He released the sheriff’s hand and shrugged. “It’s true.”
Sheriff Cooper looked confused as he spun to face Tammy. “What does that mean? You’re his?”
She hesitated. “We’re involved.” She left it at that.
“Oh.” The Sheriff’s eyes widened as he jerked his attention to Valiant first and then back to Tammy, his gaze ping-ponged back and forth. “I never would have guessed you two would date. Nope.”
“Miss Shasta!” a woman yelled. “Can you give an interview?”
Stunned, Tammy turned her head to watch a woman and a cameraman attempt to shove past one of the deputies to reach the back of the ambulance.
Sheriff Cooper took a few steps away to yell at his men. “Shove those reporters back. No comment, you ambulance chasers. Get them back, Byron and Vince. I mean it.”
“Why are reporters here?” Tammy wasn’t happy about the situation at all.
The sheriff uttered another curse word under his breath. “Some idiot let it get out that a woman had been kidnapped and that we contacted New Species Reservation for help. Those nasty newshounds showed up by the vanloads and our phones at the station are being bombarded with calls from press from everywhere in the world.”
“You need to get her out of here,” Tiger informed the sheriff, walking from the front of the ambulance. “It will quickly escalate into a media frenzy otherwise. We also have to leave the scene immediately.”
“Did you catch those men?” Sheriff Cooper faced Tiger.
Tiger hesitated. “We captured three of them and transported them by helicopter to Reservation. Didn’t you hear it? The fourth one is dead but it couldn’t be avoided.” His pretty catlike gaze met Valiant’s for a few seconds before he focused back on the sheriff. “They had weapons and refused to surrender. One of my men has been shot too but he’ll live. It was just a flesh wound. We’ll put the dead man on ice until you can arrange to have him picked up at our medical facility. I gave one of your deputies a detailed description of where they were camped out, holding Miss Shasta. It should be easy for you to find the crime scene.”
“You had a helicopter out there?” The sheriff seemed surprised. “Where are my prisoners?”
“We will transport them to your station when they are medically cleared by our doctors, who are treating them at this moment.” Tiger studied Tammy before he returned his attention to the sheriff. “They are receiving medical attention at our facility but you may send deputies to pick them up if you wish to transfer them that way. One of the prisoners is in critical condition and as I stated, one of my men was shot. The helicopter transport was faster than trying to carry them through the woods to here. We keep one on standby at Reservation at all times.” Tiger glanced at Tammy again. “We have excellent medical facilities if you’d allow me to call the helicopter back to transport Miss Shasta and allow our doctors to treat her.”
“They need a real hospital,” Sheriff Cooper replied.
“It’s fine,” Bart the paramedic interrupted softly. “They have a top-rate facility. As a matter of fact, we have used them twice so far in severe, trauma situations. They have better equipment and skilled trauma doctors, something our local hospital doesn’t boast. We just don’t have those kinds of machines. The prisoners are better off if they were sent there.” Bart gawked at Tiger, looking intimidated. “We can handle Tammy’s medical needs but thank you, sir.”
Tiger nodded and addressed the sheriff. “Do you want to pick up the prisoners when the doctors are done treating them or do you want us to transport them to you? We will write full reports and give you a detailed account of everything that transpired when we reached their camp. My men and I will be fully at your disposal to answer any questions you have.”
“I’ll come there,” Sheriff Cooper decided. “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done tonight and I appreciate you getting right to the scene when I called.”
Tiger shook his hand. “We’re neighbors and that’s what neighbors do. We at New Species Reservation extend our help at any time, Sheriff Cooper. We’re just glad that we were able to locate Miss Shasta before they’d seriously harmed or killed her.” He released his hand and stared at Valiant. “Let’s move it. Rider has been shot but it’s minor and Justice is expecting us to brief him by phone immediately when we return.”
Valiant’s expression turned scary and his voice came out a deep growl. “I will not return unless Tammy comes with me.”
