Best Friends (New Species #15)(57)

Some chuckles sounded from the SUV.

Mary tried to yank her hand free, probably attempting to escape to her car. Mel grabbed her with both hands and dug her heels in to keep her there.

“They aren’t laughing at you. It was my smartass remark about biting. Don’t you go running off on me. I need you, Mary. It’s just a few hours. The minister is human. And look how close you are to New Species and none of them are trying to maul you. They can bring you in through a back gate and hide most of the guards. I’ll meet you there and stay with you every minute you’re at Reservation.”

Indecision flashed in Mary’s eyes. “I want to. I’d do anything for you.”

“You’ve been close to New Species before. Just stare at my back. Remember how we did that at the diner? It’ll be fine. You can walk me down the aisle or whatever we use. I need you!”

“Fuck.”

Mel smiled, seeing Mary’s expression soften, even as she cursed.

“Best friends do scary things for each other. I made myself bait, didn’t I?”

“I didn’t ask you to.”

“Because you didn’t need to. I’ve got your back.”

“Goddamn it,” Mary gritted out, glaring at her. “Fine. If this turns bad, it’s all your fault.”

“None of them are going to hurt you.”

“We won’t,” a male called out from the wall.

“We protect females,” another voice called out, from the woods that time.

Mary jumped, frantically glancing toward the trees. Alarm creased her features.

Mel yanked on her arm to draw her attention. “There’re a couple of them guarding us to keep us safe. See? None of them have hurt you. You’ve been talking to me this whole time with New Species nearby.”

Mary shook her head. “Shit. I know in my head that they wouldn’t do anything to me but I still feel this fear.”

“They’re more human than animal,” Mel whispered. “I’ve told you that. Trust me. I won’t let you panic and flip out. You could totally come to my wedding without it turning into some fiasco everyone will laugh over. Please say yes, Mary.”

“Like at the grocery store with that damn dog that ran at me. I still get shit about that.”

Mel nodded. “I know.”

“I’ll go to your wedding but that’s it. A one-time visit to Reservation. Because your parents are assholes.”

Mel would take it. “Thank you! I knew I could count on you.”

Sadness took over Mary’s expression. “I’m going to miss seeing you all the time.”

Mel frowned. “You will.”

“How? You’re going to live at Reservation. I don’t want to have to go in there to see you. The New Species were attacked at the diner. I doubt they want to let you go have lunch there after that. How am I going to see you if they won’t let you go back to town?”

“Can I answer that?” Snow opened the back door of the SUV and slowly got out, but he didn’t come closer.

Mel kept her tight grip on Mary, though her friend didn’t try to yank free to rush back to her car. She did tremble, and her complexion paled further.

“I had you meet at this location for a reason.” He pointed toward the house. “It’s in very good condition. I was with the team that inspected it before the NSO bought the property. We’re not planning to enclose this area behind our walls for a while, since this road is used by another home with acreage that the NSO doesn’t own. It’s close enough to the wall, though, for us to easily monitor. With a few teams, we can keep you both safe if you want to spend time together there.”

Mel smiled. “You mean we can come here to have picnics and stuff?” She loved that Snow had thought of something she hadn’t. He really was wonderful.

“You can use the house whenever you want. The owners left a lot of furniture behind and the NSO will turn the utilities back on. You two can meet here and spend time together alone.” Snow tore his gaze from her to stare at Mary. “It will be safe as long as this location is kept a secret. You can’t tell anyone when you’re coming to see Mel, or where you’re going. Is that acceptable? The only condition is that Species will patrol while you’re inside the house. I won’t have my mate in danger.”

Mel peered into Mary’s eyes. “That’s very reasonable, right? And we can still hang out together whenever you want.”

Mary appeared relieved. “That sounds perfect.”

Mel released her hand and hugged her. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad we got that worked out.” Snow climbed back into the SUV and closed the door.

“He seems great,” Mary whispered in her ear. “But he better keep me safe when I’m at your wedding. I want that to be part of your damn vows. Make him swear to not let any of his friends maul your best friend.”

Mel chuckled, knowing Mary was joking. “Deal.”

They pulled apart, and Mary glanced at the house. “That’s going to be our new hangout, huh?” Then she fixed Mel with a look. “You’re getting a phone, instead of just using Snow’s all the time. I want to be able to talk to you often since I won’t be seeing you every day anymore. I take it you’ve quit the diner?”