Best Friends (New Species #15)(118)

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.”