An irritated expression twisted Tiger’s features. “You can’t go with her. Her attackers were members of an organized hate group. You can bet there will be more arriving soon if four of them are in this vicinity. More of their group may already be here. I can’t have you running around this small town. You’re a target and if you’re alone it will make you easier prey for them. There’s the innocent factor too, Valiant. They could hurt anyone around you if they attempt to kill you and that includes Miss Shasta. We are under orders from Justice to return home now.”
Valiant flashed sharp teeth and Tammy saw trouble brewing instantly. She knew Valiant wasn’t going to leave her side. “I’ll go with him,” she offered loudly. “I’ll go to New Species Reservation.” She shoved at Debra’s hands to halt her from bandaging her wrist and tried to climb off the gurney.
“Now wait a minute,” Sheriff Cooper sputtered. “I need to interview you.”
“You can do it at Reservation.” Tammy gave a pleading look to the sheriff. “I’m scared and I’m staying with Valiant. Please don’t make a big deal out of this because I’ve been through enough tonight. Please? You can interview me all you want but just let me go with him.”
The sheriff studied Valiant, his gaze roaming the big New Species before he sighed. “I’d think twice before trying to tangle with them. I see where you’d feel safer with him. I’ve seen the setup they have over there and you’d be better protected behind those patrolled walls than you’d be inside town. It’s actually a good idea. I don’t have the manpower to guard you from more threats or even those damn reporters. I need a statement soon if you go to Reservation.”
Relief hit her. “Of course.”
Valiant moved before Tammy could stand and lifted her into the cradle of his arms. Debra grabbed one of the sheets and moved forward to wrap Tammy’s lap and bare legs, winking at her.
“Lucky bitch,” Debra whispered.
Tammy’s mouth almost dropped open. Debra winked again before turning away, muttering something under her breath that Tammy didn’t catch as she climbed into the ambulance. Tammy’s arms wrapped around Valiant’s neck and she noticed his smile.
“What did she say? Did you hear?”
His amused gaze met hers. “I have excellent hearing.” He moved his lips to her ear. “She said she’d enjoy my arms wrapped around her body and she mentioned she’d want her thighs wrapped around me too.”
“Oh.” Tammy blushed before the anger set in as a bit of jealousy struck. She glared at him, not enjoying his obvious amusement at what the paramedic had said.
Joy surged through Valiant when he watched anger flash in Tammy’s gaze. She cared that another female found him attractive and was interested in breeding with him. Her mouth was clamped into a firm, tense line. She kept silent though.
He resisted grinning but he wanted to. Tammy didn’t want other females to offer him their bodies. That had to mean she felt possessive of him. He’d take that as a good sign that he might be able to convince her to stay with him. He had a new weapon in his arsenal if he needed to fight to keep her at his side. He wouldn’t ever use it, she was the only female he wanted, but he was tempted to allow her to believe he might be interested in another.
As he stared into her eyes though he didn’t enjoy the sudden uncertainty he saw lurking there. Fear of rejection wasn’t something good or kind. It would be mean to her allow to think he wasn’t fully committed to her when there wasn’t a chance he’d ever chose another female over her. Of course that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy
the warmth that her anger made him feel.
“Do you think my attraction is so easily swayed?”
She hesitated. “I don’t know.”
Her honesty wasn’t welcomed at that moment. “You insult me. I’ve made my desire for you very clear. I have no interest in any other female.”
“I’m not looking my best right now and I feel a lot worse.”
“You’ve been through a lot and you’re very brave.”
“Right. Sure. I wasn’t feeling it. I was terrified.”
“Did you stop talking?”
“No. You’re the only one who has that effect on me.”
A smile curved his lips.
“You find that amusing?”
“A little. I affect you in ways no other does. It pleases me to hear that.”
She rolled her eyes. “Great.”
“Tammy?”
She met his gaze and he resisted the urge to kiss her. Her mouth tempted him. It would be as easy as lowering his head and capturing her lips. He didn’t give a damn if the humans surrounding them stared. He’d happily stake his claim on her in front of anyone, Species or human. He hesitated too long.
