Best Friends (New Species Book 15) Read online

  “I’m okay.”

  “Did you get a look at the male?” asked a voice that wasn’t familiar to her.

  Snow gently put her back on her feet, and then surprised her by dropping to his knees. He grabbed her hands with his, seeming to check them out. He sniffed at her again. She remained silent, bemused by his behavior, until he stood again and pulled her into the circle of his arms to keep her close.

  “Melinda, did you get a look at the male?” the same voice asked, this time deeper.

  Snow turned her a little, jerking his head toward the three other New Species. “Brass is the one asking questions. You remember Torrent and Timber. We came together in the same SUV. There are more males outside guarding the building and another team went to your apartment.”

  She peered up at Snow. “Thank you for coming, but you didn’t need to.”

  “I did. You’re my female.”

  She opened her mouth, not sure how to respond to that, though it was flattering being called his.

  Brass stepped closer. “Did you get a good look at the male who invaded your home? I understand you’ve had a trauma but any information we gather will help us catch the male.”

  She understood that. “He was, um…big. Tall, big-boned, and bulky. Not like you guys. You’re taller and more muscular. I couldn’t see his face since he wore a ski mask. It had netting over the eyes and mouth. He wore a black, thin turtleneck kind of shirt with long sleeves, dark gloves, faded blue jeans, and dirty gray sneakers. He’ll have injuries to his face. At least I hope so. I kept hitting him in the head and face area with my fists, a table leg, and then I threw my dishes at him.” Mel felt Snow’s body tense against hers. She gave him her full attention. “I’m fine.”

  Snow didn’t look convinced by her words. “You’re not safe here. We’re returning to Reservation. You’re coming home with me.”

  “Hey now,” Deputy Dan sputtered. “You can’t just take Mel.”

  She shot him a dirty look. He was really starting to tick her off. “Stay out of this.”

  “Mel is my female,” Snow growled at him. “Where is Sheriff Cooper?”

  “I sent him to check out where Mary lives.” Mel gazed up at Snow. “I thought maybe since that guy broke into my place, she might be next. I didn’t want her to come home to find him waiting for her like he was for me.”

  “Why would you think the male might go after that female?”

  She stared at Brass. He wasn’t the friendliest-looking New Species, but he was attractive like all the rest. Only in a dark, broody way. “There was a reporter who came into the diner while I was working earlier. He said he got a tip about a shooting at the diner. I denied everything. He wanted to talk to Mary next, but I lied, saying she’s super shy. She’s not shy, but she does have a temper. I didn’t want her yelling at him in front of customers. She hates it when they bug us about the NSO. Then Joel, the owner of the diner, gets mad when she cusses out someone. He says it’s bad for business and even reporters have to eat. Anyway, the jerk who broke in said something about answering his questions. I got away, so he might go after Mary next, if this is related to the shooting.”

  Brass frowned. It was a scarier look. “You think the male who broke in was the reporter?”

  “No. It wasn’t the same man. I’m sure about that. It doesn’t mean the reporter didn’t send that jerk to make me talk.”

  “Did the owner of the diner speak to this reporter?”

  She shook her head at Brass. “Joel always stays in the kitchen. He’s not good with talking to our customers, and he knows it. I’m not real worried about Joel or his wife. They’re both ex-Marines. They met in the service and can defend themselves. I was able to fight that jerk off, but Mary wouldn’t stand a chance. She isn’t tough at all.”

  Snow softly growled. It seemed he was going to be angry every time her attack was brought up. She sealed her lips.

  “Would anyone like some coffee?” Deputy Dan appeared furious as he glared at her and Snow.

  “No thank you, Deputy,” Brass answered for them. “We’ll wait for Sheriff Cooper to return. We sent a team to the crime scene to help track the male, if possible.” He narrowed his dark gaze on Mel. “Will you return to Reservation willingly? Snow wants you to stay there. You’ve been targeted. That means you’re in danger.”

  “Now wait a damn minute!” Deputy Dan huffed. “Nobody is taking Mel anywhere. I already offered for her to come stay at my house. Only an idiot would try to go after her there, since I’m a deputy.”

  “Shut up, Dan,” she groaned. “No means no. Didn’t your mama teach you that? I will never date you again.”

  Snow glanced at him. “This is Deputy Dud?” His snarled words were enough to give her chills. Not the good kind.

  She rubbed her hands over his chest, petting the padded uniform top he wore. She was pretty sure he had Kevlar underneath. “Easy, big guy. I told him no way was that happening. Ever.”

  “Deputy Dud?” Dan sputtered, glaring at her.

  “You called me a ‘stupid hick’ when I broke up with you. So what if I gave you a nickname, too? It fits,” she shot back.

  Snow tried to release her. Mel had a feeling he wanted to attack her ex-boyfriend, and she clutched at his uniform. “Don’t, Snow. He’s not worth it.”

  The door opened, and Deputy Tommy entered. He glanced at the New Species, his co-worker, and whistled low. “Is it just me or is there tension in here?” He stared a little too long at Mel and Snow, saw them touching, and then smiled. “Oh.” He walked closer. “Get over it, Danny. I told you she’s never going to take you back. Especially now that it seems she’s dating Snow.”

  “Goddamn it!” Dan spun and stormed toward the back of the office.

  Tommy smirked, watching Dan until he was out of sight, and then addressed Mel. “Your apartment was trashed, Mel. Sorry. The TV still works, though. The landlord, Mr. Chester, is over there now fixing the broken window lock. None of your neighbors were home when it happened, and no one around there saw the guy you described.” Then he faced Brass. “Your team tracked the assailant. It seems that he parked behind that field at the back of her apartments. There was a flattened area where a car had sat for a bit. He was long gone, though.”

  The office door opened again and Sheriff Cooper returned. “I was able to reach the owner by phone instead of having to drive all the way over there to check out Mary’s apartment myself. Paul, her landlord, lives on the premises, and he did a walk-through while I was on the phone with him. Someone had forced her slider open on the back patio. There’s no sign of any damage though. Just some dirty footprints on the tile right inside the door in the kitchen. Whoever was there is gone now.

  “I called her parents and informed them of what happened. I asked Mary to avoid her apartment for right now. It might be best if you go out to the Muller house to stay with her parents, too, for a few days. I told them I might send you that way.” Then he looked at Deputy Tommy. “Paul is waiting for you at Mary’s. Take pictures and gather whatever evidence you can.”

  “On it.” Deputy Tommy rushed out of the station.

  “Mel is coming home with me,” Snow announced.

  Sherriff Cooper blinked. “I see.” Then he stared at Mel. “Are you agreeable with that?”

  She nodded, barely paying attention. Someone had broken into her place and Mary’s. That was terrifying.

  “Mel?” Snow sounded concerned.

  She peered up at him. “I need to stop at my place to get clothes.”

  “No,” Sheriff Cooper instantly responded. “It’s a crime scene. I called Clovis to come in to take photos and collect samples of the blood found. Clovis has been specially trained in forensics. It’s why I hired him part time after he retired from Fresno. We might never catch the perp, but we’ll try our best.”

  “Blood?” Snow started sniffing at her again.

  “I got a few small cuts on my foot but I’m fine.” She gave him her most reassuring look.