Best Friends (New Species Book 15)

by Laurann Dohner

  Best Friends

  New Species - Book Fifteen

  By Laurann Dohner

  Best Friends

  by Laurann Dohner

  Working together has forged a strong friendship between Melinda York and Mary Muller. So much so, they’re more like sisters. When two men burst into their diner with murder on their minds, Mel doesn’t hesitate to act. She’ll do anything to protect her friend, as well as their New Species customers…especially the one she’s been crushing on for months.

  A single act of bravery sparks a series of events that result in Snow getting to know the waitress he’s been obsessively thinking about. He just wants to keep Mel safe. And convince her he’s the male for her.

  Mary is the brunt of jokes because of her extreme fear of animals. Phobias aren’t funny. Is she the only one who understands that? When Mel’s actions link them both to New Species, she’d like to hide from those scary men with fangs. That would make her a crappy best friend, though. She’ll try to be brave…right up until the moment she comes face to face with a lion man named Lash. He’ll make her confront her fears in the most unexpected ways possible.

  New Species Series

  Fury

  Slade

  Valiant

  Justice

  Brawn

  Wrath

  Tiger

  Obsidian

  Shadow

  Moon

  True

  Darkness

  Smiley

  Numbers

  Best Friends

  Best Friends

  Copyright © December 2019

  Cover Art: Dar Albert

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-950597-06-2

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal, except for the case of brief quotations in reviews and articles.

  Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is coincidental.

  Snow

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Lash

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Epilogue

  Snow

  Chapter One

  “Your day is about to get better, Mel. One of those NSO SUVs just parked outside. Your hunky-scary guy is with them.”

  Melinda stopped wiping the counter and peered through the large windows toward the parking lot. Sure enough, a group of New Species headed toward the front doors. She’d expected it at some point, but the days and times varied when they would eat at the diner. Usually they would stop in for lunch if they were having a meeting with the sheriff, but other times, a few weeks could go by before they returned.

  She scanned their faces and locked onto one in particular. The sun seemed to make his very pale blond hair nearly glow. The sky blue of his eyes, combined with those sharp, strong cheekbones, made him absurdly gorgeous. His mouth, though, was pure sin. The upper lip gave him kind of an arrogant look but the lower one was fuller, a little pouty. She always felt the urge to nibble on it.

  “Thanks, Mary,” she said. “Tell grumpy cook to be prepared for them. I hate when Joel slams stuff around. Remind him that the customers can hear it.”

  The other waitress chuckled. “I’m going in there now to do just that. I think Joel’s mood is improving. He actually smiled at me a few minutes ago.”

  “It’s about time. Maybe he made up with his wife. He’s only this moody when they have a fight.”

  The New Species featured in all of Mel’s fantasies turned his head, saying something to the feline Species beside him. Mel straightened from the counter and turned away, grabbing menus in exchange for the rag. She counted out eight and went to the door to wait.

  A beefy blond canine reached the diner first and pulled the glass door open to allow his fellow New Species inside.

  Mel smiled. “The right side is completely open. Sit wherever you want.” She passed out menus as they walked past her. Each man flashed her a smile, some gave a word of thanks…but when he came in second to last, he didn’t just grab the corner of the menu, but made sure to brush his fingers against hers as he accepted it.

  They locked gazes, and she forgot how to breathe. He always had that effect on her. His eyes were the prettiest color of blue she’d ever seen, so light and gorgeous. Long, thick white eyelashes framed them, a stark contrast to his tan skin.

  “Hello.”

  His deep voice always made her nipples harden. The tone was kind of gruff but husky at the same time. Sexy.

  She glanced down, hoping her bra hid that pesky fact. It would be embarrassing if he saw headlights. Her girls were good, the bra under her thin work shirt hiding the stiff tips. She sucked in air and blew it out. “Hi.”

  He passed by, and the last man took a menu as he released the door. Mel spun away and grabbed her tablet that she’d set on the counter. Taking a few deep breaths helped calm her before she followed the New Species across the room. They were shoving three tables together to make a long one. She waited until they were settled before plastering her smile back on.

  “What would you like to drink?”

  She addressed the one nearest her. She didn’t dare glance at Mr. Blue Eyes again, as she called him. It would make her mind freeze up and her hands shake. She’d experienced that reaction before. She just kept her head down and wrote on the tablet since they knew the drill. Each man answered one after the other, stating their preference of sodas.

  She finally looked up. “Do you know what you want to eat or should I give you a few minutes?”

  The blond canine at the head of the table answered, “We’d all like steak sandwiches. Rare, please. Everyone wants fries with that.”

  She nodded. “You want the steaks bloody. Got it.” She glanced around the table and had to skim past Mr. Blue Eyes. He seemed to be staring at her. “Does everyone like lettuce, mayo, and the steak sauce on theirs? Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

  That gained her a few chuckles. A feline spoke. “Can I have tomatoes on mine?”

