“There are things you should know as my mate. I don’t want someone else to tell you before I do. They will assume we’ve discussed everything but we haven’t.”
“Kind of hard to do when we’re having sex. A lot.” She grinned. “Not that I’m complaining.”
He didn’t smile back. A serious look settled over his handsome features. “You and I may be able to have children. No one can know that in your world, even the human males who are on the task force don’t know this. It’s too dangerous with the hate groups and crazy humans who believe we are animals. They wish for New Species to die out after a generation but a few babies have been born with human and Species mixed mates.”
Lauren let that information settle in and understood why they’d want to keep it a secret. “I’m on the shot. I can’t get pregnant unless I don’t take any more of them. I’m due for another one in two months.” Her heart speeded up a little. “Do you want to have a baby?”
“I’m not certain.” He glanced away before meeting her gaze again. “I need to learn how to care for a mate first.”
“We should have some time together before we think about having a child.”
He seemed relieved. “I am not opposed to making a family with you but I am wary due to my past.”
Her arm wrapped around his neck and she leaned into his chest to rest there. “I understand. We’ll talk about this later when we’re both ready but I’m glad that is an option. I always wanted to have a baby or two but only when we’re both prepared.”
A smile curved his lips. “I am sure once I learn to be a mate that I will want to learn how to be a father.” He took another deep breath and his body tensed. “I am afraid Justice will have issues with our mating.”
That killed her good mood. “We’re already mated, right? You said that. What’s involved?”
“I want you for my mate and you agreed. We are mated,” he firmly stated, getting a little emotional when his voice deepened. “My worry is that he won’t want you to live here with me but you can’t return to your home. You were already taken once and you are in danger. I won’t allow that. I will not permit him to separate us even while I fulfill my obligation.” His gaze left hers to drift around the room. “I will make it more of a home for you here. Brass is in charge and he said I could keep you. Tim has some issues but Brass overruled him.”
“Good.”
“I will get you a television, a bigger bed and whatever will make you happy. I have to leave sometimes for my duties but I won’t be gone long. I will always return to our bed to sleep with you and the time will pass quickly. We’ll visit Homeland and Reservation, see which of them you feel would make you happy and live there when I leave here for good.”
“My best friend lives near Homeland. I’ll be allowed to see Amanda if we live there, won’t I?” Worry struck her hard at the thought of something preventing her from doing that.
“Homeland is nice and Amanda will have to visit you there. I am certain it won’t be an issue.”
“Good.” Lauren knew Amanda was going to be thrilled to have a reason to visit and see Flame whenever possible. “That’s a relief.”
“Do you have family?”
“Yeah but they live back east.”
“Will they hate me? Will they be upset that you chose me over a human?”
“No.” She shook her head, sure of that. “They are going to love you, Wrath.”
Her grandmother was going to be thrilled she’d found a man to settle down with, her grandfather was going to think it was cool he was related to New Species since he found them fascinating, and her sister was going to turn green with jealousy once she got an eyeful of Wrath. She smothered a grin at remembering all the times her thinner sister used to warn her that she’d never find a man until she lost weight. I not only found one but he’s amazing!
“Do you have family?”
“All Species are considered family to each other. Very few have blood ties to each other but some do. There are two sets of twins and some who were from the same DNA that was donated to Mercile when they created us. No matches were found to mine but I consider Shadow a brother. We were in the cells next to each other in the same testing facility, we were moved to a new location together, and have been inseparable since we were freed. We count on each other.”
“I understand that. Amanda and I aren’t blood related but she’s more of a sister to me than my biological one. We grew up together.”
He smiled and lifted a hand, pushing her hair back from her cheek. “You and I are inseparable now, mate. I will deal with Justice if he is concerned about you living here. It is safe. The building is very secure and no harm will come to you.”
“He seems really cool on television.”
“He is a very wise male and I am sure he will see reason.”
“No worries then.”
“I have you. That is all that matters and we will face whatever happens together.”
Lauren liked that.
“We need to shower and get ready. I’ll ask Tim to send some men to your apartment to get clothing and bring your pet here.”
“That isn’t a good idea. He’d hate it here. He likes going outside. I’ll ask Amanda to take him home. She loves Tiger and her condo allows cats. I would like to have him live with us once we get our own place.”
“We can do that.”
“The helicopter leaves in twenty-five minutes to fly us to Homeland.”
Nervousness struck Lauren but she fought it down. It was going to work out. She had faith in that and in Wrath.
“You shower first while I make the arrangements. I’ll be right back. Wear my clothing. What is mine now belongs to you.”
“I love you, Wrath.”
He softly growled, desire darkened his eyes, and his hands tightened into fists at his side. “I want you but we don’t have time. Later I am going to mount you from behind. I will show you love.”
She couldn’t wait.
