“I just want to use the bathroom.”

He opened the door and Lauren moved slowly, didn’t want to give them a reason to hurt her, and noticed Mary placed another call on the cell phone. Mark pointed. “This way. It’s close and you need to leave the door open. I won’t watch you.”

“They made the deal,” Mary informed someone. “They agreed to the money too.”

The hallway was a long one and boasted male and female bathrooms and other doors that Lauren had no clue about. They had locks on them.

The guy turned his back to her and blocked the doorway. She walked to a stall. The doors had long ago been removed. It hadn’t been cleaned either and she quickly used the bathroom. He glanced at her once when she turned on water, splashed some on her face and used her finger to brush her teeth. She returned to him.

He hesitated, opened his mouth, but Mary shouted from down the hallway.

“What’s taking so long? Hurry up!”

“Go,” he ordered her, moving out of her way so she could leave the bathroom.

Mary gripped Lauren’s arm the second they walked into the large room, gave her a hard tug and returned her to her cage. Mark locked the door and Mary glared at him. “Go get 140.”

The guy fled, obviously afraid of his boss. Mary put her hands on her h*ps and stared at Lauren. “You really believe they are people?”

“Yes.”

“They are nothing but animals who can talk. Do you enjoy f**king one? What’s that like anyway? I’d never trust them enough not to snap my neck.”

Lauren hesitated but couldn’t refrain from answering. “I’d say you have a really good reason for that fear after meeting you.”

Mary’s lips twisted into an ugly sneer. “I would never allow an animal to shove his penis in me. I have standards. I’m not a dumpy blonde with bad hair who is so desperate she’ll let anyone f**k her. I’m assuming with your weight problem that you don’t have the luxury of being picky. You’re just happy when anything is willing to bend you over.”

Anger burned but Lauren clenched her teeth. She might be overweight but at least she wasn’t a crazy, vicious bitch. Staying alive was the priority and it really sucked not being able to respond.

“Even them.” Mary glanced at the three New Species in their cages before giving Lauren an amused look. “They’d probably f**k my grandma if I shoved her into a cage with them. You’re kind of pathetic for hooking up with one. Nobody else wanted him and you were the only taker. Sad.”

It was bad enough the woman insulted her but now she’d dragged Wrath into it. Lauren gripped the bars and stepped closer. “Wrath is as sexy as hell and did you want to know what it’s like being with him? It’s the best sex ever. He blows my mind and makes me scream. He touches me like no other man ever has, worships me, and I bet no man has ever been willing to do anything for you. I might not be gorgeous or have a model body but, lady, you’re a cold-hearted bitch who no man could ever love.”

Fury glittered in the other woman’s eyes but at that moment Mark returned with a very tall, grim-looking 140. Mary spun, backed away and pointed at Lauren. “Put him in her cage. She loves spending time with animals.”

Mark hesitated but walked over to the door, opened it, and stared up at 140. “In you go.”

“No.” He refused.

“Get in there,” Mary snapped. “Marvin is watching your girlfriend. The longer you drag your ass, the longer he’s with her. You know what a pervert he is.”

A snarl tore from 140 and he stomped through the door. Mark locked it and put space between himself and the cage. He stared at Mary. “How did it go?”

“The animal swears he’ll bring them to the exchange. Mel sounds scared but fine and mentioned they were going to prosecute her under New Species law.”

“What’s the difference?” Mark looked nervous.

“Since they are the ones who arrested her, she falls under their jurisdiction. Those f**king animals are allowed to kill her if they want.”

“Fuck,” he hissed. “You mean they can execute us?”

“Yes. I hate those f**king animals.” Mary glared at the four New Species. “All of them. I need a drink. You stay up here and watch them. Got it? I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Okay.” He didn’t look happy.

Mary stormed through the hallway and disappeared. A door slammed and the silence in the room was absolute as Mark just stood there. He finally turned and his gaze fixed on Lauren. It looked as if he wanted to say something but instead he glanced at 140.

“I’ll go get your food.” He rushed away.

Lauren was locked in a cage with 140. He slowly turned and studied her body, sniffed, and his body language changed from rigid to near relaxed. “Marvin didn’t touch you. Good.” He paused. “I smell your fear but I won’t harm you.”

“Thank you.”

He nodded and turned, glancing at the other New Species. “How are you?”

The blond frowned. “How do you think? How is your mate? Is she better?”

140 shook his head. “No. She is still weak.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

140 snapped his gaze to Lauren. “What do you care?”

She flinched at the look of hatred in his eyes. “I am not the enemy.”

He inhaled and some of his anger faded. “You aren’t. I know this. You are with one of our kind. Tell me about him.”