Best Friends

“That’s not good,” Mel whispered.

“What do you think it means?” Mary asked.

“I don’t know. He still has a few days off work. Maybe someone got sick and they’re going to call him in to cover a shift.”

“That would suck.”

Mel nodded. “I can’t complain, though. I don’t even have a job anymore.”

“What are you going to do?”

“You mean, what are we going to do? You’re jobless too, best friend.”

Mary inwardly flinched. “Don’t remind me. At least your guy has a job. Lash just seems to like to harass people when they bother him.”

Mel grinned. “That’s a skill.” Then she lowered her voice. “We’re hoping for a baby. We stopped using condoms.”

Mary reached down and touched her stomach, wondering if she was pregnant. “I don’t think Lash even knows what those are.”

“Wouldn’t it be cool if we have babies together? They’d be so close in age if both of us got knocked up!”

Mary was still trying to wrap her head around having a cub.

“The pregnancy thing is super cool, too. Am I right?”

“You mean to have a New Species baby?”

“No. Twenty weeks instead of forty.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Well, cats and dogs have babies at around nine weeks, give or take. With humans, it’s forty. Snow said the babies born here take around twenty weeks. That means we’ll pop out a baby in half the normal time. Cool, right? Snow also swears they have really good doctors and I’ll get great maternity care.”

“I need a drink.”

Mel shook her head. “Not if you’re pregnant. That would be bad.”

The door to the suite opened, and Snow walked back in. His cell hung in his hand. He looked at Mel first—before staring intently at Mary.

She didn’t like his expression. He looked pained.

“Do you have to cover a shift for someone? It’s okay. I’m here with Mary, and if Lash comes back, maybe I’ll go hang out downstairs to play twenty questions with your friends.” Mel smiled at Snow. “I don’t mind the things they ask me about women.”

Snow opened his mouth, closed it, but then opened it again. “That was Brass. I don’t even know how to say this.”

Fear hit Mary hard. “Is it Lash?” She stood from the couch. “Did he get into a fight or something? He likes to piss people off. Is he hurt? Is he okay?” Panic filled her. She’d given up her job, might be carrying his cub, and she was falling in love with him. Life couldn’t be that cruel to take him from her.

Snow met her gaze. “Lash is fine. He’s on his way back here now. He and Jaded were informed of the…problem.”

Mel walked to him. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

He opened his mouth but still said nothing.

Another New Species came to the open doorway. This one wore dark slacks and a black button-down short-sleeve shirt, revealing muscled arms. His hair was in a ponytail that fell over his shoulder and hung long, almost to his waist. Snow turned to face him.

“Brass, I haven’t told them yet. I didn’t know how.”

“Tell us what?” Mel waved at the new guy. “Hi, Brass.”

“Mel.” But his gaze was on Mary.

She backed up, hit the couch, and ended up sitting. He was New Species, big and unknown. Lash wasn’t with her. What if this guy wanted her gone? Maybe Lash was wrong and the NSO had decided she shouldn’t be there.

The big New Species cleared his throat. “All the details are still unclear, but this is what we’ve managed to piece together with Sherriff Cooper.” He turned his head to the side to show off a wireless earphone-looking device. “The male who visited the diner, the reporter, isn’t one.” He faced them, still looking at Mary for some reason. “He’s actually claiming to be the father of two males that he believes the NSO and Sheriff Cooper have in custody. He’s demanding we free them.”

Mary was confused. She’d spotted the old guy with the cane in the diner the day he’d come in. Mel had told her he was a nosey reporter. He’d somehow gotten a tip that there’d been a shooting and had come to snoop around. Mel outright lied to him and kept him from speaking to her. Mary had appreciated that. She hated when reporters approached them. She had no patience for that bullshit. It usually got her into trouble from Joel, since she tended to use words they wouldn’t dare quote in their papers.

“So, he lied to me in the diner?” Mel frowned. “Who are his sons?”

“According to him, Darren Barrow and Bradly Hadly,” Brass stated.

“Oh crap,” Mel muttered, paling.

Mary wanted to go to her but remained on the couch. Her friend was too close to the unfamiliar New Species. “What’s the problem? I don’t know those names. I’d remember Bradly Hadly, too. Rhyming names tend to stick in my brain.”

Mel turned to her. “Darren is the jerk who broke into our places, the one I made myself bait to catch. Bradly is the name of one of the men I shot.” She peered up at Brass. “Is that him?”

Brass gave a nod.

Mary still didn’t see the problem. “His sons are assholes. One tried to kill our customers and the other one is a criminal who broke into our apartments and attacked Mel. Tell him too bad, so sad, and to fuck off. Let him demand until his face turns blue.”

Brass took a step closer to Mary. “He has two hostages, Mary. He’s threatening to kill them if we don’t release both males and prove they have been freed.”

“The guy with the cane, right? Are you sure it’s the same man?” Mel sounded as stunned at Mary felt.

“Sheriff Cooper is attempting to talk to him by phone into releasing his hostages. We sent a team to help at the scene. He admitted to the sheriff he’d used the reporter ruse in an attempt to learn information about what happened to Bradly.” Brass turned his attention to Mel. “He also admitted to driving the vehicle when Darren went after you a second time. He saw our team capture his son and drive him toward Reservation. That’s why he’s certain we have Darren. He believes Sherriff Cooper has Bradly.”

“It’s the opposite. We have Bradly, but Sheriff Cooper took Darren.” Snow pulled Mel into his arms. “What is the plan?”

“Sheriff Cooper is hoping he can talk the male into releasing his captives. Our team is on standby to go in if that doesn’t work.” Brass hesitated, his gaze returning to Mary. “Our priority is to safely get the couple out unharmed, but the male has a gun on the couple, threatening to kill them if anyone gets too close to the house. He could shoot them if we breach to capture him. We’re skilled, but so far our team can’t see a way to get inside without making noise or being spotting. The yard around the house has no trees or outbuildings that we could use as cover to get close.”

Mary fidgeted where she sat on the couch. “Why do you keep looking at me like that? I’m with Lash.” She tucked her head a little. “Is my voice annoying to you or something? I’ll stop talking.”

Brass’ eyes widened but he recovered quickly. “The male calling himself Arron said he couldn’t find Mel after we captured his son. He was hoping she’d return to her apartment, and he’d have the opportunity to use her as a hostage. Statements he’s made to the sheriff implied he saw enough the night Darren was taken by our team for him to assume Mel had become tightly associated with one of our males. When she didn’t return…his next target became you, Mary.”

Surprise canceled out her fear of him. “Me?”

“It makes sense. Mel has no family living in this state. You two have a strong friendship bond. He thought we’d trade his sons for your life.”

“Shit,” she muttered. “But I’m here. So who did he capture?”

Brass looked at Snow.

Snow shook his head. “Wait for Lash to return before you tell her. She’s going to need him.”

Mary wasn’t an idiot. It had to be someone she was close to. Brass had said it was a couple being held at gunpoint. “Joel and Darlene?” Her boss and his wife were important people in both her and Mel’s lives. Anyone could figure that out. “Shit.” She bit her lip, staring at Mel.

Her friend paled and tears filled her eyes.

