Nate watched it all warily. The MacNamara females were suddenly a tight unit of two. In all the time he'd known these women, they'd never been this close.
"You should know I've filed paperwork to take ownership of Angus and Erin."
"What?" Nate asked, his gaze whipping back to a determined Sheena staring at him over her cup.
"If they're registered as clones of our parents, and that blatant lie is being used to convince most people, then it's only right that Bri and I own their DNA. I uploaded the request through my personal Guardian link. You'll probably have their approval coming through in the next couple of days."
"Have you told Angus and Erin you're claiming them as property?" Nate asked, stalling his panic the only way he knew how.
"Not yet," Sheena said calmly, "but I don't think they'll mind when I explain the situation. They already think of Bri and I as family. It's not like I'm going to turn them into test subjects. I merely want the right to protect them … and I will."
Nate leaned forward, glaring at the woman he wanted to kiss so badly he couldn't think straight. "Why are you doing this, Sheena? They're not clones. You know they aren't. You tested them and you saw their DNA report."
"Then what are they, Nate?" Sheena asked again, sipping more of the amazing brew from her mug, grateful for its magic. Her brain was coming around again. She kept giving Nate chances. That's what love did to a person.
Scott chose that moment to exit the bathroom, smelling shower fresh and smiling broadly. He walked to the table and put his hand on Sheena's shoulder. She looked up into his clear green gaze and reminded herself that he had been lying to her for over a year. It made it easier to keep the hurt at bay.
"Feeling better?" she asked sweetly.
Scott nodded. "Yes. Got a call that woke me up though. I need to get back. Did you tell me you were staying or did I dream that?"
Sheena chuckled. "I did tell you that. I need to remain here until my claim for the clones is formalized. Plus, my sister is supposed to be dating aliens and picking a mate. I'm planning to stay until my life resembles something more like normal."
"Good luck with that," Scott declared, leaning down and kissing her lips. "Chaos follows you around."
"I hear that a lot," Sheena replied, not looking at Nate. She felt his whole body tighten when Scott kissed her a second time. "Last night was wonderful-a great way to say goodbye."
"Absolutely, Dr. MacNamara. Take care of yourself. Call if you need me. That's not going to change."
"Thanks, Scott. And thanks for explaining my situation to the Director for me. I appreciate it."
"Always happy to help a friend." Scott turned to address Nate. He bowed his head. "Admiral. Thanks for letting me visit. I'll be sure and give the AAS airship a good report."
"Next time call first … or you might not leave with the same feeling," Nate said, glaring back at the man.
Grinning at Sheena, which she knew Scott did mostly to irritate Nate, her deceitful lover turned and walked briskly to the door. She heard Darcone growling as he escorted Scott away. Too bad Darcone's species wasn't one of the ones who ate their fellow aliens. Scott's wife and kids could probably do better than a man who slept with targets.
"Great. I now officially hate all men," Sheena declared, putting her full attention back on her mug.
"Is it completely over with that guy?" Nate demanded.
"What's it to you if it is?" Sheena snapped, grumpy and frustrated by all the male posturing over something that hadn't even happened.
She didn't see Nate get up until he was looming over her. His hand was in her hair and his mouth on hers before she had time to process his intentions. She groaned into his mouth, hungry as ever for him. Scott's kiss hadn't caused a single flutter. Nate's kiss stripped her soul bare.
Nate eventually let her go and eased away. "Believe me now that nothing happened?" she whispered.
Nate nodded and kissed her hard again, drinking in her response. "One day you're going to tell me what the hell went on last night."
"Only if you morph into a man who holds nothing back from me. You can't expect honesty if you're not willing to give it."
"This is not a matter of honesty. It's a matter of world security," Nate said gruffly.
"No. It's a matter of family, of loyalty, of knowing who matters most on this planet. I will own Angus and Erin by the end of the day. If I want to take them with me when I leave, there's nothing you or your mother or the Guardians can do to stop me-and I would advise you not to try, Admiral. Nobody fucks with the people I love. Nobody. I don't care what their politics are."