Best Friends (New Species #15)(44)

Snow scowled. “My female.”

“I am aware.” The male was feline, handsome, and he flashed his fangs as he grinned. “I’ll be on my best behavior. My word. Yes?”

“Sit.” Snow sighed, motioning toward the male. “Meet Flirt. He fully earns the name. Remember…Mel is mine. Keep your comments tame.”

“I give my word.” The male took a seat across from Snow. “How are you, Melinda? We all heard about what happened in your human town.”

“I’m fine.”

“She fought the male,” Snow growled low.

Flirt’s catlike eyes widened and he blinked at her. “Did you harm the human?”

“I think so. They found blood at my place that wasn’t mine.”

“Impressive.” Flirt dug into his plate of baked chicken covered in a white sauce with pasta. He gazed at Snow. “You’re calmer than I expected.”

“Now. Mel is with me.”

“Of course.” Flirt looked at her. “We’re protective as hell. It’s a good Species trait. We have many of them. You’d be smart to mate with him. He has asked, hasn’t he?”

She noticed how Snow paused eating, glaring at the male.

“He did. I just need a little more time. We haven’t known each other that long.”

Flirt snorted at her answer. “Humans.” His blue eyes flashed with humor though. “So cautious when there’s no need. This male is way better than your males. You should say yes.”

“Don’t pressure her,” Snow warned.

“I’m not. I’m giving her friendly advice.” He smiled at Mel. “Listen to me. I’m honest. You’ll never regret saying yes to becoming Snow’s mate. I know many human female mates. They are all extremely happy. You can’t do better than one of ours. We’re extremely loyal. And Species don’t cheat. We find one female, attach to her, and get addicted. That’s it for us for life.”

“Flirt.” Snow put down his fork and knife. “Enough. I didn’t bring Mel here to get references from my friends.”

“It doesn’t hurt.” The male shrugged. “She said she hasn’t known you for long. We have.” He turned his blue gaze to her and winked. “Snow is a keeper.”

“He is,” another Species called from another table.

“A solid male,” another male stated. “Canines are loyal.”

“Be smart, human.” That from a female Species across the room, who grinned when Mel met her gaze. “Accept Snow. He’ll be all depressed and sad if you say no. You never want to see a canine unhappy. Hey, Bestial. Show her the sad look. You’re a council member, do your job. Represent a pathetic canine.”

A tall canine male chuckled loudly from a table a few over and lifted his dark brown head. He pouted, his intense eyes taking on a soulful look as he stared at Mel. “Accept Snow. I’m asking for all the canines, even the ones who aren’t technically mine. This is the look I practice so they think I’m sympathetic when I’m listening to silly complaints and demands.” He jerked his thumb toward the female. “Like that one.”

“Enough!” Snow put his arm around Mel, drawing her attention from the big male. “Leave Mel alone.”

Mel laughed. “It’s okay. They care about you. I think that’s awesome.”

“Don’t encourage them,” he whispered loudly and leaned close, nuzzling the side of her head.

“Canines are also the best at sex,” another Species called out.

Some low hissing sounds came from the felines.

“You wish.” Flirt turned in his seat to shoot a glare at the canine who’d spoken. “We purr.”

Bestial rose. He was a tall, huge Species. “Hey, none of that. We’re all awesome. You heard Snow’s female. I won’t have a debate about sex while we’re eating in front of her. Snow is trying to impress his female.” He suddenly grinned at her. “We are the best, but we have to let the felines think otherwise. They are pussies, after all. The primates will beat their chests so we’ll give them a tie for second.”

Laughter sounded around the room but no one protested. Mel grinned as she turned her head, looking at Snow. He watched her back, amusement in his eyes.

“I should have ordered our food to be taken upstairs.”

She shook her head. “I’m having fun. This is nice. I like your people.”

“I’m glad you said that.” A feline lifted his plate from the table near theirs, rose to his feet, and moved to their table. “I have questions about your females, if you don’t mind. I want one for myself.”

Mel felt honored anyone wanted her advice. “Sure. Ask away.”

Snow groaned. “You’re going to regret this.”

More New Species joined them for dinner. They had to move a few tables together. Mel answered questions, mostly about the women in town who were single.

One thing became clear. There many more males than female New Species and most of them seemed super lonely. It hurt her heart. The NSO really needed a way to introduce them to some women.

Snow kept his arm around her, snarling warnings when someone asked sexual questions. He deemed them too rude and ordered her to ignore them. She had a blast, though, for the next hour until she yawned. It had been a long day.