“They’re tough,” Mary reminded her. “I mean, we both saw that old guy. He picked the wrong people to go after. At the first opportunity, you know one of them will take his ass down hard.”

“Yeah.” Mel sounded relieved. “He’ll probably underestimate Darlene. She looks all sweet but then—wham! She’ll clobber him.”

Mary heard loud thumps and someone breathing hard. Then Lash came barreling into the room, shoved Brass out of his way, and his golden gaze landed on her. She was thrilled to see him. He came at her fast, dropped to his knees in front of her, and took her hands.

“They promise to get your parents out safe! I’m here, Mary.”

He was panting. Out of breath. His words were all snarled…

She must have heard him wrong.

“What?”

Lash shot a glare at Snow.

“We didn’t tell her yet. I thought it was best that you were here first,” Mel’s husband said.

Lash snarled and rose on his knees, holding her hands tighter. He was still breathing hard.

She peered deeply into his eyes. Her heart pounded. He couldn’t have said what she thought she’d heard. Her parents had left, were on their way to Las Vegas. She’d watched their RV drive off the day before Mel’s wedding. She’d even waved to them.

“The male has your parents,” Lash rasped softly.

Denial had her trying to jerk her hands from his but he refused to let go. “No. They’re in Las Vegas. Dad wanted to do some gambling and Mom was going to get tickets to some musical she’s always wanted to see that’s playing there right now. They were looking forward to all the buffets.”

Lash lifted her hands and placed them on his chest. He was damp. That normally would have grossed her out a little. Sweaty guys weren’t her thing. He let them go and cupped her face.

“Our males will save them, Mary.”

Lash had to be wrong. She looked at Snow over his shoulder.

He had a sympathetic expression as he met her gaze. “Sheriff Cooper confirmed it. They are being held at gunpoint by the male inside their house. The sheriff made the male let him talk to both of your parents ten minutes ago, to make certain they were alive and unhurt.”

The sheriff knew her parents well. If he said it was them, it meant it was true.

Chapter Eleven

Lash felt helpless. He hated it. His strong mate had burst into tears. She hadn’t even done that when he’d leapt down at her that first time, after she’d ended in his domain. Nor had she shed tears when he’d made it clear he was keeping her.

He adjusted her on his lap, where he held her.

Snow’s mate tried to come closer but he flashed his teeth at her. The human female backed up. Snow glared at him from behind her and wrapped his arm around his mate’s waist to keep her away. Mel might be Mary’s friend, but Lash’s protective instincts wouldn’t allow anyone near her while she was vulnerable.

It hurt him inside to see Mary this way. His feisty mate was worried about her parents. They probably acted like prey, too. Now some bad human had them locked inside their home and was threatening to shoot them with a gun. Another sniffle from his mate had him petting her, holding her tighter against his body.

“Are there any updates?” His mate lifted her cheek away from his chest to stare at Brass.

The male shook his head. “Sherriff Cooper is still attempting to talk the male into giving up and coming outside.”

“Give him the two assholes he wants!” Mary pleaded. “Then re-arrest them after my parents are safe.”

Brass shook his head. “Bradly Hadly is still recovering from his injuries. Our doctors have him in an induced coma on healing drugs. Even if they woke him, our doctors believe he’d be too weak and unstable to travel. The other male that the sheriff took has already been transferred to a larger city. His station isn’t equipped to keep prisoners long term. Sheriff Cooper believes the standoff will end eventually. We just need to wait it out.”

“Or that bastard could murder my mother and father.” Mary’s voice broke. “I want to go there.”

“No!” Lash snarled.

Brass denied her request at the same time. “It’s too dangerous.”

Mary peered up at Lash with teary eyes. “I have to go. I want to be close. I need to be. I can’t take this waiting around. That way, I’m at least there and can see for myself what’s happening. What if they do get shot? I need to be there, Lash! Please.”

Lash looked at Brass. The male shook his head. He did the same to her, letting her know that wasn’t an option.

Mary’s delicate features twisted into something not so cute. “Goddamn it!” She hit Lash on the chest with her fist as she yelled.

She wiggled, struggling to get off his lap. He worried about her hurting herself and let her go. She got off his lap and stood, facing Brass. When she pointed at him, her entire arm shook.

“Those are my parents, and I’m not a fucking prisoner here! You seem to be in charge. I demand to be taken there so I can see what the hell is going on, and to make sure everything is being done to save them. Bite me if you’re going to, but move your large, scary ass out of my way! I’ll walk there if I have to.”

Lash was on his feet in a heartbeat and tried to wrap his arms around his mate. She was losing her temper now. He grunted when she threw an elbow back and got him in the lower ribs. She was a bit boney, and it hurt. He growled at her.

She twisted around, glaring up at him. “Don’t. Just…don’t. I’m so mad.”

He felt his own anger rise. “I didn’t go after your parents.”

“I know that. I just want to go to my parents’ house, or as close as I can get. I want to talk to Sherriff Cooper. You’re stopping me from doing that.”

“We can let you talk to him by phone,” Brass offered.

She twisted again, glaring at the other male. “No. I want to talk to Sheriff Cooper in person.” Then she looked at Mel. “How good of a shot are you? I doubt this town has a sniper, but can you hit that old bastard? There’re plenty of windows in my parents’ house.”

Mel gaped at her, mouth falling open.

Snow growled. “Mel is not shooting more humans.”

“Because it’s okay if she does it to save New Species, but not my parents?”

“Sherriff Cooper has jurisdiction,” Brass explained. “He’s not allowing our teams very close, either. He believes he can talk the male into giving up without violence.”

“Fuck Sheriff Cooper!” Mary raged. “Those are my parents!”

“Mary.” Lash kept his tone low and tried to soothe her. “Let me get you something to eat.”

She spun. “If you suggest a brownie, I will shove it up your ass right now, Lash. Food? Really? As if I could eat right now!”

“Mary,” Mel whispered. “You need to settle down a bit. None of this is helping. Your face is turning all red and you’re acting like the crazy hillbilly you accuse me of being all the time.”

Mary started to cry again. Lash grabbed her and pulled her against his body.

“I just want to be there so they know I’m close. Why are they even home? They were supposed to be in Vegas!”

Lash felt helpless again, and he hated it. He looked over her head at Brass. “Take us to where it’s safe but close to her parents.”

Brass’ mouth compressed into a grim line. He shook his head.

Jaded stood up from where he’d been sitting on the floor near the door. “The area is secured by the deputies and our teams. The only danger is inside the house.” He held up his phone, showing something to Brass that Lash couldn’t see. “This is a satellite image of the area and the house her parents live in. They have no close human neighbors. We could at least take them to the team we have there. She’d be safe but could see the house.”

“It’s not a good idea.” Brass met Lash’s gaze.

Jaded walked to Brass and lowered his voice. Lash could hear the words, though. “It might make her feel better. Our team is set up near an old barn that her family uses for storage. Our males have a good view of the house and where the sheriff is staying behind his vehicle, talking to the male inside the house. She’ll be able to see that everything is being done. We can get her out of there quickly if violence breaks out.”

Brass lowered his voice, too. “You want us to take an upset female, one who is possibly pregnant, near all that? What if she were to run at the house to get to her parents? She’s unstable.”

