Best Friends (New Species Book 15) Read online

  “And you rebelled now.”

  “Yes.”

  “Would you really regret it if I touched you?”

  “I’d feel kind of slutty. This is our first date.”

  His eyebrows shot up.

  “It’s kind of ingrained in me from my upbringing. I’ll think of how my mama went on and on about how only sluts go to bed with a man on the first date, and it’ll make me feel bad. I know it isn’t true but it’s my issue. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it.”

  “It’s okay. I think it’s cute.”

  “Could you tell my old therapist that? He wasn’t kind about it.”

  He chuckled. “You see one?”

  “I used to until he made me mad. He kept insisting that I return home to deal with my folks. I’m never going back. I’d have to share a house with my mama again, and no way is that happening. I got a taste of freedom. I’d be ten times more miserable if I went home.”

  “Why do you have to live with her?”

  “I can’t afford to buy my own place. There’re only two houses available to renters in my small town. One of them isn’t fit for living in and the other one is right next to the city dump. It smells something awful. My mama and her church group would also put those families who own them through pure misery for renting to me, even if I was willing to live like that. There aren’t any apartments. The only other option would be to get a boyfriend to move in with. No way.”

  “You’re opposed to living with a male?”

  “It depends on the man. There aren’t any there that I would.”

  He smiled. “I think you’d enjoy sharing my bed every night.”

  “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re kind of a bad boy?”

  “No.”

  “You are.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “I’m drawn to bad boys in a big way, especially you. I guess it’s that rebellious side of me.”

  “How about this?” He blew out a breath. “This was our first date. Tonight, I’ll come get you and we can have our second date.”

  “That’s moving kind of fast.”

  “Life is short. You were shot yesterday, Mel. All I could think about last night was how I’d regret it if I’d never gotten to spend time with you.”

  She was too tempted. “Okay.” She might regret her decision later, but in that moment, she wasn’t able to say no. “How should I dress?”

  “Preferably, in something I can get off you easily. Do you have issues with me touching you on a second date?”

  “No.”

  “Good. Bring an overnight bag. I want you to stay all night.”

  “What if our second date doesn’t go well? You’d be stuck with me until tomorrow.”

  He smiled. “It’s not going to go bad. I have learned enough to feel secure that we’re very compatible. It’s not just about sex. I enjoy spending time with you, Mel.”

  She swallowed hard. “I feel the same way.”

  “I want you to stay the night. Will you?”

  “You’re definitely a bad boy, Snow. I’ll pack a bag.”

  He grinned. “I will locate condoms and make sure they are in my home.”

  “Don’t you keep some there anyway?”

  He shook his head. “No.”

  “I think I like that you don’t.”

  “You’re the only female I’m interested in, Mel. Species tend to obsess about a female they want and no one else will do. Do you understand?”

  “You’re not going to chase tail while we’re together?”

  “If ‘chase tail’ means touch other females, the answer is no.”

  “I like that, too. I hope it’s the truth.”

  He leaned in. “You could sleep in my bed every night just to be sure.”

  “Now I know you must want me. You’re talking crazy.”

  “Species don’t need to date. We rely on our instincts and how we feel.” He backed up a little. “I’ve been drawn to you for a while. You’re the one who needs time to figure out if you want to be in my bed every night. I already know I want you there. I’ll be back at five. Is that good?”

  “Yes.”

  “Maybe a little earlier. I wish I could take you right now… How about it? You could show me your bedroom while we pack you a bag.”

  “Five is good. Maybe four-thirty. I need to cool down a bit or I’ll be the crazy one.”

  He chuckled. “Should I serve you food before I go?”

  She shook her head. “I can do it.”

  “I’ll go.” He didn’t move, though.

  “Okay.”

  They stared at each other.

  “How upset would you be if I just lifted you up and carried you to the SUV?”

