talk to Robin but knew he wasn't there. It was still daylight. She had no idea what time it was but suspected it would be a while before he arrived. She'd shower, eat something and maybe take a nap while she waited for him to find her

Exhaustion made Robin sluggish as he stood in the reception room at the Medical Center waiting for Will to return from checking on everyone. The male exited from a hallway and approached with a soda in hand, offering it to him.

"I figured you would enjoy this."

He opened it and drank half of it in one swallow. "Thank you." He glanced around to make sure no one was close enough to overhear. "Where is Regina?" He sniffed. "I smell her but the air-conditioning has me confused of the direction to take to find her room."

Will frowned. "We sent her home."

"What?" Anger deepened his voice. "I wanted to see her."

"That's not a good idea." Will said.

"I want to see Regina." He crushed the can in his hand and the contents spilled. He cursed, set it down on the counter and rubbed soda off his palm on his sweats.

"Robin, be reasonable, my man. She doesn't want to see you."

"She said this?" His heart thundered and pain gripped him. "She refused to wait here for me? Was she informed I was coming and that I wished to see her?"

Will's gaze narrowed. "You know it's for the best. David noticed the bite mark on your chest and the scratches. He assumed they were from Regina. He told me that you aren't allowed any contact with her and that he discussed it with her."

"Did she refuse to see me?" The question came out in snarled fury. The idea of Regina leaving was bad enough but to refuse to speak to him was unthinkable.

"Calm down now."

"I'm a council member and you don't tell me what to do." He spun and stormed for the door but had no plan of how to find Regina. He'd think of one though, hopefully find a transport to take him to her hotel and see her.

"Robin? She doesn't want to see you."

That brought him to a jarring halt. He turned and Will nodded. "I'm sorry, man. I wanted to spare you but John asked for a consult with a shrink before we arrived. I was just given the report he made when he took in all the facts." He reached back into his pocket and withdrew the folded paper. "She was traumatized by the kidnapping, you were her only source of comfort and she only cared about you as a way of coping with the stress."

He shook his head. "She is attracted to me. She admitted that."

"It would only harm her if you forced this issue. Do you want to cause her more stress?"

"No." Robin's knees weakened. He was hungry, tired and injured. His body only functioned on adrenaline and the need to seek out Regina. He locked his legs. "I would never hurt her."

"I know. You don't even like human women."

"I like her."

"You'll cause her pain, my man. She needs time to heal and recover."

"She's injured?"

"Emotionally. The shrink recommended you make no contact with her at all. Let her come to you when she's ready if she ever wants to discuss what happened."

"She was well? The doctor checked her over completely?"

"Yes. Ana personally took care of her." Will hesitated. "She gave her the pills."

"What pills?"

The hesitation in answering angered Robin. "What pills? Was she sick?"

"You shared sex with her. It was decided to give her medication in case you got her pregnant. It will end any pregnancy that may have occurred."

Robin snarled, pure rage gripped him and stepped toward Will before he even meant to. Will stumbled back a few steps and lifted his arms.

"Stop!"

He did. "She wasn't in heat when I mounted her. I told you this! You told her classified information? I understand now why she is angry. I couldn't tell her that I could get her pregnant while we were locked up. It was too risky in that place. Is she angry with me? Is that why she refused to wait? I am sure she is on some kind of preventative drug to prevent being impregnated. Most human females are."

"Not according to what she told Ana. Regina wasn't told what the pills really were. She thinks they are antibiotics to prevent infection from the needle used to draw blood from her arm. She isn't angry or upset with you for not telling her the truth before you shared sex."

"We shared more than sex."

Will's expression showed pity. "I'm sure you did but seeing you will only remind her of the trauma she suffered. She was locked inside a cage with you, forced to take your semen, which we destroyed. She's safe now and if she ever wants to see you, she'll let you know. Give her time."

His chest hurt and it had nothing to do with his bruised ribs, which had been injured when he'd fought with that Lyon male to protect Regina from the drugged male. "We shared more than sex," he stated more firmly. "I know it would be difficult but I want to spend more time with her. I have feelings."

"It's not just about you. It's about her too and she needs to come to you if or when she wants to see you. Respect that, Robin. You are a council member but this is about the best for all of us."

"I want her." His fists clenched.

"She isn't a pet you can collar and take home."

"I know," he snarled.

"You're tired and hungry. You need ten hours of sleep and then we'll discuss this, okay? Be rational."

He fought his anger and tried to calm. "This discussion is not over."

"I understand. We'll have it tomorrow after you get some rest and good food." Will said.

A few days later, Regina sat inside her bedroom but the feeling of being safe inside her hotel room wasn't the feeling she thought she would be feeling. She missed Robin. She knew it was a unbelievable position that they were put in. She needed to talk to him, so she pulled out a card with the number for the Woods compound.

After a few rings, a female voice answered.

"I'd like to talk to Robin," she braved.

"Who is this?" the female asked Regina.

"This is Regina, I really need to speak with Robin." Regina said.

"That's not going to happen. I was assured that he's done with humans. I know something happened between you, but I was assured he wants nothing to do with humans ever again." The woman hung up on Regina.

Tears fell. Robin was done with humans? As in he never wanted to see her again? She remembered how he'd reacted when she'd touched his arm and yelled at David to get her out of there. Maybe he'd lied and he was angry at her. It hurt. She'd fallen for him but should have remembered he didn't want to get involved with her. He'd made it clear, yet she'd hoped. Regina turned her face into her pillow and clutched it. She missed Robin and it tore her up a bit that it was over without even getting to say goodbye to him.

Nine weeks later

Regina wandered around the cabin, bored and lonely. She finally settled on the couch, curled into a ball and used the arm of it for a pillow. She was due to contact her dad soon and she'd have to think up a new lie. He thought she was traveling through Europe and would be shocked if he knew she'd never left Romania. They kept in touch via skype and emails.

The thought of Robin made her sit up and clench her hands together over her thighs. She'd been sad at first when he hadn't tried to contact her but as the weeks passed, it had turned to anger. How dare he not even check on her? It would have been polite to at least get in touch to see if she had recovered from their traumatic ordeal. The fact that he'd had sex with her made it twice as unforgivable not to make that effort. So much for being a team.

Later she'd made a shocking discovery that had changed her life. She'd had to plot and plan, make up a bunch of lies and move to a safe place. She'd worked quickly to make calls to set up an elaborate deception. She discovered she was good at it and believed she'd covered all her bases.

She had bought a disposable cell phone, paid cash, kept the call reasonably short and it was far from here. She even remembered to remove the battery from it and throw it in the trash in case someone tried to track the phone. She took deep breaths. You did it all right and no one knows it's you. That calmed her a bit.

The phone had rung twice when she'd placed that call. The Woods operator had answered and she'd asked to speak to Doctor Ana, had lied and said the woman was expecting her call.

Doctor Ana had picked up after four rings. She would never forget the way her stomach heaved at hearing each ring, her heart had raced and fear had gripped her. It was too dangerous to make the call but she'd needed some answers to some important questions.

"This is Doctor Ana."

The woman had a cheerful voice. Regina knew that would change. "Hello," she'd managed to get out. "I don't have much time, I'm afraid you'll trace the call, but we need to talk."

"Um, okay." The doctor's happy tone changed to one of hesitancy.

"Is it true that some Lyons are allergic to chocolate and it makes them really sick?"

The silence had stretched longer than Regina liked, every one of them counting since time was limited. They could try to track the phone but by the time someone got there, she'd have disabled the battery, been gone and planned to dump it somewhere else in a trash bin.

"You need to address all your questions to the public relations department of the Woods," Ana had finally responded. "Have a nice day."

Panic gripped Regina. The doctor planned to hang up. "Wait! This is urgent."

More seconds ticked but the line remained open. "It's urgent that you know if they are allergic to chocolate? What kind of nut ball are you?" Anger altered her voice again.

"I'm pregnant," Regina blurted, clenched her teeth in regret but knew she'd have to reveal that fact to get the answers she so desperately needed. She took a calming breath to remember to talk with the false accent. "I slept with a Lyon and I'm pregnant. I'm afraid that if I eat chocolate that I'll hurt the baby. I need to know if that's a possibility."

"That's not funny."

"I'm not laughing." Regina hesitated. "It's true and I am afraid to go to a doctor, considering who the father is. Will a doctor be able to tell that right off? I know they take tests and give ultrasounds. Is it safe for me to go see someone or do I have to avoid that to prevent them from finding out?"

"Don't you have better things to do than make prank phone calls? I do." Ana sighed. "I'm hanging up now."

Panic gripped Regina again. She knew the doctor didn't believe her but she needed to. "His sperm is noticeably hotter than other men. They are also well endowed, at least he was and he growls a lot during sex. He has sharp teeth, likes to grip skin with them and enjoys sex on the rough side." She hesitated. "This isn't a joke and he was circumcised."

"Who is this?" Ana's voice came out soft. "Is this for real?"

"Yes."

"You need to come to Woods. just tell them you need to see me and they'll escort you in. I'll personally examine you. I don't believe you since Lyons can't breed but it will end this nonsense."

"I am pregnant, the father is a Lyon and no way am I coming there. Just please answer my questions." Regina hated the desperation she heard in her own voice. "Can it hurt the baby if I eat chocolate? I crave it but I've avoided having it. I'm taking over-the-counter prenatal vitamins but I'd like to see a doctor. Will he know if he examines me that something is off? It's two questions, two answers and that's all I need." It terrified her not knowing if the baby was okay.

Ana finally spoke again. "That's not possible."

"Well, it is. I'm definitely pregnant and too afraid to go see a doctor. I didn't want to risk a test coming back weird and them figuring out my baby is mixed race. Please just answer the question. I have to get off the phone soon. I don't want you to trace the call."

"Why don't you come to the Woods? I'll personally examine you myself. It's free if you're worried about money."

"I can't do that."

Ana spoke fast. "This is a prank, right?"

Regina fought tears. "I wish it were but no. I'm scared," she admitted. "I know about the hate groups and I'm the first woman to get pregnant by one of them, which would be huge news. I don't want my baby to be the center of a freak show or to be targeted by idiots. I've rented a remote cabin. No one but you knows about this. I don't trust anyone."

"You need to see a doctor. Come to the Woods. It will be safe. No one will hurt you." Ana took a deep breath. "Or I'll come to you if this is real. Just tell me where you are. No one has to know."

"It's not happening." Regina hesitated. "I can't let my family find out. It's hard to explain and complicated but that's how it is. The baby's father is a Lyon. Is there anything special I can't eat or drink besides the regular stuff? Do I need to consume more meat? I know they eat a lot of it."

"Tell me something else so I know this is real."

Regina bit her lip. "I'm gaining weight fast and showing already when I shouldn't be. I had morning sickness within a few weeks of getting pregnant but I thought I caught the flu until I started gaining weight and my breasts grew tender. I've had friends who had babies and remembered them complaining about that when they were pregnant."

"Tell me where you are and I'll come to you. You need medical supervision immediately if you are pregnant and it's a Lyon. How far along are you?"

"I'd rather not say. You could ask who's slept with a human woman and narrow it down to find me. I won't take that risk."

A soft curse issued from the doctor. "You don't know how dangerous this could be if you are alone. Are you really going to a remote cabin? You can't do that. You need medical help close by. I need to know how far along you are."

