“Leave it all on the cart. It can work as a table.” She crawled down the bed.
Snow stripped off his pants again and adjusted the cart before taking a seat.
She stared at the piled plates. “I’m never going to be able to eat all that.”
He chuckled. “I think they wanted to make sure they gave us choices, since they haven’t learned what you like yet.”
“I still can’t believe you have real chefs who cook for you.”
“Us.” He waited for her to sit next to him then pulled the cart closer. “Would you like to try one of these?” He lifted a large, frosty, dark pink drink. “No alcohol, Flirt said. He delivered it.”
“Sure.” She accepted it and held it aloft. “To us.”
Snow hesitated, his own frosty drink in hand.
“We lightly touch them together. To make a toast.”
“I’ve seen this.” He leaned closer. “To us, Mel. To our future, which will be filled with happiness together. To any sons we may have.” He grinned. “To every night that I get to hold you and show you how much you mean to me.”
Tears filled her eyes, and she furiously blinked them back. She clinked their glasses together and they both took a sip. It tasted really good. Snow seemed to like it, too, since he took a bigger drink.
“Please don’t get cold feet about our wedding. Is that the right saying? I’m looking forward to experiencing a human marriage ceremony.”
She chuckled and put the drink down, picking up a cloth napkin and unrolling her silverware. “You got it right. And I won’t. I don’t run, remember? It’s going to be fun, and we’ll frame any pictures people take and hang them in our living room. I don’t foresee any problems.”
“As long as your friend doesn’t start screaming.”
“If Mary doesn’t chicken out,” she said at the same time.
They both laughed. “We’ll get her to come even if I have to send a team to grab her. We’re getting married downstairs in the lobby by that pretty fireplace and holding a small reception in the cafeteria. Brass and Jaded said they’d make all the arrangements. Do you dance?”
“I do.”
He grinned. “I’m not good at it, but I’m anxious to experience wedding traditions like cutting the cake and getting to listen to music while you’re in my arms.”
“Me too. I wish we could get hitched tomorrow.”
“The clothing is going to take a few days. I can’t wait to see what dress you picked. I also ordered us wedding rings.”
She gasped in delight. “You did? I didn’t even think about that.”
“I want you to have the best of both worlds, Mel. Your human one and Species.” He glanced at her shoulder. “You have my mark, and soon you’ll wear my ring. Now you just need to bite me, and I’ll wear your ring, as well.”
“I know what we’re doing after dinner.” She winked and ran her tongue over her teeth. “I’m going to bite you and show you just how much I love you.”
Snow shot her a passion-filled look and growled low in that sexy way of his. “Being mated is already amazing.”
Chapter Sixteen
Mel was nervous as she waited with Snow at one of the back gates leading into Reservation. Every minute seemed to drag by forever. Their ceremony was going to start in an hour. It would barely leave her time to put on her dress and get ready.
“She’ll arrive,” he promised, keeping his arm around her.
“I hope so.”
“Are you sure I should be here with you? One of my friends could have escorted you. Tradition says it’s bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony.”
“No way was I going to sleep without you last night, now that you’re mine, and Mary said she trusts you to keep her safe.” Mel pulled out her new cell phone and pulled up the text. “See? I mean, she worded it differently, but she said she’d be here.”
Snow read the text out loud. “I get it, Mel. He won’t let anyone maul me because he loves you. Why can’t I get drunk first again? Oh, right. I can’t drive, and it would take forever for me to stumble to where we’re meeting up. I’m leaving now. I’m going to imagine they are all naked or something. That should help, right?”
Mel looked away from the phone and spotted movement on the road. “She’s coming! I see her.”
“We’ll hide,” a New Species called from the upper wall.
She turned to flash them a smile. “Thank you!”
Snow chuckled. “This has to be a first for the NSO. We usually show a strong front to humans who visit, to intimidate them into behaving. Now they are hiding to avoid frightening your friend.”