* * * * *
Wrath worried. The helicopter ride had been too short. He had no idea why Justice wanted to talk to him alone and he hated leaving Lauren in the reception area with one of the Species females. His mate hadn’t seemed to mind. She was very friendly and the other female seemed happy to have a human to chat with. He stared at Justice, sitting behind his desk. Wrath closed the door and slowly stalked forward.
“I’ve taken a mate and she has agreed to live with me at headquarters.” His body tightened, poised for a fight, and he was prepared for one if Justice refused to allow Lauren to stay with him. “Brass said we could make it work.”
Justice’s eyebrows arched, his expression unreadable, and he pointed. “Please sit.”
“I’d rather stand.”
“You can calm down, Wrath. I’m happy you’ve taken a mate. I’d never ask you to be parted from her and I’m glad she agreed to stay with you. I know that had to be a difficult decision for a human to make. They are used to having a lot more freedom to roam wherever they wish in the outside world. Please sit.”
Wrath folded into the chair, still wary, but relieved Justice hadn’t asked him to have Lauren live behind the protection of the NSO walls. “Why are we here?”
“I wanted to meet your mate, mine wanted to meet her as well, and we wished to congratulate you.”
“You could have done that over the phone or with her at my side.”
A grin curved Justice’s mouth. “You want to be alone with your mate. I understand that and I’m sorry I pulled you from your bed.” He hesitated. “You haven’t been free long. I wanted to share information about having a human mate that will help you. That’s why I asked to speak to you alone first.”
“Lauren and I are different but we share love. We both are dedicated to making it work.”
“I’m really happy to hear that. We mate a female and it means everything to us. Mating is unfamiliar to them. They have marriage in their world.”
“I am familiar with what that is.”
“Good. Here’s my first bit of advice. Ask her to marry you. I saw her file, she has family and they will accept you easier if you’re her husband. They won’t understand that mating is a deeper commitment but marriage will assure them that you are in her life permanently. My mate, Jessie, has made some calls and we can have a minister here within the hour if you wish to do this.”
“I do. I want Lauren to be happy.”
“I assumed you would. Tim sent a team to her house to collect her clothing and I had one of them look inside her jewelry box to learn her ring size.” Justice got a baffled look. “They need rings for some reason. It is a visible way for them to show they belong to a male and they expect males to wear a matching ring to show females they belong to her.” Justice lifted his hand to show the gold band. “See? I don’t wear it all the time since Jessie and I have managed to keep our mating from the press but I do while at home and at the office. It feels strange at first but you will adjust to something being on your finger.”
“How do I get rings?”
“Jessie is taking care of it.”
“We will thank you.”
“Lesson number two. Human females love romantic gestures. No need to be confused. It means giving them surprises that show our love while being thoughtful at the same time.”
“That’s a mate and what we do. We try to make them happy and put them first.”
“We are good at this. We just have to learn not to be so blunt. Don’t thank Jessie. She wants you to tell your mate that you had the NSO handle the arrangements when you spring marriage and the rings on her. It’s not a lie, the NSO did make all the arrangements since Jessie is considered Species and she had our people working on this. I trust my mate on these things and she said your female will be ‘blown away’ by the romantic gesture.” Justice chuckled. “I don’t argue with my mate on human matters. That’s lesson number three.”
“Don’t argue with my mate regarding human issues?”
“Exactly. You can’t win and I’m always learning new things. Humans are vastly different from us. That’s lesson number four.”
“Thank you.”
“Lesson number five is easy. Just be yourself. They know we’re Species, accept us for who we are and they chose to be with us over human males. Don’t try to be something you are not, thinking it will make her happier. Just expect to answer a lot of questions when she doesn’t understand something about us, be honest and remember that we’re aggressive by nature. Try to refrain from going over the top.”
Wrath nodded. “Thank you, Justice. I will remember.”
The other male stood. “Any questions?”
“She’d like to live here at Homeland once my duties to the task force are fulfilled. She has a friend living in the outside world and she wants access to her. They are very close.”
“We’ll work it out. Her friend is welcome here.”
“I don’t want to live with my mate in the dorms.”
“You’ll be assigned a real house, Wrath. We have the dorms because they were already being built when we were given Homeland. Our males enjoy spending time with each other and it’s easier for them to be closer to where they work. Mated males and some of the higher-ranked officers prefer some space and privacy. We’ll take care of it.”
A weight lifted from Wrath’s shoulders. “I am going to be the best mate possible.”
Justice stood and smiled. “I know you will. Congratulations.”
* * * * *
Lauren laughed. “Really? You refuse to take a mate?”
Breeze nodded. “We enjoy our freedom and our males tend to be overprotective and like to keep us close. Just be firm with yours. Do what I said.”
“Don’t take any shit.” She really liked the New Species woman. “I can handle that but Wrath is a sweetheart.”
“Our males never do anything half-ass, I can assure you of that.”
Lauren hesitated, unsure if it would be okay to ask. A question bothered her though. “Did 140’s mate make it? Wrath and I haven’t heard anything.”
