Valiant(38)

The Jeep stopped when they reached the main gates of New Species Reservation. She lifted her head and stared at the high walls that protected the property from intruders. She knew everyone in her town and the towns around theirs had been thrilled because they had hired a massive workforce to build them. Guards were lined up on top of the walls with weapons. A guard shack stood next to the gate and two heavily armed men walked out to openly study Tammy.

“Is everything all right, Tiger?”

“Yes. Miss Shasta is going to be our guest for a while.”

The officer nodded. “I’ll call guest housing and have them prepare her a room and get a security detail lined up.”

“She’s going home with me,” Valiant stated firmly.

Tiger shook his head. “You can’t take her to your place.”

“She is going home with me,” Valiant growled.

Tiger hesitated. “Valiant, you can’t take her out there. You can move into the hotel if you want to stay with her. Those assholes specifically targeted her and as head of security, I’m telling you that she’s safer at the hotel with all of our security nearby than she would be at your remote home. The sheriff wants to get a statement from her too and I’m sure Justice might want to talk to her. She also needs medical attention. Once things cool down, and if she wants to go home with you, we’ll discuss the matter. Right now I’m pulling rank. She stays at the hotel and that’s not up for debate. You can shut up and stay with her or you can go home alone.”

“Fine,” Valiant growled. “We stay at the hotel.”

Tiger turned his attention to the waiting gate officers. “I don’t want her around the other humans. She’s to stay inside one of the suites with Valiant. She’ll need clothes and medical attention.”

“The doctors are pretty busy.” The officer still studied Tammy. “Can she wait? One of those assholes is in critical condition and the docs are all operating on him.”

“She will not wait second to one of the men who harmed her,” Valiant snarled. “Let him die.”

Tiger lifted his hands to make a gesture for Valiant to calm. “I’ll call Slade and ask him to bring Trisha to care for her. All right, Valiant?”

He nodded. “I would prefer Trisha look at her anyway. I trust her with my woman.”

His woman? Tammy arched an eyebrow.

Valiant scowled at her. “You are mine.”

“We’re a possessive lot,” Tiger informed her softly.

“Really?” Tammy rolled her eyes. “I never would have guessed.”

The gate officer snorted. “Valiant’s got himself a human woman. I thought they were too fragile, Val.”

Valiant growled at him and the gate officer to took a step back. “Just kidding.” He glanced at Tiger. “You know the rules. All incoming humans are to be searched. I need her out of the vehicle.”

Valiant snarled again. “You won’t touch her.”

Tiger intervened. “She doesn’t need to be searched. All she has on is Valiant’s sweater and…” his attention lowered to Tammy’s waist. “And a sheet with Valiant’s undershirt covering her panties. I’m vouching for her. I’m pretty sure Valiant already did a thorough search of her to make sure she wasn’t too injured. Is she carrying any weapons, Valiant?”

“No.”

The gate officer sighed. “Understood, fine, go on in, Tiger. I’ll make those calls to the hotel and the supply building to order her some clothing.”

Tiger drove through the gates when they opened. He reached for his cell and dialed. “Hi, Slade. Valiant is requesting that Trisha come look at his girlfriend. I’m driving them to the hotel. She’s been injured.” He paused. “Human.” He paused again. “It’s a long story.” He listened for a few seconds. “Thanks.” He hung up.

“Slade is bringing Trisha. He said he usually wouldn’t bring her out this late but there’s no way he’s missing out on seeing this.”

Valiant flashed sharp teeth to show his displeasure. Tammy frowned at the unusual comment but decided to just let it go. She wasn’t sure she wanted the answers to the questions floating around in her head. She hadn’t been to this part of Reservation so she carefully studied her surroundings. She saw a small two-story building.

“That’s the guest housing,” Tiger said. “It’s where visiting humans stay. There are six two-bedroom apartments inside. It used to be the staff housing when this place was a resort but we had it remodeled. Up ahead is the hotel where most of our people live when they are here. It was remodeled as well. It’s mostly one bedroom units but there are a few two and three bedroom suites. We’re putting you up in one of them and you should be comfortable there. All meals are served by the cafeteria but yours will be brought to your rooms. You won’t be permitted to leave your suite without an escort. Do you have any questions?”