“Where are my parents? Lash?” Mary desperately wanted to go inside the house.
Brass seemed to try to enter the house, but he was stopped by the closed door. Then he knocked, pounding on it with his fist.
“Why isn’t he going in?” Mary needed to know what was going on.
“How would I know? I’m standing right here with you, Mary.”
“Sorry, Mel.” She turned her head, giving a pleading look to Jaded Wild. He seemed to outrank Snow. “They have that asshole secured in the patrol car. Can I go now?”
“No. Wait. There could be more males we don’t know about.”
“You heard that gunshot. What if one of my parents are hurt?”
“Mary!”
She snapped her head toward the sound of Lash’s voice.
Her eyes lit as he rounded the back of the house—and it took her a second to realize that he had something over both shoulders, his arms hooked along the back of…
Her parents’ legs. He was carrying them.
“He’s got them,” Mel gasped.
Snow released her and rushed around them. So did a lot of other New Species. At least a dozen of them darted out from around the barn, booking it toward Lash as he causally kept coming at her with her parents slung over his shoulders. There were ropes twined around their bodies that she could see even from a distance, from their ankles, over their pants at the calves, behind their knees, around the backs of their thighs, and even across their asses.
Mel’s hold on her loosened, and Mary took advantage, yanking free and running. She almost tripped but caught her balance. New Species met Lash and tried to take her parents from him, but he snarled at them.
“I’m taking them to Mary. Someone get a knife to cut the ropes. They have fragile skin. I didn’t want to use my claws to tear the rope because they’d probably bruise. Mary, they are unhurt. Just scared.”
She got to him and stared at her parents. At least, the back of them. Tears blinded her as she finally looked up at Lash.
He gave her a huge grin, showing off his fangs. “I told you I’d bring them to you.”
“Lash,” Brass ordered, “let us lift them off you.”
Lash finally gave a sharp nod. New Species converged, gently gripping each of her parents and lifting them away from Lash. As soon as they were off him, he grabbed her, picking her up, and Mary was being squeezed in a bear hug.
She wrapped her around him. “Thank you!” Then she wiggled. “Let me down. I have to check on them.”
Lash sighed but he lowered her. “They act like prey,” he grumbled. “It’s also why I didn’t untie them. They probably would have run to hide from me, and it would have taken longer to bring them to you.”
Mary wiped at her tears. The New Species had lain her parents on their backs on the ground, and they were cutting the ropes. Her dad was freed first, and he tore at the gag around his mouth. He struggled to sit up.
One of the New Species gently helped him but released him fast. Brass was the first to speak to them.
“You’re safe. Sherriff Cooper has the male who tried to harm you in custody. Do either of you need medical assistance? We can take you to Reservation and have our doctors treat you.”
Her father didn’t seem to notice her there, instead scooting closer to her mom. The New Species cut the last of the ropes, pulling them free. Her dad helped her mom sit up and to remove the gag.
“Jen, talk to me, baby.”
Her mom leaned into him. “I’m all good, Zack. That’s one adventure I could have done without. Getting tied up like a turkey on Thanksgiving and becoming a hostage was never on our bucket list.”
Mary went closer to them when the New Species backed away from her parents a little, to give them room. Lash stayed close to her. “Are you guys okay?”
Her parents stopped hugging but still clung to each other. Both looked up at her. Her father spoke first. “You’ve got some serious explaining to do, Bean.”
“Bean?” Lash pressed up against her back and slid his arm around her waist. “Her name is Mary.” He lowered his mouth closer to her ear. “Do they need a shrink? Have their minds broken?”
Mary leaned against him and turned her head to peer up at his face. “It’s a nickname they tagged me with before I was even born. Don’t ever call me that.” She focused on her parents again. “I have some explaining to do? Me? What are you doing home? You’re supposed to be in Vegas.”
“You were keeping something from us,” her mother accused. “We figured that out after you pushed so hard for us to leave a day earlier than planned.”
“We’re not naïve,” her father added. “Your apartment was broken into, and then you were pushing us take our trip early. You were hiding something. We figured you might have a stalker ex-boyfriend harassing you. Some of the men you’ve dated aren’t exactly nice or upstanding.”
“He said he was your mate,” her mother whispered. “Is that true?”
“Lash, right?” Her father frowned at the New Species holding her. Then her dad stared at Mary. “Now, as I was saying, you have some explaining to do. Like why that wacko came here looking for you, and then pulled a gun on us.”
“He made me tie up your father,” her mother informed them. “Before he tied me up. He was crazy. Did you date one of his sons?”
“No!” Mary denied. “I mean, no, I didn’t date either of the wacko’s sons. But Lash…”
She wasn’t sure how to explain to them how Lash had come into her life. It would be embarrassing to admit they’d met and she’d ended up doing him right off the bat. They’d lecture her about jumping into bed with a guy. Especially a lion man.
Mary was relieved when Mel stepped forward, holding Snow’s hand.
“I can totally explain,” Mel told them. “This is kind of my fault. You see, I was a total goner in my heart from the first time I saw Snow come into the diner, but Mary wasn’t allowed to tell anyone about us being together. So we started to date, all top secret like, and Mary was the bestest friend ever. I’m so sorry she couldn’t tell you, but a promise is a promise. You raised a good, trustworthy daughter.
