Best Friends (New Species Book 15)

by Laurann Dohner

  “Thank you, Snow. I get that this is hard on you.”

  She really had no idea. “I keep thinking about how you could have been killed.” He stroked his hand down her back. “I’m going over scenarios in my head. What if the male shows up with a gun? What if he shoots you before we can get to him? You’re wearing a vest. Don’t fight me on that.”

  “He was trying to grab me. He wanted answers. Dead folks can’t talk.”

  “You hurt him when you fought him off. Bad males might change their motives and want revenge more.”

  She reached up and cupped his face. “I’m hearing you. I am. I’ve still got to do this. Do you believe in gut feelings?”

  “Yes. We call them instincts.”

  “Mine are telling me that I’m right, and if he can’t get to me, he might go after Mary again. I’m sure it’s linked to the shooting, since he broke into Mary’s place, too. Her and I were the ones working that shift. Mary is like family. Actually, I like her better than my real family. I’d talk Mary into moving to Reservation, but I know she won’t. I have a better chance of winning a billion dollars playing the lottery. She’s super scared of animals. Not that you or other New Species are animals.” She glanced around, giving his friends apologetic looks, before going on.

  “She’s even afraid of kittens, puppies, fluffy bunnies, and even those super-cute sloths. A customer came in a few months ago showing a video on her phone of a baby sloth getting a bath. It was adorable. Not to Mary. She said they look all cute but them bam! They might use those claws to attack. She even had a nightmare about it. It was ridiculous but…that’s Mary for you. She’s got the worst case of animal phobia that I’ve ever seen. There’s no way she could live with New Species.”

  Snow stroked her back more. “I understand, Mel. We are way more frightening than baby sloths.”

  Everyone inside the SUV chuckled.

  “Are you mad at me?” She appeared worried.

  “No. This is something you feel you need to do. I’ll support you.”

  “We all will,” Timber stated from the driver’s seat.

  They came up on the gates but they didn’t have to stop. Brass had called ahead. Snow liked that Reservation was laxer about the rules than Homeland at times. Otherwise, Mel would have to suffer a pat down by someone on duty every time she entered. He knew he could thank Brass for her easy clearance.

  Snow helped her out of the SUV when they stopped in front of the hotel, keeping hold of her hand. He couldn’t wait to get her upstairs and alone. He’d missed her, and the scare he’d had made his need to touch her almost unbearable.

  Brass stopped them before they could go inside. “We need to fine-tune the details of this mission. We’ll meet at eight in the morning for a shared breakfast.” His gaze locked with Snow’s. “You’re off duty for the next few days. Stay with your female.”

  “Thank you.” He knew the NSO would be supportive. Mel wasn’t officially his mate but he’d made his intentions clear.

  He took her into the hotel. Other Species were inside, but they kept back, giving grim nods his way. They must have heard what happened to Mel. He led her to the elevator and took her directly to his home. No one stopped or spoke to them. He was grateful for that.

  Once they were inside, he locked the door and pulled her into his arms. “I was frightened,” he admitted.

  She hugged him around his waist, nuzzling his bulky uniformed chest with her face. “I’m really okay. I’m a fighter. I wasn’t going to let that creep take me.”

  He separated them but snagged her hand, taking her into his bedroom. He immediately began to strip.

  Mel’s brows inched up. “Horny?”

  “I hate the uniform. Take off your clothing. This isn’t about sharing sex. I need to make certain you’re not hurt. Strip, Mel. Now.”

  She nodded, reaching for her long-sleeved shirt with the diner logo over her right breast. “I’d be okay if you were horny.” A small smile played at her lips. “I missed you.”

  He couldn’t bare his body fast enough. He just tossed his clothing into a pile until he’d removed everything and then went to her, dropping to his knees to help her since she was slower. His gaze scanned every inch of skin she bared. Besides her slightly red knuckles, a few light marks on her arms, she seemed fine.

  She lifted one of her feet after she’d taken off the socks and he saw three small bandages. He gently gripped her ankle and used his other hand to lightly push her back. She laughed as she landed on her ass on the edge of the mattress. He studied her foot. The smell of disinfectant hid any blood. The bandages weren’t stained.