The female nodded. “She is holding steady. Her mate is at her side and our doctors know what was done to her. I’m not sure of the details but they are hoping for a full recovery. It will just take time for her to regain her strength.”
“What about the others?”
She chuckled. “They are adjusting to life very well. One of them keeps asking to share sex with me but he’s got an attitude problem. Canines can be a little too aggressive when they are on the hunt. He’s been without a female for far too long and is attempting to make up for it now.”
“Is he the one who gave Midnight a little trouble and she dropped him on his ass?”
“Yes.” Breeze glanced at the door and smiled. “Your mate and Justice are coming. It’s just like I said. Justice was giving Wrath helpful hints about having a human mate. We always look out for each other and want everyone to be happy. You are Species now too.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” She meant it.
The tall Species stood. “Okay, my babysitting duties are over. I have a training session to barge in on. Some of the task force newbies are here and they get to fight some of our males to improve their skills. I enjoy watching that and sometimes I like to step in. Human males think women can’t take them down on the mats and it’s fun to see their shock when they find me pinning them down.” She winked. “Plus, I am considering sharing sex with one at some point. My best friend has told me some things that have piqued my interest.”
“What kinds of things?”
Breeze strode for the door. “You would consider it TMI. I know that saying. Happy mating, Lauren. Welcome to the family.”
The door to the hallway opened a second after Breeze left and Wrath smiled at her. The man behind him made Lauren nervous and she hoped she wouldn’t embarrass herself. Justice North was a celebrity and she’d never met one before.
“Are you well?” Wrath sniffed. “Where is Breeze? I smell her but she’s gone. I asked for a female to stay with you while I spoke to Justice.”
“She just left a few seconds ago. She is really nice.” Lauren glanced at Justice and her cheeks warmed when he smiled at her. He looked much more handsome in person. “Hi.”
“Welcome to Homeland, Lauren.” Justice nodded. “I would shake your hand but your mate would want to break mine for touching you. You’ll learn that he won’t respond well when other males get too close to you. It is an instinctual act for us.”
The door Breeze had just exited opened and a redhead walked in, wearing a black T-shirt, jeans, and biker boots. Her fiery-colored hair hung past her butt and she walked right up to Justice, put her arm around his waist and leaned against him. Her gaze fixed on Lauren.
“I’m Jessie.” She grinned. “Justice is my husband and mate. We heard what you did to get that asshole to turn on the people who held you by tricking him into placing that call to us. I’m damn impressed. Great job.”
“Thank you. I was terrified and got lucky.”
“Well, it’s over and you’re safe now. That’s the important part.”
“We captured all of them.”
Jessie glanced up at her mate who had spoken. “And that.” Her attention returned to Lauren. “I hope you don’t mind but we’re throwing a little celebration for you both. It’s always a huge event when someone takes a mate and it cheers everyone up.”
Lauren was surprised by that news but refrained from asking why.
Jessie seemed to read her mind. “Between the shit we get from the media, the protestors and the occasional kidnapping, good news is something to throw a party over around here. I hope you don’t mind.”
“We are honored,” Wrath admitted and pulled Lauren to his side to put his arm around her. “Would you mind if we spoke alone before we go?”
Justice grinned. “Of course. We’ll be outside waiting.”
Lauren watched the couple leave and wondered why Wrath needed a private moment with her. He wa
ited until the door closed before he released her, sat in one of the chairs and hauled her onto his lap.
“Will you marriage with me?”
Surprise smacked her and her heart did a flop in her chest. “You’re asking me to marry you?”
“Yes. Marriage. It is a ceremony humans have and your family will know I am sincere about my love for you. You’re my mate and I want your family to understand that I respect their human world.”
“Oh, baby. Yes! I’ll marry you!”
He grinned. “Good. I was hoping you would agree. The NSO is putting our wedding together and we will have matching rings.”
Tears filled her eyes and she didn’t bother to blink them back. “That’s so sweet and my grandmother is really going to love you. She’d have been happy that I was with you but she’s going to be over-the-top thrilled that she won’t have to tell everyone we’re just living together. I think it will help me feel mated too, with a ceremony. I don’t want anything big, just something fun and casual.”
“I will make sure you get what you want.”
That made her love him even more.
“We can do it today.”
“Today?” Wow, he never stops stunning me.
Apprehension tensed his face. “Is this a bad thing?”
“No. Not at all. I’d marry you any day, any place, any time. My family will understand me not waiting but I do have one request.”
“Anything.”
“I would like Amanda to be here.”
“Call her.” He nodded toward the desk across the room. “Invite her. Tell her to come and I’ll inform the gate she’s on her way. They will bring her wherever we are.”
Lauren leaned against him and brushed her mouth over his. He growled, fully taking possession of her mouth and she had to admit the guy was a quick learner when passion flared between them. He could kiss like nobody’s business. He was the one who broke away, panting, and desire darkened his eyes.
“Call her and let’s hurry with this marriage. I want to mount you.”
“And I want you to do that.”