  “I’d probably get over it real fast. I don’t hold a grudge when it comes to people I care about. I’d appreciate it, though, if you didn’t. I need to beat myself up a bit over some of the things I said to you and then I’ll get it out of my system.”

  “Don’t do that.”

  “It’s how I am. Don’t worry, I’ll get over that, too.”

  “Can I take a peek into your bedroom? I’m very curious.”

  “Sure. Just don’t change your mind about wanting to date me.”

  He laughed. “I won’t. I’m set on that.” He finally stood and disappeared down the short hallway that led to the bathroom and bedroom. She sat there, glad she couldn’t see his reaction.

  He walked out a minute later with a big grin on his face. “Colorful.”

  “Are you freaked out even a little?”

  “It reminded me of a movie I saw. I wish you had a bigger bed. I’d like to be enclosed inside those walls of sheets with you.”

  “Really? Most men would hate that bed.”

  “I’m not most men, Mel. I’ll see you around four-thirty. Don’t change your mind or get mad at me if I carry you out of here later. I have to prove that cable hasn’t ruined me for you.”

  She loved his sense of humor. “I’ll be ready. I might get scared but I face most things head on. I won’t run. That would make me feel cowardly.”

  He nodded. “I’m leaving. I’m going to return to Reservation and plan our date.”

  “Thank you for the food.”

  He held her gaze. “I’ve got an urge to take care of you and be around you. It’s strong. And I don’t fight my instincts, Mel. You should know that about me.”

  After a long moment, he tore his gaze off her and marched out the door. He pushed the bottom lock as he went, shutting it behind him.

  She sat there with her eyes closed, letting her head fall back on the cushions of the couch.

  “That man is pure sin, and I’m going to hell. But I don’t even care. I’m going to pack a bag.”

  Three pairs of eyes turned Snow’s way.

  Jinx sniffed and lifted a brow. “No?”

  “Shut up. I didn’t come to share sex with Mel.”

  Jinx cleared his throat. “Do you need helpful suggestions about how to seduce a human female? They are a little different from ours.”

  Torrent frowned. “I’m not going to give you any shit. I was hopeful that you’d found yourself a female.”

  “Who said I didn’t?” Snow grinned. “We’re coming back at four-thirty to pick her up. She’s returning to Reservation with me. We are having our second date. She’s spending the night.”

  “Nice.” Torrent gave him a thumbs-up.

  “Date?” Timber snorted. “You just get one into bed and convince her that you’re the male for her. Then you mate and keep her. It’s that simple.”

  “Tell me how that works out when you find a female you’re fixated on.” Snow opened the back door of the SUV and climbed inside. “Let’s go. I have things to do.”

  The males piled in, Timber behind the wheel. “We had things to do, too, but we were being a part of your four-male team—and now we have to do it again later. You could have asked.”

  “Someone’s a bit snappy.” Jinx took a seat in the ba
ck next to Snow. “Are you jealous that Snow is finally getting the female he wants?”

  “No bickering.” Torrent slammed the front passenger door closed. “Do you know why I like dealing with the Wild Zone males more so than you? They get to the point. No drawn-out arguments. They snarl a few words before the fight is on. They exchange blows until one wins and the other backs down. I respect that. You’re becoming too human.”

  Timber drove away from the apartment building and back onto the road. They were quiet for a few miles.

  Jinx finally spoke. “I’m starting to worry about what kind of female will draw your attention, Torrent. Perhaps Kit?”

  Torrent smirked. “You only say that because you fear her. She’d hurt your overly sensitive feelings. That’s fine. Leave her to stronger males who can truly appreciate her. She’d never invite you to share sex, anyway.”

  Jinx snarled.

  Snow met Torrent’s gaze in the side-view mirror, knowing the male had gotten their attention off him and his upcoming date. He smiled in thanks. Torrent winked.

  Chapter Five

  “I should probably put on makeup, right?” Mel stared at her reflection.