"I have to go. Do I need to eat more meat or avoid any foods? Can I see a doctor safely without it ending up on the evening news? Just answer that. I don't want to harm the baby by not giving it what it needs or eating something it can't tolerate."

The doctor softly swore. "Yes. Eat more red meat. Some Lyons get sick on chocolate. I don't know if it would affect a baby but it can make some of them really ill. Don't chance it. A doctor would get odd results right away if it were a Lyon baby and think something was wrong with your pregnancy. He'd run more tests and they would figure it out quickly. Come to the Woods. You—"

"That's never going to happen. I'm sorry but forget that. I won't see you."

"Can you at least call me every day? Do you have a pen? I'm going to give you my cell phone number. We'll talk and you'll get to know you can trust me."

Regina hesitated. "You won't try to trace the call or anything?"

"I swear."

Regina reached into her purse, knew it was a bad idea, the doctor was probably lying, but she was desperate. "Give it to me." She wrote down the number. "I'll call you in a few days. This isn't a prank. I really am pregnant and it really is by a Lyon."

"Please, I'm begging you," Doctor Ana urged softly. "Let me come to you or you come to the Woods. Just walk up to the gate and tell them to page me. No one but me needs to know right now. Please just—"

Regina had hung up the cell phone and slid the back off to remove the battery. Two miles later she'd ditched the phone in a trash can and continued on her drive to her rented cabin. She pulled her thoughts from that conversation and stood from the couch. She stretched and knew she needed to run errands soon. She had to make one more call first. Yesterday something had happened that left her no choice. She needed to talk to Doctor Ana again.

The new disposable phone lay on the dining room table. She bit her lip, debated taking a long drive to hide her location better, but her father would know if something were up. He never said anything in his emails, she felt safe no one suspected her of anything and she probably was safe. Doctor Ana might honestly be trustworthy when she said she'd never try to track the phone calls. Some people were.

The number she'd scribbled down lay next to the phone. Her hands trembled a little as she reached for both. She bit her lip. Another flutter in her belly made her gasp. She dropped the paper and rested her hand over the curved mound of her belly. Hot tears surfaced, caused by worry and confusion. She could feel the baby move. How is that possible? She stood there debating what to do. The smart thing would be to rush to Doctor Ana and let the woman take care of her and the baby

Thinking about Robin made her feel guilty. He had a right to know he was going to be a father. She knew right from wrong but that was one hurdle she wasn't ready to take on yet. After the baby was born, she'd face that issue. Guilt turned to anger in the next moment. She chalked it up to her hormones but if Robin had called her he might know he was going to be a father. It took both of them to get her in the mess but it was up to her to try to contain the fallout. She'd been tempted plenty of times to try to reach him but had no idea how without having to go through the Woods switchboard. They'd ask why she wanted to talk to him, might investigate her to make sure she wasn't a threat.

The flutter happened again, more of a tiny kick and she closed her eyes, amazed at the feeling and frightened. Robin was a big guy and she'd hoped she was gaining weight so fast because the baby might be as large as the father but she couldn't forget he wasn't totally human. She might not know much about pregnancy since she'd never experienced it before but she had friends who had children. She shouldn't feel the baby stir for months. The baby might be growing faster than a purely human one, thanks to Robin's altered genes, and like it or not, she was in over her head. She needed to have a conversation with the Lyons doctor to figure it out.

She opened her eyes and reached for the paper again. Her hands shook as she dialed the number. Her heart pounded as the phone rang. A woman's voice answered on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Doctor Ana?" Regina remembered to disguise her voice. "It's me again. The pregnant lady."

"You promised to call me and it's been three weeks," the doctor accused, sounding out of breath and maybe excited. "How are you?"

"Scared and alarmed. I'm feeling the baby move. How can that be? It's way too early."

"How far along are you?"

"We've been over this. I am not telling you that. Is it possible that the baby could be developing faster than normal? I mean, is that nuts to even consider? Lyons are part animal and I've been researching on the internet. The gestation period is shorter in animals than in humans. I'm gaining weight too fast and now I've got movement. It's not gas either." She shorted a laugh at that one, glad for some humor. "It's definitely the baby."

"You need to come to the Woods. What is your name?"

"Pregnant lady."

"Are you really living in a cabin by yourself?"

"Yes." Regina figured that was safe information to give out.

"Do you have a friend or someone who checks on you at least?"

She hesitated. "What is the point of asking me this?"

"You're alone, you told me you don't trust anyone and you need help if you really are pregnant. What are you afraid of? No one is going to hurt you. You can walk right up to the gates, tell them you're there to see me and I swear I'll rush right out. If you don't want anyone to see you, I can meet you anywhere you want. I'll bring my bag and some equipment that is mobile. I can even come to your cabin."

"That's not going to happen. I got lost for a reason. I don't want anyone to find me."

"I can tell you if your baby is all right. Don't you want to make sure? I have a son and I know I was worried sick about his health when I was pregnant. I swear I gave myself an ultrasound almost daily just to check on him. I could do that for you if you came here. I'll come to you if you don't want to be seen. I know there are protesters out there. We have a helicopter and could fly you in to prevent anyone from seeing you."

"I appreciate that but as I said, I don't trust anyone." Regina said.

Ana hesitated. "Are you afraid of the father? Is that it? Do you think if you let him know that he'll react badly?"

"I try not to think about him." Regina leaned forward and sighed. "I know he has a right to know and I plan to tell him one day but not until it's safe. You don't know what is at stake."

"Then tell me. Just tell me something."

Regina hesitated. "My family would go insane if they found out and they would hurt the father. That's all I can tell you."

"So you are protecting the father of your baby? That's why you won't come in? Your family doesn't have to know. Your family can't get to him or you if you come here. I swear you will be safe. All of you will be."

"Do you think the baby is growing faster than normal? Is it possible? Just answer me that because that's all I can figure and I'm worried."

"Are you more than four months along?"

"No."

"Good." Ana hesitated. "Don't you want to know the sex of the baby? If you let me see you I could bring a portable ultrasound machine and tell you the sex."

"That's just mean. You know I'd love to know that but I can't risk it. If you aren't going to answer me, I need to go."

"Wait! How are you feeling? Are you healthy? Any unusual symptoms or anything? I'm assuming you haven't seen a doctor?"

"You know I can't risk that. I'm tired a lot but I read that's normal. My appetite is great. I haven't thrown up in weeks and am past the morning sickness stage. I have to go. Thanks for talking to me."

"You have to call me more often. At least once every few days. You're alone. Something could go wrong. Please?" The doctor sounded panicked.

"I'll call you once a week."

"Do you promise? I am worried about you. You don't know everything and I can't tell you over a phone."

"Tell me what?" Regina's heart pounded with fear. What did the doctor know that she wasn't saying?

"Just call me and we'll keep talking."

"I have to go." Regina hung up.

Ana hung up and put her house phone to her ear. She'd called Will when she'd picked up her cell with the woman and let him overhear the conversation on speaker phone.

"Did you recognize her voice?"

"No. I didn't recognize it but the accent is fake. She slipped a few times. Maybe she's lying about the pregnancy."

"No. She knows too much. She said she felt the baby move for the first time. She's between eight and ten weeks along. That's when we feel movement. That's good. Thank God. I was terrified we wouldn't have any time to find her before the baby was due. She is about halfway through her pregnancy, Will. I delivered at twenty weeks. She doesn't know Lyon babies grow and develop faster. We have to find her fast." Ana said.

"Good thing we tracked her phone. Killian and I will be on our way now." Will said as he kissed his wife, purring as he did so.

"Hungry? I am starving! We missed breakfast when we ran out of milk and it took longer to get to town than normal thanks to that logging truck hogging the road. I wasn't about to try to pass him."

She hefted the bags, used her hip to close the door and climbed the porch steps, careful not to trip. The chair next to the door took one bag as she used her keys to get inside, turned and grabbed the bag again. Her foot shoved the door closed behind her. "I want a big ole steak. Doesn't that sound good? And milk." She walked into the kitchen, dumped the bags on the counter and reached in for one of the meat packages. "Sorry for the tummy rumbling you're hearing." She chuckled.

"I bet it's pretty loud in there where you are since I can hear it out here."

She grabbed a pan she'd left on the stove, pulled it to the front burner and tore open the plastic. Starved was an understatement. Hunger seemed to plague her constantly. She dumped the steak into the pan and tossed the packaging in the trash next to the stove.

"Five minutes, kiddo. We'll be slurping milk and chowing down on a T-bone."

She turned to put away the rest of the groceries and movement caused her to gasp. A tall man dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt stepped into her kitchen from the dining room. Terror gripped her instantly. She hadn't locked the door when she'd entered the house and her frightened gaze jerked up to his face.

"Oh shit," she muttered. It wasn't just some random stranger bent on robbing or killing her. He was a Lyon. His dark black hair was windblown and his black eyes blinked at her. His hands slowly rose, palms out at his side. "Easy, female. I am not here to harm you. I came to talk. Doctor Ana sent me. I'm Killian. Don't be alarmed."

Regina backed up. Alarmed? A Lyon was inside her cabin. Her hands darted protectively over her stomach and his gaze lowered, noticing her reaction. He looked at her, held her gaze and remained where he stood. She backed up more.

"Careful. There's a hot pan behind you." He tensed. "Don't get burned."

"Get out," she whispered, heart pounding.

She stopped moving but panicked inside. She'd made a huge mistake trusting that doctor and they'd obviously traced her call. They would have had to do that to find her. The proof stood in her kitchen, watching her.

"Doctor Ana is worried. You're safe and no one will harm you. She just wants to make sure you and the baby are fine. She flew to the Woods two days ago when she talked to you last. She didn't trace your call. We did, to the local cell tower that relayed your call. Do not be angry with her. She didn't break her promise but had no control over what we did." His gaze lowered to her stomach again and he sniffed. "Your baby is a Lyon Cub and you need special care during your pregnancy."

"Just forget you found me and go away," Regina pleaded as she blinked back tears. "Just leave me alone."

He met her gaze again and sorrow filled his exotic eyes. "I can't do that. You and your baby need to see a doctor. You are about halfway through your pregnancy. If we left you alone you would be in for a shock when you hit your fifth month. That's when your baby will come full term."

Regina's mouth fell open. It took her a second to recover. She'd guessed the baby might develop faster but nothing had prepared her for that. "What?"

"It's a Lyon baby. It will be male, it will look like us and it will be born at around five months, full term. We develop faster. The baby will have features like the father. You won't be able to pass your child off without anyone taking one look and knowing what he is. Hate groups will come after you and your child. They will try to kill you both. The Greene Corporation might come after you and your child as well." He paused. "Some of the employees are still out there avoiding capture, being hunted, and they might try to use you both as leverage against us or worse. You are putting yourself and your baby in severe danger by not coming to us. We would never hurt you or your child. We'd never take him away from you. Your pan is burning. May I turn off the fire under it?"

Regina turned her head, saw smoke rising and the smell of burning meat finally registered. She reached over to turn it off. She stepped away from the stovetop but kept her distance from him. He held still, not moving as she watched him warily.

"No one knows about this baby. I've gone to a lot of trouble to hide. I'm good where I am and you can leave."

"The Woods is fifteen miles from here. Let me take you there to allow Doctor Ana to look you and the baby over. If you refuse, we will just put a detail of security around your home to keep you and the baby safe. That isn't up for debate. You and the child need to be guarded around the clock. It's more dangerous for you here but we would never force you to live in captivity. We know all about that."

