Her phone rang. “Zandy Gordon here.”

“Hi, little one. I’m sorry but I won’t make lunch. The meeting ran long and I have to wait on a report to come in. I have to call Homeland when it does. I’m stuck in my office.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. We’re no longer on high alert. The United States government has taken a stronger stance against hate groups after what happened to you. They’ve been tracking down and arresting the most outspoken hate groups who have made public threats against the NSO. It’s rid us of a lot of the more hostile protesters. They’re pushing legislation to make it a hate crime to even threaten us.”

“That’s great news.”

He chuckled. “I could almost thank Brother Adam if he wasn’t dead. He made sure there were enough cameras and reporters present when he tried to kill you that it made worldwide news. Everyone had to take notice of what we deal with and the public outcry is forcing all the politicians who wish to be reelected to back us.”

“You were a hero when you saved me by risking your own life. It showed what great guys New Species are. Plus you’re sexy hot.” She chuckled. “We’re getting fan mail just for you. Most are from women. I hope that doesn’t go to your head and you dump me.”

“You’re the only female I want.”

“I’m really glad to hear that because you’re all I want too.”

Tiger softly purred into the phone and Zandy’s body instantly responded. The man made the best noises that turned her on. She bit her lip and closed her eyes and admitted what she was thinking.

“I miss you.”

“I’m going to pick you up at four today instead of five.”

“What would my boss think?” Zandy teased and knew he’d laugh. “I don’t want to be fired.”

He chuckled. “Your boss would think I could sexually harass you and you’d enjoy it.”

“Promises, promises.”

“It is a promise.” Tiger paused. “I have to go. The report is in and I have to call Homeland.”

“I’ll see you at four.”

“Yes, you will.” He hung up.

She finished her lunch and noticed that Torrent didn’t walk Richard to the door when they pulled up to the curb in front of the building. It was unusual since they always did. Richard came in grinning.

“How was lunch with Tiger?”

“He couldn’t make it. Something came up but I’m leaving an hour early today. Tiger is picking me up at four to make it up to me.”

He chuckled. “See? He’s nuts about you. Creek misses you and wanted to know if you’d be having lunch in the cafeteria tomorrow. I said you were in heat and she said she’d see you in a few days.”

Zandy turned back to her work and started scanning in letters. They had a lot of mail pouring in. Mostly it had been supportive over the last week. The hate mail was down. It was a nice change.

* * * * *

Tiger watched Bestial swagger into his office and drop his large body into a chair across the desk from him. The male looked amused and Tiger’s spine stiffened.

“What?”

“How is your mate? Have you told her yet?”

“No.”

Bestial grinned, showing his canines. “You’re being foolish. Just tell her she’s your mate and be done with it.”

“It isn’t that simple.”

“Sure it is. She doesn’t have sharp teeth and she can’t fight as well as our females can. I doubt she is as stubborn as they are either. You can handle her if she resists until you change her mind. Don’t tell me you’re afraid she’ll kick your ass. I’d lose all respect for you.”

“Shut up. It’s complicated.”

“Uncomplicate it.” He chuckled. “I’ve fought with you and she doesn’t stand a chance.”

“This isn’t about dominance. She had two humans who were bad mates and destroyed her trust in males.”

“You’re not being a good mate either if she doesn’t even know she has one.” He snorted. “Do you want me to tell her?”

“Don’t interfere.”

“I’m good at it.”

“No, you aren’t. Brawn still growls at me sometimes if I even glance at Becca when I see them. I took them a gift when their son was born to congratulate them and I thought he was going to attack. You used my name to make him go after his mate when you tormented him by making him think I was interested in stealing her away from him.”

“It worked.” Bestial laughed. “I’ve never seen a Species run so fast as when he shot out of our office to reach her. I still think they should have named the baby Sprint.”

Tiger grinned. “I dare you to tell them that.”

“No way. Kismet was a fine name to choose. You are missing the point. I helped them get together and they are very happy. Let me help you.”

“Stay out of it.”

“When are you going to tell her?”

“Soon.”

“How do you plan to tell her?”

“I don’t know. Why are you so curious?”

Broad shoulders shrugged. “I’m bored.”

“Learn a new sport or go spend some time in the Wild Zone. Vengeance could use a friend. Go interfere in his life. He’s the one who needs help with females. He’s mourning the loss of his mate.”

“I’d rather help you.”

“Go share sex with a female.”

Bestial stared at him with narrowed eyes. “I am your friend and you can talk to me. Are you afraid she will reject you?”

Tiger took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. “Yes.” It was a relief to admit it.

“I never thought I’d see the day when a little female would take you down. This is what they call priceless.”

Anger stirred. “It’s not amusing.”

“It really is.” Bestial chuckled. “You know we’re all enjoying this after all the times you swore you’d never take a mate. Her being human is a bonus.”

A snarl tore from Tiger as he shot to his feet. “I can’t wait until you meet a female you want to mate. We’ll see how amused you are then.”

Bestial slowly rose to his feet, all amusement fleeing. “I’ll just take her home with me and keep her there if I ever find a female I want to make my mate. I wouldn’t allow her to believe we were just sharing a home either once I got her there. I’d claim her. You should try it. You need to do something.”

“I am!”

“What are you doing?”

“I have a plan.”

“What is that?”

Tiger hesitated. “Zandy has said that the males who didn’t make her happy had no idea how to really commit to a female. I’m going to prove to her that I’m nothing similar to them.”

“How are you going to do that?”

Tiger held his silence, unwilling to discuss it further.

“Fine. I hope whatever it is works before she leaves. I’d hate to see you moping around and mourning the loss of your mate. Don’t expect any sympathy from me if it happens.” He stalked out of the office and slammed the door behind him.

Tiger snarled. He was frustrated and worse. Bestial was right. He needed to tell Zandy that he had no intention of ever letting her go. They were mated. He just needed to make her feel secure about him before he did. She might bolt and unlike Bestial, he’d never force her to stay, even though it would tear his heart out of his chest if she left.

* * * * *

Zandy saw Tiger’s Jeep pull up in front of the building at four o’clock on the dot. She shoved her feet into her shoes and waved goodbye to Richard. She was out the door before Tiger could reach it. He grinned as his arms wrapped around her in a hug.

“I missed you.” He lowered his head and brushed a kiss on her lips.

She laughed. “I would guess so. We’re giving Richard and all the cameras a show.”

His beautiful blue eyes sparkled. “That wasn’t a show. This is one.”

Zandy gasped when Tiger lifted her up until her feet left the ground. She automatically wrapped her arms around his neck and he kissed her until she had to fight the urge to straddle his hips with her legs. She wanted to ride him through their clothing just to feel his rigid cock pressed against her clit, instead of where it rested at her lower belly. She desperately needed some relief from the flames of desire burning through her body. He tore his lips from hers.