  She wrote it down. “Sure thing. Anyone else?” She glanced around. They all shook their heads, Mr. Blue Eyes still watching her. “Okay. I’ll put in the order and return in a few minutes with your drinks. I’ll tell the cook to add extra fries.”

  She fled. There was no other way to describe it.

  Mr. Blue Eyes had canine blood. With his sensual mouth and those penetrating eyes, he always made her feel as if she had done something she should blush and apologize over. It might have had something to do with the thoughts running through her head. They tended to revolve around getting him naked, or at least picturing him that way.

  Joel looked up from the grill when she entered his kitchen. “Let me guess. Burgers all around?”

  “Eight steak sandwiches this time. Keep them bloody.”


  He muttered under his breath. “Code violations.”

  “They’re good customers and you know it. Just sear those babies, and I won’t tell if you don’t.”

  He sighed. “I know. Do you see me turning up the grill? They like ’em almost raw on the inside but a little brown on the exterior.”

  “All standard sandwiches but make one with tomatoes. Give them double fries on those plates, too.”

  “When don’t I?”

  She spun away to fill the drink orders. Mary ended up next to her and glanced at the pad. She grabbed tall glasses and filled them with ice, passing them to Mel. “No shakes this time?”

  “Nope.”

  “They look kind of serious today.”

  Mel glanced around the soda dispenser to peer at the group. They were all leaning forward, one of them talking softly as the others listened intently. The men did seem a bit tense.

  She dropped her gaze and placed a drink on a tray. “Don’t sit anyone else in that section, Mary. They probably want privacy.”

  “Got it. More tips for me.”

  Mel glanced back at the other side of the restaurant. “You wish. Tom over there always leaves a dollar. Macy will give you three bucks. You might do well with the flirty trucker if you tug your shirt down to flash some cleavage and lean low to refill his coffee. Flirting back a little will help, too.” She grinned. “I heard him tell you that he’s single and looking for a good woman.”

  Mary elbowed her. “That’s not funny. He’s old enough to be my grandfather.”

  “You want an experienced man, right? Well, there you go. Maybe you should start dating him.”

  “You’re going straight to hell for saying that,” Mary muttered. “That’s not funny at all.”

  “Mama? Is that you?” Mel glanced at her friend and winked. “Sorry. You sounded just like her.”

  “Oh, screw you! You’ve told me all about your mother.”

  “And that’s why I no longer live in Indiana. I only have to deal with her every other week by phone now. She’ll never come to California. Last time we spoke, she said everyone who lives in this state is a bunch of lunatics, trying to get folks to smoke dope or turn them into sinners.”

  Mary passed her another glass filled with ice. “Seriously?”

  “Oh yeah. She asks me every time I call home if some man has talked me into making a dirty sex video for some fast cash yet. She’s terrified I’m going to show up on the internet and humiliate our entire family. According to her, that’s what happens to pretty girls out here.”

  “Wow. What do you tell her?”

  “That she’s making me sad because I haven’t been propositioned by a porno director. Then I tell her I’ve been practicing moaning and fake orgasms, just in case.”

  Mary shook her head. “You don’t really say that, do you? You’re kidding, right?”

  “I so do. She’s praying for me, though.” Mel beamed as she lifted the tray. “Her church group is, too. I’m so loved.”

  Mary chuckled. “That’s just mean.”

  “No. It’s called payback for my childhood. Her and her group of friends tormented me growing up. It’s their turn.”

  Mel circled Mary and returned to the New Species. They stopped their conversation as she approached, waiting until she passed out the drinks around the tables. “Your sandwiches should be up fast.” She emptied the tray and glanced around. “Just ketchup with the fries or does anyone want me to bring some ranch dressing? BBQ sauce?”

  “We’re good,” one of them stated.

  She returned to the kitchen and grabbed napkins for their table on the way. In minutes, Joel had their orders ready. Mary showed up to help her carry all the plates on two of their largest serving trays. Mel noticed how nervous her friend looked.

  “I’ll keep my body between you and them. Just stare at my back and pretend they aren’t there.”

  Mary wrinkled her nose. “It’s just…”

  “You’re a big chicken when it comes to New Species. Nobody is going to attack you. Just carry the tray, stay behind me, and I’ll hand out the plates and napkins.”

  “What are you talking about?” Joel asked.

  “Nothing. Girl talk.”

  Mel went out first, with Mary on her heels. She passed out the plates of food, making sure the feline New Species got his tomatoes. Mary fled quickly when she was done, taking away the empty trays. “Anything else?” Mel glanced at their barely touched drinks.

  “This is perfect. Thank you.” The blond canine who seemed to be in charge smiled but she got the impression he didn’t want her hanging around.