Lash understood Brass’ concerns but they weren’t necessary. “I won’t let her run into danger.”

Both Jaded and Brass faced him.

“She’s my mate. I want to take her there.”

“Shit.” Brass reached for the radio attached to his belt. “I’ll put an escort together.” His gaze locked with Lash’s. “You watch her close and keep her with our people when we get there.”

Lash nodded and rubbed Mary’s back. He ducked his head. “We’re going, Mary.”

Her sniffles ceased and she lifted her chin. “Thank you.”

“I’d do anything for you.”

“I’ll go too,” Mel announced.

“Fuck,” Snow growled. “Fine. We’ll all go.”

Brass walked out of the open doorway into the hall. Lash cocked his head, listening to the male arrange for a few more teams to assemble outside the hotel to drive them to wherever Mary’s parents lived. He also contacted the teams on scene to let them know more Species were coming with his mate.

Lash steered Mary toward the bathroom down the hallway. She tried to struggle a little but he just picked her up and carried her. Once they were inside, he used his foot to kick the door closed as he put her back down on her feet.

“Move. What are you doing? They said I could go.” She pushed at him.

He blocked the door. “Mary, you need to make promises to me.”

“What?”

“You must promise to stay with me. No running at the house. I won’t allow you to get hurt. You must promise me you’ll let the humans stay in charge, and not try to rescue your parents.”

Her eyes widened.

“Don’t even think about it,” he snarled. “Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“Splash water on your face and use the toilet. I don’t believe you would like to pee outside.”

“I need some privacy. Remember what I said about that? You’re not watching me go.”

He sighed, annoyed. “Humans.” He opened the door and stepped outside before rushing to the other bathroom in the suite. She would probably get upset if he peed outside with her watching. Once they left Reservation, he wasn’t letting her get more than a few feet away from him. She was being unstable.

Not that he blamed her. She loved her parents.

*

Lash had thought it would be less stressful for his Mary if she were able to see her parents’ home. He’d been wrong. She stood within his arms, peering around the old building called a barn, muttering under her breath every few minutes. She did it again.

“Why is the sheriff and his deputy just sitting there doing nothing? It’s going to be dark soon, damn it!”

His gaze left her to stare at the house in the clearing a good distance away. The barn sat in a field to the side of the structure, giving them a view of the front and one side. It was a two-story human home. All the windows had material blocking the view inside. The sun was about to go down. It was growing dark fast.

The older white-haired male in uniform was crouched behind a vehicle with another younger human male in almost matching clothing. Sometimes Lash could pick up a ringing cell phone from their direction but not the words spoken. Timber had informed them that the bad human was the one calling the sheriff from time to time.

Almost two dozen Species males were grouped behind the barn with them. They were frustrated over not being able to do anything. Lash agreed with the males. Waiting around was boring. Though, they were making plans on how to breach the house if the human sheriff gave them permission.

Lights suddenly came on around the exterior of the house. They were attached to the building, near the lower floor.

“Damn,” Mary muttered. “I was hoping that asshole wouldn’t notice them.”

Lash lowered his head to hers. “Notice what?”

“My dad cut down all the trees around the house because squirrels were living in them, and tons of birds. Then we had some possums coming up to the house, trying to get into the trashcans. He added bright lights, since they don’t like them.” She clutched his arm. “He did it for me. I heard them at night from my bedroom and it would freak me out.”

Warmth spread in Lash’s chest upon hearing that. His mate was afraid of animals, and her father had cared enough to try to keep them away from her home when she’d been a child. It showed how much the male loved his Mary. “Lights are good. You’ll be able to see the house still. Humans don’t have good night vision.”

“I was hoping some of your people could sneak up once it was dark,” she admitted.

“The human hiding behind the vehicle said we can’t do that.”

“Hiding is right,” Mary mumbled. “All he’s doing is taking that dick’s calls. Why the hell doesn’t this town have a sniper?”

“What is that?”

“Someone who can shoot really well from a distance and hit a difficult target with precision. They could shoot that asshole inside my parents’ house.”

Lash stared at the home. “I have good eyesight and can’t see inside. All the windows are covered.”

“Fucking curtains,” Mary sighed. “How long is this going to go on?”

“I don’t know.” They’d been there for a good hour. “You should rest. Take a seat on the ground for a bit behind the barn. I’ll watch for you.”

Mary turned her head, glaring at him. “I will after I get to see and talk to my parents.”

More time passed. His mate sagged a little in his arms after the sun went down. Lash was frustrated that she wouldn’t sit down, but at least she wasn’t crying anymore. Being near the house seemed to make her feel better. He was glad he’d brought her.

Snow and Mel approached. His mate didn’t even seem to notice. The other female was frowning.

“Mary? Why don’t you come eat something with me? Snow spread out a blanket for me. We’ll have a little picnic. The NSO sent some sandwiches and drinks.”

Mary didn’t even bother to glance at her friend, keeping her focus on the house. “Not now, Mel.”

“It’s been hours. At least come sit down and drink some water or something.”

“Not until my parents are safe.”

Lash felt frustrated. What if they stayed there all night? It was growing a little chilly for a human, but he thought he could keep her warm, since she stayed in front of him, allowing him to keep her against his body.

“Mary, your folks would want you to take care of yourself. They’ve got food and stuff inside their house.” Mel stepped closer. “Come on, best friend. Have something to eat with me and get off your feet for a bit. You need a break.”

Mary tensed and turned her head. “For all we know, that asshole has them locked in a closet. He’s old. I can’t see him being able to keep a gun trained on them for all this time. Do they get a break from this shit? No.” Mary stared at the house again. “I’m glad you’re here, but don’t bug me right now, Mel.”

Mel sighed and backed away, taking Snow with her. They took a seat behind the barn with other Species, eating the food that had been sent. Lash was hungry, but he wasn’t letting go of his mate or leaving her side.

A gunshot suddenly pierced the night.

It came from inside the house.

Mary tried to jerk out of his arms. Lash tightened his hold on her. She struggled but he was stronger. “Calm,” he snarled.

“Oh God,” Mary sobbed. “He shot one of them!”

“You don’t know that.”

The Species with them all tensed, preparing to rush at the house. Timber hurried to Brass, seeking permission to act. The response was a firm no. The male reminded them that they were ordered to stay in place until Sheriff Cooper allowed them to take over.

The white-haired human behind the car suddenly stood up, holding some horn-shaped device.

“Arron, answer the damn phone,” Sheriff Cooper’s voice boomed. “What’s going on in there? I told you that it’s going to take time to arrange for your sons to be transferred from county lockup. There’s a lot of red tape to cut. Pick up the phone!”

“You’re lying to me,” a fainter male voice shouted from the house. “I want my sons!”

“I’m not lying,” the sheriff said through the loud device. “I told you the truth. We don’t have the means at my station to hold people I arrest long term. There’s just a few cells in my station. I usually only hold drunks there or domestic violators for a few hours until they sober up or cool off.”

“Those Species have my Darren! I saw them take him away. Why haven’t they brought him to me?”

“I told you. They only took him in for questioning but then released him into my custody. I drove him to county lockup. Are Jennifer and Zack alright? Let me talk to them again.”

