“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.”