  “You never wear it. Why start now? You say it’s a waste of money and ramble on about how men are jerks if they can’t appreciate us as we are.” Mary met her gaze from behind her in the mirror. “You said some girl traumatized you once and it left a lasting mark.”

  “Barbara Jill. Yeah. My cousin’s wife from the city. She always wore makeup, but I didn’t realize how much. Once, Ray came to dinner with this strange girl. I was tempted to tear him a new one, thinking he was cheating on that sweet wife of his. It was just Barbara without her makeup. I kept staring at her all night because she looked totally different. She called it ‘contours’ and stuff. It was more like magic makeup. Her nose looked bigger and her lips were smaller without all that stuff on her face. Her eyelashes were hard to see, too; apparently she always wore fake ones. She didn’t have eyebrows, either!”

  Mary laughed. “No?”

  “She drew them on. She didn’t like her real ones and kept them plucked. All I kept thinking about was my poor cousin. Did he go to bed with one woman and wake up in the morning staring at a stranger? I asked him in private if he’d ever screamed. I would have.”

  Mary leaned against the wall to stay upright as she laughed. “You should see how horrified you look. What did he say?”

  “She did what he called an ‘unmasking’ before they were married. Maybe he said an unveiling, but the other word fits better. She’d refused to spend the night with him while they dated, and that bothered him. He’d taken a job for a construction company in the city for a couple of years to make enough money to buy his farm; that’s when he met her. He figured they could have spent more time together, and saved money, if they were sharing a place while they dated. Anyway, she finally showed him her secret. He was okay with it, of course. He already loved her, so he said he could put up with her foolery.”

  Mary pulled herself together. “Foolery? You’re showing your hick side. You never fail to amuse.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I successfully distracted you. It’s too easy. Now we have your bag packed, and you have your keys. Do you know what that means? You’re all set to go!”

  “Aren’t you going to try to talk me out of this?”

  “Is that why you were so happy to see me when I came over to check on you?”

  “I needed help washing my hair.” Mel paused. “And yeah. You’re supposed to be my voice of reason. I have a weakness for Snow. I admit it. He looks at me, talks, and I’m putty in his hands.”

  Mary held up a fisted hand and straightened her index finger. “He’s hot.” Her second finger went up. “He wants to have sex with you and is interested in more than a one-night stand.” Her ring finger was next. “You want to have sex with him, and you believe him.” Her pinky straightened. “You’re both adults.” She curled her fingers once more and stuck up her thumb. “It’s a go. You’ll regret it if you don’t give this relationship a shot.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’m not your mother. Live. Have fun. Snow is the man you’ve been talking to me about since the day he walked into our diner months ago. Nonstop talking, too. I’m a bit jealous.”

  “Do you want to date a New Species?”

  “No! They scare me, and the closest thing I’ve had to a pet involved a fishbowl. Do you know why?”

  “I remember. You think animals hate you.”

  “Exactly. You’re comfortable with New Species because you were raised with a lot of animals around you.”

  “That sounds kind of snooty, Mary.”

  Her best friend flipped her off. “They have fangs. I don’t dislike them, but I just want those sharp teeth far away from any of my body parts. I also wouldn’t date a woman. It’s not because I have anything against anyone who would. They just don’t have the body parts that I want to touch. Fangs are a mood killer. Growling, not to mention how huge those guys are, makes me want to run in terror. Period.”

  “You need a therapist,” Mel teased. “Just don’t go to the one I did. He’s a jerk and will make fun of you. You really think all animals are out to get you?”

  Mary grew deadly serious. “They are.”

  “But you have no trouble finding and spending time with losers without fangs.”

  “That’s true. I seem to pick the ones who can’t keep their pants zipped up around other women.”

  The doorbell rang, and Mel jumped. Mary grabbed her bag and offered it to her. “Go. I’ll let myself out. I have the spare key.”

  “Don’t you want to say hi?”

  “Fangs, remember? Stop stalling.”

