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 ass**le 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 f**king 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 na**d is Wrath.”