“I’ve told you all about my mama. She didn’t take it so well when I told her I was marrying Snow instead of that old widower she wanted me with. Mary stepped in to be my family, and even helped me pick out my wedding dress and everything.”
Her parents listened raptly.
“Then I met Lash,” Mary added fast. “We started seeing each other, and I fell in love with him.”
Mel glanced at her and smiled. “Yeah. They sure did. It was like love at first sight. She couldn’t tell you anything because, you know…top secret stuff and being a good friend to me and all.”
Sherriff Cooper came over, clearing his throat. “I need statements from both of you, Jennifer and Zack. Do you need an ambulance?”
Her father untangled his arms from her mother and got to his feet before helping her mother up. “We’re sturdier than that. The floor and ropes were uncomfortable but it’s not as bad as that camping trip we took a few years ago in the desert, was it, Jen?”
Her mother chuckled. “That ground was harder than concrete. That’s why we bought the RV with a big bed.”
“There was a gunshot,” Sheriff Cooper reminded them.
“That wacko shot a bullet into the wood in the fireplace. He said it might scare you enough to comply.” Her father glanced at Mary, before studying Lash. “You two stick around. I’ve got a lot more questions.”
Mary watched her parents walk toward the sheriff’s cruiser. Then she turned in Lash’s arms, peering up at him. “Thank you for getting them out of there alive, Lash.”
He smiled. “I’d do anything for you, mate. You fell in love with me? Was that part truth?”
She nodded, blinking back tears. “I love you. You’re my lion man.”
“I am.”
She glanced over at her parents. They were standing close together, her dad with his arm around her mom, talking
to the sheriff and a few of his deputies. More had arrived.
“They don’t act like prey anymore. I think they will be okay around our cubs. I’ll allow them to spend time with them.”
Mary turned, resting her cheek against his chest. “I’m going to let that go because you went in there for me and didn’t get hurt. I will point out that you’re being arrogant again.”
He nuzzled the top of her head and chuckled. “I like playing with you.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. “Just don’t ever change your mind about us.”
“That will never happen,” he promised, kissing the top of her head.
Epilogue
Three weeks later
Mary was getting used to being around New Species. It helped that none of them got too close to her or tried to touch her when they delivered food. Lash was always at her side when someone knocked on the door. Her big lion man sometimes drove her a little crazy, but he always made her laugh in the end. It was hard to stay mad at him when he could kiss the breath from her and said super-sweet things.
They were days away from moving back into his basement. Living in the suite had been nice but she missed his cool waterfall. They’d gone there a few times late at night after the work crews had finished for the day, to see how work progressed on the corner of the basement now sectioned off.
The bed was on the floor, and there was enough space to add a few dressers for her clothing. She’d been thrilled when they’d brought her clothing from her apartment. Most of her stuff was being stored in another section of the basement, and she’d had the NSO donate her furniture. She hadn’t grown to love wearing sweatpants, but now she didn’t have to anymore.
Lash scooped her off the bed where she sat after getting dressed. He wore a his usual loincloth. She doubted that would ever change about him. Not that she minded. He did look super-hot wearing one, with so much of his amazing body on display for her to admire.
“I really don’t want to go,” Mary protested. “Let’s have sex instead.” That always worked. And she was more than willing to get naked with him.
“You are not distracting me this time.” Lash carried her out of the bedroom, toward the living area of the suite. “I am taking you to Medical. No Species will harm you. I’ll be right with you.”
“I feel fine. There was no physical required before I signed our mate papers.”
She finally understood how Mel wasn’t sure if Snow had a last name when Jaded Wild had delivered a single sheet of paper. It was a simple, short legal document stating she was willing to become a part of the NSO and to be Lash’s mate. Only his first name and the fact he was feline was listed for his information. Her full name and birthdate had been there. She’d signed at the bottom, officially becoming a New Species mate.
“You’re going to Medical, Mary.”
“We should talk about the wedding. I told my parents we’d actually have one.”
“We know the details. It will be small, held in the lobby, and a human will be flown from Homeland to say whatever he needs to.” Lash reached the door of their suite and adjusted her in his arms, trying to grab the handle. “Your parents are fine with that and are excited to witness this wedding. Your mother even said I could wear my loincloth.”
“Of course she did. I’ve caught her checking you out when she visits us.”
He got the door open and stepped into the hallway, pausing to look down at her with a scowl.
“You’re total eye candy. My mom has noticed.”
“I only notice you.”
“Where are you going? The workers are in the basement still. The last team is finishing installing the door,” Flirt announced, reminding them that he was guarding their suite.
“I’m taking my mate to Medical.”
Flirt glanced at her, his eyes widening. “She’s little. I’m sure it was an accident.” He sniffed. “Are you okay? I could have one of the doctors come here.”
“Okay,” she said.
Lash growled. “No. She’s going to where they keep the machines. And I didn’t hurt my mate. I would never.”
Flirt threw up his hands and backed off. “I didn’t mean to imply you would. It’s just that you’re carrying her.”