She shook her head. "I can't go with you and you can't send people here to protect me. You don't understand. I don't know you, which is good, but there's going to be hell to pay if anyone recognizes me." Terror gripped her. "Are there any humans around or is it just you?"

"It's just me."

"Thank God." She could breathe again. "Please just forget you found me and go. The worst thing you could do is send a security detail here. Swear to me you won't do that."

"Explain why that's dangerous. It would protect you."

The baby kicked hard. Regina flinched and rubbed her stomach. The Lyon male smiled suddenly as he met her gaze. "I saw that. He is strong. Ana said that by the time she was in her sixteenth week it felt as though her son might kick his way out."

Shock tore through Regina. "Doctor Ana?"

Killian nodded. "I am allowed to tell you. It is confirmed that you are pregnant with one of my kind. She has a son named Rayne, is married to one of us. She had her baby at twenty weeks. Would you like to see her son? Would you like to see what your baby is going to resemble? Lyon are cute as infants. Rayne claims the hearts of everyone."

"I can't go. You need to leave and don't let them send anyone else."

He frowned. "You need to see a doctor. You are frightened. I can smell your fear. Please stop being afraid. I'd rather shoot myself than cause you any harm. What is your name? We searched but couldn't find anything with your name on it."

"We?" Her fear increased.

Killian frowned. "You are terrified." He suddenly paled. "Did one of us harm you?" His focus jerked to her stomach and then back to her face. "Did the father hurt you? Did he force you?"

She shook her head.

Killian's frown deepened. "But you are afraid. Why?"

She met his eyes. "I don't want the father of my baby to know. At least not yet. I have enough to worry about without dealing with the crappy situation with him. I also don't want the world to find out about my baby because I know they'll hurt him."

"We'll keep you both safe." Killian promised her.

Regina shook her head.

"You're giving me no choice but to do this the way I didn't intend. I won't reconsider and leave you this way without a security detail. I was certain I could talk you in to going with me but I see now that you are determined to stay." He glanced at her stomach once more, took a deep breath, and his gaze hardened when he met her eyes. "I'm so sorry. Don't be afraid but you are going with me. You'll see the doctor, have round-the-clock security and that isn't up for debate. You're obviously in extreme danger anyway and it was a good thing we found you. Please don't fight me. Think of your baby." He moved.

Regina backed up and her ass hit the counter. "No."

In four long steps he had her and his hands carefully gripped her arms gently. "The helicopter comes. You would have heard it in a moment and known I planned to take you whether you agreed or not. I don't wish to cause you fright and remember no one is going to hurt you. We are going to the Woods where Ana will look you and the baby over. You have no choice in this. Remain calm for the baby."

"Let me go, damn it!" Regina yelled and tried to twist away.

He suddenly released her and easily scooped her up into the cradle of his arms.

Regina screamed and clawed at his shirt. "Put me down." She didn't struggle, too afraid he'd drop her and he was tall. It would be a long fall to the floor.

"Think of your baby," he growled loudly. "Relax and slow your breathing. Calm."

Terror hit Regina but she stopped tearing at his shirt. Her fingers fisted the material though, clung to him and tried to find words that would make him put her down.

"This is kidnapping! I'm a US citizen and I refuse to go with you. You can't do this. It's against the law."

He glanced down at her and arched an eyebrow as he carried her through the house. "I'm aware of some of your laws. Possession is nine tenths of it and I have you." He adjusted her in his hold to secure her tighter against his bulky chest. "You are safe."

She knew she couldn't get away from him and he wasn't going to change his mind. She studied his handsome face, didn't see anger there, but pure determination was easy to read. She heard the helicopter approaching as he reached the front door. It was wide open now, something he must have done before startling her in the kitchen, making her suspicious that he had planned to carry her out in the first place.

Killian carried her down the porch steps and addressed the two Lyon males who stood next to the waiting helicopter. "Get her things and lock up the cabin. She has food on the counter that needs to be put away. The helicopter will return for you in half an hour," he yelled.

The men nodded. Regina glanced at the new faces, neither familiar, and gasped when they suddenly gripped Killian's upper arms. They lifted him, with her still resting in his strong arms, off the ground and into the helicopter. Killian ducked his head, carried her to a bench and sat. The doors closed. He adjusted her to put on his belt but was careful to keep one arm hooked around her ribs at all times in case she bolted. She considered it but the helicopter lifted off. It was too late and she wished it wasn't so loud inside. She'd love to try to convince him to take her back, even if it was pointless. The guy was stubborn and she knew the type well.

The helicopter hit a little turbulence, pulling her from her thoughts and panic struck. Doctor Ana would recognize her the second they met. She'd been the doctor who'd examined her after she'd been rescued from that warehouse basement. She turned her head to stare at Killian. "You can't do this to me. Let me go, damn it. You don't understand." She yelled to be heard, knew he caught the words and it encouraged her. "Please?"

He looked apologetic look but shook his head. His hold on her tightened as if he feared she'd try to get up and rush for the door. She wasn't stupid or suicidal. More turbulence shook them roughly and Regina felt suddenly sick. She threw her hand up to her mouth to cover it.

Killian cursed and lifted her off his lap, holding her inches above it to lessen the motion of flying. "Close your eyes and breathe through your nose," he ordered loudly. He adjusted his hold enough to grip her wrist and tapped her skin there with his thumb over her pulse.

It distracted Regina enough that the nausea eased but not by much. His hold on her was very gentle, almost reminded her of Robin. She closed her eyes and buried her face against his neck. His warm skin, the strong arms and the big body felt eerily similar to Robin as well.

"We're almost there," Killian said loud enough to be heard. "I've got you and it's almost over."

Regina's thoughts ran rampant. Robin was going to find out about the baby soon. Doctor Ana had told her that Robin was a council member here. He'd be informed she was at the Woods as soon as Doctor Ana recognized her. Tears filled her eyes and she hated how some of them spilled out against Killian's neck. He nuzzled her with his head, probably trying to comfort her and that made it worse.

She didn't want to see Robin. He hadn't called and she was still hurt and angry that she'd meant so little to him when she'd believed they had shared something special. He'd be shocked to learn she was pregnant, probably as stunned as she'd been, but she worried he'd be mad too. Worst-case scenario—Robin might want to take the baby from her. Killian had said that he wouldn't.

The helicopter set down, bumped the ground hard and shook her from her thoughts about Robin. Killian rose to his feet, tucked his head and walked to the door that opened from the outside before they reached it. Regina lifted her head, glanced into his eyes and swore she saw pity there. He carried her out and over to the Medical Center.

As Killian carried her into a room, Ana's back was to Regina, her blonde hair in a ponytail and she spoke to a male with dark hair. He was smiling at Ana and he leaned down to plant a kiss on the doctor that was a lot more than friendly.

Killian cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt you lovebirds but here she is. She won't give her name and she resisted coming."

The Lyon male released Ana and she slowly turned. Regina met her gaze and watched recognition register as the doctor's eyes widened. She instantly turned to the male she'd been kissing and whispered into his ear. A few seconds later he left the room.

Killian placed her on the bed and left the room. Regina quickly started talking. "Just let me go and let's end this right now before it's a full-blown nightmare."

"We can't, Regina. That baby is going to need to be here where you're safe. Did Killian tell you anything about what to expect from the pregnancy? A full-term Lyon baby develops in about twenty weeks. You're what? Eight weeks along?" Ana took a step closer.

"Nine."

"You're almost halfway through your pregnancy. It's why you are showing and can feel the baby move. I have a son with Will. The Lyons' altered genetics are strong and override everything so the baby will be male and he will have the Lyon physical traits. You can't just have this baby and hide it.

Regina stayed quiet.

"We have to inform the father of the baby, Regina."

"No." Regina shook her head. "It's my baby."

"We have to. He needs to be warned at the very least. Would you like us to bring him here to give you the opportunity to tell him in person?"

Regina shook her head firmly again. "We have nothing to say to each other. I can't stop you from telling him but if you do, I don't want anything from him except to stay away from me."

"You blame him for what happened?" Ana's face paled. "He was a victim too."

"I know that and that's not why I don't want to see him. Just tell him I don't want anything from him but for him to stay away. I was stripped of the choice to come here or not. Please don't force me to see him too. Please?" Regina hated that tears filled her eyes. Hormones and the fear of what would happen were making her highly emotional and taking their toll. "Don't I have enough to deal with already?"

Ana hesitated, looked uncertain, but then blew out a breath. "Let's go look at the baby and check you out. We'll worry about that first and the rest later. Why don't you go inside and strip everything off? I'll be there in a minute." Ana walked out of the room.

Regina nodded and put her hands over her stomach and rubbed. The baby moved and she knew at least one thing was right in her world.

Killian frowned as Ana walked out. "You know who the father of her child is?" He peered at Ana, waiting for an answer.

She nodded. "Don't tell anyone who the father is until he is informed first. Hell, this information is considered completely classified so he's the only one you tell. You heard her. She won't tell him herself. I need you to do it, Killian."

Killian hesitated, looking grim. "Who am I going to go give the happy and shocking news to?"

Ana glanced at her husband before addressing Killian. "Find Robin. He was forced to share a cage with her when he was kidnapped and they shared sex. This is going to be…" Ana sighed, at a loss for words.

Will put his arm around her. "Difficult for all."

"Son of a bitch," Killian cursed. "I think I know where he is. I heard some of the females discussing something this morning at breakfast, before I left for my work shift. I'll go now."

Killian found Robin in the pub compound throwing darts, Killian got two drinks and held out one of the glasses. "Drink this."

Robin tried to sniff to determine what it was but Killian stood upwind of him. He glanced at the murky drink, raised his gaze and frowned. "What is it?"

"Whiskey. I took two big gulps of it already."

"I don't drink that stuff."

"I don't usually either but today is the exception. Trust me. Swallow. You're going to need it." Killian drank his down fast, snarled softly and fisted the empty glass.

"Just tell me the bad news. I assume something horrible has happened."

"You want the news?" Killian shoved the drink at him again. "Down that first and then I will tell you."

Irritation flashed for a second before outright dread. Someone had died. It must be someone he knew. He accepted the tiny drink. He gave it a dirty look but lifted it to his parted lips, forced his hand to raise and the horrible taste plowed through his mouth as he swallowed.

"Ugh. That is terrible." He wiped his mouth to glare at Killian. "Tell me."

Killian hesitated.

"Get it out. Don't torture me with the unknown."

"You should sit down on that bench to your right."

Robin growled at him. "Don't give me orders and stop stalling."

"Please, sit. We have a serious situation happening at Medical."

Robin sat, just to prevent the male from dragging it out anymore and didn't want to beat the information from him. He was tempted though. "What is going on?"

Killian inched backward to put a few more feet between them. "We have a human female at medical who is pregnant with a Lyon baby. We had to track her and bring her in against her will. She refused to come on her own."

"I heard something about that. I was told some human female had contacted The Woods saying she had gotten pregnant by one of our males but refused our protection. I'm glad she was located. Did you find the father?"

"That's the problem." Killian stared at Robin. "The woman refused to tell him herself and hell, she said she doesn't want to see him."

Robin didn't like that news. "Do you want the council to hold a meeting and try to determine who the father is by asking our people? Do you have a photo of her? It would help. We'll show her to the males and find the father if she won't reveal his name."

"Ana 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." Killian smirked at Robin.

Robin cocked his head, more than a little confused and irritated. Killian was speaking in riddles, not making sense. "I don't understand."