  “Guilty as charged.”

  Mary shoved the bag at her again and she took it. “Go.”

  Mel hurried into the living room. She plastered on a smile and unlocked the door, yanking it open.

  Some of her nervousness melted away at the sight of Snow grinning down at her. He had changed into a pair of black jeans and a matching tank top. The boots were the same. He held out his hand.

  “Let me take your bag.”

  “Thank you.” She passed it over.

  He suddenly frowned. “Where’s your sling?”

  “Off. I figured it was only going to get in the way, and I’m feeling better. It was only a few stitches and the swelling has gone away. Farm work isn’t for pansies. I once slid across the barn roof and ripped open part of my leg. Thank goodness I had a rope tied around my waist, so I didn’t fall off the side. I’ll show you the scar later. I hope you don’t mind a few of those.”

  “I have some myself.” He twisted a little and pulled on part of his shirt, revealing one on his back.

  She studied the thin line that marred his skin, then met his gaze. He suddenly looked a little pale. “What’s wrong? Are you having second thoughts about spending the night with me?”

  “Never.” He bit his bottom lip as he faced her fully. It was cute. He released it with his fangs. “You might ask how I was injured when you see the rest of my body…and they aren’t good stories. Do you mind seeing scars on a male?”

  “Not at all.”

  “I’m a survivor. Life at Mercile was tough, and sometimes I had to do things that might make you fear me when you find out.”

  “You’re a good man, Snow. I know that. Some folks deserve to die, if that’s what you’re implying. I shot two men, remember? I think it’s sexy that you’re a survivor.”

  “Good.” He grinned. “I should be very sexy to you, then.”

  She stepped out when he backed up a few feet, then closed the door and turned to walk to the parking lot.

  “Aren’t you going to lock that?”

  “Mary is inside. She’ll do it when she leaves.”

  “Friend support? Did she try to change your mind about tonight?”

  “Nope. She came over to check on me and helped me shower, since it’s tough to wash my hair
. My arm hurts when I reach up and move it around. Mary actually encouraged me to go home with you.”

  He looked surprised. “Most human females wouldn’t feel that way.”

  “Mary’s my friend. She wants what’s best for me, and she thinks that might be you. She’s like the sister I always wished I had.”

  “I’m glad that you have someone like that in your life.”

  “Do you have a best friend?”

  “A few of them.”

  He kept her close and put his arm around her waist when they reached the SUV. Two New Species she saw regularly at the diner waited for them, but the other she’d only seen a few times.

  “This is Jinx. You remember him. The male smiling at you is Torrent. Timber is behind the wheel again. He likes to drive. This is Mel,” he introduced her.

  “Hello.” She smiled at them.

  Torrent opened the back passenger door. “Allow me.”

  “I would have gotten that. I know human etiquette.” Snow tensed.

  “Relax.” Torrent held out his hand. “I’ll take her bag to the back and sit there. You two can share the middle seat. That way your female isn’t crowded between two bulky males.”

  Mel climbed in and scooted across the seat. She glanced back to watch Torrent open the hatch and he just climbed in, over the trunk area and into a third row of seats. He winked. She faced Snow as he slid in next to her and closed the door.

  “Don’t be nervous. You look it,” he whispered. “We must travel in fours right now. These are my friends.”

  “I’m not worried about that. It’s more nervousness over our date.” She glanced at the men in the big SUV. “I’m not afraid of New Species.”

  “Good.” Snow helped her put on her seat belt. “You’re completely safe.”

  She believed him.

  Snow couldn’t remember a time he felt more nervous. The males in the SUV kept glancing at him, probably silently urging him to say the perfect thing to Mel. He just didn’t know what that would be. He studied her, noticed the way she looked slightly uncomfortable, and reached out his hand to her. She took it and smiled.

  He began to relax. It didn’t matter what the males thought or if they teased him later. All he cared about was Mel.