“Yes. Thank you.” He was keeping her warm, made sleeping bearable in the confined space, and she closed her eyes again, ready to drift back off.

140 growled, his body turned rigid and his head jerked up.

“What is it? Do you see a rat?”

“No. I smell humans.”

“I do too,” one of the other Species hissed.

“Unfamiliar,” one of them growled.

“Thank God!” Joy hit Lauren as she tried to sit up but 140 held her against him. “Let me up. It’s got to be the cavalry.”

“Who?” 140 didn’t release her.

“The NSO. They must have found us, got my message, and figured it out. Everyone remain calm,” she whispered. “These will be the good guys and some of your people should be with them.” Tears filled her eyes. “Wrath must be out there too.”

A male shouted and it was the start of rapid action that had Lauren screaming in terror and confusion. The boards over the windows blew apart, glass shattered and loud booms deafened her. Men’s shouts, blinding lights, and smoke came with it.

Big shapes seemed to fly through the now-destroyed windows and the big body behind her was instantly gone. He almost stepped on her when he pinned her body between his calves, planting himself above her in a half crouch. He snarled.

She had to blink a few times to adjust to the flashlights bouncing all over the big room. Boots pounded over the old dance floor and she watched dark shapes rush past the sides of the cages. One of the big shapes hit the other side of the cage and snarled. Her head jerked in that direction and Wrath crouched down enough for her to see him clearly.

“Wrath!” She tried to turn on her stomach and crawl to him but 140’s legs still pinned her.

140 spun, snarled at Wrath, and refused to let her go. Wrath showed sharp teeth but didn’t make any scary sounds. He did lift his flashlight though, enabling her to see more of his features. It was the best sight Lauren had ever seen.

“140? This is Wrath. It’s okay. Can you ease up on my legs and let me go to him?”

He moved, stepped away, and she crawled a few feet to Wrath. His hands came through the narrow bars, cupped her face and pulled her so close her skin brushed against metal. His eyes looked black as she stared deeply into them. The sounds of shouted orders from the task force faded away as all her concentration centered on him.

“Did he force breed you? Hurt you? I can’t smell right now from the way we had to come in.”

“No.”

She shoved her hands through the bars to touch him. He was warm. He let her caress his jawline on both sides and even lowered to make their faces level.

“You’re telling me the truth? You haven’t been harmed?”

“I’m okay. I’m great. You’re here. You came for me.”

“Always,” he swore.

He pulled back to stare at something behind and above her.

She turned her head and saw 140 watching them quietly from the other side of the cage. He frowned, his eyes narrowed and he shook his head.

“I have a mate of my own. She is downstairs. I was only keeping yours warm. Her skin is colder than ours. Please find my mate.”

Lauren glanced at Wrath. “She’s sick. I don’t know what they’ve done to her or why but they are keeping her in the basement.”

Brass was suddenly there. “I’m on it. I’ll get her.” He rushed away.

Wrath released Lauren and moved to the door of the cage. A human member of the task force met him there. The man dropped to his knees, aimed a flashlight on the lock and withdrew a small kit from one of the pockets on his pants.

“This is a piece of cake,” the man chuckled, glancing up at Wrath. “Can I let them all out? Is it safe?” He turned his head to warily stare at 140. “We are here to rescue you and your people. We’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to attack me. You boys would kick our asses.”

140 nodded. “We know you are not our enemies.” He turned his head to the other three New Species. “Relax. They are here to free us.”

“Let them out,” Wrath ordered. “I will handle it if one attacks.”

The human on the floor went to work on the lock. In thirty seconds he managed to pick it. He stood, pulled the door open and stepped back. Lauren rushed into Wrath’s open, welcoming arms.

He lifted her off her feet, his arms almost crushing her to his chest, until their faces were level. She threw her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. She clung to him and buried her face against his neck, thrilled to be able to touch him again. The lighting in the room growing stronger finally caught her attention and she lifted her head to peer around.

Members of the task force who had come in with battery-operated lanterns stood watching them calmly and Lauren chuckled when Wrath began to sniff at her.

“I need a shower. You might want to hold off on that until I smell better.”

He chuckled. “I don’t care. You’re safe.”

“I knew you’d come.” She stared deeply into his eyes. “I had no doubt about it.”

He growled. “I am not letting you go again.”

“My mate,” 140 growled. “Can I go to her?”

Wrath tilted his head to peer around Lauren, his hold eased, but he refused to put her down. “Wait here where it’s secure. They will bring her to you as soon as they deem it safe to move her. She will come to no harm from us.”