“You should be allowed to go for a run without fear of something happening to me. Don’t apologize.”

“I should have been here.” He’d regret that for as long as he lived. The humans could have just killed her. He wouldn’t mention that but the heartbreaking thought wouldn’t leave his mind.

“Do we have time to shower?” Her smile looked forced. “I’m still a little sweaty from that hot sex we shared.”

Her attempt at humor failed. He appreciated it but he was too worried about the males out to cause her harm. “We don’t. I told Jinx we’d be ready to go in ten minutes and we have about two of left.”

“Okay.” She let go of his hand. “Let’s do this.”

Chapter Eighteen

Jeanie kept close to True’s side and firmly gripped his hand as they left the dorm. Three New Species guards surrounding them kept alert for any signs of trouble. She noticed that Jinx kept his hand on his sidearm as his gaze darted in every direction, looking for any sign of danger. She glanced up at True, seeing the same wariness in him. They were worried.

Breeze sat in a Jeep outside the building with the engine running. Jeanie smiled at the woman, happy to see her again. She’d been present at Medical, cracking jokes to ease the tension after True returned from Fuller.

“I made some calls,” Breeze announced. “Some of our males are stationed on rooftops with sniper rifles just in case we run into any trouble on the way. They’ll keep an eye on us the entire trip.”

True growled and let go of her hand to put his arm around her waist. He jerked her closer until she felt as though she’d become a part of his side. It was dark outside, dawn still hours away, and a cold wind blew her hair into her face. Her mate just lifted her when he reached the passenger side, which had the door removed, and she ended up sitting on his lap. He surrounded her with his arms, keeping her very close. The two other Species got in the backseat.

“You think that’s necessary?” She really hoped not as she leaned her head forward enough to peer at the driver.

“I do.” Breeze smiled. “I’m paranoid though. I really love watching human movies and in one of them I saw a group of good guys get attacked on their way to the police station while escorting a witness. I figure the bad guys might watch the same ones as I do and steal that plot twist. Now we have snipers in place to shoot the shit out of them if they try to set up a roadblock.”

“Don’t frighten her,” True ordered.

Jeanie had the opposite reaction. She laughed, amused.

True reached up and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at his grim expression. “This isn’t funny.”

“It isn’t,” she agreed and sighed. “It’s just that I really like her.”

“I like you too,” Breeze cheerfully called out. “Hold on. It might get rough. I’m not taking a route they’ll expect. I always wanted to do this.”

Jeanie grabbed hold of the bar above their head. True released her chin but his other arm tightened around her waist—him being her seat belt. The Jeep took off fast and abruptly veered across the road and jumped the curb. It almost tossed her off True’s lap but he kept hold of her when the wheels landed on the grass.

“You’re driving through the park?” Jericho cursed.

“Yeah,” Breeze laughed. “Brilliant, huh? They’ll think we’ll use the roads but we’re not. Our guys can see us from the rooftops so we’re covered.”

“Do you want to turn on the headlights?” Jinx pushed his head between the seats from the back. “So you don’t hit a tree. Do you see that one directly in our path?”

Breeze jerked on the wheel, sending the Jeep to the right before straightening it out. “I see it. I’m not blind, and no, I’m not using headlights. Humans don’t have our night vision. The point is to get there without them knowing where we are. Now shut up and sit tight. I’ll have us there before—”

“The bushes!” Flame yelled.

“I see them.” Breeze swerved to the left. “Isn’t this fun?”

“No,” True grumbled, “it’s not.”

“Spoilsport.” Breeze chuckled. “And yes, I see the lake.” She turned the wheel. “We’re not going for a swim.”

Jeanie closed her eyes and turned into True, grateful she couldn’t see anything out in the darkness. The speeding Jeep bumped and swayed over the uneven terrain, the wind cold against her skin, but she felt safe despite it all.

“Hang on. We’re leaving grass for road,” Breeze warned.

“Remind me to drive next time,” Jinx grumbled. “Slow down!”

“Did you lose your yarn balls, kitten?” Breeze laughed. “This is fun!”

The sensation of being airborne only lasted a second or two before the wheels landed on unforgiving pavement again. True cushioned her as they were thrown up into the air a little before slamming back against the seat. He snarled.

“Damn it, Breeze. My mate doesn’t need to be frightened even more.”

“You’re not worried about being shot, are you, Jeanie?”

“Definitely not,” she agreed, more concerned they’d be involved in a car accident.

“See?” Breeze laughed. “I knew this would distract her. Okay, braking. Brace!”

True snarled again and his body tensed. The wheels squealed in protest as the Jeep came to a too-sudden stop.