“You aren’t getting anything until I have my sons!”

Mary sniffed. “He shot one of them. I know it!” She twisted in his arms. “Oh God, Lash!”

His vision was excellent at night. He could see the pure terror and panic in her pale blue eyes.

“I have to do something.” She struggled, trying to break free again. “Let me go! He’s in the front of the house. Even I can tell that. I’ll enter through the back. There’s a spare key under the rock next to the stairs to the mud room. I’ll sneak in and hit him from behind or something!”

“No.”

“Sheriff Cooper isn’t doing shit! What if one of my parents are bleeding to death?” A sob choked her.

Timber growled low from about twenty feet away, grouped with their males. “Fucking humans,” the male whispered. “We’d have dealt with this already if they’d let us. As officers, we swore to follow orders. I know this is tough for us all. Just remain calm.”

Brass and Jaded had come with them. They approached the group. “None of us like this,” Brass admitted. “But the humans are in charge.”

“The hostages are the parents of a Species mate,” Jaded paused. “We could argue that.”

Lash watched his mate suffer, her agony clear on her face—and he’d enough.

He suddenly lifted her, walking fast, taking her to Mel and Snow where they sat on a blanket.

Mary fought, kicking and smacking at him. “Put me down!”

“Silence,” he snarled, and then practically dumped her on top of the other female. “Hold her.”

Mel hesitated but then did as he demanded, wrapping her arms around Mary and trying to keep hold of her. His mate didn’t use her elbows on her but she did struggle.

Lash crouched, grabbing Mary’s face to make her look at him. “I’m going to get your parents.”

Mary froze, her eyes widening.

“Promise to stay here. I’ll get them.”

“Lash…” She paled.

“Promise me,” he growled. “You stay safe.”

“I’ll keep her down,” Mel swore, throwing one of her legs over Mary’s.

He rose up and turned, slamming right into Timber.

The male shook his head. “No.”

“I’m not an officer. I made no promises.”

Timber appeared conflicted.

Jaded cleared his throat. “He is a Wild Zone. They do whatever they want. Let him go.”

“You’re encouraging this?” Brass sounded pissed.

Jaded opened his mouth but Lash cut him off.

“Look at my mate,” Lash hissed. “She’s suffering.”

The males glanced around him to where Mary sat with the other human mate. She was clinging to the other female now, appearing both scared and teary eyed at the same time.

Brass softly growled. “Don’t take out the wrong male, Lash. Try not to kill just in case you attack the female’s father. Be careful and go in the back. Your mate is right. His voice came from the front, somewhere near the door on the big porch area. Do you even know how to use a key?”

Lash stepped around the male, moving toward the side of the barn. Species stepped out of his way, not trying to stop him. He paused there, studying the open ground to the house, debating how to get there without being seen.

Jaded bumped into him. “Take to the trees to circle around. I scoped it out. Fuck using the back door. Get in by going onto the roof. Land softly to muffle your sounds. Few humans lock windows too high for them to reach. There’s an attic window back there. I saw it. It’s three floors up. I doubt an old human would hear you force it open.”

Lash studied him. “Why are you helping me?”

“We’re all Species but I never get to do the fun shit. Go get your mate’s family. She’ll appreciate it. I’ll ask Brass to make his way to where the sheriff is, to ask permission to take over. He won’t agree, but it should distract the shitty human inside the house.”

Jaded walked toward Brass.

Lash lunged toward the tree line slightly behind them. His mate’s father hadn’t cleared those. He ran fast, heading opposite the very back of the house. Then he turned, running full speed at the house. He leapt when he was about ten feet away, landing quietly on all fours about fifteen feet up.

The roof was a little slippery, but he dug his claws in, trying to be quiet. Then he climbed higher, toward the window that had to be the attic.

Chapter Twelve

The window wouldn’t open at first. Lash figured out it was one that slid to the side, and he used his muscle to do as Jaded had suggested. There was a small pop from inside but it moved. The next problem was trying to fit his big body through the small opening.

He got inside and had to put his finger to his nose to avoid sneezing. There was a lot of dust. Boxes and sheets covered things littering the floor. He scanned the area and saw narrow stairs leading downward. He crept forward, hoping the floor under him wouldn’t creak.

The small stairwell had him stifling a snarl. He had to turn sideways and the steps barely fit his big feet. The door at the bottom wasn’t normal-size either. At least it wasn’t locked as he turned the handle and pushed it open. He had to hunch down to get his head through, then he stood in a long hallway. A few lights were on up.

The low ceiling brushed against his mane as he silently moved down the hall, ignoring the open dark doorways. He could hear a voice from below, identifying it as the male who’d yelled from the house.

“That moron cop is fucking with me,” the male raged. “He’s going to get the both of you killed. I know he’s got my boys. He’s probably waiting for SWAT to drive here from somewhere else.”

Lash paused, hoping to hear a response. That would mean at least one of Mary’s parents were still alive. There wasn’t one.

Rage burned through him. What if the male had already killed them? Humans could be unstable and murderous.

He reached the top of the stairwell and peeked downward over the railing. It showed the front door and an open area. Nothing moved down there.

There was a thump, something hitting wood. “That fucking cop is lying to me about those New Species having Darren, too! I saw them haul him out of that cunt’s apartment and put him in one of their black vehicles. I didn’t dare follow since it was night, but they headed out of town, right toward that fucking place they live at.”

The voice came from the right, on the lower floor. There was a large archway Lash could see when he moved a little. A light was on in there. Lash thought about leaping down but it would be loud. He frowned at the stairs. Some of them could make noises.

Lash studied the thick wood running along the stairwell, with metal bars holding it up. Humans used them to hold on to while walking up and down stairs, to avoid falling. After a moment’s hesitation, he lifted his leg, putting his ass on top of it. His loincloth was between the wood and his skin.

He paused, keeping his gaze trained on that archway for movement. He waited.

“I’m not going to wait around for SWAT to get here. I just want my fucking sons. Brad was always an idiot, but that’s his mother’s fault. She let him be friends with that dipshit Johnny. I warned my ex that kid was fucked in the head. He had a hard-on for lifers in prison, thinking they were cool.” The male thumped something hard on wood. “Telling my boy they get fan mail and lots of chicks wanting to marry them.”

Using the leg still on the ground, Lash slid along the thick wood, inching down. He balanced with his toes, keeping most of his weight off the steps. It was slow going but he didn’t make a sound.

“Brad needs treatment for being stupid. Not prison time. Darren understood that. We just wanted to find Brad and take him home. Is that too much to ask? Fuck no! But it turned tits up.”

The male made another cracking sound. Lash was halfway down the stairwell when he finally caught a glimpse of movement. He froze.

It was an older male, his back to the archway. He held a long, thin baton in his hand. He hit the floor with the end of it, accounting for that cracking sound, before talking again.

“I’m going to kill you both if they make me! I don’t care what happens to me, but my boys are all I’ve got. I’m a good damn father. See how far I’ve gone trying to find Brad, and now Darren? This is really that dipshit Johnny’s fault. I know he talked Brad into trying to kill those New Species. The little fucker killed a cat when they were teens. I should have guessed he’d grow up to be a killer. He couldn’t just go get himself sent off to prison for life alone. He had to talk my idiot son into going with him!”

