Laurann Dohner - Wrath

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 waited 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.”

He lifted her up. “Make the call. I will tell Justice we want a minister and the rings. Just come out when you are done.”

Lauren dialed Amanda and blinked back more tears. It amazed her how drastically her life had changed since walking into that warehouse. Her friend answered on the third ring.

“Um, hello?”

“Why do you sound so unsure? Is it hello or not?” Lauren teased.

“Lauren! I saw the caller ID and had no clue why Homeland would be calling me.”

“I’m getting married.”

“Oh. My. God! No way! You lucky fucking bitch!”

“Can I borrow that blue dress you bought for your Christmas party? I love that.”

“You’re not wearing white?” Amanda snorted. “Kidding. Wouldn’t that be a hoot though, to do that? Not only can you borrow it, you can have it. Do I get to throw you a bachelorette party? We could do strippers.”

“Nope. The only hot guy I want to see naked is Wrath.”