“What?”
Valiant enjoyed when she smiled and hoped a little teasing would do the trick. He chuckled. “I only want your thighs wrapped around me so do not get angry.”
Tammy glanced away and calmed. It was nice to hear Valiant say that. She didn’t know if she believed him since she believed most men were not monogamous. But again, Valiant wasn’t similar to any other man she’d ever met before. That’s the understatement of the year.
Tiger led the way and Valiant followed him to one of the Jeeps. There were a few more New Species with Tiger.
“Miss Shasta!” The male reporter yelled to get her attention. “What happened? Where are you going with them? Who is the New Species holding you?”
Tiger softly cursed. “Ignore them.”
Valiant dropped into the passenger seat, keeping Tammy firmly on his lap. Tiger glanced at them and started the engine. “You know about seat belt laws, right? We’re not on Reservation.”
Valiant growled in response.
“Fine. I don’t think we’re going to be pulled over or anything but I thought I’d mention it.”
“I heard and we’re fine.” Valiant cuddled her closer to his body. Tammy twisted her head to peer at Tiger. She shrugged and wrapped her arms tighter around Valiant. She turned back and rested her cheek against his warm chest. She felt safe. Tiger took the lead position of the five black vehicles as they drove to New Species Reservation.
“There is something you should know,” Tammy said loudly so both men could hear her.
Valiant looked down at her until their gazes met and held. “What is it?”
“Can you hear me, Tiger?”
“I can. I’ve got good hearing.”
“I didn’t tell the sheriff everything about those men. They knew that Valiant had carried me into his house the day I met him. They said they have an informant who overheard a conversation between Justice North and maybe you, Tiger. They talked about their boss and how he wanted me because of what happened.”
She focused on Valiant and continued, “They knew I’d slept with you. They never said the name of the man they work for but they referred to him as a doctor. They also said they wanted me to videotape statements saying horrible things to make people hate you. They said that doctor, their boss, wanted to experiment on me inside some testing facility. One of them thought I’d been infected and would turn New Species but I lied and told them nothing happened between Valiant and me. They mentioned having an informant a few times, someone close to Justice North.”
“Son of a bitch,” Tiger growled. “You’re sure?”
“Positive.” Tammy hesitated. “Does any of this make sense to you? I didn’t want to tell Sheriff Cooper any of that because he’d want to know about what happened between us too.”
“Did you tell anyone what happened at Valiant’s home?” Tiger sounded alarmed.
“No.” Tammy turned her head to peer at him. “I didn’t tell anyone but I asked Ted not to mention it either. He swore he wouldn’t tell a soul. He totally believed me and thinks Valiant and I, well, he thinks I told him the absolute truth. Those men tonight were certain that I had been with Valiant sexually and they said their informant had overheard a conversation between Justice North and his head of security speaking about whether I’d press charges for rape or not. They also said their boss and more men in their group were coming here the day after tomorrow.”
“Not good,” Tiger growled. “Justice and I had that conversation.”
Valiant’s arms tightened around her. Tammy looked at him. His eyes were narrowed as he glared at her with a hurt expression on his handsome, albeit scary face.
“Don’t look at me that way. I never said the word rape. I said you didn’t do that to me.”
“She never accused you of forcing her,” Tiger agreed. “She made it clear there was nothing for you to be punished over but I just wasn’t sure I believed her words or not. You carried her off, Valiant. You weren’t yourself that day and you were being aggressive. I considered she might be lying. Some women who are raped deny it. Justice and I had a conversation but obviously someone overheard it and fed information to those terrorist groups.”
Valiant still looked angry but his hold on her relaxed while he snuggled her deeper into his arms. He sighed. Tammy closed her eyes and rested her cheek on his chest again. She was tired but managed not to doze off.
The Jeep stopped when they reached the main gates of New Species Reservation. She lifted her head and stared at the high walls that protected the property from intruders. She knew everyone in her town and the towns around theirs had been thrilled because they had hired a massive workforce to build them. Guards were lined up on top of the walls with weapons. A guard shack stood next to the gate and two heavily armed men walked out to openly study Tammy.