Lash spotted a gun sitting on the shelf above the fireplace. It was within reach of the old human. He wasn’t holding another gun. Lash could see both of the male’s hands when he grew more agitated while he spoke. One gripped the baton but the other was fisted.

“They’re going to make me kill you,” the old human raged. “That fucking stupid cop! All he had to do was bring me my boys and that was it. Simple. Why in the fuck can’t anything be that way anymore? I’m going to shoot you in the chest, Zack. Maybe pushing you out the door and seeing you bleeding will light a fire under his ass to get me my boys. For all I know, he’s got them close by already. That asshole cop is the type to get off on being a controlling prick!”

There was a soft whimper that came from the room.

“Would you like me to shoot you first instead? Don’t shake your damn head at me, woman!”

Lash twisted and dropped the rest of the way to the floor below. It made a small thump sound.

He roared, rushing forward toward the old human.

The male jumped, tried to spin around, but then began to fall. Lash hit the top of his head on the low archway but ignored the slight pain, grabbing the male before he could fall and shaking him.

The baton dropped to the floor.

Lash glanced around the part of the room he hadn’t been able to see. Two humans were lying on the floor, ropes around their bodies to keep their arms tight to their sides and their legs smashed together. He couldn’t see part of their faces, since thick material was covering their mouths. Terror showed in their eyes.

The female looked a lot like his mate with her coloring, including her eyes.

He tore his attention from them to the weak male struggling in his hold. He saw terror in that male’s eyes, too. Feeble hands swatted at him.

Lash opened his mouth, flashing his fangs, and roared right in his face.

The male’s eyes rolled upward, and he went utterly limp.

Lash kept hold of him. He stormed to the front door and tried to open it. Locks prevented that from happening. He figured out how to twist them and yanked again. The door opened and he stepped outside, dragging the male. He dumped him none too gently on the porch.

“Come get your bad human,” he yelled.

Then he reentered the house, not waiting for a response. He locked the door to stop that male from trying to escape back inside the house if he woke up and Lash marched into the room where the two humans were tied and gagged.

He paused, watching them wiggle around on the floor. Both were wide-eyed, reeked of terror, and the female whimpered behind the cloth over her mouth. The male inched closer to the female. It seemed as if he was trying to put his body between her and Lash.

“You’re acting like prey,” he muttered. “I am not surprised. You are Mary’s parents. I’ll take you to her. Don’t die from fright. I’m her mate. I won’t hurt you.”

He marched toward them and crouched by the male. He had brown eyes and light blond hair with some gray. “My name is Lash. Stop wiggling.” He studied the ropes. They were knotted in various places and would need cutting. He didn’t have a knife, and it would probably bruise the humans if he used his claws, since cutting the ropes would cause serious tugging.

He sighed and reached for the male. “Don’t struggle.” He sniffed, not picking up any blood from either of them. He didn’t see any injuries either.

*

Five minutes earlier

Mary felt sick to her stomach as she clutched Mel’s arm. They huddled against each other next to the barn her father used to store old furniture and his riding lawn mower. Snow was at their backs. He’d threatened to grab her if she tried to go near the house. It kept her from attempting it. It was one thing for Lash to touch her. Mel’s husband still scared her a bit.

Lash had left her to go after her parents.

She didn’t know if she should feel thankful or terrified out of her mind. He could get killed. There was a crazy asshole inside holding her mother and father hostage. That gunshot going off had her mind imagining the worst. One of them could be shot. Lash might be next.

“I’m going to puke.”

“Don’t do that. It will make you feel worse,” Mel warned. “Nothing is going on yet. Just Brass running over to Sheriff Cooper and staying there. Maybe they’re arguing about the New Species taking over. Or Brass is telling him about Lash going in the house. I bet he’s mad.”

“I don’t give a shit.” Mary stared at the house. “Was Lash able to get in?”

Mel hugged her tighter against her side. “I don’t know.”

“We haven’t heard any yelling or more shots. That’s good.”

Mary shot Snow a scowl.

“It is,” he insisted.

Jaded Wild came running at them along the backside of the barn. New Species moved out of his way. He stopped about five feet back. Someone had turned on a battery-operated lantern so her and Mel could see, since it was pitch dark. His green eyes were bright and he smiled, showing off white teeth.

“Lash is inside. I saw him enter through what appeared to be a very small attic window.”

Mary stared at the house. She knew that window well. There was only one up there. It used to be one of her summer chores as a kid to clean it since the glass would get dirty after a while from rain and winter storms. She couldn’t picture Lash fitting through that small opening, but she believed Jaded Wild.

It helped her calm down to picture Lash in the attic. He was tall, and the ceiling up there wasn’t. He’d have to probably slouch a bit to reach the stairwell to the second floor—

“Shit.”

“What?” Mel asked.

“Remember the stairs to the attic? You went up there with me at the beginning of summer to help me look for that chest of picture albums my mom wanted to show you, from my childhood.”

Mel did seem to remember. “Crap. I hope he fits.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s an old house with quirks,” Mel answered. “Think tiny, steep space to get to the third floor.”

Mary worried that Lash would get his big body wedged and stuck on that stairwell. She barely managed it at times. Her parents never went up there and always sent her. As a kid, it had been fun. As an adult, not so much.

Minutes ticked by in her head, dragging on forever. “What’s going on in there?”

“I still don’t know,” Mel whispered back. “I’m right here with you, though. Have faith in your man. He looked determined, and my money is on him.”

Regret hit Mary hard. What if she lost both of her parents and Lash? She should have told him no and kept him with her. She couldn’t lose all of them. Her stomach churned, and she swallowed down the bile that rose. The threat of puking was real.

There was suddenly a muted roar.

Mary jolted and her knees almost gave way. Mel kept her up, and she chose to pretend the two big hands that gripped her hips from behind belonged to her best friend instead of Mel’s husband. Snow was just trying to help.

She watched the house, looking for any indication of Lash, but all the windows remained dark and covered. The lights around the house were still on, showing the porch and the side of the house. None of the windows broke and nothing came crashing out of them. It also hadn’t been a gunshot. She counted that as a good thing.

The sheriff suddenly stood and lifted his blowhorn. Brass grabbed him and yanked him back down. They seemed to be arguing with each other but she couldn’t hear it. Just Sheriff Cooper waving his free hand around enough for her to spot him in the house lights. Her gaze locked back on the house.

Her heart pounded when the door was suddenly thrown open and she saw…

Lash. He dragged a much smaller man out and just dropped him on the porch with a loud thud.

“Come get your bad human,” he bellowed. Then he spun in his loincloth, slamming the door closed as he went back inside.

“Holy crap!” Mel blurted.

Mary tried to run forward but Snow’s hands on her hips tightened, and Mel refused to let her go. Sherriff Cooper got up and ran toward the house with his deputy. Brass went with them. They jogged up the few porch steps, and she couldn’t see the downed man once they blocked her view. Instead, she watched as the deputy reached for handcuffs on his belt.

A masculine chuckle startled Mary.

