Saving the Beast(58)

“We have a healthy baby,” the Professor said then glanced at Zane. “As soon as you get a chance, I’ll expect you downstairs. Full work up.” He turned to head toward the staircase leading to the lab but turned again. “I’m glad to see you. We would have lost Diane without you.” With those cryptic words, he turned and left.

“Lost her?” Zane asked as he, Reno and Amia took up the waiting vigil again.

“She might have fallen apart a bit without you around,” Reno said with a smile.

Zane would have to talk to his mate a bit more about exactly what had happened once he’d left. He remembered her saying she’d yelled at the Professor and Tah. Finn and Holt came down the hall then and more hugs were given just before the door opened and Tah filled it.

“Well?” Reno demand.

“We have a perfect baby,” Tah thundered. He looked shell-shocked but happiness radiated off him in huge waves, encompassing them all.

“And?” Amia’s voice prompted.

“A daughter,” Tah said, and his voice was filled with awe. “I have a daughter.”

“A daughter,” Reno said and grinned.

Zane watched as the two friends embraced and wasn’t surprised when Reno wiped tears from his eyes.

“When can we see her?” Finn asked.

“Let’s give them some time alone,” Diane said as she stepped out of the bedroom with her hands full of laundry. “I still need to wash our newest member up.” Her gaze skimmed over everyone else and found Zane. He liked the way her breathing picked up and her cheeks went a light shade of pink. He didn’t know for certain what she was thinking, but he guessed it was pretty close to his thoughts.

“I’ll help you with those,” he said, moving forward with eyes only for his mate.

“Zane,” Tah said and stopped him to give him a hard hug.

Zane didn’t remember this gruff group of Marines being so touchy-feely before. He blamed Abby for this influence, and he thanked her for it, too. He figured the other mates had a lot to do with it, as well. It seemed natural to give a hug now instead of a mere pat on the back or squeeze on the shoulder.

“Are you okay?” Tah asked.

Zane nodded, and his gaze skimmed to his mate again. “I am, now.”

“We’ll talk soon,” Tah said. “Join me when Diane comes in to wash the baby. I want to hear everything.”

Zane nodded and turned back to Reno.

“Logan and Clara took Murphy, Vic and my uncle to pick up some visitors Diane and I ran into on the way back,” he said.

“Who?” Tah demanded and his voice vibrated with a growl.

“Gideon,” Zane answered. “Clara described him perfectly. He has two other shifters with him. Clara said they were Ariel and Griffin. Gideon was shot by hunters.”

“Will he make it?” Tah asked.

“Depends,” Zane said. “He thinks the arrows they hit him with were laced with some type of poison. He doesn’t seem to be healing like he should.”

“Reno,” Tah said.

“I’ve got it,” Reno assured him. “Take care of your mate and baby girl.”

Tah nodded, and Zane turned once more to join his mate. Together, they moved away, heading toward the stairs and down to the labs. He was watching the sway of her lush ass before him as she walked when she stopped and turned to him. His cock was hard and aching with the need to fill her again. She stole his air when she leaned into him and whispered the exact words that hovered on his tongue.

“I need you.”





Chapter Thirteen





Diane was ready to toss the dirty laundry on the floor and take Zane right there. She saw the same intense desire reflected in his eyes. Dropping her glance, she took in the blatant bulge of his arousal cupped by the faded denim. He was more than ready for her.

“I’ll take those.”

The Professor’s voice interrupted, making Diane jump.

“Easy,” Zane said and placed his hand at the small of her back.

“We need to have a talk,” she told the Professor.

He smiled sadly and nodded. “Later. Right now I’ll go see to Abby and the baby while you and Zane clean up. I’m sure you’d both appreciate a shower. I’ll see to it no one disturbs you down here.”

“I thought you wanted samples?” Zane questioned.

The Professor’s gaze stayed on Diane’s. “I think we’ll let that pass for now.”

She tried to hold on to her anger with him, but in light of all that had happened, it was hard. She and Zane were together, mated. Glancing toward her mate, she felt her heart swell and knew she’d never been happier. The Professor’s methods were mad, but this time, the right result had occurred.