"The woman is Regina Mills." Killian stared at him sympathetically. "Ring any bells, daddy?"

The glass in Robin's finger slipped to the ground. He was glad he sat as shock ripped through his system. He stared at Killian, unable to even form words, as his brain tried to assimilate the information. Regina was the female? Pregnant? His heart exploded in a thunderous pounding and blood rushed to his ears.

Killian nodded. "She tried to run and hide. She's definitely pregnant and it's a Lyon. I smelled her myself."

Robin suddenly inhaled. He closed his eyes and a vicious growl tore from his throat. He lunged and grabbed Killian. He couldn't believe it. It had to be a lie. Regina 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 Killian'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," Robin roared, totally losing all control.

Killian's body flew airborne before he could leash his rage. The male cried out as he hit the floor on his back a good six feet away, rolled a little as he struck and came up on all fours when he stopped. Robin's body tensed, ready to attack and he crouched. Another roar tore from his throat.

"Easy, damn it!" Killian panted. "I didn't hurt her, Robin. 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!"

Robin had to force his breathing to slow and got control of his unstable emotions. Regina is pregnant. Regina is here. He slowly stalked toward Killian. "I won't attack you. I want a deeper scent."

Killian didn't look happy but held his ground. "Why?"

Robin inched closer to him and inhaled. It wasn't enough until he lowered his head and closed his eyes. His nose brushed Killian's shirt and he sniffed. Regina. 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.

"Mate," Killian whispered softly. "Will you stop that? Someone is going to see and get the wrong idea about us. We're drawing a crowd of onlookers after you tossed me on my ass."

Robin growled and lifted his head as he backed off. "She's at Medical?"

"Yes. Don't forget the part about her not wanting to see you. She said she didn't want anything from you but for you to stay away."

Robin growled, his rage returned and so did confusion. Why would she refuse to see him? It didn't make sense. They had created life together. "I'm going to go see her if she wants me to or not."

Killian softly cursed. "I was afraid you were going to say that. They locked down Medical."

"Why?"

"Because you might go nuts."

Robin shrugged. "Probably." He turned. "I'm going to her."

"She doesn't want to see you."

"I don't care. I want to see her." Robin stormed away.

His ears picked up Killian's vicious curse and then his voice as he warned someone that Robin was headed that way. He picked up the pace, his long legs ate up the grass and he started to run. Regina was carrying his child, she was close, and he would get answers.

He ran, allowing his unanswered questions to push him into a burst of speed and reached Medical quickly. He had to slow when Will and John stood in front of the door and blocked his entrance. He stopped, out of breath, and glared at both males.

"Move."

Will watched Robin warily. "She doesn't want to see you, Robin. Give her some time. She's already upset because we forced her to come here. Ana is with her trying to make her see reason. My mate will calm her."

"Move," Robin ordered again. His body tensed as a growl burst from his throat over their interference.

John softly cursed. "Let's not fight, guys. Robin, you're upset right now and rightly so. You need to get a handle on your emotions. You look feral, my man. The female is pregnant. Don't you think when you finally get to see her that you should be calm? I think that's a good idea. Let's take a vote. Who's in favor of that?" He raised his hand.

Will shot his friend a dirty look but raised his hand. "This isn't a debate."

"Humor," John muttered. "You remember that, don't you? I'm hoping he does. Come on, Robin. You look scary."

"I'm not laughing." Robin's hands fisted at his sides and he glared at Will. "What would you do if someone told you that you couldn't see Ana? Move away from the door and let me pass."

"That's different. I'm in love with Ana and she's my mate. You and Regina don't have that bonding." Will didn't budge. "Let's go for a walk and talk about this."

Regina got dressed and smiled at Ana. "He looked perfect, didn't he?"

Ana grinned back. "Yes. Your baby is healthy and well. I told you it would be a boy. He looks great, Regina."

"Please call me Regina."

"We've arranged housing for you. You need to stay here for your child's sake. There are a lot more ex-Greene employees out there trying to avoid being arrested. Most of the testing facilities were hit at night since they were afraid the staff would try to kill Lyons since they tried that at the first one. I can share this information with you because you need to know."

"This is a lot to take in." Regina said.

"You and your baby just got a really large family, Regina. The Lyons will consider you that."

"But I'm not one of them." Regina argued.

"Your baby is and you are his mother. They treat mates just as if we're one of their own."

"I'm not a mate."

"You're still family." She paused. "Why don't you want to see Robin?"

Regina hesitated, not sure her pain at his abandonment was enough to justify it but she had a list of reasons besides that. "We were forced to be together and we thought we weren't going to be rescued. He was going to be sold at some point and they probably would have left me there to die when they abandoned the warehouse or put a bullet in my head. That's the only reason we were together at all."

"It must have been very stressful."

"It was and that's how Robin and I ended up getting so close."

Ana hesitated. "I am curious. I gave you antibiotics. Did you take them?"

"No. They were horse pills and I just tossed them. Why do you want to know?" She reached up and touched her forehead. "I don't have a fever, do I? I'd have noticed if I had some kind of blood infection from the needles they used."

The doctor hesitated. "They weren't to fight an infection. Those pills were to prevent you from getting pregnant." Her gaze dropped to Regina's rounded belly. "I wondered if you either hadn't taken them or they just weren't effective. I have the answer now."

Anger instantly surged inside Regina. "What?"

"I know. It was really wrong not to give you a choice but you should realize how much we needed to protect this secret. As you stated, you aren't a mate and we couldn't let you leave if there was a chance of you being pregnant." Ana met her gaze. "Try to understand our position. Would you have preferred we kept you here against your will until we knew for sure you weren't? That was the only other option. It's not just about you and your baby. It's about all of us."

It took a lot for Regina to fight through her anger and the feeling of betrayal. They'd tried to abort her pregnancy. She clenched her teeth.

"I'm sorry. Honestly. You were traumatized enough and we were trying to protect you from further harm. Tell me honestly that this pregnancy hasn't torn up your life."

"I want this baby."

"I know." Ana's features softened. "Believe me, I can guess how much you've gone through to try to hide and protect your child. I'd have done the same." She bit her lower lip. "Why couldn't you just tell us? You're a smart woman and I can't figure out how you thought you could do this on your own."

A roar tore through the building. Regina and the doctor both started.

Regina grabbed Ana. "What was that?"

"My best guess? Robin is outside. He's living here. He and another council member are assigned here and he was just told about the baby."

"I don't want to see him."

Something crashed down the hall, glass broke and someone snarled. Ana cursed, a panicked expression on her face. "It sounds like you aren't going to have a choice. Oh crap. I need to get out there." She tugged out of Regina's hold.

A roar pieced the air and something else crashed.

"Will!" Ana shouted his name as she jerked open the door and rushed into the hallway.

Regina stared out the doorway. Ana ran and nearly collided with a big body that suddenly filled the end of the hallway. Two strong hands gripped the doctor, prevented her from falling and Robin lifted her to the side to set her out of his way.

"What did you do to my husband?" Ana yelled at Robin.

He growled loud enough for Regina to hear, his gaze lifted until she had no doubt he focused on her and he took a step closer, then another and kept right on coming. A furious expression masked his normally handsome face and she couldn't miss seeing a lot of skin since his shirt had been torn open to reveal one entire side of his chest.

Terror gripped her as she stumbled back and darted a look away from the threat to search for an escape but there wasn't one. The small room had a window but she didn't see a release on it to get it open and all she could do was put the exam table between them.

Robin entered the room, his gaze locked on her and his hand shot back to grab the door. It slammed loudly, sealing them inside. His lips parted, he was slightly out of breath and a soft growl came out of him.

"Regina."

"Stay back." Her voice was full of raw terror.

His gaze lowered down her body to her protruding belly. It was obvious she was pregnant. He snarled loudly, a vicious sound. He took a threatening step closer.

She grabbed the table to keep from collapsing. "Please don't hurt me or the baby, Robin. I know you're mad, that you don't want me having this baby, but it's mine. I love it."

His eyes widened, he paled and another snarl tore from his parted lips. "You think I'd hurt you or my child?" The words came out harsh, his tone rough.

"You're pissed." She released the table with one hand and protectively curved it around her middle. "I don't want anything from you, okay? I wouldn't even be here if some of your men hadn't brought me here against my will."

He took deep breaths, his eyes narrowed into near slits and he took another step. "I'd never hurt you or the child. Why did you refuse to see me?"

She swallowed hard. "There's no reason we should have to spend time together."

His eyes lowered to her stomach, where their baby was. "No reason?"

She took a calming breath. "I have nothing to say to you. Why see each other? This happened and we just have to deal with it. I'm going to have my baby. I'm sorry if that upsets you but that's too bad."

His fists balled at his sides. "Your baby? Try 'our baby'."

Regina was afraid, seeing how mad he was at that moment. "You can see the baby any time you want. I was informed I need to stay here but we'll just avoid each other. After the baby is born we'll work out shared visitation rights. Someone can pick up and drop off the baby so we don't ever have to see each other again."

Another growl tore from Robin and his nose flared. His eyes suddenly flared in anger. "You'll let me see my child? How generous."

"I'm trying to figure out a way this is going to work, okay? You don't have to see him if you don't want to. I know how…" She was at a loss for words. "This shouldn't have happened but it did. We're just going to have to be adult about this and figure out a way to get along peacefully for the baby's sake."

Someone tried to enter the room, but the lock held. Robin glanced at it. "Stay out. We're talking."

"Damn it, Robin," Ana called out. "Let me in. You're lucky you only threw my husband and David. You could have really hurt them."

"Go away," he snarled. "This is between Regina and me. I won't harm her. Leave us alone."

"Regina?" It was Ana. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. It's okay." Regina answered.

"I'll be down the hall putting ice on the guys." Ana didn't sound happy. "Yell if you need help."

Robin growled and snapped his head back to stare at Regina. "Come here."

She shook her head. "You're really angry and I'm really happy to be on this side of the table. Don't you dare touch me, Robin. I know you are upset but this isn't my fault any more than it's yours."

"Come here."

She refused to budge. "You're angry."

"Yes," he growled. "You should have told me as soon as you knew."

Her anger flared. "When would that have been? Maybe when you called me?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "That's right. You didn't do either of those things. You never called to even see how I was. Why should I have called you?"

"You won't come to me?"

"No. I like this much distance between us. I'd like it better if you just left."

He came at her, his graceful movements reminding her of an animal slowly stalking his prey, and Regina backed up until the wall stopped her. Her breathing increased to a near pant from fear when his hands lifted to flatten on the wall on each side of her.

She watched as his eyes closed, his features softened and to her stunned surprise, he slowly lowered down her body to his knees. His face inched closer until he pressed his nose against her shirt, his hands released the walls to gently grip her hips and he nuzzled her belly.

"What are you doing?" She was frozen.

He sniffed, softly purred and turned his head to nuzzle his cheek over her belly. His hands slid on her pants, hooked her shirt and pushed it up enough to reveal the rounded mound. He pressed his warm cheek to her skin, another soft purr rumbled out of him and he just stayed there.

"Robin?" Her voice quavered. "What are you doing?"

"I can smell him."

"What?"

He lifted his chin and his eyes opened. "I scent my son, my cub."

She wasn't sure what that meant but his anger seemed to have totally dissipated. She breathed a little easier and tried to calm. She relaxed more against the wall and tried to slow her racing heart. The danger of him exploding into a rage seemed to have passed.