  “It’s only a few small cuts from glass. They aren’t bad. Sheriff Cooper had a first-aid kit.”

  He released her ankle and walked on his knees closer, gently parting her thighs to make room for his hips. He cupped her waist and pulled her right up against his body before hugging her tight. He breathed in her scent. She was safe with him, in his home, in his arms.

  “I can’t lose you, Mel. I won’t.”

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “You won’t. I told you. I’m tough. I fought that sucker hard. He probably wishes he’d never messed with me. And bonus? Now I have an excuse to buy new dishes. I smashed most of what I bought throwing them at his stupid face.”

  He could tell by the light tone of her voice that she was trying to be funny but he couldn’t laugh. She felt so frail in his arms. And a male had attacked her. Tried to steal her away. It infuriated him. Frightened him. What if the male had hit her hard enough to break bones? Kill her? He’d seen too much death in his life. He knew how easily humans could die. Especially females.

  “I’m fine, Snow. I promise.”

  He nodded. “I’m going to make sure of that. Once this male is caught, move in with me. Stay with me, Mel. Mate me.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “I mean it. I’m certain. You’re mine, Mel. I’m yours. It’s that simple. I missed you when you were gone. You admitted to missing me. We shouldn’t be apart. It felt wrong.”

  “I did miss you but it hasn’t been long enough to make a lifetime commitment.”

  He felt pain in his chest at hearing her words. “I’ll convince you.”

  She smiled. “Does that mean lots of sex?”

  He chuckled then. “Yes.”

  “I’m all for that. Give it your best shot, Snow.”

  He kissed her, not holding back his need and desire to show her what she meant to him. His female moaned against his tongue, making his cock harden in an instant. He felt primed to take her but she wasn’t ready yet, her scent of arousal only faint. He let his hands roam her soft skin, remembering to be gentle.

  Mel clutched at him and rubbed her breasts against his chest. He could feel the tips of them as they tightened. Her scent changed, her need growing stronger as he rubbed his cock against her slit. He lowered her slowly to the bed, released her, and gripped her thighs to spread them apart. He nuzzled his face between them, growling as his tongue found her clit.

  Her little hands ended up in his hair. He growled louder, knowing she enjoyed the vibrations it caused. He licked, sucked, and focused on the swelling bud. Her moans increased, growing louder as he mercilessly took her to a thrashing climax.

  When he felt the bud softening, he rose up.

  It crossed his mind that he needed to put on a condom…but he had almost lost her. A human male could have taken her from him forever.

  He gripped the base of his cock and slid his other hand under her ass, dragging her to the edge of the mattress. He looked down as he lined them up and put the tip of his shaft right at her entrance. The urge to drive into her deep and fuck her hard hit—but he paused.

  Guilt surfaced as Mel panted, her eyes meeting his when he peered at her face. She was flush from her climax, trust shining in her eyes, and he realized he couldn’t be selfish.

  “Hold on.” He forced himself to release his shaft, slide his arm out from under her, and rose to his fee
t. He grabbed the condoms, put one on, and then resumed his position on his knees at the bottom of the bed.

  He was gentle as he entered her tight, wet body. His Mel was smaller than a Species female. She felt softer inside, too. Her moan of pleasure urged him to take it slowly, carefully. He never wanted to hurt her by being too rough. He rocked his hips, her body taking him deeper with each thrust. He licked his thumb and reached between them, placing it on her clit. It had begun to swell again.

  Mel moaned and pulled her legs up. He leaned over her to keep her from being able to close them. He hooked her under her waist to hold her in place as he picked up the pace, fucking her faster. He rubbed her clit in time with his hips. He could fell her muscles clenching, making it harder for him to move inside her. She was so damn tight it nearly hurt, but it was too good.

  She came again and it caused him to lose his seed. He snarled, coming with her. Then he felt himself locking inside her as the base of his shaft began to swell. He repositioned his arms, pinning her under him. Their gazes met and held.

  “I love you, Mel. You’ll love me, too, one day.”

  She reached up and cupped his face. “I’m already falling in love with you.”

  His heart soared. “Good. You’ll agree to be my mate?”

  “I think I will but we need more time. To make sure.”

