Freaks Under Fire Read Online Free PDF Page B

the object of her affection.
    Tyler
. She craved his touch in the same way some humans craved their drug of choice.
    Despite the need to give herself over to these disturbing inner drives, she had learned enough about parent/child relationship dynamics to comprehend that Michael would be discomfited and perhaps embarrassed by what she intended to do to his son the instant she saw him again. Michael accepted at an intellectual level that his oldest male offspring loved an inhuman machine, but seeing it in action, confronting the reality, was another matter entirely. Perhaps a distraction would be prudent. “You got me,” she said.
    “Come again?”
    “I refer to canine training methods.”
    His eyebrows had furrowed and his lips had parted. His gaze focused on her, unwavering. He shifted, pushing away from the support of the wall so that his torso slightly tilted toward her.
    These physical cues indicated curiosity and interest. Excellent. “I do indeed have a super-duper secret canine training method, and it is not one a dog whisperer would have access to.” Hmm. That wasn’t entirely true, Jay realized, recalling a past conversation with Tyler. Wall outlet plug-ins that released calming chemicals to assist in the treatment of overly nervous pets were easily obtainable.
    “Any time you feel like putting me out of misery,” Michael said. “That’s a hint to spill your secret, by the way. Now, would be good. Especially if Caro’s going to be looking after that little monster. He’s barely slept five minutes since the breeder dropped him off, and now look at him. She’ll be beside herself trying to figure out how you managed it.”
    Jay didn’t bother to glance at the pup to confirm what she already knew: He was asleep. “There is no need for Caro to take him. He was intended for me. It would be rude and ungrateful not to accept him in the spirit with which he was given.”
    Michael opened his mouth—to voice a protest, no doubt—but Jay continued before he could speak. “If I’ve given you the impression that raising this pup will be an imposition and an annoyance, then I owe you an apology. If I had been given an opportunity to select a canine companion on my own, this little one is almost exactly the creature I would have chosen.” She held up a hand, pre-empting the response she observed bubbling to his lips. “I say ‘almost’, only because I would have chosen a female. Now, having interacted with this male pup, I am no longer convinced a female would have been the best choice.”
    She cocked her head, observing Michael closely. “In fact, when it comes to selecting the perfect canine to suit my needs, I find myself wondering whether you are able to read my mind. Thank you, Michael. He’s a delight.”
    He rewarded her attempt at reassurance with a crooked grin that reminded her so much of his son, Jay’s pulse ratcheted up another notch. Her core temperature rose, flushing heat through her body. Yet she chose not to dampen this physiological response. It was human. And Tyler deserved more than an analytical, unfeeling, inhuman
thing
that couldn’t comprehend his emotional and physical needs. After what she’d put him through, Tyler deserved all the humanity Jay’s evolution made her capable of providing. She hoped, for his sake, it would be enough.
    She sensed Michael waiting for her to elaborate and perhaps answer his request to reveal her “secret”. Likely, he would appreciate the revelation all the more if she delayed his gratification, and so she remained mute until she reached the stairwell and had negotiated the first riser. Only then did she look back over her shoulder and say, “It’s all in the way I smell, Michael. Right now, I remind this pup of its mother. It’s that simple.”
    Michael’s slow nod told her that he understood it truly wasn’t simple at all. And, since explaining the process would delay her reunion with Tyler, she was grateful he didn’t request further