“I appreciate it, too.” Mel shoved the phone into pocket. “Hide your fangs and try not to growl. It’s sexy as can be, but Mary…”
“I understand.”
She flashed him a smile. “Sorry, baby.”
“I love when you call me an endearment.”
“Even when I called you a sexy beast in the shower this morning?”
“Especially then. That was my favorite so far.”
Mary pulled her car up and parked it on the side of the road. She wore the pretty cream-colored dress Mel had ordered for her. It had arrived in time by mail. She also noticed that her best friend hadn’t put on much makeup, and her normally puffy hair was a little tamer. It made her love Mary even more. She might be scared, but she’d listened when Mel told her about New Species being bothered by certain smells.
“You came! Thank you!” She pulled away from Snow and rushed to Mary, giving her a hug.
“I love you,” Mary whispered. “I love you so much, this proves it.” She nervously glanced at Snow. “Swear to me I’m going to be safe.”
“Species would never harm you, Mary. You have my word, and that of the entire NSO.”
Mary gave a jerky nod. “Okay. Pretending they’re naked.” Then she blushed and glanced up. “Not you, Snow. Just everyone else. It would be wrong if I imagined you without your clothes, since you’re going to be like a brother-in-law to me.”
“Tina, is that you?” Mel couldn’t resist.
Mary didn’t even laugh. “Can I drink now?” She fumbled with her purse. “I have one of those little bottles of apple vodka from a gift set my parents bought me for Christmas.”
“It’s going to be fine.” Mel grabbed her hands and led her to the partially open gate. “Just come with me. There’s going to be a tiny bit of a pat down. Remember when we flew to Los Angeles and we had to get felt up to get through security? Same thing. Just pretend we’re at the airport again.”
“Shit!” Mary looked ready to panic.
Snow slowly moved to block her from rushing to her car. “He’s completely covered. Pretend he’s human.”
Mary walked forward stiffly. Mel may have dragged her a bit, but they made it through the gate and someone in the control room nearby pushed a button that sealed it. The clank of it shutting made Mary jump.
“It’s okay.” Mel kept a good hold on her and turned her to the big male in uniform. He wore a helmet with a dark glass face shield. “Human guy. Totally human. Just keep thinking that.”
“Right. You liar.” Mary stared at the guard with wide eyes.
“Y’all need to lift your arms and just hold still for me,” the male rumbled.
Mel nodded at him. “Nailed it.”
“Are you shitting me?” Mary gawked at her. “You had him say y’all?”
“It sounds more human, right?” Mel shrugged. “Go with it.”
“I hate you.” Mary lifted her hands and squeezed her eyes closed. “TSA guy with bad breath. It’s you. It’s you. It’s you.”
Mel grinned as the unformed New Species froze. “When we flew to visit her family, the guy reeked like fried onions and sauerkraut. Quick, pat her down.”
Snow chuckled.
Mel shot him a look and shook her head, but she smiled wider. It was funny, and they’d gotten Mary into Reservation. So far so good. She kept hold of her hand, even though it was outstretched for the
pat-down. Mary squeezed her hand hard when the guard skimmed his gloved hands over her body and tugged on her purse.
“Let go,” Mel urged her. “He’s just got to look inside but he’ll give it right back.”
Mary released it but kept her eyes closed. “Just don’t confiscate my apple vodka. I might need that.”
The guard quickly searched it and then passed it to Mel, since Mary couldn’t see what he was doing. Mel took it and stepped closer. “Okay. That’s over. You can open your eyes.”
Mary opened her eyes.
Snow opened the front passenger door and the one in the back. “I’m driving. It’s just the three of us. We’re taking you into a back door that the human chefs use. They are cooking our dinner for our reception. There’s a freight elevator that goes to my floor. It’s been cleared of all Species. Mel is going to take you directly to our home, so you can help her get ready. Then you can take the same freight elevator down to the kitchen area. Our guests are going to be in the lobby. You won’t see them until the ceremony, and all have promised not to come within several feet of you. The minister himself is human.”