"Did you think I honestly wouldn't want him?"

She hated to see tears fill Robin's eyes but couldn't miss them. Regret slammed into her. "I didn't know." Emotion choked her voice and she had to swallow. "I was afraid."

"You believed I'd hurt you?" Some of the anger returned to his steady gaze.

"I don't know. I'm hormonal, just afraid of everything and tried to do the best I could on my own."

"You're not alone anymore." He pushed her shirt a little higher on her ribs, gently released it, and dropped his attention to her bare stomach. "I'm here."

But for how long? That stray thought made her tense. If he said they were a team, she'd have to slap him. She'd heard that before. Staring down at him made her heart soften though. They were having a baby together, had created a life. Hot tears filled her eyes.

Robin's calloused fingertips caressed the skin over her belly, so warm and gentle that she closed her eyes to hide how she reacted. He rubbed his cheek against her stomach again, softly purred and the baby kicked in response. His fingers lowered and he lightly gripped her hips and gasped.

"Yes," she told him softly. "He kicked."

"My son," Robin rumbled, his voice too gruff to sound totally human.

Regina turned her head and remained still, allowing him to enjoy the awe of her pregnant belly. She'd had countless of those magical moments since learning of her pregnancy. His fingers moved, hooked the top of her pants and nudged them down a little. She allowed it, figured he wanted to see her lower belly, but gasped when he tore them down to her knees, baring her panties. Her eyes flew open and she gaped at him.

Robin stared into her eyes, not glancing at the skin he'd revealed or the scrap of satin covering her mound as she tried to twist away. Strong hands gripped her hips quickly and held her in place against the wall.

"What are you doing?" Her gaze darted to the locked door and back to Robin. "Move." She tried to twist out of his hold again, knowing she couldn't jerk her pants up with his body in the way. "Cover me up."

He let go of one hip, gripped her shoe and tugged.

"Robin! What the hell are you doing?"

"I want to see you." He wrestled her slip-on shoes off her feet, tossing them aside.

"You are." Her gaze darted back to the door, more than a bit alarmed that someone might unlock it and find her pants around her knees. She grabbed his thick, broad shoulders and pushed. "You're seeing more than my belly. Let go or back off."

He straightened up, towered over her and softly growled. "Regina."

She pushed on his chest but shouldn't have bothered since it was like trying to move a solid wall. She gasped when his foot stepped on the material between her legs. Her pants were shoved down more to tangle at her ankles. Robin shocked her again when he pulled her a few inches from the wall, one arm wrapped around her and her feet left the floor as he lifted her.

"Put me down!" She didn't yell, too afraid someone would come in, but Robin just turned and laid her on her back over the exam table. She stared up at him in shock as he reached down, fisted her pants trapped around her ankles and lifted her legs.

"What are you doing?" She tried to roll away but her legs were straight up, held there, and it kept her on her back.

"Exploring. I won't hurt you."

"This is totally rude, inappropriate and wrong!" She reached for her shirt, tried to shove it down to cover something, anything, but Robin had other ideas.

He pulled her down the table. She forgot the shirt to grab at the sides to keep from being dropped on the floor but he stopped when her ass reached the edge. To her shock he dropped to his knees, released her pants and gripped her inner thighs. She hadn't expected that move or for him to dip his head to get between them.

"Relax," he demanded, his voice deep.

"What are you doing?"

She was exposed with her thighs spread apart. She stared into his amazing eyes, remembering why she'd been so drawn to him. A sexy purr filled the room. Memories were instant of their time together inside that cage, all the nights she'd remembered every vivid detail of his hands and mouth on her. Her libido flared to life. It had been a lonely, hormonal nine weeks filled with desires she had been denied.

He wiggled in to force her thighs farther apart so he could fit between them. She couldn't get away with her pants linking her ankles together and wasn't sure she wanted to even really try. Curiosity overrode any fear at his aggressive actions. He spread her more, her ankles feeling a bit squeezed by the material that ended up stretched across his upper back. His gaze lowered.

"That's not my stomach!"

He glanced up. "I dreamed of this."

"Of pinning a pregnant woman on a table and holding her ankles behind you with her own pants? Get out of there and stop whatever you're doing."

She wished she was sure she meant the words but was proud she got them out.

He dropped his gaze and her cheeks warmed, knowing he stared at her blue, satin panties. She gasped when his palm covered her there, the heat of his hand soaking through to her skin. His fingers hooked one edge of them as he pulled the fragile material to the side to expose her core to his view. He growled softly, inhaled slowly and licked his lips.

Regina was stunned as he seemed to be breathing her in, not something she'd seen coming and could only think of one thing. "That's not my stomach either." He's not going to go down on me, is he? That question made her heart rate rocket.

He held her gaze and repeated, "I dreamed of this."

Robin suddenly opened his mouth and lowered his head. His face burrowed against her inner thighs and she gasped when his hot tongue lightly traced over her clit. She jerked, her fingers released the sides of the table to grab at his black hair and fisted long strands of it. She tugged but he only pressed his face tighter. He growled, caused vibrations to transfer from his tongue against the sensitive bud and her entire body tensed. He licked her again, growled deeper, more of a rumble and applied more pressure. Sensations of pleasure jolted through her.

"Oh God. That's not fair."

Regina tasted so good. Her feminine scent mixed with the Lyons one coming from her because she carried his child was intoxicating to Robin and made him lightheaded. Everything inside him screamed that she was his, marked by him in every way possible and he wanted to claim her for good.

The sharp jerk on his hair only made him more determined to show her that he was her male. He growled louder, deeper, and his entire body quivered from the strength of his emotions. Her fingers eased and instead massaged his scalp, her fingernails lightly scoring him there as he feasted on her.

The heady aroma of her arousal urged him on as it grew stronger and he tore at the object in his way. Delicate fabric easily gave way and he threw her destroyed panties to the floor. He wanted her pants gone too but needed them to keep her legs wrapped around him. She required some coaxing into accepting him and he used his mouth to tame her.

"Robin," she moaned.

Her legs tightened around him and her hips arched against his tongue. Triumph struck. She was his, knew it, and the wild side of him pushed forward to take her. He forced it back, wanted to bring her to climax first and make sure she was prepared to take him. He'd never forget how tightly she sheathed his cock and he wanted to make sure he could enter her easily. A little fear held him back as well. She carried his child and he'd have to take her with extreme care.

His tongue left her clit, licked lower and he groaned. She was so wet, her cream so sweet and he couldn't get enough as he dipped the tip of his tongue inside her. Her vaginal walls were squeezed together, he had to fight to penetrate even a few inches and she ground her hips against his mouth.

Her breathing increased—soft pants and moans, music to his ears. Regina was his. That thought kept replaying over and over, soothing some of his desperation to fuck her into submission. He withdrew his tongue, hated to leave the heaven he found there, but focused on her clit again. He frantically stroked the bundle of nerves, determined to make her cry out his name. His dick ached so hard it threatened to break the zipper on his jeans.

He knew she was close by the way her fingers fisted his hair again. She didn't tug at him to leave her this time, instead held him there and her thighs gripped him tightly. Her legs shook as she sucked in air and he tested the slit of her with his fingertips. One finger sank into the slick heat, exploring how soft she was inside and stroked her by fucking her with the thick digit.

Regina was his mate. She carried his child. She was just his.

Regina thrashed on the exam table, bit her lip hard and tried frantically to remember that people were nearby. Robin had shocked her by going down on her but she hurt to come. She was so close and then he breached her core with a finger, pushed in deep and she threw her head back, turned it to the side and pressed her shoulder over her mouth. His finger drove in and out of her as he sealed his lips over her clit and sucked. An explosion of rapture rocked through her body as she cried out. The sound was muffled against the cotton top.

Robin released her clit and slowly withdrew his finger. Spasms of pleasure still ebbed through her belly, made her shiver and she barely realized that he rolled his shoulders and did something to free her legs as one ankle slipped out of the stretch pants. It wasn't until strong fingers gripped her under her knees that she forced her eyes open.

"You're mine, Regina." He softly growled at her. "I claim you as my mate."

"What?" One of her legs jerked and her ankle slipped off his shoulder. Her bare foot flattened on his chest and she pushed at him a little.

Exotic eyes narrowed. "You're my mate. My child. My female. Mine."

"No."

The look of instant confusion blanked his features.

"No," she repeated more firmly.

He growled. "You deny me? You want me. You can't deny that. I won't hurt you."

She shoved at his chest again with her bare foot. Her heel rubbed on his shirt and shoved it up a few inches. "No! I'm not your mate. Claim me? No!"

Rage gripped his features and he threw back his head. A roar tore out of him and Regina screamed, instantly terrified. He released her and jumped back. She rolled and nearly fell off the table but managed to just slide off without hitting her belly. One ankle still held her pants and she backed up, almost tripped on the damn fabric, and put the table between them.

"You're my mate," Robin snarled. "Mine."

Regina bent, tried to make sense of her tangled pants and panicked when she couldn't figure them out.

"Open the door!" Ana yelled. "What is going on in there?"

"Move," a male voice demanded.

Something hit the door and it crashed open. All Regina could do was duck down a little to hide her bare lower half behind the table and shove her shirt over her exposed belly.

Killian, David, Will, Ana stumbled into the room. "Get out," Robin demanded. "This is between Regina and me."

Speak, her mind demanded. "I won't be your mate. I don't care if I'm pregnant and you're the father. That's no reason to fling words like that around and what the hell is claiming? Just don't even go there."

"That's my baby and that makes you mine too." Robin's angry gaze fixed on her and he flashed his fangs her way as he growled.

"Screw you." She forgot to be embarrassed over the situation of having people in the room who had just caught them after an intimate moment. "I'm not marrying you, mating you, or allowing you to claim me."

"It's kind of the same thing," Killian offered.

She shot him a glare. "Thanks." Her focus returned to Robin, who was clearly upset over her words.

"Calm down," David ordered, his voice deepening. "She's human, with child, and you're showing your teeth. Take a deep breath through your mouth and get a handle on your emotions."

"Get out and leave us." Robin demanded.

"Don't you dare," Regina gasped. "You said I'd be safe here. Prove it. Get him away from me."

"That's my child."

"I'm not denying that but it doesn't give you the right to make rash statements like we're together. We're not."

"We are."

Regina opened her mouth, but a dizzy spell hit, spots appeared before her eyes and she nearly crumpled forward over the table. Her hands caught her weight, but she couldn't miss the sound of a harsh snarl. Two strong arms wrapped around her body—one around her rib cage and the other around her hips, under her expanded belly.

"I've got you. What's wrong?" Robin was alarmed.

"Everyone turn around," Ana ordered the men. "Robin, put her on the table. She's pregnant and this has been a stressful day. The last thing she needs is men gawking at her while she's half naked."

"I'm okay," Regina sighed. "I missed breakfast and lunch." The dizzy spell passed and she wiggled, trying to get free of the strong arms holding her. "Let go."

"Hang on," Ana muttered, rushing to a cabinet. She yanked it open, grabbed something and turned. "Here. We keep sweatpants here for spares in case of emergencies. You have no idea how many guys I treat with leg injuries when they are training. Let me help you."

"I'll do it myself." Regina turned her head and glared up at Robin. "Let me go. I can dress myself."

He wanted to argue, she could see it in his eyes, but Ana was suddenly there. She knelt. "Lift a leg."