“My mate is stubborn.” Lash walked past Flirt. “She refuses to go. I’m taking her.”
“My mate is a pushy ass who’s making me go get a physical even though I don’t need one.”
Flirt chuckled at her response, following a distance behind them. When they reached the elevator, he scooted past them in the wide hallway and pushed the button to bring it to their floor. He went in first, standing by the controls.
Lash walked in with her, moving to the back and far from Flirt in the confined space.
Mary peered up at him. “Why are you making me do this? You always let it go, but not this time.”
“Your scent has changed.”
Flirt gasped.
Mary didn’t look at him, instead studying her lion man’s golden eyes. He looked pleased. “Of course it has. I have access to my stuff now. I don’t have to borrow your stuff when I shower. My shampoo and conditioner smell way better than yours do. I won’t even bring up how your deodorant reacts to my body chemistry. It’s not fair that it’s nice on you but my armpits stink like a yard that just got mowed.”
Lash grinned. “You didn’t smell like that.”
“Maybe not to you but it did to me,” she grumbled.
The elevator doors opened and Lash strode out. She put her arm around his neck, giving up talking him out of taking her wherever he wanted. He was the most stubborn man she’d ever met.
Other New Species were in the lobby area. A few gave nods to Lash. None of them spoke as they left through the front doors.
“I’ll grab a Jeep,” Flirt offered. “It’s a long walk if you carry your female.”
Lash stopped and waited. Flirt came back quickly and stopped in front of them, driving an open Jeep. Lash lifted her over the back and set her gently on the seat. He climbed in after her then just scooped her up again, dropping her onto his lap. It wasn’t a big seat.
“You could have sat in the front.”
Lash grinned at her. “I like you this close.”
“We should go back to the suite.”
“You’re not distracting me with sharing sex this time, Mary.”
Flirt chuckled again while he drove away from the hotel. “I’d let a female distract me.”
“No talking,” Lash snapped.
Mary rolled her eyes. “You’re being super bossy today. What’s gotten into you?”
Lash just grinned at her, not answering.
Mary stared at the scenery as they drove to a single-story building. It wasn’t far from the hotel. Flirt parked and cut the engine. Then he slid out and rushed inside. “I’ll let them know you’re here,” he called out, before disappearing through the automatic sliding door.
Lash stood with her in his arms.
“No!”
He ignored her protest, lifted his foot to stand on the edge of the Jeep’s side, and gently jumped down. She clung to him.
“Not a lion woman,” she reminded him.
“Maybe part lion woman.”
She frowned, wondering what that meant. The doors to Medical opened and a woman walked out. She was human. The white coat she wore over scrubs with cartoons on them gave Mary a clue that she had to work there.
“Hello. I’m Dr. Allison Baker, but just call me Doc Alli. Everyone else does. I’m also a Species mate. His name is Obsidian.” The perky woman stared up at Lash. “It’s nice to meet you, Lash. I got your message and everything is ready. Follow me.”
The doctor spun on her cute little pink tennis shoes, her long blonde ponytail bouncing behind her, and returned inside. Lash followed.
Mary had questions. “What message? What’s going on, Lash?”
“I told you that your scent has changed. I had Jinx tell Medical I was going to bring yo
u to them, and what I wanted. I think you’re carrying my cub. Doc Alli will run a test to tell us for certain.”
Mary was glad he was carrying her.
It wasn’t totally a shock. Lash talked about getting her pregnant often. She’d caught him caressing her belly sometimes after they’d had sex, and he made plenty of comments about wanting a cub with her.
To think about it happening, though, and him saying it could have actually happened, were two different things.
She didn’t say anything as Doc Alli led them to an exam room.
“Put her on the table, Lash.”
Lash gently sat Mary upright on the padded table and stuck close.
Doc Alli walked to a cabinet and opened a drawer. “I’m going to do a little finger prick to get a few drops of blood.” She put on gloves before turning to look at Mary. “Is that okay?”
She nodded.
Lash tensed. “It won’t hurt her?”
Doc Alli flashed him hesitant grin. “I don’t suppose you want to wait in the hallway?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.” Doc Alli walked to the other side of the exam table, grabbing things as she went. “It might make your mate flinch. It’s a tiny jab. It can’t be helped.” The doctor hesitated, watching Lash.
Mary reached out and gripped his hand. “What she’s too polite to say is you’re making her nervous. She’s not going to hurt me on purpose, but I’ve had pin pricks before. Some can sting. It’s fast, and I’ll be fine. Relax and stop looking so terrifying. Do you want to get results or not? You brought me here.”
Lash sighed. “Fine.” He took a step back and forced a smile. “Better?”
“No. It looks more like you’re constipated and trying to look happy about it.”
Doc Alli laughed, that time grinning for real. “I wasn’t going to say it. Are you ready, Mary?” She opened something.
Mary avoided watching but she held out her free hand. “Yes.”
“I’m going to swab your mate’s fingertip with an alcohol rub. Then just a quick prick and a little squeeze on her finger to get a few drops of blood on this strip the NSO created just for this test. It’s more effective than urine tests.”
Best Friends (New Species Book 15) Page 35