Mary climbed into the backseat. “I got it. I’m sorry I’m being a huge baby about this. At least I’m here, though.”
“I know.” Mel felt very grateful to her for overcoming her fear. “This is huge. When we go into the lobby area during the wedding, just stare at my back. I’ll be facing Snow while we say our vows.”
“Just like at the diner. I can do this.”
Snow helped Mel into her seat and closed the door before walking around the front of the SUV.
Mel turned in her seat, meeting her best friend’s anxious gaze. “It’s going to be great. I promise. We’ll get me ready, say the ‘I do’s,’ and then eat. We’re putting you at a table with just us.”
“I’m so sorry, Mel. I’m like a third wheel.”
“Never. You’re my bestie and my sister all wrapped into one. You’re here. That’s all that matters.”
Snow got into the driver’s seat and started the SUV. He had chosen it so their hair didn’t get messed up by the wind in one of the Jeeps. They drove to the hotel but instead of parking out front, he rounded the building to the back. He got out but left the engine running.
Mary shot her a confused look.
“Someone will move it in a few minutes, after we’re inside,” Mel explained.
Snow opened the doors but he only helped Mel out. They’d decided in advance that it would be best if he didn’t get too near her best friend. He released Mel and led the way to the double doors that one of the human chefs opened, as if he’d been waiting for them.
Mel hooked Mary’s arm. “See? Humans work here, and they’re all fine.”
The chef openly admired Mary’s dress—and the flash of cleavage it provided—as they passed. Her friend whispered as they entered the kitchen area of the hotel, “Who is that? I’ve never seen him in town before.”
“Some of them live here.” Mel shrugged. “It’s safer that way. For them. New Species protect them.”
“Point made,” Mary muttered.
Snow led them to the freight elevator. “Do you have it from here?”
Mel released Mary and walked to him, going up on her tiptoes. “Plant one on me. I can’t wait to see you in a suit. Sorry for making you get ready somewhere else.”
“I don’t mind.” Snow gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. “I can’t wait to say vows to you and get our wedding picture taken.”
“Me too.”
“You two are too cute.”
Mel beamed at Mary over the compliment. “I know, right?” She backed away from Snow. “I’ll hurry. See you soon!” She hooked Mary’s arm and pushed the button for the freight elevator.
“How much trouble was it for everyone here to avoid me?”
“It’s worth it. Everyone has fears, Mary. Some are terrified of spiders or snakes. Some are terrified of flying. Or heights. Yours are about animals. Are you feeling better? Safer?”
“Yes.” She took a deep breath. “Does everyone think I’m insane?”
“Never.” Mel bumped her arm. “They’re worried about scaring you. No one wants that.”
“Boy, you’re a master with the guilt.”
“It got you here. I’m not one bit sorry.” The elevator doors opened on the second floor. Mel took her directly to her and Snow’s home, pushing the door open after using the keycard to unlock it. “Tada! Home sweet home!”
Mary released her and walked into the living space. “Wow. Nice. Look at that kitchen!”
“I know. He’s got a fancy microwave and a dishwasher. I’m stepping up in the world,” she joked.
“Can I check out the rest of it?”
“Sure. The bedroom and bathroom is that way. Snow even made the bed, since my dress is hanging in there.”
Mary strolled into the other section of the apartment and whistled. “Damn. That’s a big bed.”
“Snow is a big guy.”
Mary turned, grinning. “Nice.” Then she went into the bathroom, flipping on the light. “No wonder you wanted to move right in with him. I would, too.” Then she walked out. “Show me the dress. I bet it looks even better than the pictures we saw on my phone.”
Mel got it out from the closet. Snow had removed his weapons and uniforms, since Mary would be there. It hadn’t upset Mel when she’d found out he had a mini arsenal in there. All of it was currently being stored in the unit next door. She withdrew the gown bag where it hung and took it to the bed.
“Are you nervous at all?”
“Nope. I love Snow. I’m one hundred percent in this for life.” She took the dress out carefully and peered at Mary. “What do you think?”