  “I’m already certain.” He kissed her, liking the way she wrapped her legs around his waist to hug him with them. “It’s going to be a long night of convincing you.” He grinned. “Once the swelling goes down, I’ll get rid of this condom and grab more.”

  Her eyes widened. “Don’t you need recovery time?”

  “I’m Species.” He shrugged. “We’re built for endurance and stamina.”

  “Oh boy.” She smiled. “We need to eat at some point. I missed dinner.”

  He instantly switched plans. “Food first. Then more sex. My mate needs to be fed.”

  “Snow—”

  “You are mine, Mel. I know. I feel it.” He lifted his hand and brushed her hair off the side of her face, caressing her cheek. “How brave are you?”

  “I fought off a creep today and plan to make myself bait tomorrow. Pretty darn brave. Why?”

  He grinned. “It takes more time if I order food to be brought up here. Let’s go downstairs to eat. Now that you’ve mentioned it, I hear your belly rumbling.”

  “But I just have my work clothes.”

  “I will find you something of mine to wear. We’re not formal here at the NSO. I just want your skin covered to prevent other males from seeing too much of you.” The swelling went down and he gently separated their bodies. He hated pulling out of her. He lifted off her and helped her into a seated position on the bed. “I’ll take care of this condom and then we’ll go eat. I think you’ll like the choices they have.”

  He rushed into the bathroom, discarded the spent condom, and washed his hands. Then he hurried back into the bedroom. Mel stood waiting for him. He walked to his dresser, opening drawers, and pulled out one of his thicker shirts and a pair of drawstring shorts that would fall past her knees. He liked to work out in them. They were well worn and comfortable. She took them.

  “Skip the bra,” he told her. “My shirt is loose enough to hide that you’re not wearing one. No one would care anyway. Species females don’t like them.”

  He pulled out sweats and a tank top for himself, quickly putting them on. He skipped wearing shoes. Mel took a seat to put on her socks. Snow waited, knowing she might feel more comfortable with something covering her feet. Not many humans went without shoes that he’d seen. When she was dressed, he held out his hand.

  “Let’s go. And don’t worry. Other Species will love you. You’re mine and carrying my scent on you.” He grinned. He’d rubbed his skin against hers enough to know others would smell him on her.

  “You’re weird but so cute,” she chuckled, taking his hand. “No shoes, huh?”

  “I’m off duty. They aren’t required. A lot of Species will be barefoot. See for yourself.”

  Mel felt a little nervous as Snow led her into a huge room on the first floor. The smell of food had her stomach rumbling. Dozens of New Species were there, sitting at tables already or walking along a long buffet between the kitchen area and the cafeteria. Most paused eating to glance their way. She forced a smile, meeting gazes. None of the New Species seemed alarmed at seeing her. A few even smiled back. It caused the last of her tension to leave.

  She also noticed Snow had been right. Some of the New Species were in uniform with their boots but most wore casual clothing, from sweats to jeans, their feet bare. It was a reminder of how different they were from full humans, but it was nice.

  Snow took her to the far right of the buffet and released her hand, handing her a plate.

  “Fill it with what you want. They label everything for those of us who can read. Most can, but not the Wild Zone residents. They use their eyes and sense of smell to determine what they’d like to eat. You can have seconds or even thirds. Fill your plate, we’ll find a place to sit, and then come back for drinks.”

  “Got it.”

  She chose a filet mignon, fried potatoes, some mashed potatoes with bacon and cheese mixed in them, and then grabbed a bowl of salad with a small container of ranch dressing. Snow led her to a table. He had piled a few large steaks on his plate. They set them down, returned for drinks, and she picked a carton of milk. He chose a soda before they both grabbed silverware wrapped in cloth napkins and took their seats. Snow sat close to her.

  “You weren’t kidding about the food choices. They have everything from fried chicken to Italian food.” She cut into her steak. It had said medium rare. The steaks Snow had taken were rare. She took a bite of the filet mignon and moaned her appreciation.

  Snow grinned, cutting into one of his steaks. It was very red. “The NSO hires the best human cooks.”

  “They do. I feel lucky to be here.”

  Another male New Species approached with a plate and paused across the table from them. “May I sit with you and the female?”

  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 hi
s 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.