Smiley

He led her outside. Slash, Jericho, Wager and Flame were the four males he’d requested for the Species team. They were human-friendly and trustworthy. He shot a warning glare at Wager, who stared a little too intently at Va

“You’ve met Wager and I heard you were introduced to Jericho yesterday, Va

“Hello.” Va

He watched her face closely, hoping none of them would appeal to her. She didn’t keep her gaze on any of them for longer than a few seconds. He did notice that she glanced at Jericho again. The male had said his eyes frightened her. Smiley drew her a little closer against his side.

“It’s good to meet you.” Flame gri

Smiley snarled, not liking the way Va

Flame backed away. “I’m sorry. That was intended to be a joke.”

“She didn’t laugh.” Smiley tried to control his temper but it was hard to do, knowing Va

“Okay.” The male fled around the SUV.

Jericho opened the passenger door. “Please get in, Va

Smiley helped her climb in and watched her fight the skirt to keep it from inching up her thighs. Jericho clamped a hand on his shoulder when he attempted to scoot in after her.

“Get a grip,” the male whispered.

Smiley wasn’t sure what he meant.

“You’re acting irrational. You’re Smiley, not Grumpy Ass, ready to tear off the heads of males who look at your female. Everyone knows she’s yours.”

Smiley jerked out of his hold and climbed into the SUV. Jericho slammed the door and he winced. His friend had a point. He wasn’t behaving as he normally did. Va

She put on her seatbelt and he tried to relax. He didn’t want her to see his stress. She touched his hand. He met her gaze.

“Are you okay?” She sounded worried.

“Yes.”

The door opened and Jericho took the seat on her other side. He didn’t like his friend that close and fought the desire to remove her belt and place her on his lap instead. It was unreasonable and stupid, yet the urge still goaded him.

Va

He wished it were that simple. Jealousy was a new emotion and he didn’t like it one bit. He recognized it though. Va

“Listen to her,” Jericho ordered. “Chill out. We have two teams on this mission and this will be a short, surprise outing. We don’t expect any trouble but we’re prepared if anything happens. We even have the helicopter on standby in case we need an emergency airlift.”

No one had mentioned that last part to him. “For a medical emergency?” His gut twisted. Did they think someone would shoot at Va

The red in Jericho’s eyes flashed more prominently than usual, showing his anger. He knew immediately what Smiley was thinking.

“In case the roads are congested, Smiley. No one expects violence. This outing is needed to show the humans you didn’t harm one of their own. We might have to helicopter her and you out if the media has a chance to catch us if we’re stuck in traffic. You know those bastards would drive on the sides of the highway to reach us.”

“Oh.” He calmed a bit. “That’s a good plan.”

Jericho crossed his arms over his chest. “Just shoot me.”

Va

Jericho didn’t look at her but glared at Smiley. “He understands what I mean. I’d rather be shot than suffer foolishness.”

Smiley faced forward and turned his hand, lacing his fingers with Va

He wasn’t exactly being a good example to his friends. He’d been moody and rash since meeting Va

Chapter Fifteen

Va

“Yes?” A woman with unruly curly hair—the mass was barely contained in a ponytail on top of her head—stepped forward.

“What the hell were you thinking? Her shirt barely fits. Give her yours.”

“I disagree. She looks fantastic. Craig did her shopping though, not me. I stand by his choice. It’s a good look for her.” The woman lifted her chin, openly regarding Miles with contempt.

“The shirt is too damn tight. You’ve got massive boobs but take yours off and give it to the girl.” Miles waved his hand. “Now.”

“Va

“As if I’d do it,” Cindy muttered. She raised her voice. “This isn’t 1950, sir. Women are comfortable and flaunt their femininity. She is a pretty woman with a gorgeous figure. Let it go.”

“Who pays you?” Miles pointed at his own chest. “I’m the boss.”

“You’re a chauvinistic ass,” Cindy muttered.

“What did you say?” Miles advanced.

Her voice rose. “I said I know you’ve got an eye for class.” She paused. “But with all due respect, you’re wrong on this one. That’s why you hired me, remember? I’m the voice of the younger generation.”

Justice chuckled. “Enough, Miles. Va

Smiley tugged on her arm and led her out of the building. Va

“Wow. Is that Miles always such a jerk? I couldn’t work for him.” She looked to Smiley for an answer.

“He can be abrasive but he’s good at what he does. You look perfect. That female was correct. He’s an ass.”

“And apparently a little hard of hearing.” She gri

Smiley laughed. “Cindy does it often when we have meetings. We crack up because he has no idea what she said or why we’re amused.”

A little jealousy rose in Va

“Cindy is a nice female. She accompanies Miles to a lot of our joint meetings when media issues arise. They mainly work at Reservation but came here last night to help us handle the situation.”

“Great. I’m a situation.” She didn’t like the sound of that.

Smiley helped her into the SUV. He kept touching her. “You didn’t cause this problem. Place the blame where it belongs. The Woods Church has had it in for the NSO for a long time.”

Jericho took the seat next to her. The big primate flashed a half-smile, making him look less menacing. She wanted to ask Smiley if he’d ever dated Cindy but didn’t want to do it with four other New Species in the SUV with them. Flame and Slash sat up front. Wager took the third row seat. She glanced back at him but he was staring out the rear window.