The doctor jerked the sweats up while Robin continued to hold her. She was grateful that he did but wouldn't say it aloud. She felt weak and knew Ana was right. It had been a really stressful day.

"David? Get her to the hotel and I'll order food. She needs to eat and rest." Ana glanced at Killian. "Nobody is to know she's here. Spread the word to all."

David turned to face the room. "I have an SUV outside. Let's go."

Robin released her and tried to pick Regina up. She stumbled away and smacked at his hand. "Don't. You've touched me enough, thank you very much."

"I'll carry you."

"You won't. I'm fine now. I just need to eat."

"Argue later." David inched closer. "She's pale and carrying a child. She needs to be tended to and keeping her here longer is detrimental."

Regina turned her back on Robin, met the doctor's eyes and nodded. "Thank you for giving me an ultrasound."

"Eat and get plenty of rest. I'll be by later. Call me if you don't feel well or need anything. Just contact the desk and they'll transfer the call to my cell phone."

"I appreciate that."

David led the way and Regina followed him out of the room, down the hallway and outside. "In you go," David said as he opened the back door.

She allowed him to touch her arm to help but a soft snarl startled her and she found the source. Robin glared at David as though he wanted to tear the guy's head off. She wiggled into the seat and David let go. Robin suddenly stepped forward and arched an eyebrow.

"Scoot over and make room for me, Regina."

She refused and reached out to grab the door handle but his body blocked the way. "I'll talk to you later when we've both calmed down a bit. Back off. I'm hungry and want to go lie down now."

Robin's gaze softened. "I didn't mean to scare you, Regina. I am sorry." He suddenly gripped her hand with his, removed it from the door and curled his warm fingers around it. He dropped to his knees and buried his face against her thigh.

It stunned her that the big male kneeled on the pavement and was acting so bizarre. His head remained there and he gripped her hand tightly enough to keep it captured but not enough to cause pain. She bit her lip, realized he must emotionally be going through the wringer too and her other hand lifted. She hesitated before her fingers brushed the silky strands of his hair to try to give him comfort.

"Robin?"

"Do not send me away." The words were muffled against her leg but she heard him.

Her gaze lifted to find David standing there with his mouth gaping open. He looked absolutely stunned, met her gaze, closed his mouth and shrugged. "At least he doesn't want to fight anymore. Give the guy a break."

She didn't know what was going on inside Robin's mind but she knew how rough she'd taken the news when she'd discovered she was pregnant. She'd gone from shock to fear to worry and settled on being thrilled. Her life would never be the same. It had taken her days to go through those emotions but Robin had less than an hour to sort through his turmoil. She rubbed the back of his head, trying to comfort him.

"It's been a hell of a day for us both," she conceded.

He nodded against her thigh. "Yes."

She fought the urge to cry. Damn hormones. "Are you okay?"

He didn't move. "Do not send me away. I need to be close to you."

She stared at David and he shrugged again, obviously not sure why Robin was acting that way either. "I don't understand."

Robin slowly lifted his head and met her gaze. His blue eyes looked tortured. "I need to be close to you like I need air to breathe. I can't explain it. I just have to be near you. If you send me away I will lose control. I don't want to frighten you again."

What was happening? Regina felt fear again. Why would he need to be close to her? What was going on inside the guy? Their gazes locked and stayed that way. Regina had to finally look away. "Okay. You can go to the hotel."

He immediately got up and she pulled her hand free as she scooted across the seat. He climbed in next to her. The hotel stood four stories high and no one was within sight as they climbed out of the SUV. Robin instantly tried to lift Regina and she swatted at his seeking hands. "I'm here and you should go."

He stared at her with pure misery, enough to make her feel guilty. He wasn't angry and snarling anymore. If he'd been part canine mixed she'd have compared him to a kicked puppy but he was feline, according to her father. Lost kitten, she decided fit him better.

"Fine. Come with us and you can watch me eat before I take a nap."

Robin offered his arm but she ignored it, walking to stand next to David instead. He glanced at her and held out his arm.

"You look pale. Let one of us help you." David said. She took his arm and waited for another snarl but Robin kept it in check if it pissed him off. David helped her inside a room, Robin followed right behind them. Regina was almost to the couch when her knees buckled and Robin moved so quickly to catch her.

"Get Ana!" Robin said to David.

Robin carried Regina over to the couch and laid her down. "Regina please stay with me. I can't loose you, I can't loose either of you."

A few moments later, Ana rushed in and had Robin carry Regina into the bedroom and ushered him out. Later she came back into the room. "I'm going to assign a guard outside and we need a female to care for Regina, she's emotionally spent."

"I'll do it," Robin hissed through clenched teeth.

"You've already upset her." Ana stepped closer. "She could lose the baby if she gets too stressed. Is that what you want?"

Horror swept him. "No."

"You want to win her trust and for her to talk to you? That's the way to do it. I'm human, if you forgot. I know what I'm talking about."

Robin spun and stormed out of the room. He didn't bother with the elevator, instead took the stairs and ran down them quickly. He burst out of the hotel and kept running until he reached his home. The second the door closed he threw back his head and roared. It felt good to get it out. Regina was carrying his child, she was hurt and angry. He stood there until he caught his breath. Someone knocked on the door and he moved away from it and threw it open, hoping Regina had asked for him.

Killian stood there. "I heard."

"Sorry. I'm frustrated and needed an outlet."

"What can I do?"

"I don't know. She won't speak to me. She doesn't want me near her."

"Come on."

"I can't return. Ana thinks Regina could lose the baby."

"I have a training session with some of the newer ones. Nothing will make you feel better than fighting. Just don't hurt them too badly."

Robin bit his lip and nodded. "Okay."

"Let's go." Killian patted his arm. "It will work out."

Ana was grim as she studied Regina. "We think we know what the problem is."

"I feel fine now. I have for days. I was just tired, really stressed out and missed a few meals."

"You're not all right." Ana looked down at the carpet and brushed a hand over her pants. "You need special care because the pregnancy is too much of a strain on your body. We weren't built for accelerated pregnancies. I know you've refused to have someone here to care for you but that's what you need. The other pregnant women, including myself, were all taken care of by our mates."

"I don't have one and if you're here to try to talk me into talking to Robin again, forget it. He's only interested in me because of the baby. I deserve more than that. I don't want to argue with you again but that's where this is heading. He didn't even call me, damn it. Now he knows I'm pregnant and suddenly wants to be glued to my side?" She scoffed. "No way."

"Fine but you need someone." Ana hesitated. "That's how it's going to be. This isn't up for debate."

"I'm fine," Regina repeated.

"You need a guard. I figured you wouldn't agree to Robin so I talked to Killian. He's going to move into your guestroom."

"No." The idea shocked her. "I barely know him."

"He's a great guy and holds no interest in you. He's resistant to human women so don't worry about being hit on. I know that might be a concern."

"I'm pregnant. The guy wouldn't be interested in me anyway." She waved at her belly. "I just don't want to live with a stranger."

"Too bad. It's a decision that has been made."

"I don't have a say?" Regina's temper flared. "You can't make me live with some stranger. I sure wouldn't live with a guy. Why aren't you assigning a woman to babysit me instead?"

"There are only a few females at the Woods and they already have duties. We couldn't spare one right now and it could be a good week before one is available. Killian won't be a stranger once you get to know him. We can also ditch the guard outside your door if someone is here with you. He can take you outside." Ana said.

"Great." Regina didn't hide her sarcasm.

"Don't be that way." Ana eyed her. "The Lyons would die to protect you and your baby. They would use their bodies to shield you if some lunatic ever got past security and tried to shoot you. Don't think it hasn't happened."

Robin was in his friend Neal's office, trying to figure out how to fix all this with Regina.

"How are you holding up?" Neal asked.

Robin hated the fact that Neal knew everything about Regina and worried about him. No secrets were kept from council members. He shrugged. "She wants nothing to do with me. I reacted badly when I saw her and I blew it. She hasn't asked to speak to me and I'm under orders to stay away. You know that."

"How are you going to handle this John thing?"

Robin frowned. "What about John?"

Neal's eyes widened. "You weren't told?"

"Told what?" His gut twisted. "Is he spending time with her?" Jealousy hit hard and fast.

Neal softly cursed. "Damn. I can see why they might not have informed you of what Ana decided but she is our doctor." Neal sat back in his chair and pointed. "You will want to sit."

Robin lowered into his chair. "What is going on? What wasn't I told?"

"Ana is worried about Regina not having a mate to care for her. She has assigned someone to live with her and be with her around the clock. Killian was out because he admitted he was attracted to her. John was picked because he gets along with humans."

Rage burned hotly through Robin. "What?" He shot back to his feet.

"Sit back down if you want to hear the rest."

Robin sat hard, his chair creaked and it didn't help when his hands gripped the arms of it strongly enough to break them. "Killian is interested in my female?" He'd kick his ass. He'd make him hurt. He'd—

"It will be John who lives with your female and cares for her. He'll take her for walks, make sure she eats and sleeps. Will said his female always had sore muscles so John has been told to rub her shoulders, her lower back and her legs if she has ankle swelling."

A snarl tore from Robin at the thought of another male putting his hands on his Regina. He'd rip John's hands off. He'd—

"He was not happy to be asked at first but he agreed for the baby's sake and because he knew the female wouldn't fear him since he checks on her often."

Robin saw red or would, he decided, when he made John bleed. "What? He does? She allows his visits? How often?"

Neal assessed Robin. "Often. She's alone and everyone worries. You should have been told a male had been assigned to your female but perhaps they didn't want to alarm you. I believed it was wrong to keep it from you but now you know."

The words made Robin narrow his eyes. "You admit they planned to keep it from me? You purposely told me just now but acted as if I already knew. What kind of deception are you trying to pull?"

"You got me." Neal grinned. "I didn't agree with the vote and I'd want to know before another male moved in with my female. She's attractive, lonely and vulnerable. John is good with humans, knows them better than we do and it wouldn't be the first time a male who has sworn human females hold no appeal ends up mated to one. He'll put his hands on her. Can you imagine that? Another male touching the female you planted your cub inside."

Robin shot to his feet. "It won't happen."

"I didn't think you'd allow it. I'm your friend and I didn't want you to lose her to another male, even if he is a good one."

"I'm better and she's mine." Robin's hands fisted. "Call John and tell him if he has touched her to run fast and far. Very far."

He stormed for the door but heard Neal laugh. "Go get her. Show her who she belongs to. I'm glad I never will get tangled with a human. They just don't make sense. She should have picked you to care for her over another male."

"Shut up," he snarled, opening the door.

"Perhaps you need instructions about sex? Has it been so long you forgot how to please a female?"

Robin roared, furious at his friend for even suggesting such a thing and ran. The place where Regina was staying wasn't far and he wanted to get to her fast. If John had already moved in, he'd toss the male and his belongings out a window. He liked John but the male would die before he'd allow him to take his female or try to lay claim to what was his.

He was gone by the time Neal reached for the phone and dialed. "He's on his way, coming fast and I hope this works, Ana. He was furious."

A knock startled Regina. Dread filled her as she approached the door. She was half tempted to go hide in her bedroom and not answer the door. John was willing to do this and she knew he probably wasn't happy with the situation either. She forced her feet to move to the door and opened it.

Robin stood there instead looking really angry. He was out of breath and sweat made his tan skin glow a little. His nose flared before he reached for her. She gasped as his hands gripped under her arms and her feet left the floor. He took big steps into the room and kicked the door closed behind him. He kept moving until they reached the couch, where he bent and gently deposited her on her ass.