Tears filled her eyes. “It’s beautiful. Not too lacy or puffy, like many wedding dresses tend to be. You chose well, my friend. It’s elegant but casual enough to be comfortable. Put it on!”
Mel filled with excitement. “I can’t wait to have Snow put a ring on it.” She held up her hand. “Right here. Mrs. Snow’s mate!”
Mary chuckled. “Is that your new legal name?”
“No.” Mel began to strip out of her clothes.
“Does Snow have a last name?”
Mel paused and met her gaze. “I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask. The paperwork we signed just had his first name and his canine classification. It doesn’t matter. I’m his mate.”
“You really love him, don’t you?”
“Yes, Mary. Snow is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Mel faced her. “You’re not going to try to talk me out of this, are you? We’re already mated, and I’m not changing my mind.”
“I only have one thing to say.” Mary held up her hand and gave a thumbs-up. “Congratulations.”
Mel hugged her.
Mary laughed. “Hey, save throwing your mostly naked body at your husband.”
“Whoops. Sorry.” Mel laughed too as she released her. “Help me put this on, and then I need you to do my hair. You’re good at that.”
* * * * *
Snow kept fiddling with the suit. It wasn’t the most comfortable outfit to wear but he wanted Mel to have every part of a human wedding. His gaze kept going to the doorway. Beside him, Brass spoke softly to the minister, who had flown from Homeland that morning. The older human male was nice, and he seemed happy to perform the ceremony.
Jaded walked up to him. “Stop running your hands over your jacket. You’ll create wrinkles.”
“Do you ever get used to wearing these things?”
“Eventually. It’s only for a few hours.” Jaded ran a critical eye over his suit. “You look exceedingly handsome. For a male.”
“Thank you. I hope Mel thinks so.”
“She will. That female is in love with you.”
“I know.” His heart swelled with happiness. “I love being mated.”
Jaded chuckled. “I’m glad, since you signed mate papers.”
“Do you wish to find a mate?�
�
Jaded shrugged. “Eventually, if I’m lucky enough to find a female who I feel intense attraction to…and who doesn’t annoy me.”
Torrent suddenly made a slight noise and pointed toward the doors. He touched the earpiece and met Snow’s gaze. “They are on their way down. Places.”
Excitement had Snow’s heart racing as he moved to stand by the minister, next to the fireplace. The scent of burning logs was pleasant in the room, along with the sight of the flames. They’d cleared out the couches and chairs in the lobby to make room for everyone who wanted to see their wedding.
The side doors that led toward the hotel kitchen were pushed open by two of the human staff who worked there, and the males smiled at him. He licked his lips, feeling anticipation.
Then he saw Mel. She took his breath away.
The pale white gown hugged her body in lace and some other soft material. Her hair was pulled up to reveal her delicate, beautiful features. Their gazes locked, and he wanted to rush to her, but he managed to hold still.
He didn’t notice anything but her. Every step Mel took toward him had Snow smiling wider. She beamed at him.
The minister stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Who gives this bride away today?”
Mary peeked out from behind Mel, where she trailed behind her. “I do.”
The minister withdrew back to his place next to the fireplace. “We’re gathered here today to join Mel and Snow in holy matrimony.”
Snow reached out and took Mel’s hand. She reached back, passing off her bouquet for Mary to hold. The female took it and moved closer to the minister. Snow took Mel’s other hand to clasp them both in his and couldn’t look away from her eyes.
The words the minister said barely registered. Snow managed to say the right words, though, and even put the ring in his pocket on her finger without messing up, though his mate helped by spreading her fingers in a way that made it clear which one it went on.
“You may kiss your bride.”
Snow pulled Mel into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. “You’re mine forever.”
“You’re mine forever, too.”
He took possession of her mouth, kissing her with all his love. Mel wrapped her arms around his neck, and it made him want to take her right there. The sound of clapping reminded him that he couldn’t do that just yet. They had a reception to get through first.
Best Friends (New Species Book 15) Page 19