Best Friends (New Species Book 15) Read online

  “I want to see them now. Tell him to come here.”

  “Did you hear what I said about why he’s out there? Some Wild Zone residents enjoy hiding from Torrent and making it a game. I’m not certain how early he has to leave for Homeland, but Justice wants updates on all of them. Every single one. That means Torrent is probably going to be out there for the rest of the day and maybe all night, tracking them down. I doubt he has time to make a trip here before his flight. You can either come with me to find him or wait until he gets back from Homeland.”

  Lash snarled, frustrated.

  “I’ll see who is available to come with us to meet up with Torrent, since I assume you want to take your mate with you. She’s going to draw a lot of attention.”

  Lash growled, knowing Jaded had a point. Some of the residents would panic if they smelled an unfamiliar human in the Wild Zone, while others would be lured by her female scent and might be tempted to claim her. “I won’t take her into the Wild Zone.”

  “That’s probably a good idea.” Jaded nodded. “I’m glad you know your mate is safe here.”

  “I don’t want to leave her, but I can’t take her with there. Make Torrent come here.” Lash released Mary’s hand and got to his feet.

  A small hand touched the back of his thigh. He turned his head, peering down at his mate.

  “Why don’t you go, and I’ll see if Mel can come visit me while you’re gone?”

  He turned and crouched, studying her face. “I don’t want to leave you alone.”

  “I’ll be fine with Mel. You won’t be gone long, right?”

  “Maybe an hour or two at most,” Jaded answered again before he could. “It’s a lot of land to cover, and sometimes the Wild Zone residents feel talkative. They might want to hear about Lash’s new mate, since he is carrying your scent.”

  The male annoyed Lash but he didn’t let it show, since Mary was staring at him. “Will you be afraid if I’m not with you? Be honest with me.”

  “Not if Mel can visit.”

  He turned to Jaded. “Find out.”

  The male pulled out his phone. “Sure. No problem. I live to serve. I’m calling Snow now.”

  Lash reached up and stroked her cheek, ignoring the male. “No one will dare hurt you, Mary. You’re my mate. They know it. Don’t be afraid. I won’t leave if you need me to stay.”

  “I’ll be fine. I wanted to hang out with Mel. It’s probably a good thing. I’ll get some alone time with her. Girl talk and all that.”

  He didn’t see any fear or indication she was trying to hide it from him. “I’ll hurry.”

  “Take your time. I enjoy being with Mel.”

  He nodded and caressed her cheek again. “You’re safe. I’ll make Flirt promise to stay on duty until I return. He’s a good male. Snow will stay with you, too.”

  “Stop worrying. I’m kind of adjusting to New Species.”

  He grinned. “Because of me.”

  “Yes.”

  “Snow and Mel are on their way,” Jaded informed him. “Let’s go.”

  Lash still hesitated. “I’ll wait until they get here.”

  “I’m okay. Tell Flirt to have them walk in when they arrive. I’ll just finish eating, since I’m slower at it than you are.”

  He studied her again.

  “I’m fine. Really. Go and find your friend.”

  He wouldn’t really call Torrent a friend, but he respected the male, even if they did argue often. He released her and straightened, going to the door. He made Jaded exit before he did. Mary smiled at him from where she sat and gave him a little wave. She didn’t look fearful.

  He closed the door and glared at Flirt. “Keep my mate safe, and you don’t leave this spot until I return. I trust you.”

  “You got it. Tell any of the Wild Zone residents you run into that I said hello.”

  Lash followed Jaded to the elevator, feeling a little uneasy. The male seemed to notice.

  “Miss Muller will be fine. Everyone knows she’s with you.”

  “Everyone?”

  “Word travels fast when a Wild Zone resident takes a mate.”

  That made Lash feel better. Species feared him when he was angry. Most of them, anyway.

  “We need to stop at my place first.”

  “No.”

  Jaded punched the button for the first floor as they got into the elevator. “I’m not going into the Wild Zone wearing these clothes. I’m changing first. That’s not up for debate. It will take me ten minutes. You heard your mate. She’ll be fine and get to spend time with the other human. They are close friends. She probably wants a break from you by now.”

  Lash snarled at him, flashing teeth.

  “You are annoying and demanding. Deny it. I dare you.”

  Lash growled but kept quiet. Species didn’t lie.

  * * * * *

  “They’re picking up my things next week.” Mel grimaced and glanced at Snow, who she sat next to on the couch. “He doesn’t want me to go pack up my place because I’m in too much danger.”

  “You are.” Snow gave a firm nod. “It’s not just the reporters. Species have enemies. You’ve been associated with us. It makes you a target.”

  Mel scrunched her nose. “I don’t like the idea of other people packing up my stuff. What if they forget something?”

  “They will pack everything.”

  “I don’t want the furniture.”

  Mary watched them talk from the other couch. It made her wonder if her and Lash were going to have the same conversation soon. She needed to pack up her apartment and be out of it before rent was due. She’d paid first and last. At least she wouldn’t leave owing money once she gave her landlord notice. That was something she’d have to do soon.

  “Thank goodness I packed a bag, am I right?”

  Mel’s question tugged Mary from her thoughts. “What?”

  Mel pointed at her. “I’d be stuck wearing NSO workout clothes, too, if I hadn’t packed a bag. I’d offer to lend you some of my clothes but I didn’t know I’d be staying here this long when I shoved stuff in my bag. I’m already doing laundry every three days.”

  “You could wear my clothes.” Snow snuggled closer to her. “I like it when you do.”

  “That’s true.” Mel rested her head against his arm. “I guess you could wear Lash’s clothes, since I doubt the NSO can get your things from your place until next week, either.”

  “He only owns loincloths,” Mary admitted. “At least, that’s all I’ve seen him in.” She looked down at the T-shirt she wore. It had NSO printed on the front. The sweats were baggy and they had the same letters printed on the side of the right thigh.

  She glanced at the bag the New Species woman had dropped off earlier with spare clothing for her and rose to her feet. Mary bent, grabbed it, and returned to the couch. “They brought me some things to wear.” She unzipped the bag, seeing only folded T-shirts and more sweatpants. They were the same color as the ones she wore, probably exact replicas. “Shit.”

  “What’s wrong?” Mel moved next to her to peer in the bag. “Oh. I already see the problem. Where’s the dress you wore?”

  Mary turned her head as she straightened, releasing the clothing in the bag. “Lash kind of destroyed it.”

  “Well, you look cute.” Mel smiled. “You’ll live. It will just be until next week. Maybe they have different kinds of clothes. Snow can ask.”

  “What’s the problem?” he asked, remaining seated on the other couch.

  Mary glanced at him but didn’t want to complain. He might be Mel’s husband, but he still scared her a little.

  “My bestie here isn’t a fan of workout clothes. Especially sweats.” Mel glanced at her. “Do you even own any?”

  “I do now.” Mary pointed to the bag.

  “It’s only for a little while.” Mel patted her arm. “It’ll be fine. Maybe you’ll grow to like them by then.” She smirked.

  Mary dug in the bag again, searching it. “There’s no un