"Get out of here," Regina gasped. "You—"

"Shut up," he growled. "You'd allow John live with you but not me?" He growled viciously. "You need a male to care for you? It will be me!"

She glared at him. "I didn't ask for a roommate but was told I had to have one. Leave, Robin."

One of his arms went around her waist and the other hand grabbed her by the back of her hair. He turned his hips and pushed between her thighs. He yanked her to the edge of the couch, dropped to his knees and settled his hips between her cotton-covered thighs. His narrowed eyes were locked on her mouth. He growled deep in his throat.

"Open your mouth to me."

"Go to hell."

His intense gaze held hers. "I have lived in hell before and I am experiencing it now. I will kill him if you allow a male live with you. You carry my child. If you need something from a male you will get it from me. Now open up."

"You're angry and why do you want my mouth open? This is taking the whole babysitting thing way too far."

"I'm furious," he growled. "I should have been asked to care for you instead of John. He is not the father. He is not the one who mounted you and bred you. I am. You don't like me right now and I understand this. This isn't about you or me. This is about our child. You need constant care and I will be the one to give it. Open your mouth."

"You're an asshole and what is your obsession with my mouth?" She pushed on his chest but he held her against him, wouldn't budge and she wasn't strong enough to force him to let go.

His eyes glittered dangerously. "Open your mouth."

"Why?"

"Do you want me to release you?"

"Yes."

"Open your mouth."

Regina closed her eyes and tensed, not sure what the hell he planned to do. She opened her mouth and had a flashback of sitting in a dentist chair, about to get an exam. It rated right up there with that experience as she waited to see what Robin would do. She'd bite him if he hurt her in some way.

He pressed closer until his chest flattened against her breasts and her stomach. She felt his breath on her face and his lips covered hers. His tongue swiped across her bottom lip before he invaded her mouth. She shouldn't have been surprised. She struggled but he held her close, surrounded her body and his hold in her hair kept her head in place. His tongue manipulated hers and her traitorous body responded as memories flashed through her mind of him kissing her when they were inside the cage.

She relaxed as passion took over and she fisted his shirt, kissing him back. A purr sounded and Robin released her hair to run his hand down her back. Her arms wound around his neck as his hands dug between her and the couch cushions. He cupped her ass and lifted her body.

He sat back on his heels and settled her down over his lap. She straddled him and even through the layers of clothing she couldn't miss the feel of his rigid cock straining when he rocked his hips against her, rubbing her clit. She moaned, instantly turned-on and kissed him frantically.

She ground her hips against his when his strong hands kneaded her ass and he easily manipulated her body to move against his in an erotic motion that mimicked fucking. Her nails raked his shirt and she wanted to feel him inside her again. A desperate urge to be skin to skin with him became almost as unbearable as wanting him inside her.

The growls and purrs did something to her body, turned her on more than she could ever remember and she clawed at his shirt, tried to tear it to reach his skin. Robin seemed to understand as he tore his mouth away and they stared at each other, panting.

"No one touches you but me," he growled softly. "No one."

Regina stared into his eyes, his words sank in and she fought for words. She didn't even know how to react. He suddenly released her ass and just tore his shirt up his body, arched his back away to do it and she stared at his bare, muscled torso. She could have stared at him for a while but he tossed the shirt away and cupped her face with both hands to take possession of her mouth again.

Regina moaned as he kissed her with a need born from desperation. She met that passion head-on. Too much time had gone by with her longing to be in his arms—her hormones were out of control and her sex drive ragged. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her hands frantically explored his hot skin and her nails raked down his back to urge him on. She flattened her breasts against the hard wall of his chest, her swollen belly came up against him too but he arched a little to make room for it without crowding the baby. She barely noticed it but she was glad one of them could remember to be careful.

He showed his powerful strength by rising from the floor and she clung tightly to him as he stood on his feet. She didn't care where he headed. There was only his mouth and the need for him to keep kissing her. He shifted his hold, gripped her outer thighs and lifted them enough for her to easily hook her legs around his hips.

He tore his mouth from hers, causing Regina to make a small sound of protest when he stopped moving. She opened her eyes, stared deeply into his amazing ones and he softly purred.

"Hold on."

She couldn't wrap around him any more if she tried. Her arms were around his neck, her legs around his hips, but then he leaned over and gravity nearly tore her away from him when her weight strained the muscles in her limbs. A soft mattress cushioned her back and she knew he'd carried her to the bed.

"Let me go."

She hesitated but did it. She missed holding him the second he was free. He backed up, toed off his shoes and both hands lowered to his jeans. The zipper was loud in the room and Regina knew he was going to fuck her. Her heart pounded from excitement and she bit her lip.

She could refuse but didn't want to. Robin was the sexiest guy she'd ever seen in her life, plus she happened to be in love with him. The memories of him fucking her had haunted her almost every night and he starred in every fantasy she had. Hell, she'd taken up masturbating, pretending it was him touching her instead of her own fingers.

She felt big and awkward with her pregnant body but shoved those insecurities away. He'd helped her body get in its current state, was half responsible and if she had to see stretch marks in the mirror, he could suffer seeing them too. She ached, wanting to be touched and held. Robin seemed more than willing to meet both needs.

"I'll be careful," he swore, shoving his pants down. He wasn't wearing underwear. "I won't harm you."

"Don't start that shit," she warned. "Stop talking and help me before I regain my sanity and realize what a huge mistake this is."

Anger glinted in his eyes but she didn't care if he liked hearing the truth. She twisted, tried to wiggle out of her shirt, but knew she'd have to sit up to get it off. Robin had other ideas as he leaned forward and just fisted the shirt. It tore open and he shredded it away from her arms easily. She hadn't liked that shirt anyway. She braced her bare feet on the mattress and lifted. Robin hooked his fingers in the waist of her stretch pants and peeled them down. He took her panties with them, removed them all the way and dropped them to the floor. His gaze took her in as she removed her bra and tossed it aside.

She blushed a little, knowing she didn't look as sexy as she used to. Did he find the red marks where her stomach had expanded to be ugly? They were faint but noticeable. Her belly was rounded now. She was halfway through the pregnancy now. Would Robin still find her attractive?

"You're beautiful, swelled with my little cub."

That shot her eyebrows up a little. Her mouth opened but she closed it. She wasn't going to touch that one. She'd much rather he touch her. "Robin? Are you going to look at me much longer?"

His gaze lifted and he dropped to his knees. His hands gripped her calves, pulled her down the bed and spread her thighs. She locked them around his hips and tried to pull him close, wanted him to be inside her so bad she hurt from it. He released her and one palm flattened over the lower curve of her belly. Frustration hit. Now isn't the time to explore the shape of my belly. He didn't though as his thumb lowered, brushed against her clit, and she moaned.

"Yes."

He massaged her there and she gasped when the fingers of his other hand tested the slit of her, played in the wetness there and one thick digit slowly breached her. He twisted it as he slowly finger-fucked her. Her hips rocked as she tried to urge him to go deeper and her legs squeezed his hips.

"Robin," she panted.

"Say you're mine," he rasped.

Her eyes met his and she bit down on her lip. As much as she wanted him to make her come, she wasn't going to give in that easily. Her hand slid down her body and she tried to shove his hand aside. She'd get herself off if he wanted to play that game.

He growled at her, his finger withdrew from her and he gripped her wrist. He jerked it away and held it close enough that she could rub his lower belly. He looked down, adjusted his hips as his thumb still taunted her clit, drawing her closer to climax. The thick head of his cock nudged her cunt. He met her gaze right as he pushed forward.

"You are mine." He snarled the words. His eye color seemed to darken. "Mine, Regina. Since the day we met. Never forget that."

His cock drove deep into her tight depths. He picked up the pace, keeping a steady rhythm with his thumb doing circles over the bundle of nerves. Regina threw her head back and he released her wrist to grab her ass as he pounded her harder. Her fingers dug into the bedspread for traction when her back started to slide. He adjusted his hips, taking her at a new angle and he found that spot that made Regina gasp and call out his name loudly.

"Mine," he snarled. His cock moved in and out of her, rubbing that spot. "Say it."

Regina shook her head. She wasn't his. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

He snarled and paused. His hips and thumb stilled, leaving her hanging on the edge of heaven and hell. Her clit throbbed, ached and she just hurt—that close to coming.

"Robin," she panted. "Don't stop."

"You're mine," he growled. "Mine, Regina."

Regina threw back her head as Robin pushed his way deeper inside her. It didn't hurt. It was the best feeling in the world. He was so hard, filled her until she wasn't sure she could take anymore, but he withdrew, only to slam back in. Regina gripped the bedspread and thrashed under him in ecstasy, bucking her hips against Robin.

"So beautiful," he growled. He thrust into her faster.

Regina whimpered and moaned as her muscles tightened in anticipation. She cried out as she felt intense pleasure tearing through her. It was so strong she couldn't stop his name from slipping out.

Robin roared. The sound shattered through the room and he drove into her—one final, deep thrust. He filled her with his warm semen, his hips grinding against her ass to spill inside her as deeply as possible. She went limp. She was breathing hard.

Robin's hands slid under her back and he pulled her up. He was still buried inside her. She opened her eyes as she was forced to sit on the edge of the bed. "Kiss me," Robin demanded.

Regina ran her tongue over her bottom lip. Robin groaned as he watched before his mouth slanted over hers. She opened up to him, welcomed the tender kiss and clung to him when he cradled her tightly against his body with both arms. He finally ended the kiss by lifting his head. Their gazes met and held and they studied each other. Robin spoke first.

"I'm your male," he growled softly. "You might not want me to claim you and you might refuse to be my mate for now. But I promise you, on our cub, I will be here for you at all times."

"Robin," she said softly. "You know we—"

"Not now. Don't argue with me after what we shared."

Her mouth closed, agreeing that it would be a bad time to fight when she was still feeling all warm and satisfied. He slowly withdrew from her body, a look of regret clearly on his expression and helped Regina stand. She didn't resist when he jerked back the covers, had her lie down and tucked her in. His ass rested on the edge of the bed as he sat there staring down at her. One of his hands rubbed her belly through the bedding.

"Sleep," he ordered softly. He shook his head. "You rest. Naps are good for pregnant females. I have something to take care of but I'll be back in a few hours."

She wanted to know what he was going to do and why he thought he could order her to go to bed but he suddenly leaned down to brush a kiss over her forehead.

"Let me care for you, beautiful. I need to. I'll return and bring you more food. I smelled some when I walked in so I know you have eaten recently. Close your eyes and rest."

Regina closed her eyes until his weight lifted from the bed and she heard him dressing. She peeked through slitted eyelashes as Robin zipped his jeans closed. He slowly walked out of the bedroom. Moments later she heard the door close behind him. Regina felt tears fill her eyes but wiped them away. What the hell am I doing? She had no answer.

Regina woke alone, stunned she'd actually fallen asleep and peered around the room. Robin wasn't there. She eased back the covers and headed to the bathroom. One look in the mirror had her shaking her head at her reflection. "The guy kisses you and you fall into bed with him." Her gaze raked down her naked body to her baby tummy and she spun around. "Not one of mommy's proudest moments. Your daddy is hot though, in my defense, and a really great kisser."

She adjusted the water temperature in the shower, stepped in and closed the glass door. Standing there washed away the traces of the sex but not the memories. She dumped body wash into her palm, rubbing it all over and sighed loudly.

