Best Friends (New Species #15)(20)

Mary grew deadly serious. “They are.”

“But you have no trouble finding and spending time with losers without fangs.”

“That’s true. I seem to pick the ones who can’t keep their pants zipped up around other women.”

The doorbell rang, and Mel jumped. Mary grabbed her bag and offered it to her. “Go. I’ll let myself out. I have the spare key.”

“Don’t you want to say hi?”

“Fangs, remember? Stop stalling.”

“Guilty as charged.”

Mary shoved the bag at her again and she took it. “Go.”

Mel hurried into the living room. She plastered on a smile and unlocked the door, yanking it open.

Some of her nervousness melted away at the sight of Snow grinning down at her. He had changed into a pair of black jeans and a matching tank top. The boots were the same. He held out his hand.

“Let me take your bag.”

“Thank you.” She passed it over.

He suddenly frowned. “Where’s your sling?”

“Off. I figured it was only going to get in the way, and I’m feeling better. It was only a few stitches and the swelling has gone away. Farm work isn’t for pansies. I once slid across the barn roof and ripped open part of my leg. Thank goodness I had a rope tied around my waist, so I didn’t fall off the side. I’ll show you the scar later. I hope you don’t mind a few of those.”

“I have some myself.” He twisted a little and pulled on part of his shirt, revealing one on his back.

She studied the thin line that marred his skin, then met his gaze. He suddenly looked a little pale. “What’s wrong? Are you having second thoughts about spending the night with me?”

“Never.” He bit his bottom lip as he faced her fully. It was cute. He released it with his fangs. “You might ask how I was injured when you see the rest of my body…and they aren’t good stories. Do you mind seeing scars on a male?”

“Not at all.”

“I’m a survivor. Life at Mercile was tough, and sometimes I had to do things that might make you fear me when you find out.”

“You’re a good man, Snow. I know that. Some folks deserve to die, if that’s what you’re implying. I shot two men, remember? I think it’s sexy that you’re a survivor.”

“Good.” He grinned. “I should be very sexy to you, then.”

She stepped out when he backed up a few feet, then closed the door and turned to walk to the parking lot.

“Aren’t you going to lock that?”

“Mary is inside. She’ll do it when she leaves.”

“Friend support? Did she try to change your mind about tonight?”

“Nope. She came over to check on me and helped me shower, since it’s tough to wash my hair. My arm hurts when I reach up and move it around. Mary actually encouraged me to go home with you.”

He looked surprised. “Most human females wouldn’t feel that way.”

“Mary’s my friend. She wants what’s best for me, and she thinks that might be you. She’s like the sister I always wished I had.”

“I’m glad that you have someone like that in your life.”

“Do you have a best friend?”

“A few of them.”

He kept her close and put his arm around her waist when they reached the SUV. Two New Species she saw regularly at the diner waited for them, but the other she’d only seen a few times.

“This is Jinx. You remember him. The male smiling at you is Torrent. Timber is behind the wheel again. He likes to drive. This is Mel,” he introduced her.

“Hello.” She smiled at them.

Torrent opened the back passenger door. “Allow me.”

“I would have gotten that. I know human etiquette.” Snow tensed.

“Relax.” Torrent held out his hand. “I’ll take her bag to the back and sit there. You two can share the middle seat. That way your female isn’t crowded between two bulky males.”

Mel climbed in and scooted across the seat. She glanced back to watch Torrent open the hatch and he just climbed in, over the trunk area and into a third row of seats. He winked. She faced Snow as he slid in next to her and closed the door.

“Don’t be nervous. You look it,” he whispered. “We must travel in fours right now. These are my friends.”

“I’m not worried about that. It’s more nervousness over our date.” She glanced at the men in the big SUV. “I’m not afraid of New Species.”

“Good.” Snow helped her put on her seat belt. “You’re completely safe.”

She believed him.



Snow couldn’t remember a time he felt more nervous. The males in the SUV kept glancing at him, probably silently urging him to say the perfect thing to Mel. He just didn’t know what that would be. He studied her, noticed the way she looked slightly uncomfortable, and reached out his hand to her. She took it and smiled.

He began to relax. It didn’t matter what the males thought or if they teased him later. All he cared about was Mel.

“You said you like ribs. That’s what I planned for our dinner together. There will be only one fork to eat the side dishes with.”

“That sounds perfect.”