“Is everything all right, Tiger?”
“Yes. Miss Shasta is going to be our guest for a while.”
The officer nodded. “I’ll call guest housing and have them prepare her a room and get a security detail lined up.”
“She’s going home with me,” Valiant stated firmly.
Tiger shook his head. “You can’t take her to your place.”
“She is going home with me,” Valiant growled.
Tiger hesitated. “Valiant, you can’t take her out there. You can move into the hotel if you want to stay with her. Those assholes specifically targeted her and as head of security, I’m telling you that she’s safer at the hotel with all of our security nearby than she would be at your remote home. The sheriff wants to get a statement from her too and I’m sure Justice might want to talk to her. She also needs medical attention. Once things cool down, and if she wants to go home with you, we’ll discuss the matter. Right now I’m pulling rank. She stays at the hotel and that’s not up for debate. You can shut up and stay with her or you can go home alone.”
“Fine,” Valiant growled. “We stay at the hotel.”
Tiger turned his attention to the waiting gate officers. “I don’t want her around the other humans. She’s to stay inside one of the suites with Valiant. She’ll need clothes and medical attention.”
“The doctors are pretty busy.” The officer still studied Tammy. “Can she wait? One of those assholes is in critical condition and the docs are all operating on him.”
“She will not wait second to one of the men who harmed her,” Valiant snarled. “Let him die.”
Tiger lifted his hands to make a gesture for Valiant to calm. “I’ll call Slade and ask him to bring Trisha to care for her. All right, Valiant?”
He nodded. “I would prefer Trisha look at her anyway. I trust her with my woman.”
His woman? Tammy arched an eyebrow.
Valiant scowled at her. “You are mine.”
“We’re a possessive lot,” Tiger informed her soft
ly.
“Really?” Tammy rolled her eyes. “I never would have guessed.”
The gate officer snorted. “Valiant’s got himself a human woman. I thought they were too fragile, Val.”
Valiant growled at him and the gate officer to took a step back. “Just kidding.” He glanced at Tiger. “You know the rules. All incoming humans are to be searched. I need her out of the vehicle.”
Valiant snarled again. “You won’t touch her.”
Tiger intervened. “She doesn’t need to be searched. All she has on is Valiant’s sweater and…” his attention lowered to Tammy’s waist. “And a sheet with Valiant’s undershirt covering her panties. I’m vouching for her. I’m pretty sure Valiant already did a thorough search of her to make sure she wasn’t too injured. Is she carrying any weapons, Valiant?”
“No.”
The gate officer sighed. “Understood, fine, go on in, Tiger. I’ll make those calls to the hotel and the supply building to order her some clothing.”
Tiger drove through the gates when they opened. He reached for his cell and dialed. “Hi, Slade. Valiant is requesting that Trisha come look at his girlfriend. I’m driving them to the hotel. She’s been injured.” He paused. “Human.” He paused again. “It’s a long story.” He listened for a few seconds. “Thanks.” He hung up.
“Slade is bringing Trisha. He said he usually wouldn’t bring her out this late but there’s no way he’s missing out on seeing this.”
Valiant flashed sharp teeth to show his displeasure. Tammy frowned at the unusual comment but decided to just let it go. She wasn’t sure she wanted the answers to the questions floating around in her head. She hadn’t been to this part of Reservation so she carefully studied her surroundings. She saw a small two-story building.
“That’s the guest housing,” Tiger said. “It’s where visiting humans stay. There are six two-bedroom apartments inside. It used to be the staff housing when this place was a resort but we had it remodeled. Up ahead is the hotel where most of our people live when they are here. It was remodeled as well. It’s mostly one bedroom units but there are a few two and three bedroom suites. We’re putting you up in one of them and you should be comfortable there. All meals are served by the cafeteria but yours will be brought to your rooms. You won’t be permitted to leave your suite without an escort. Do you have any questions?”
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