  Message received. She spun away and headed toward the front counter. There was always silverware to wrap.

  She crouched down behind the counter to get a pile of clean cloth napkins. Motion caught her eye as someone on the sidewalk approached the front doors. She lifted a few inches to get a better look. It was two men.

  They both gripped handguns close to their stomachs.

  Mel froze, a jolt of fear shooting through her.

  She was tempted to jump up and rush the doors to try to lock them out but instantly realized she’d never make it in time. Even if she did, they’d just shoot the lock open, or worse, open fire through the glass. It was better to call for help.

  She dropped the napkin and fell to her hands and knees, crawling toward the register and keeping her head low. They wouldn’t know she was there unless they’d glimpsed her head pop up for that second, or if they leaned over the counter.

  She made it to the register and snatched the phone under the shelf. She dialed 9-1-1 and placed it to her ear.

  The bell rang on the front door, telling her they were inside the diner.

  “Hands up!” one of the men yelled.

  It took a few seconds for the call to connect, and then it rang. She bit her lip, heart pounding. It wasn’t the first robbery she’d experienced. She’d survived two while living in Indiana, working for a place right off a main highway. Being right under the register was a bad place to be but necessary.

  The phone rang again.

  Answer, she silently pleaded.

  “Who wants to get shot first? Move and you’re asking for it,” a second voice threatened. “I knew if we waited long enough, you bastards would show. You walk around in clothes pretending to be men—but you’re fucking animals.”

  They weren’t interested in money from the diner. They were after the New Species.

  The fifth ring worked, and a man’s voice came on the line. “Nine-one-one. What is your emergency?”

  Mel found herself in a pickle. The men would hear her if she spoke, even whispering. She placed the phone on the floor and prayed the operator would be able to listen to the voices of the gunmen

  “Don’t move,” the first guy with the high-pitched voice shouted. “Not a fucking muscle. I’ll blow your damn heads off.”

  “We’re going to do it anyway…but who wants to be first?” The second man had a colder, calmer tone. It made Mel shudder.

  Mel’s hands shook as she eased her fingers into the side pocket of her apron and wrapped them around the set of keys she kept there. She was terrified they’d jingle. She was also furious. Those men planned to shoot Mr. Blue Eyes.

  She looked down and momentarily panicked when her mind blanked. It took a second to remember which key fit the cabinet to her left. She inserted it and turned the lock. It made a soft click but she hoped they couldn’t hear it when the second man started to list his issues with New Species. He’d embarked on a rant about how they were ruining the country, and how he’d become a hero for taking some of them off the face of the Earth.

  Crazy bastard. She set the keys on the shelf and grabbed what was inside the cabinet. Her heart pounded a mile a minute. She was facing one of those life-changing moments that no one should ever have to.

  Can I really do it? I’m going to die.

  A gun went off on the other side of the counter—and time ran out.

>   Mel stopped thinking and just reacted.

  She rose up to level Joel’s old shotgun at the first shooter her gaze locked onto, adjusting her arm in a jerky motion. She braced her legs and fired.

  The armed man had been gripping his gun with both hands. The shotgun blast hit him in the side of his chest in the rib area. The impact threw him onto one of the empty tables. He rolled off it and hit the floor, the table crashing with him.

  Mel still stumbled back from the kick of the heavy weapon but the first masked man spun her way. She pumped the old shotgun even as he fired at her.

  It felt as if someone punched her upper arm near her shoulder, hard, but she managed to stay upright. She aimed the barrel at him just the way her papa had taught her and fired again. The shot nailed him mid chest since he’d turned her way. The impact flung him backward and he landed on the floor.

  New Species moved fast, going after the two downed men. They tore the handguns away, pinning both men in place.

  Shock held Mel frozen.

  She’d just shot two men.

  They weren’t hay bales piled in a stack with red paint mimicking a body outline.

  Motion out of the corner of her eye had her shifting her gaze from the pile of bodies on the floor to something coming right at her. It was Mr. Blue Eyes. He’d jumped on top of the tables they’d combined, stomping right on plates and knocking over glasses. He leapt toward her when he reached the end.

  He cleared the top of the counter and landed next to her. She turned her head to stare up at him as he took the shotgun from her hands. He flung it to the floor.

  She knew she should say something but her mind refused to work. No words formed.

  He darted a quick look down her body. “You’ve been shot.”

  It took her a second to let his words sink in. She lowered her chin and glanced toward her shoulder. Bright red stained her white T-shirt near the side of her upper arm. The blood was dripping downward along her bared skin.

  “Mel!” Mary yelled. “Oh my God!”

  Mel glanced over and noticed Mary stood at least ten feet away, clutching her apron in a death grip. Her friend looked pale and terrified.