Best Friends (New Species #15)(91)

“The NSO isn’t going to like you keeping me. They’ll kick me out.”

He snorted. “Now you’re being silly again. Every Species wants a mate. They’ll be happy for us. Do you want me to call Justice and have him come tell you that you can stay?”

She appeared surprised when she twisted on his lap, staring at him. Her eyes were wider than normal and her mouth opened slightly.

“What?” He didn’t know what he’d said that would cause that reaction from her.

“Justice North? The leader of the New Species Organization?”

“I don’t know any other Justice.”

“You know him?”

“Yes. He comes to Reservation. He and his mate even stay in the Wild Zone sometimes.”

“You’ve met Jessie, too?”

“Of course.”

She seemed to think that over. “Oh.”

“What are you thinking about now?”

“I guess he’d let me stay if you’re friends with him. I just assumed…”

“What? That I wouldn’t be allowed a mate because I’m a Wild Zone Species? Valiant has a mate. We’re all Species. Justice doesn’t treat us the way Mercile did. We’re family to him. It doesn’t matter if we were raised in a cage or a cell.”

She frowned.

“What are you thinking now?” He was curious about her thought processes. She was difficult to figure out.

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie, Mary.”

She sighed and held his gaze. “You don’t live like other Species, though. Mel showed me Snow’s place. I was curious about where she’d moved to, and we went there while she got dressed for the wedding. He lives in this hotel. It’s a nice suite on the second floor. You live in the basement.”

“Ah.” He understood. “It’s my choice. I like it down here.” He let her go with one arm and waved his hand. “I loved the outdoors in the Wild Zone, and I don’t like being around a lot of other people. Even Species. I didn’t talk much growing up. I’m not comfortable with needless conversations.” He shrugged, holding her with both arms again. He liked the feel of her on his lap. “I like talking to you.”

She smiled slightly. “Even when I’m arguing with you?”

“Even then. I’m fascinated by you.”

Her expression sobered. “What happens when you get tired of me? All relationships are good in the beginning.”

“That won’t happen, Mary. When you find a mate, you want no other female, and that will never change. Now you’re just looking for reasons to fight. Stop. Eat your chocolate.”

“You’re so bossy.” She narrowed her eyes. “And don’t say you’re Species.”

He grinned.

She wiggled on his lap and reached for the small plate. She straightened, taking a bite of the brownie. He watched her expression as her eyes closed and she chewed. She seemed to enjoy it. He was glad. The little sound of pleasure she made turned him on. He’d get her lots more of the brownies if the treats made her this happy.

“God. Reservation has the best food.” She opened her eyes and offered him a bite.

He shook his head. “I don’t eat chocolate.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “You don’t?”

“It makes my stomach feel bad. I like fruit instead.”

“Oh. Maybe it’s because you’re part lion or something.”

“Maybe. I love ice cream but not chocolate.”

“What’s your favorite flavor?”

“Vanilla.”

“We’re so different.”

“Stop looking for excuses not to be my mate. We’re compatible. Do you want me to take you to our bed and show you again?”

Her gaze left his, and she scowled up at the platform. “That is a deal-breaker, Lash. We’ve got to compromise about that.”

“It’s safer for us up there. I sleep better knowing we’re where humans can’t get to us if they breach security.”

“I refuse to let you leap around with me all day. You don’t eat chocolate because it upsets your stomach. That’s what happens to mine when you take me up there or get me down.”

“Humans do attack the NSO, Mary.”

She sighed and stared at him, finishing her brownie. Her mind was working. He could see emotions flashing in her eyes. He waited, knowing she’d talk to him soon. He liked that about his mate. She had lots of opinions and words to say.

“What happens if we do have a baby? It’ll crawl. It could fall off the platform. Did you think about that?”

He hadn’t. “I’ll have them put lots of mats under it. You weren’t hurt when you landed on the mats after you fell out of the vent. It’s almost as high as my bed. Our son won’t get hurt.”

“Deal-breaker, Lash. That means I can’t live with that. The bed has to come down.”

He growled, not liking her demand.

She wiggled in his arms but he refused to let her go. She set the plate down and twisted to face him, placing her hands on his chest. He liked it when she petted him, which she did at that moment.

“Are you trying to manipulate me by touch?” He wasn’t about to admit it was working. He felt himself softening, wanting to give her anything she asked for.