“Who is Oak?”
Lash began to answer his mate but Jaded spoke faster.
“He’s a primate Wild Zone resident. He would only sleep in the trees when he was first brought here, and it took us a while to make him agree to let us build him a home. We were worried about his health when the weather turned colder, and he needed some amenities. We’re not full animals and shouldn’t have to live like them. He liked Leo’s home that was being built at the time, since that feline had issues, too, with living in any existing homes designed for humans, but Oak didn’t like feeling trapped. He wanted a few escape hatches in the roof to reach the trees around his home.”
Jaded met his gaze. “You chose the basement because it had high ceilings where humans couldn’t reach you. This would work. Your mate would be secure, and you can still protect her.”
“I want to see Oak’s home,” Lash decided.
Jaded flinched. “You know what he’s like. I think there were pictures of it taken after it was constructed, before he moved in. He doesn’t allow anyone too close to his person, but he’s particularly protective of where he lives. Leo is the only one he’s let go there so far. They spend some time together.”
Lash knew Oak avoided other Species. “I want to see these pictures.” He wanted to make sure Mary would be safe.
“Torrent would probably have them.” Jaded glanced at Mary. “He’s the one who has the most interaction with the Wild Zone residents. I saw him earlier, and he was going to do a wellness check on everyone in the remoter areas. Tomorrow morning, he’s scheduled to fly to Homeland for a few days. Justice wanted an in-person update on how the Wild Zone residents are doing, and Trisha also wanted a meeting with him about getting everyone in for physicals and the best way to go about that.”
Lash snorted.
“I know. You Wild Zone residents hate doctors, but Slade’s mate is insistent that they get annual checkups like other Species do.”
“We come in when we’re really hurt.”
“Define really hurt,” Jaded snorted back. “Some of you can’t. You’re too stubborn unless you think you’re dying.”
“That’s not true.”
“Blue almost bled to death, and would have if Leo hadn’t spotted him, grabbed a few other Species, and forced him to go with them to Medical. By the time they got there, he was unconscious and they were carrying him. I heard he had to have over fifty stitches and needed a blood transfusion.”
“He was strong enough to fight. They wore him out and probably made his injuries worse.”
Jaded hissed. “I’m not arguing with you. That’s Torrent’s job. It’s probably best if we just deal with the modifications you want done to the basement in a few days, after Torrent returns from Homeland.”
“I want it done right away. I don’t want to live up here for any longer than I must. Call him.”
“Of course you don’t. You’re always impatient, Lash. I’ll call him to see if he even has the pictures on his phone.” Jaded stood.
Lash watched the male step outside into the hallway but he didn’t totally close the door. He heard Jaded speaking low. A minute later, the male pushed the door open and then closed it. He retook his seat on the floor.
“Torrent has the photos of Oak’s home on his phone. I asked him to text them to me, but he reminded me that signals can be hacked. He’s right. We never want humans to get views inside our homes. We’re going to have to go out there and meet him to see them.” Jaded peered at Lash. “The choice is yours.”
“I want to see them now. Tell him to come here.”
“Did you hear what I said about why he’s out there? Some Wild Zone residents enjoy hiding from Torrent and making it a game. I’m not certain how early he has to leave for Homeland, but Justice wants updates on all of them. Every single one. That means Torrent is probably going to be out there for the rest of the day and maybe all night, tracking them down. I doubt he has time to make a trip here before his flight. You can either come with me to find him or wait until he gets back from Homeland.”
Lash snarled, frustrated.
“I’ll see who is available to come with us to meet up with Torrent, since I assume you want to take your mate with you. She’s going to draw a lot of attention.”
Lash growled, knowing Jaded had a point. Some of the residents would panic if they smelled an unfamiliar human in the Wild Zone, while others would be lured by her female scent and might be tempted to claim her. “I won’t take her into the Wild Zone.”
“That’s probably a good idea.” Jaded nodded. “I’m glad you know your mate is safe here.”
“I don’t want to leave her, but I can’t take her with there. Make Torrent come here.” Lash released Mary’s hand and got to his feet.
A small hand touched the back of his thigh. He turned his head, peering down at his mate.
“Why don’t you go, and I’ll see if Mel can come visit me while you’re gone?”
He turned and crouched, studying her face. “I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’ll be fine with Mel. You won’t be gone long, right?”
“Maybe an hour or two at most,” Jaded answered again before he could. “It’s a lot of land to cover, and sometimes the Wild Zone residents feel talkative. They might want to hear about Lash’s new mate, since he is carrying your scent.”
The male annoyed Lash but he didn’t let it show, since Mary was staring at him. “Will you be afraid if I’m not with you? Be honest with me.”
“Not if Mel can visit.”
He turned to Jaded. “Find out.”
The male pulled out his phone. “Sure. No problem. I live to serve. I’m calling Snow now.”
Lash reached up and stroked her cheek, ignoring the male. “No one will dare hurt you, Mary. You’re my mate. They know it. Don’t be afraid. I won’t leave if you need me to stay.”
“I’ll be fine. I wanted to hang out with Mel. It’s probably a good thing. I’ll get some alone time with her. Girl talk and all that.”
He didn’t see any fear or indication she was trying to hide it from him. “I’ll hurry.”
“Take your time. I enjoy being with Mel.”
He nodded and caressed her cheek again. “You’re safe. I’ll make Flirt promise to stay on duty until I return. He’s a good male. Snow will stay with you, too.”
“Stop worrying. I’m kind of adjusting to New Species.”
He grinned. “Because of me.”
“Yes.”
“Snow and Mel are on their way,” Jaded informed him. “Let’s go.”
Lash still hesitated. “I’ll wait until they get here.”
“I’m okay. Tell Flirt to have them walk in when they arrive. I’ll just finish eating, since I’m slower at it than you are.”
He studied her again.
“I’m fine. Really. Go and find your friend.”
He wouldn’t really call Torrent a friend, but he respected the male, even if they did argue often. He released her and straightened, going to the door. He made Jaded exit before he did. Mary smiled at him from where she sat and gave him a little wave. She didn’t look fearful.
He closed the door and glared at Flirt. “Keep my mate safe, and you don’t leave this spot until I return. I trust you.”
“You got it. Tell any of the Wild Zone residents you run into that I said hello.”
Lash followed Jaded to the elevator, feeling a little uneasy. The male seemed to notice.
“Miss Muller will be fine. Everyone knows she’s with you.”
“Everyone?”
“Word travels fast when a Wild Zone resident takes a mate.”
That made Lash feel better. Species feared him when he was angry. Most of them, anyway.