“There are only two ways in or out and they have alarms,” the human explained softly. “There aren’t any outside cameras. I told you that. I don’t know why you sneaked up on the place.”

Justice shot him a glare. “Be quiet unless we tell you to open your mouth.”

“Fine,” the human said. “Be that way. I’m helping you.”

Tiger motioned to the team and they surged forward to the front of the warehouse while a few broke off to approach from the back. They didn’t want to be seen until they breached the building. Valiant feared the two men inside would kill Tammy and the Species male they held captive if given the chance.

Justice glanced at the human. “We will move quickly.

You are in front. You get those doors open fast and stay silent. If you try anything, I will kill you or allow him to do it.” He pointed to Valiant. “I’d be kinder.”

A soft growl instantly tore from Valiant’s throat. He wanted to hurt the human badly for touching Tammy and helping to bring her to this place in the woods. Not even Justice or the entire team of males would save Pete if she was dead. He’d go through them to kill him.

“I understand.” Pete reeked of fear. “I want that money you promised and you don’t have to keep threatening me. I’m doing what you want. Immunity, right? A nd I get the hundred grand?”

“Yes,” Justice nodded. “Get us inside. Let’s go.”

They moved as one. The team crept up to the front doors. Pete punched in the code, the alarm beeped, and he swung open one of the metal doors. Eight heavily armed New Species and the human inched inside. He’d given Justice, Valiant, and Tiger the inside layout and they knew what to expect. One of the New Species grabbed Pete the second they entered the building and put a knife to his throat.

“Do not move or make a sound,” the man growled softly at him.

Pete blinked and froze. He kept his mouth firmly closed.

Valiant had to refrain from rushing forward to a dividing wall that blocked his view of where Tammy should be. He sniffed the air and Justice suddenly grabbed his arm, flashing him a warning look. He nodded, understood they needed to proceed cautiously.

Tiger waved his fingers in the air, dividing the men to spread out to find the humans. Valiant could pick up two scents, both of which seemed to be coming from a room near them. A s soon as the team with Tiger closed in, Valiant moved. Tammy!

Valiant’s heart rate increased when he inhaled a faint trace of her scent. The sweet smell of her fear nearly drove him insane. It tore at him that he hadn’t been there to protect her. A s he and Justice silently moved through the warehouse the scent grew stronger. They passed the dividing wall and Valiant got his first glimpse of the bars and the front of the cell. Justice suddenly reached out and grabbed him.

“Do not spook him. Go slow and remain calm. We do not know what condition he is in. We do not want him to harm her.”

Valiant forced his instincts back, knew how unstable a captured Species could be, and had to keep it together for Tammy’s sake. “I know.”

The body against Tammy tensed. 927’s hand froze on her back and suddenly he lifted her up. The man was strong. He went from sitting position to standing with her held inside his arms in an instant. She sniffed and wiped at her tears. Her gaze flew to his.

“What is it?”

He inhaled. She saw shock in his eyes. He looked at her. “I smell them.”

“Who?”

His gaze jerked to the cell doors. “Valiant and another of my kind.”

Tammy’s head twisted to stare through the bars toward the divider where they’d have to enter. Her heart pounded and she wiggled inside his arms.

“Put me down! You smell Valiant? A re you sure?”

He nodded as he bent, placing her on her feet.

Tammy saw movement and Valiant stepped into her sight. Justice was to his immediate right, gripping his arm, and both men were dressed in all black outfits.

Their hair had been pulled back from their faces. Justice held a gun in his hand while Valiant gripped a deadly-looking knife in his. Tammy lunged toward the wall of the cage.

“Valiant!”

She hit the bars and reached her arms out through them. Valiant rushed forward to grasp her hands in his.

The knife clattered to the floor and he reached for her.

He leaned against the cage, lowered his head, pressed his face to the bars until their skin touched forehead to forehead in the small space. His golden eyes looked suspiciously wet as their gazes held.

“I found you.” His voice came out raspy, choked with emotion.

Tears flowed down her cheeks but she didn’t try to rein them in. “I knew you would.”

He released her hands and reached through the bars to cup her face. His thumb brushed away her tears. His other hand reached in and gripped her hip. She wished the bars didn’t separate them. She wanted him to hold her but he couldn’t.

“A re you hurt?”

“I’m fine. I was just scared.” She suddenly remembered they weren’t alone. She turned her head enough to glance back into the cell but not enough to break contact with Valiant.

927 remained standing where she’d left him. He stared at Valiant and Justice with open curiosity and wonder. He remained utterly quiet and motionless.

Tammy glanced at Valiant and then Justice, who stood nearby in a relaxed stance, staring back at 927.

“This is 927,” Tammy said softly. “927, this is Valiant and that is Justice North. He’s the one I told you about who leads your people. I told you they would find us if there was a chance.”

Justice finally spoke. “I am Justice, formerly known as 152. We will get you both out of the cage as soon as our men secure the two humans who’ve kept you captive and bring the keys.” Justice straightened. His gaze never left 927. “You are free now. We are here to take you home to our people. You will be a part of a loving and caring family we’ve established and you will never know imprisonment again. You are a man now and no longer to be known just as a number. You’ll have a real name once you decide on one.”

Tammy glanced at 927 to see his reaction. He blinked rapidly when his eyes seemed to grow watery and lowered his head until his dark hair hid his features.

A few deep breaths later he seemed to get his emotions under control. His head lifted and he stared at Justice.

“I would be very happy to have a home and a name.”

Justice smiled. “Having a home is a wonderful thing.

You’ll be happy with us and I’m sure you’ll pick a perfect name.”

Tammy fought back tears while watching a miracle take place—for 927, after a lifetime of being a prisoner.

He would finally know freedom. Tammy smiled and stared at Valiant. She reached up and touched his face.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too, sexy.” Valiant darted a look at the man behind Tammy. His eyes lowered to hers and his features tensed. “Did he harm you in any way?”

“No.”

Valiant relaxed but he kept touching Tammy and she understood why. They were both grateful to be back together. Tiger rushed into the back of the warehouse, jingling as he ran.

“Both of the assholes are alive and secure. I have keys to his cage.” He pulled a ring of them out from a pocket in his vest. He peered at 927 before glancing at Justice. “Is he stable? Should I call for backup with a package?”

“No need.” Justice accepted the keys. “He’s fine.” He moved to the door. “I’m going to let you out now.”

The second the door swung open, Valiant entered the cell and grabbed Tammy. He scooped her off her feet and almost squeezed her to death in a bear hug while he backed them out of her prison. She didn’t mind at all, just hugging him tightly back, and rested her head against his shoulder to watch what would happen next.

Tiger chuckled. “He’s happy to see her.”