“I asked Lash not to kill the male. He listened. They wouldn’t be restraining the wrists of a dead body.”

She didn’t look at Jaded Wild but she tried to jerk away from Mel again. “They got him. Let me go.”

“Not yet,” Snow ordered. “There could be more of them.”

“There’s just the one asshole,” Mary argued.

“Let Lash make sure. You promised him to stay here.”

She wanted to fight with Snow but figured it was pointless.

The men on the porch were lifting up the asshole who had kept her parents hostage. Then the asshole was shoved forward by Sheriff Cooper and Deputy Tommy. Each of them had a good hold on his upper arms, his hands secured behind his back. They brought him down the stairs, and he was walking on his own. Limping, actually, all the way to the sheriff’s car. They put him in the backseat.

“Where are my parents? Lash?” Mary desperately wanted to go inside the house.

Brass seemed to try to enter the house, but he was stopped by the closed door. Then he knocked, pounding on it with his fist.

“Why isn’t he going in?” Mary needed to know what was going on.

“How would I know? I’m standing right here with you, Mary.”

“Sorry, Mel.” She turned her head, giving a pleading look to Jaded Wild. He seemed to outrank Snow. “They have that asshole secured in the patrol car. Can I go now?”

“No. Wait. There could be more males we don’t know about.”

“You heard that gunshot. What if one of my parents are hurt?”

“Mary!”

She snapped her head toward the sound of Lash’s voice.

Her eyes lit as he rounded the back of the house—and it took her a second to realize that he had something over both shoulders, his arms hooked along the back of…

Her parents’ legs. He was carrying them.

“He’s got them,” Mel gasped.

Snow released her and rushed around them. So did a lot of other New Species. At least a dozen of them darted out from around the barn, booking it toward Lash as he causally kept coming at her with her parents slung over his shoulders. There were ropes twined around their bodies that she could see even from a distance, from their ankles, over their pants at the calves, behind their knees, around the backs of their thighs, and even across their asses.

Mel’s hold on her loosened, and Mary took advantage, yanking free and running. She almost tripped but caught her balance. New Species met Lash and tried to take her parents from him, but he snarled at them.

“I’m taking them to Mary. Someone get a knife to cut the ropes. They have fragile skin. I didn’t want to use my claws to tear the rope because they’d probably bruise. Mary, they are unhurt. Just scared.”

She got to him and stared at her parents. At least, the back of them. Tears blinded her as she finally looked up at Lash.

He gave her a huge grin, showing off his fangs. “I told you I’d bring them to you.”

“Lash,” Brass ordered, “let us lift them off you.”

Lash finally gave a sharp nod. New Species converged, gently gripping each of her parents and lifting them away from Lash. As soon as they were off him, he grabbed her, picking her up, and Mary was being squeezed in a bear hug.

She wrapped her around him. “Thank you!” Then she wiggled. “Let me down. I have to check on them.”

Lash sighed but he lowered her. “They act like prey,” he grumbled. “It’s also why I didn’t untie them. They probably would have run to hide from me, and it would have taken longer to bring them to you.”

Mary wiped at her tears. The New Species had lain her parents on their backs on the ground, and they were cutting the ropes. Her dad was freed first, and he tore at the gag around his mouth. He struggled to sit up.

One of the New Species gently helped him but released him fast. Brass was the first to speak to them.

“You’re safe. Sherriff Cooper has the male who tried to harm you in custody. Do either of you need medical assistance? We can take you to Reservation and have our doctors treat you.”

Her father didn’t seem to notice her there, instead scooting closer to her mom. The New Species cut the last of the ropes, pulling them free. Her dad helped her mom sit up and to remove the gag.

“Jen, talk to me, baby.”

Her mom leaned into him. “I’m all good, Zack. That’s one adventure I could have done without. Getting tied up like a turkey on Thanksgiving and becoming a hostage was never on our bucket list.”

Mary went closer to them when the New Species backed away from her parents a little, to give them room. Lash stayed close to her. “Are you guys okay?”

Her parents stopped hugging but still clung to each other. Both looked up at her. Her father spoke first. “You’ve got some serious explaining to do, Bean.”

“Bean?” Lash pressed up against her back and slid his arm around her waist. “Her name is Mary.” He lowered his mouth closer to her ear. “Do they need a shrink? Have their minds broken?”

Mary leaned against him and turned her head to peer up at his face. “It’s a nickname they tagged me with before I was even born. Don’t ever call me that.” She focused on her parents again. “I have some explaining to do? Me? What are you doing home? You’re supposed to be in Vegas.”

“You were keeping something from us,” her mother accused. “We figured that out after you pushed so hard for us to leave a day earlier than planned.”

“We’re not naïve,” her father added. “Your apartment was broken into, and then you were pushing us take our trip early. You were hiding something. We figured you might have a stalker ex-boyfriend harassing you. Some of the men you’ve dated aren’t exactly nice or upstanding.”

“He said he was your mate,” her mother whispered. “Is that true?”

“Lash, right?” Her father frowned at the New Species holding her. Then her dad stared at Mary. “Now, as I was saying, you have some explaining to do. Like why that wacko came here looking for you, and then pulled a gun on us.”

“He made me tie up your father,” her mother informed them. “Before he tied me up. He was crazy. Did you date one of his sons?”

“No!” Mary denied. “I mean, no, I didn’t date either of the wacko’s sons. But Lash…”

She wasn’t sure how to explain to them how Lash had come into her life. It would be embarrassing to admit they’d met and she’d ended up doing him right off the bat. They’d lecture her about jumping into bed with a guy. Especially a lion man.

Mary was relieved when Mel stepped forward, holding Snow’s hand.

“I can totally explain,” Mel told them. “This is kind of my fault. You see, I was a total goner in my heart from the first time I saw Snow come into the diner, but Mary wasn’t allowed to tell anyone about us being together. So we started to date, all top secret like, and Mary was the bestest friend ever. I’m so sorry she couldn’t tell you, but a promise is a promise. You raised a good, trustworthy daughter.

“I’ve told you all about my mama. She didn’t take it so well when I told her I was marrying Snow instead of that old widower she wanted me with. Mary stepped in to be my family, and even helped me pick out my wedding dress and everything.”

Her parents listened raptly.

“Then I met Lash,” Mary added fast. “We started seeing each other, and I fell in love with him.”

Mel glanced at her and smiled. “Yeah. They sure did. It was like love at first sight. She couldn’t tell you anything because, you know…top secret stuff and being a good friend to me and all.”

Sherriff Cooper came over, clearing his throat. “I need statements from both of you, Jennifer and Zack. Do you need an ambulance?”

Her father untangled his arms from her mother and got to his feet before helping her mother up. “We’re sturdier than that. The floor and ropes were uncomfortable but it’s not as bad as that camping trip we took a few years ago in the desert, was it, Jen?”

Her mother chuckled. “That ground was harder than concrete. That’s why we bought the RV with a big bed.”

“There was a gunshot,” Sheriff Cooper reminded them.

“That wacko shot a bullet into the wood in the fireplace. He said it might scare you enough to comply.” Her father glanced at Mary, before studying Lash. “You two stick around. I’ve got a lot more questions.”