"Pushover. It's hormones. Yeah. I'm totally going with that." Her eyes rolled and she leaned in to wash away the soap. "We're in deep shit, kiddo." She washed her belly. "And I have to email your grandparents with some new lie to explain why I'm late contacting them."

The door to the shower was suddenly jerked open. Regina gasped and spun. Her feet slipped on the tub floor and she cried out as she frantically reached for anything to break her fall but two strong arms grabbed her before she slammed into the tile. She stared in shock at Robin, leaning inside her shower.

"I'm sorry." Robin adjusted his hold on her. "Are you all right? I forget that you don't have our hearing or sense of smell. I assumed you heard me come in. I didn't mean to startle you. Are you well? The baby?" He lifted her out of the shower and hugged her.

Shock kept her silent but she was grateful his fast reflexes had saved her from a fall. Her hands gripped his biceps and he slowly lowered her. "You could have knocked. You shouldn't just walk into someone's bathroom." Her voice finally worked.

He released her once he made sure she was steady on her feet and grabbed a towel to wrap around her middle. Big hands patted her dry with care. "I heard you talking to someone and thought you had company in here." Anger showed in his eyes as he glanced around. "Who were you speaking to?"

"The baby."

His hands froze and he stared at the bump. "He can hear you? Us?" He grinned. "I didn't know that." He bent a little, put his face closer to her belly. "Hello, little cub. I am your daddy. I long to hold you in my arms."

Definitely hormones, Regina decided as tears filled her eyes. That was sweet and it touched her that he'd say that to their unborn child. "I read baby books. They seem to think that while a baby can't understand the words, they can hear voices and learn to recognize them. I talk to him constantly, probably too much, but I've been alone for a long time."

Robin straightened and held her gaze. "You will never be alone again. I have moved in."

"You what?" Shock hit her again.

"I said I am going to care for you and I went to pack my belongings. I live here now with you. I turned over my council duties to the others. They were happy to fill in for me so you have me full-time." He smiled, making her remember how handsome he was when he did it. "I'm all yours."

"You can't move in here."

"I already did." Muscles along his jaw clenched. "We will not argue." His gaze dropped to her belly. "Our child will hear."

Anger hit hard and fast, followed by tears. "Don't use my own words against me."

"I'm sorry, beautiful. I'd rather hurt myself than you."

Regina could hear the honest distress in Robin's voice. It forced her to get a grip on her emotions. "It's not you. It's…just me. I'm a mess inside."

"Then why are you crying? Look me in the eye as we talk."

She sniffed. "We have nothing in common. I'm not what you want. You…" She sniffed again. "You and I can't work out. We need to stop seeing each other. It's only going to be harder once the baby comes if we don't end this now."

His body tensed behind hers. "I am not going to end us, Regina. Never."

"But we were only together because of the situation we were put into." Regina said.

"That's not true. Yes, it was extreme. But we had already started to connect before." Robin reminded her.

When Regina didn't say anything, Robin continued. "You can't forget when they forced you to touch me, can you?"

"What?" Regina asked.

"When they made you take my semen. You hate me for it." Robin said.

"No. I was more concerned that you would be reminded how it felt like a violation and I was a part of it." Regina said.

"When we were kidnapped you got a taste of what I've been subjected to in the past. Imprisoned, forced to undergo testing and being under the control of others and the constant fear of our usefulness being over. They killed us sometimes. You were forced to touch me to get those semen samples. I felt guilty for enjoying it but I did. My mind has become as twisted as my captors in that regard. I thought you'd be better off without me yet I wanted you, Regina. I missed you when we were freed and I wanted you back in my life. I feared you might hate me for what you'd endured."

Regina stared into his eyes and hoped the sincerity she saw was real and not just wishful thinking on her part. "I could never hate you for what happened to us. You kept me going, comforted me, but you have to admit we wouldn't have gotten into this situation if you'd been given a choice." She glanced down at her rounded belly before holding his gaze. "It was comfort sex."

"I loved touching you. That's why I felt guilty. You are so soft and so beautiful, Regina. I wanted you in the worst way and was glad to be locked inside a cage with you. I was almost grateful because I could touch you. I never thought being with a human female would be good and it wasn't, Regina. It was so much better than good that it is an insult to use such a weak word. You felt right to me, beautiful. Your touch and your scent. Your body around mine. You were perfect to me. Do you understand? The look in your eyes, the taste of your mouth and the feel of you inside where I didn't want to leave has driven me crazy daily since we were freed."

"That's not true. You would have called me if you wanted to see me again. You didn't."

"I was ordered not to and had to agree that it might only cause you pain. I believed you'd come after me if you wanted to see me. I think like a Lyon because I am one. Our women are very blunt, aggressive and tell us what they want. I made a mistake and should have come after you."

She was speechless, wanted to believe him and finally found her voice. "If it wasn't for this baby we would never have seen each other again. You would have gotten on with your life and forgotten all about me. A baby isn't a reason to start a relationship, Robin. I won't be with you just because I got knocked up."

"I was glad when I learned of the child." He took a deep breath and calmed down. "That makes me an asshole, doesn't it? I am glad that my seed took inside you. Regina, never think I will hate you or feel trapped by you having this baby. You should feel trapped because I am not letting you go. You might be horror-filled to have my baby but I am very well pleased by it. Ana says I need patience but what I need is for you to realize you are my mate and that you belong to me. You need to stop fighting it because it drives me insane."

"I'm not the kind of mate who will make you happy."

He growled at her. "Why do you think that?"

"I'm forever pissing you off. You are growling at me again and showing teeth, first off. Second off, in the bedroom, while we were having sex, you had to hold back and you obviously didn't want to."

"It is more with you. Stronger. The best, Regina. I have never felt the way I feel with you. You bring out so much inside me and you are very wrong if you think you do not please me when we are touching. You please me more than I've ever been." He cupped her face, his gaze holding hers. "You make me roar, beautiful. I don't do that for any female except you. All that control I must find not to hurt you actually makes our shared sex feel much better at the end when I release that control before I seed you."

"I want to believe you."

"I would not lie. After we were found and we were set free from the cages I wanted to hit David for hugging you. I don't like any male touching you. I wanted to pick you up and carry you out of there and take you home with me so I could keep you. I knew I couldn't."

He kissed her without hesitation. Regina clung to him as their mouths molded together and their tongues met. Within minutes Robin carried Regina into the bedroom. He stripped her and laid her gently down on the bed.

"I love watching you strip," she smiled as he undressed at the end of the bed.

"I love you not wearing any clothes at all."

Regina touched her stomach. "I have stretch marks."

His gaze took them in. "I think they are beautiful and they are caused by my cub inside you."

He removed his jeans last. "I am living here now and I won't leave you." His stared into her eyes. "I need to be with you, Regina. I want to be wherever you are and I never want to leave. We belong together."

"I won't ask you to leave."

He smiled. "Will you be my mate?"

"That's forever, isn't it? Like marriage?"

"No. Not like your marriages. There is no leaving me and no divorce. You will belong to me and I will belong to you forever. I will not let you go and I will do everything to make sure you never want to let me go."

Regina stared into his amazing eyes. "I'll be your mate."

He grinned. "I want to make love to you, Regina."

She spread her legs, smiling at him. Robin climbed onto the bed and a purr rumbled from his throat. Big hands caressed her skin as he lowered onto her body, placing light kisses on her belly, upper thighs and inching closer to her core.

Regina closed her eyes. "God, that feels amazing."

He chuckled. "I love your taste and the sounds you make. I just love you, Regina."

Her head jerked up and she stared down at him, her heart racing for an entirely new reason. "You love me?"

He kept eye contact with her as he traced her clit with his tongue. "Mmm. Yes, beautiful. I love everything about you."

She believed him. "I love you too."

He groaned, nearly attacked her with his hot mouth and mercilessly manipulated her. His finger slid inside, found that spot that drove her wild and brought her to climax fast. She panted and opened her eyes as Robin dragged her down the bed. Her thighs wrapped around his hips as he slowly stretched her vaginal walls as his thick cock filled her.

"You're my mate, Regina," Robin rasped roughly. "I'm yours. Say it, beautiful."

As she stared at the passion in those amazing catlike eyes, she felt true happiness for the first time in forever. "I'm your mate," she confirmed. "You're mine."

He leaned over her, hesitated with his lips less than an inch away from hers and softly growled. "I love you. Never doubt that. You're everything to me. I want and need you."

He drove into her as his lips crushed down on her mouth, kissing her and using his tongue to mimic what his cock was doing. Sensations swamped Regina—wonderful, wild ecstasy. This was more than hot sex, her mate was making love to her and she was being claimed with each powerful thrust of his hips and sweep of his tongue. Her body tensed and she tore her mouth away from his to cry out his name as she came hard. Robin followed her, roaring out her name. They held each other tightly, catching their breaths and Regina smiled.

"I'm your mate."

"Yes," he whispered, kissing her throat. "We belong to each other and will be happy."

Robin walked in to find Regina sitting on the bed, folding a few baby clothes for their upcoming baby's arrival. "You look stunning, in every way."

"Stunning, and ready to give birth any day now." Regina said as Robin came to sit on the bed in front of her.

"I can't wait to hold my little cub." Robin said.

"Robin, I have to tell you something." Regina said.

"What's that?" Robin asked.

"I did a little research on your family." Regina said.

"You are my family, you and our cub." Robin said.

Regina smiled. "I found out something about your mother."

"My mother? I don't want to know anything else about her. She gave me to those animals." Robin said.

"Robin, they lied to you. She didn't give you up, they took you from her." Regina said.

"How do you know this?" Robin asked.

"I have a friend who is really good about finding information out on people. He did some research and found out that a Carolyn Locklsey, age 19 had just given birth to a little boy in a small hospital in London. Her boyfriend at the time had left town, left her. While there she had a little fever and as the doctors were attending her, someone came into the hospital and took you. They took you from her. She never gave you up." Regina held her breath.

Robin was quiet, too quiet. "Robin?"

"I have hated her for such a long time. And now to learn all of it was a lie." Robin said.

"Robin, you couldn't know. They fed you all those lies to make you hate her. Never look for the truth." Regina said.

"Is she…is she still alive?" Robin couldn't breathe as he waited for her to answer.

Regina's smile was all that he needed to know the answer. "She's at Killian's right now. She wants to meet you, if you feel up to it."

Robin could only nod. Regina grabbed her phone and sent a quick text to Killian to bring Carolyn over. Robin and Regina moved to the living room, as they waited for them.

"I'm nervous." Robin said.

"You'll be fine." Regina assured him.

A few minutes later, Regina went to answer the door to let in Carolyn. Robin watched this older woman walk in. "Robin?" Carolyn said as she walked up to him. She put a hand on his face, Robin closed his eyes as his mother touched him.

"Oh, my boy. You're beautiful." Carolyn said as her hands moved over his face.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry I believed them over my mother." Robin said.

"It's alright. You didn't know. I'm just so glad we have one another now." Carolyn.

"I thought I would never have this. Never have someone to care for and care for me." Robin said.

"You'll never be alone again." Carolyn promised her son as she opened her arms to him, he went into her arms willingly. "You have a loving woman, who is about to make me a grandmother I hear."

"She's my world. My family and friends are." Robin said as he brought Regina in for their group hug.

Carolyn Locksley was right, Robin was never to be alone again.