Mary watched her parents walk toward the sheriff’s cruiser. Then she turned in Lash’s arms, peering up at him. “Thank you for getting them out of there alive, Lash.”

He smiled. “I’d do anything for you, mate. You fell in love with me? Was that part truth?”

She nodded, blinking back tears. “I love you. You’re my lion man.”

“I am.”

She glanced over at her parents. They were standing close together, her dad with his arm around her mom, talking to the sheriff and a few of his deputies. More had arrived.

“They don’t act like prey anymore. I think they will be okay around our cubs. I’ll allow them to spend time with them.”

Mary turned, resting her cheek against his chest. “I’m going to let that go because you went in there for me and didn’t get hurt. I will point out that you’re being arrogant again.”

He nuzzled the top of her head and chuckled. “I like playing with you.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. “Just don’t ever change your mind about us.”

“That will never happen,” he promised, kissing the top of her head.

Epilogue

Three weeks later

Mary was getting used to being around New Species. It helped that none of them got too close to her or tried to touch her when they delivered food. Lash was always at her side when someone knocked on the door. Her big lion man sometimes drove her a little crazy, but he always made her laugh in the end. It was hard to stay mad at him when he could kiss the breath from her and said super-sweet things.

They were days away from moving back into his basement. Living in the suite had been nice but she missed his cool waterfall. They’d gone there a few times late at night after the work crews had finished for the day, to see how work progressed on the corner of the basement now sectioned off.

The bed was on the floor, and there was enough space to add a few dressers for her clothing. She’d been thrilled when they’d brought her clothing from her apartment. Most of her stuff was being stored in another section of the basement, and she’d had the NSO donate her furniture. She hadn’t grown to love wearing sweatpants, but now she didn’t have to anymore.

Lash scooped her off the bed where she sat after getting dressed. He wore a his usual loincloth. She doubted that would ever change about him. Not that she minded. He did look super-hot wearing one, with so much of his amazing body on display for her to admire.

“I really don’t want to go,” Mary protested. “Let’s have sex instead.” That always worked. And she was more than willing to get naked with him.

“You are not distracting me this time.” Lash carried her out of the bedroom, toward the living area of the suite. “I am taking you to Medical. No Species will harm you. I’ll be right with you.”

“I feel fine. There was no physical required before I signed our mate papers.”

She finally understood how Mel wasn’t sure if Snow had a last name when Jaded Wild had delivered a single sheet of paper. It was a simple, short legal document stating she was willing to become a part of the NSO and to be Lash’s mate. Only his first name and the fact he was feline was listed for his information. Her full name and birthdate had been there. She’d signed at the bottom, officially becoming a New Species mate.

“You’re going to Medical, Mary.”

“We should talk about the wedding. I told my parents we’d actually have one.”

“We know the details. It will be small, held in the lobby, and a human will be flown from Homeland to say whatever he needs to.” Lash reached the door of their suite and adjusted her in his arms, trying to grab the handle. “Your parents are fine with that and are excited to witness this wedding. Your mother even said I could wear my loincloth.”

“Of course she did. I’ve caught her checking you out when she visits us.”

He got the door open and stepped into the hallway, pausing to look down at her with a scowl.

“You’re total eye candy. My mom has noticed.”

“I only notice you.”

“Where are you going? The workers are in the basement still. The last team is finishing installing the door,” Flirt announced, reminding them that he was guarding their suite.

“I’m taking my mate to Medical.”

Flirt glanced at her, his eyes widening. “She’s little. I’m sure it was an accident.” He sniffed. “Are you okay? I could have one of the doctors come here.”

“Okay,” she said.

Lash growled. “No. She’s going to where they keep the machines. And I didn’t hurt my mate. I would never.”

Flirt threw up his hands and backed off. “I didn’t mean to imply you would. It’s just that you’re carrying her.”

“My mate is stubborn.” Lash walked past Flirt. “She refuses to go. I’m taking her.”

“My mate is a pushy ass who’s making me go get a physical even though I don’t need one.”

Flirt chuckled at her response, following a distance behind them. When they reached the elevator, he scooted past them in the wide hallway and pushed the button to bring it to their floor. He went in first, standing by the controls.

Lash walked in with her, moving to the back and far from Flirt in the confined space.

Mary peered up at him. “Why are you making me do this? You always let it go, but not this time.”

“Your scent has changed.”

Flirt gasped.

Mary didn’t look at him, instead studying her lion man’s golden eyes. He looked pleased. “Of course it has. I have access to my stuff now. I don’t have to borrow your stuff when I shower. My shampoo and conditioner smell way better than yours do. I won’t even bring up how your deodorant reacts to my body chemistry. It’s not fair that it’s nice on you but my armpits stink like a yard that just got mowed.”

Lash grinned. “You didn’t smell like that.”

“Maybe not to you but it did to me,” she grumbled.

The elevator doors opened and Lash strode out. She put her arm around his neck, giving up talking him out of taking her wherever he wanted. He was the most stubborn man she’d ever met.

Other New Species were in the lobby area. A few gave nods to Lash. None of them spoke as they left through the front doors.

“I’ll grab a Jeep,” Flirt offered. “It’s a long walk if you carry your female.”

Lash stopped and waited. Flirt came back quickly and stopped in front of them, driving an open Jeep. Lash lifted her over the back and set her gently on the seat. He climbed in after her then just scooped her up again, dropping her onto his lap. It wasn’t a big seat.

“You could have sat in the front.”

Lash grinned at her. “I like you this close.”

“We should go back to the suite.”

“You’re not distracting me with sharing sex this time, Mary.”

Flirt chuckled again while he drove away from the hotel. “I’d let a female distract me.”

“No talking,” Lash snapped.

Mary rolled her eyes. “You’re being super bossy today. What’s gotten into you?”

Lash just grinned at her, not answering.

Mary stared at the scenery as they drove to a single-story building. It wasn’t far from the hotel. Flirt parked and cut the engine. Then he slid out and rushed inside. “I’ll let them know you’re here,” he called out, before disappearing through the automatic sliding door.

Lash stood with her in his arms.

“No!”

He ignored her protest, lifted his foot to stand on the edge of the Jeep’s side, and gently jumped down. She clung to him.

“Not a lion woman,” she reminded him.

“Maybe part lion woman.”

She frowned, wondering what that meant. The doors to Medical opened and a woman walked out. She was human. The white coat she wore over scrubs with cartoons on them gave Mary a clue that she had to work there.

“Hello. I’m Dr. Allison Baker, but just call me Doc Alli. Everyone else does. I’m also a Species mate. His name is Obsidian.” The perky woman stared up at Lash. “It’s nice to meet you, Lash. I got your message and everything is ready. Follow me.”

The doctor spun on her cute little pink tennis shoes, her long blonde ponytail bouncing behind her, and returned inside. Lash followed.

Mary had questions. “What message? What’s going on, Lash?”

“I told you that your scent has changed. I had Jinx tell Medical I was going to bring you to them, and what I wanted. I think you’re carrying my cub. Doc Alli will run a test to tell us for certain.”

Mary was glad he was carrying her.

It wasn’t totally a shock. Lash talked about getting her pregnant often. She’d caught him caressing her belly sometimes after they’d had sex, and he made plenty of comments about wanting a cub with her.

To think about it happening, though, and him saying it could have actually happened, were two different things.

She didn’t say anything as Doc Alli led them to an exam room.

“Put her on the table, Lash.”

Lash gently sat Mary upright on the padded table and stuck close.

Doc Alli walked to a cabinet and opened a drawer. “I’m going to do a little finger prick to get a few drops of blood.” She put on gloves before turning to look at Mary. “Is that okay?”

She nodded.

Lash tensed. “It won’t hurt her?”

Doc Alli flashed him hesitant grin. “I don’t suppose you want to wait in the hallway?”

“No.”

“I didn’t think so.” Doc Alli walked to the other side of the exam table, grabbing things as she went. “It might make your mate flinch. It’s a tiny jab. It can’t be helped.” The doctor hesitated, watching Lash.

Mary reached out and gripped his hand. “What she’s too polite to say is you’re making her nervous. She’s not going to hurt me on purpose, but I’ve had pin pricks before. Some can sting. It’s fast, and I’ll be fine. Relax and stop looking so terrifying. Do you want to get results or not? You brought me here.”

Lash sighed. “Fine.” He took a step back and forced a smile. “Better?”

“No. It looks more like you’re constipated and trying to look happy about it.”

Doc Alli laughed, that time grinning for real. “I wasn’t going to say it. Are you ready, Mary?” She opened something.

Mary avoided watching but she held out her free hand. “Yes.”

“I’m going to swab your mate’s fingertip with an alcohol rub. Then just a quick prick and a little squeeze on her finger to get a few drops of blood on this strip the NSO created just for this test. It’s more effective than urine tests.”

Mary turned her face away and stared at Lash. His hold on her hand tightened. She smiled. Doc Ali gently took her hand in one of her gloved ones, ran a wet swab over her index fingertip, and did what she’d warned. It didn’t really hurt more than a second.

“I’m fine,” Mary assured Lash again.

He was watching every move the doctor made. “How long until you know?”

Doc Alli put a tiny round bandage over the top of Mary’s finger. “Not long. Especially if you noticed a change in her scent.” The doctor moved away, carrying something that kind of looked like one of the over-the-counter pregnancy tests Mary had seen commercials for. It was a plastic strip with a small window. It was placed on the counter, and then the doctor removed her gloves, tossing them away.

Doc Alli leaned against the counter and crossed her arms. “I know waiting is hard. Let’s give it a few minutes.”

“I know what it will tell us.” Lash smiled.

Doc Alli opened her mouth, but then closed it. Mary noticed that worried look on the other woman’s face again.

“What is it? Just spit it out. He’s not going to attack you.” Mary tightened her hold on Lash.

The blonde doctor met her gaze. “He’s a Wild Zone, and I asked about him after I knew he was bringing you in. He hasn’t been around many human women. A change in your scent might not mean pregnancy. It could be that you’re about to ovulate or start your period. I mean, he probably is right, but there’s a small chance…”

“Okay. That makes sense.” Mary slid off the exam table and hugged her arms around Lash’s waist.

“I want a cub.”

“I know you do, lion man. It’s fine any way this turns out. If not this time, there’s always next month. It just means we’ll have to have even more sex than we’ve been having.”

He hugged her back.

Doc Alli pushed off the counter. “Let’s cross our fingers.” She did that and spun around, staring at the end of the stick. Then she turned, her face serious.

Mary’s heart plummeted. Lash was going to be disappointed.

Doc Alli suddenly winked. “Congratulations! You’re having a cub!”

Lash picked Mary up, burying his face in her neck, and hugged her tight. “We’re having a cub.”

Mary blinked back tears. She was going to have a baby with Lash. She never been happier.

He finally put her down and grinned at the doctor. “Can we see our cub inside my mate?”

“You sure can. I had the ultrasound ready in the next room, all set up, just in case. We’ll sit down afterward to talk about your care, what to expect, and set up regular appointments.”

*

Lash scooped Mary into his arms and followed the blonde human doctor into another room. He lay Mary flat on another exam bed, as instructed, and kept close to her.

He was having a cub with his mate. It was a dream come true. He wanted to roar his joy and go tell everyone.

“I’m going to pull up your shirt and put on this gel, Mary. It’s a little cold but it will warm up fast,” the doctor warned, saying something else, but Lash ignored her.

He gazed down at his smiling mate.

He remembered when he’d heard the vent creaking from above, and he’d hidden, thinking humans were about to attack him in his domain. Then some of the joints holding part of the vent had popped free, dropping Mary onto the mats.

That moment had changed his life for the better.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, distracting her from whatever her and the doctor were talking about. Mary met his gaze and smiled.

“I love you, mate.”

“I love you too, Lash.”

“Ready to see your baby?” The doctor reminded them that they weren’t alone.

Lash kept close to Mary’s face and lifted his gaze to where the doctor was pointing at the screen. She had put on a glove and ran some strange object over his mate’s bared stomach. None of it made sense to him. The screen didn’t show a baby, but shadows instead.

“Okay,” Doc Alli said quietly. “I’m going to press a bit here to get a better look.” She paused moving the hand that gripped the device. “There we go. I can see him. He looks perfect. I’m guessing you’re about four weeks along.”

Lash couldn’t see his cub. The screen was still confusing him. He glanced at Mary to find her smiling big, tears in her eyes.

“Do you see our cub?”

The doctor spoke instead of Mary. “Hang on. I’m going to take a still shot. Some people have a hard time making these out.” Doc Alli removed the device seconds later and pulled the machine forward to face them more.

Then she pointed to the screen. “This right here is his head.”

She outlined the shape of his cub’s body with her finger, and Lash felt overwhelming joy. “I see it now.”

“We really need to get one of the fancier models that Homeland has up there. Their imaging is amazing compared to these basic models. This one can pick up heartbeats, though. Would you like to hear that?”

“Yes!” He nodded at the doctor.

Doc Alli picked up the device and pressed it to Mary’s stomach, using her other hand to tap at the machine. “Get ready. Baby heartbeats, especially Species, are fast.”

Then the most wonderful sound he’d ever heard filled the room.

His gaze locked with Mary’s.

“That’s our baby.”

“It is.” Tears filled his eyes. “Thank you for being my mate.”

Mary reached up and caressed his cheek. “I guess it’s a day for amazing things to happen. We’re officially a family, and you said thank you.”

He laughed, kissing his mate.

About the Author

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

I'm a full-time wife, mother, and author. I've been lucky enough to have spent over two decades with the love of my life and look forward to many, many more years with Mr. Laurann. I'm addicted to iced coffee, the occasional candy bar (or two), and trying to get at least five hours of sleep at night.

I love to write all kinds of stories. I think the best part about writing is the fact that real life is always uncertain, always tossing things at us that we have no control over, but when writing you can make sure there's always a happy ending. I love that about being an author. My favorite part is when I sit down at my computer desk, put on my headphones to listen to loud music to block out everything around me, so I can create worlds in front of me.

For the most up to date information, please visit my website. www.LaurannDohner.com

Table of Contents

Snow

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Lash

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue